Information processing device, numerical control device, control system, and information processing method

Abstract

The information processing device (1A) includes a machining simulation execution unit (11) that executes a machining simulation of the workpiece based on the material shape of the workpiece, the tool shape of the tool used in machining, a machine model representing the structure of the machine tool, and a machining program to derive machining simulation results; a retraction operation detection unit (12) that extracts from the machining simulation results a tool retraction operation, which is a relative movement operation of the tool with respect to the workpiece, from the position where the tool moves from the position where the first machining operation on the workpiece is completed to the position where the second machining operation starts; and a retraction operation correction unit (13) that corrects the tool retraction operation based on the post-machining shape of the workpiece at the time when the first machining operation is completed, which is included in the machining simulation results, so that the tool retraction time is shortened to the extent that there is no interference between the tool and the workpiece after machining, and corrects the machining program based on the corrected tool retraction operation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a numerical control device, a control system, and an information processing method that correct a retraction operation of a tool from a workpiece. [Background technology]

[0002] In NC (Numerical Control) machine tools, workpieces are machined using a machining program that describes movement commands for moving the workpiece or tool. This machining program is generated by a CAM system or an interactive programming function. CAM systems or interactive programming functions generate tool paths with excessive margins to avoid interference, which can result in excessive machining time due to the machining program.

[0003] The control device described in Patent Document 1 sets a tool change impossible area, which is an area where the tool cannot be changed because it interferes with other machine structures, with the aim of shortening the time required for tool change. This control device determines, as a new tool change position, a position on the path from the end position of the machining process before the tool change to the tool change position where the tool does not interfere with the tool change impossible area when changing the tool. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-237880 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 does not take into account the changed shape of the workpiece, even though the shape of the workpiece changes due to cutting, so there is a problem in that the tool retraction time when retracting from the workpiece may be long.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an information processing device that can shorten the tool retraction time when the tool is retracted from the workpiece. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an information processing device disclosed herein is an information processing device that modifies a machining program used when machining a workpiece with a tool attached to a machine tool, and includes a machining simulation execution unit that executes a machining simulation of the workpiece based on a material shape that is the shape of the workpiece before machining, a tool shape that is the shape of the tool, a machine model that represents a structure of the machine tool, and the machining program, and derives a machining simulation result.The information processing device disclosed herein also includes a retraction operation detection unit that extracts from the machining simulation result a tool retraction operation that is a relative movement operation of the tool with respect to the workpiece from a position where a first machining process in which the tool machines a first machining region of the workpiece is completed to a position where the tool starts a second machining process in which the tool machines a second machining region of the workpiece. The information processing device of the present disclosure also includes a retraction operation correction unit that corrects the tool retraction operation so as to shorten the tool retraction time, which is the operating time for the tool retraction operation, to the extent that there is no interference between the tool and the workpiece after processing, based on the post-machining shape of the workpiece at the time the first machining process is completed, which is included in the machining simulation result, and corrects the machining program based on the corrected tool retraction operation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The information processing device according to the present disclosure has the effect of being able to reduce the tool retraction time when the tool is retracted from the workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a machine tool controlled using a machining program modified by an information processing device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for correcting a machining program executed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a correction process of a tool retraction operation executed by a retraction operation correction unit of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a tool retraction operation before the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a tool retraction operation after the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation; [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a process in which the information processing device according to the first embodiment determines whether or not there is interference with the corrected tool retraction operation; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a tool retraction operation before and after correction displayed on a display unit of the information processing device according to the first embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the tool retraction operation before the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the process in which the information processing device according to the first embodiment determines whether or not there is interference with the corrected tool retraction operation; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of a tool retraction operation after the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the corrected tool retraction operation; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a tool rotation operation when the information processing device according to the first embodiment performs a table rotation operation while retracting the tool; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process when the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects a tool retraction operation by a first tool rotation operation; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a process when the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation by the second tool rotation operation; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a numerical control device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit included in the information processing device according to the first and second embodiments is realized by a processor and a memory; [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a processing circuit provided in the information processing device according to the first and second embodiments when the processing circuit is configured with dedicated hardware; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An information processing device, a numerical control device, a control system, and an information processing method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an information processing device according to a first embodiment. The information processing device 1A is a computer that modifies a machining program used when machining a workpiece (a workpiece W described later) with a tool (a tool T described later) attached to a machine tool. The information processing device 1A modifies the machining program by modifying a tool retraction operation, which is an operation of retracting the tool T from the workpiece W.

[0012] The information processing device 1A shortens the machining time of the workpiece W by correcting the tool retraction operation so as to shorten the tool retraction time when the tool T retracts from the workpiece W, which is the object to be machined. The information processing device 1A executes a machining simulation of machining (e.g., cutting) of the workpiece W by the tool T. The information processing device 1A shortens the tool retraction time by correcting the tool retraction operation based on the shape of the workpiece W after machining, which is included in the machining simulation result.

[0013] The information processing device 1A includes a machining simulation execution unit 11, a retraction operation detection unit 12, a retraction operation correction unit 13, a machining program correction unit 14, and a display unit 15. The information processing device 1A also includes a machining program storage unit 41, a material shape storage unit 42, a tool shape storage unit 43, and a machine model storage unit 44.

[0014] The machining program storage unit 41 stores a machining program used when machining a workpiece W with a tool T. The machining program is a program in which movement commands for moving the workpiece W and the tool T are written.

[0015] The material shape memory unit 42 stores the material shape, which is the shape of the material of the workpiece W. The tool shape memory unit 43 stores the tool shape, which is the shape of the tool T. The machine model memory unit 44 stores the machine model used when machining the workpiece W with the tool T. This machine model is a model of the machine tool that machines the workpiece W with the tool T. The machine model includes information on the structure of a machine structure possessed by the machine tool. An example of the machine structure possessed by the machine tool is a machining table Pt.

[0016] The machining simulation executing unit 11 reads out a machining program from a machining program storage unit 41. In addition, the machining simulation executing unit 11 reads out the material shape of the workpiece W from a material shape storage unit 42. In addition, the machining simulation executing unit 11 reads out the tool shape of the tool T from a tool shape storage unit 43. In addition, the machining simulation executing unit 11 reads out a machine model from a machine model storage unit 44.

[0017] The machining simulation execution unit 11 executes a machining simulation of the workpiece W based on the machining program, the material shape, the tool shape, and the machine model, and derives a machining simulation result.

[0018] The machining simulation executed by the machining simulation executing unit 11 is a simulation of machining when a machine tool uses a tool T to machine a workpiece W. The machining simulation is a simulation in which the tool T and the machine model are operated in accordance with an operation command for the tool T with respect to the material described in the machining program, and the tool T removes a part of the material from the material. The machining simulation obtains a machining simulation result through this machining simulation.

[0019] The machine tool produces a workpiece W from a material by processing the material through 1st to nth (n is a natural number) processing steps (processing treatments). That is, the machine tool produces a workpiece W by processing the material through multiple processing treatments, which are multiple processing steps. One processing step in the first embodiment corresponds to one processing treatment. The machine tool processes various processing areas for each processing step.

[0020] The raw material is an object to be processed before machining, and the workpiece W is an object to be processed in the middle of machining or after machining has been completed. In the first embodiment, a case where the workpiece W is an object to be processed in the middle of machining will be described. The shape of the workpiece W after machining changes each time machining is performed in each machining step.

[0021] The machine tool machines the workpiece W through the mth machining step (m is a natural number from 1 to n) so that the mth region of the workpiece W has the mth shape. When m is 1 to (n-1), the machine tool moves (e.g., moves linearly) the tool T from the position at which the mth machining step is completed to the position at which the (m+1)th machining step starts. In the following description, the case where the movement of the tool T is linear will be mainly described, but the movement of the tool T may also be an arc movement, a curved movement, etc. That is, the movement of the tool T in the first embodiment is, for example, at least one of a linear movement, an arc movement, a curved movement, etc. Furthermore, the machine tool moves a machining table (machining table Pt described later) on which the workpiece W is placed from the position at which the mth machining step is completed to the position at which the (m+1)th machining step starts.

[0022] The machining step in which tool T machines the mth machining area of ​​workpiece W is the mth machining step, and the machining step in which tool T machines the (m+1)th machining area of ​​workpiece W is the (m+1)th machining step.

[0023] If the m-th processing step is the first processing process, the (m+1)-th processing step is the second processing process. If the m-th processing area processed in the m-th processing step is the first processing area, the (m+1)-th processing area processed in the (m+1)-th processing step is the second processing area.

[0024] The position of tool T when the mth machining step is completed is the evacuation start position where tool T starts to retract, and the position of tool T when the (m+1)th machining step is started is the evacuation end position where tool T ends to retract.

[0025] When m is n, the machine tool moves the tool T linearly from the position at which the nth machining step is completed to the position of the tool holder, etc. Below, the cases where m is 1 to (n-1) will be described.

[0026] As mentioned above, in embodiment 1, the workpiece W in the middle of processing is the workpiece W at the time when the first to (n-1)th processing steps are completed, and the workpiece W after processing is completed is the workpiece W at the time when the nth processing step is completed.

[0027] The machining simulation results include information on the movements of the tool T, workpiece W, etc. when the machine tool uses the tool T to machine the workpiece W. Specifically, the machining simulation results include the shape of the material, the shape of the workpiece W after machining, tool retraction movement, tool retraction time, tool path, etc. The tool retraction movement in the machining simulation results includes table rotation movement or tool rotation movement.

[0028] A turning operation is an operation in which the axial direction of a rotation axis is changed. That is, a table turning operation is an operation in which the machining table Pt turns so that the axial direction of the rotation axis of the machining table Pt changes. Similarly, a tool turning operation is an operation in which the tool T turns so that the axial direction of the rotation axis of the tool T during cutting changes.

[0029] On the other hand, the above-mentioned movement operation is an operation in which the axial direction does not change but the position changes. In other words, the movement operation of the tool T is an operation in which the tool T moves so that the axial direction of the rotation axis during cutting of the tool T does not change but the position of the tool T changes.

[0030] The tool retraction operation is performed by linear movement of the tool T and at least one of turning the machining table Pt and turning the tool T. The tool retraction operation is the operation of the tool T and the machining table Pt from when the tool T completes the mth (m is 1 to (n-1)) machining step on the workpiece W until the tool T starts the (m+1)th machining step on the workpiece W.

[0031] In other words, the tool retraction operation is the relative movement of tool T with respect to workpiece W from the position where tool T completes the mth processing of workpiece W to the position where tool T starts the (m+1)th processing of workpiece W.

[0032] For example, the tool retraction operation includes information on the linear movement path (movement trajectory) of the tool T from the completion of the mth machining step to the start of the (m+1)th machining step, and information on the rotation path (rotation trajectory) of the machining table Pt.

[0033] The tool retraction time is the operating time of the tool retraction operation. In other words, the tool retraction time is the time from when the tool T completes the mth machining step on the workpiece W until when the tool T starts the (m+1)th machining step on the workpiece W. Between the completion of the mth machining step and the start of the (m+1)th machining step, the tool T moves linearly and the machining table Pt rotates. Therefore, the tool retraction time includes the movement time of the tool T between the machining steps and the rotation time of the machining table Pt. When the linear movement of the tool T and the rotation of the machining table Pt are performed separately, the tool retraction time is the sum of the movement time of the tool T between the machining steps and the rotation time of the machining table Pt.

[0034] The table rotation operation is a rotation operation of a processing table (processing table Pt described later) on which a workpiece W is placed. The table rotation operation is an operation of rotating the processing table Pt on a machine rotation axis of the machine tool (for example, the B axis described later) to change the direction of the processing table Pt. The workpiece W also rotates due to the table rotation operation.

[0035] The tool turning operation is a turning operation of the tool T. For example, when the machine tool is a multi-tasking machine, the tool turning operation is an operation of turning the tool T on a machine rotation axis (such as the A-axis described later) on the spindle side of the multi-tasking machine to change the direction of the tool T.

[0036] The post-machining shape of the workpiece W included in the machining simulation result is the shape of the workpiece W at the time when the machining step is completed. Note that the machining simulation result may also include information on changes in the shape of the workpiece W during machining. In other words, the machining simulation result may also include information on the in-process shape that is the result of the tool T removing material at the time of each operation command described in the machining program. The machining simulation executing unit 11 transmits the machining simulation result to the retraction operation detecting unit 12 and the retraction operation correcting unit 13.

[0037] The retraction operation detection unit 12 detects a tool retraction operation during a table rotation operation or a tool rotation operation included in the machining program based on the machining simulation result. That is, the retraction operation detection unit 12 extracts a tool retraction operation including a movement operation of the tool T and at least one of a table rotation operation and a tool rotation operation from the machining simulation result.

[0038] The retraction operation detection unit 12 extracts, as targets for tool rotation operations, operations such as moving the tool T away from the workpiece W between machining steps or operations in response to a fast-forward command to the tool T, and extracts, as targets for table rotation operations, operations for rotating the machining table Pt between machining steps. The retraction operation detection unit 12 transmits the detected tool retraction operations to the retraction operation correction unit 13.

[0039] The retraction operation correction unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation based on the post-machining shape of the workpiece W, the structure of the machine tool, and the tool retraction operation included in the machining simulation result. Note that the structure of the machine tool may be derived based on a machine model.

[0040] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation so as to shorten the tool retraction time within a range that does not cause interference (clash) between the tool T and the post-machined workpiece W or the mechanical structure of the machine tool, based on the post-machining shape of the workpiece W. In this way, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation so that the tool T does not interfere with the post-machining workpiece W or the mechanical structure of the machine tool.

[0041] When the tool retraction operation from the completion of the m-th processing step to the start of the (m+1)-th processing step is corrected, the shape of the workpiece W after processing is the shape of the workpiece W at the time when the m-th processing step is completed. In this case, the retraction operation correction unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation based on the shape of the workpiece W at the time when the m-th processing step is completed.

[0042] The tool retraction operation corrected by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 includes information on the linear movement path of the tool T, information on the movement speed of the tool T, information on the rotation angle of the machining table Pt, and information on the rotation speed of the machining table Pt. Note that the tool retraction operation corrected by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 may include information on the arcuate movement path of the tool T, information on the curved movement path, etc. The information on the movement path of the tool T corrected by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 is, for example, at least one of information on the linear movement path, information on the arcuate movement path, information on the curved movement path, etc.

[0043] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 may also correct the tool retraction operation so as to simultaneously execute the movement operation of the tool T and at least one of the table rotation operation and the tool rotation operation. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 may also correct the tool retraction operation so as to rotate the machining table Pt in the opposite direction to the current direction.

[0044] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates a tool retraction time, which is the operation time for each of the tool retraction operations before and after the correction. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time before correction based on the tool retraction operation before correction, and calculates the corrected tool retraction time based on the tool retraction operation after correction.

[0045] The retraction operation correction unit 13 may not correct the tool retraction operation if the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before correction is shorter than the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation after correction. The retraction operation correction unit 13 transmits the corrected tool retraction operation to the machining program correction unit 14.

[0046] The machining program correction unit 14 corrects the machining program based on the corrected tool retraction operation. Specifically, the machining program correction unit 14 corrects the tool retraction operation of the machining program using the corrected tool retraction operation. That is, the machining program correction unit 14 corrects the machining program by reflecting the corrected tool retraction operation in the machining program. The machining program correction unit 14 transmits the corrected machining program to an external device such as a numerical control device.

[0047] The machining simulation executing unit 11 may re-execute the machining simulation using the corrected machining program. In this case, too, the machining simulation executing unit 11 executes the machining simulation based on the machining program, the material shape, the tool shape, and the machine model. The retraction operation detecting unit 12 extracts the tool retraction operation from the machining simulation result, and the retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time corresponding to this tool retraction operation. This allows the information processing device 1A to calculate an accurate tool retraction time corresponding to the corrected tool retraction operation. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 applies the corrected tool retraction operation when the tool retraction time of the corrected tool retraction operation is shorter than the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before correction.

[0048] The display unit 15 displays the detected tool retraction operation before the correction in a contrast with the tool retraction operation after the correction. The display unit 15 also displays the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before the correction in a contrast with the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation after the correction.

[0049] At least one of the machining program storage unit 41, the workpiece shape storage unit 42, the tool shape storage unit 43, and the display unit 15 may be a device separate from the information processing device 1A and arranged outside the information processing device 1A. At least one of the machining program storage unit 41, the workpiece shape storage unit 42, the tool shape storage unit 43, and the display unit 15 may be directly connected to the information processing device 1A or may be connected via a network or the like.

[0050] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a machine tool controlled using a machining program modified by an information processing device according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 2, two axes in a plane parallel to the top surface of the machining table Pt that are perpendicular to each other are defined as the X-axis and Z-axis. Also, an axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis is defined as the Y-axis. For example, the XZ plane is a horizontal plane, and the Y-axis direction is a direction parallel to the vertical direction.

[0051] The machine tool 6 is equipped with a processing table Pt on which a workpiece W is placed. Fig. 2 shows a case where a material Mx, which is the workpiece W before processing, is placed on the processing table Pt.

[0052] The machine tool 6 has drive axes in the translational directions of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, and a drive axis in the rotational direction of the B-axis that rotates the machining table Pt about the Y-axis. The machine tool 6 moves the tool T in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and moves the machining table Pt in the Z-axis direction.

[0053] The machine tool 6 also rotates the processing table Pt about the B-axis to rotate the workpiece W placed on the processing table Pt. The machine tool 6 performs a table rotation operation for the workpiece W by rotating the processing table Pt about the B-axis.

[0054] Note that a machine tool having a drive axis in the rotation direction of the A-axis that rotates the tool T about the X-axis may be applied instead of the machine tool 6. In this case, the machine tool rotates the tool T about the A-axis.

[0055] Furthermore, a machine tool having a drive axis in the rotation direction of the A-axis that rotates the processing table Pt about the X-axis may be applied instead of the machine tool 6. In this case, the machine tool rotates the processing table Pt about the A-axis.

[0056] Furthermore, instead of the machine tool 6, a machine tool having a drive axis in the rotation direction of the B axis that rotates the tool T about the Y axis may be applied. In this case, the machine tool rotates the tool T about the B axis.

[0057] The machine model storage unit 44 stores a machine model of the machine tool 6 as shown in Fig. 2. The workpiece shape storage unit 42 stores the workpiece shape of the workpiece Mx as shown in Fig. 2. The tool shape storage unit 43 stores the tool shape of the tool T as shown in Fig. 2.

[0058] 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the correction processing of the machining program executed by the information processing device according to the embodiment 1. The machining simulation executing unit 11 of the information processing device 1A executes a machining simulation of the workpiece W (step S1). Specifically, the machining simulation executing unit 11 executes the machining simulation based on the machining program, the material shape, the tool shape, and the machine model.

[0059] The retraction operation detection unit 12 detects a tool retraction operation during a tool rotation operation or a table rotation operation in the machining program based on the machining simulation result (step S2). That is, the retraction operation detection unit 12 extracts a tool retraction operation including a table rotation operation or a tool rotation operation from the machining simulation result.

[0060] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation based on the machining simulation result (step S3). Specifically, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation based on the post-machining shape of the workpiece W, the structure of the machine tool 6, and the tool retraction operation, which are included in the machining simulation result.

[0061] The retraction operation correction unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before correction and the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation after correction, and if the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before correction is shorter than the tool retraction time after correction, the tool retraction operation may not be corrected.

[0062] The display unit 15 displays the tool retraction operations and tool retraction times before and after the correction (step S4). Specifically, the display unit 15 displays the detected tool retraction operations before the correction in comparison with the tool retraction operations after the correction. The display unit 15 also displays the tool retraction times before the correction in comparison with the tool retraction times after the correction. Note that the display unit 15 may omit displaying the tool retraction times before and after the correction. When the display unit 15 displays the tool retraction times before and after the correction, the retraction operation correction unit 13 calculates the tool retraction times before and after the correction.

[0063] The display unit 15 displays the tool retraction operation and tool retraction time before and after the correction in a comparative manner, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to check the correction details of the tool retraction operation. Also, the display unit 15 displays the tool retraction time before and after the correction in a comparative manner, thereby reducing the effort required for the user to check the tool retraction time before and after the correction.

[0064] The machining program correction unit 14 corrects the machining program based on the corrected tool retraction operation (step S5). Specifically, the machining program correction unit 14 corrects the machining program by reflecting the corrected tool retraction operation in the machining program.

[0065] The display unit 15 may display the machining program before and after the correction. The display unit 15 may also display the corrected portion of the machining program in a manner that is different from other portions of the machining program so that the corrected portion stands out.

[0066] Here, a description will be given of details of the process executed by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 in step S3. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the process of correcting the tool retraction operation executed by the retraction operation correcting unit of the information processing device according to the first embodiment.

[0067] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 of the information processing device 1A extracts and acquires the retraction start position and the retraction end position of the tool T from the detected tool retraction operation (step S11).

[0068] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates a tool retraction operation for directly moving the tool T from the obtained retraction start position to the retraction end position (step S12). The tool retraction operation for directly moving the tool T from the retraction start position to the retraction end position is the corrected tool retraction operation.

[0069] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 determines whether or not interference occurs during table rotation operation or tool rotation operation when the created tool retraction operation is performed (step S13). That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 determines whether or not interference occurs between the tool T and the workpiece W after machining or the machine structure when the created tool retraction operation involves directly moving the tool T from the retraction start position to the retraction end position.

[0070] If interference occurs during the table rotation operation or the tool rotation operation (step S14, Yes), the retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation so as to avoid the interference (step S15). That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the operation of directly moving the tool T from the created retraction start position to the retraction end position so as to avoid the interference.

[0071] In the first embodiment, the process of creating a tool retraction operation that moves the tool T directly from the retraction start position to the retraction end position is called "modifying the tool retraction operation," and the process of correcting the modified tool retraction operation so as to avoid interference is called "correcting the tool retraction operation." That is, the process of step S12 is the process of correcting the tool retraction operation, and the process of step S15 is the process of correcting the tool retraction operation.

[0072] On the other hand, if no interference occurs when performing the table rotation operation or the tool rotation operation (No in step S14), the retraction operation correcting unit 13 does not correct the tool retraction operation. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets the tool retraction operation that does not cause interference as a new tool retraction operation (step S16). In other words, if interference occurs, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets the tool retraction operation corrected so that interference does not occur as the new tool retraction operation, and if interference does not occur, sets the created tool retraction operation as the new tool retraction operation.

[0073] Next, a specific example of the correction process for the tool retraction operation explained in Fig. 4 will be explained. First, a first correction process example, which is a basic process example for the tool retraction operation, will be explained using Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Figs. 5 to 7 and 9 to 12 below show the tool T, machining table Pt, and workpiece W in the middle of machining when viewed from the Y-axis direction.

[0074] 5 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the tool retraction operation before the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation. The machine tool 6 machines the workpiece W in the m-th (m is any one of 1 to (n-1)) machining step, and the m-th machining step is completed (st11).

[0075] When the tool T processes the workpiece W in the m-th machining step, the workpiece W has a different shape from the raw material Mx. The position of the tool T at the time when the m-th machining step is completed is the retraction start position P11, which is the start position of the tool retraction operation.

[0076] After the mth machining step is completed, the tool T retreats in the Z-axis direction (away from the machining table Pt) to the retreat position P12 (st12). Next, while the tool T remains stopped at the retreat position P12, the machining table Pt performs a table rotation operation around the rotation axis RA (st13). Here, the case where the machining table Pt has rotated 90 degrees clockwise around the rotation axis RA is shown.

[0077] Finally, the tool T moves to the retraction end position P13, which is the end position of the tool retraction operation (st14). The retraction end position P13 is the position where the next machining step, the (N+1)th machining step, starts.

[0078] 5, the tool T is retracted to the retract position P12 with an excessive margin to avoid interference, which may result in a long machining time for the workpiece W. In the first embodiment, the information processing device 1A corrects the tool retraction operation to shorten such a long machining time.

[0079] Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining a first example of the tool retraction operation after the information processing device according to the first embodiment has corrected the tool retraction operation. Fig. 6 shows the tool retraction operation after correction when the tool retraction operation of Fig. 5 has been corrected. Fig. 6 explains a case where the information processing device 1A creates an operation for directly moving the tool T from the retraction start position P11 to the retraction end position P13 based on the tool retraction operation shown in Fig. 5.

[0080] The retraction operation correction unit 13 adopts the retraction start position P11 of the tool retraction operation before correction (st21). The retraction operation correction unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the retraction start position P11 to the retraction end position P13 along a straight path or the like (st22).

[0081] The retraction movement correcting unit 13 creates a table rotation movement of the machining table Pt around the rotation axis RA while keeping the tool T stopped at the retraction end position P13 (st23). The retraction movement correcting unit 13 here creates the same movement as the movement in st13 described above. For example, the retraction movement correcting unit 13 creates a movement to rotate the machining table Pt by 90 degrees clockwise around the rotation axis RA.

[0082] 7 is a diagram for explaining a first example of a process in which the information processing device according to the first embodiment determines whether or not there is interference with the corrected tool retraction operation. In FIG. 7, a process for determining whether or not there is interference with the corrected tool retraction operation of FIG. 6 will be explained.

[0083] The retraction operation correction unit 13 determines whether interference occurs between the tool T and the workpiece W or the mechanical structure after machining when the machining table Pt is rotated while the tool T is stopped at the retraction end position P13 (st31).

[0084] 7 shows a process of determining whether or not interference occurs between the tool T and the workpiece W being machined. In st31, the posture of the workpiece W during machining is discretely expressed when the machining table Pt is rotated 90 degrees clockwise while the tool T is stopped at the retraction end position P13.

[0085] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates a passing area CA1, which is an area through which the workpiece W passes when the machining table Pt is rotated (st32). The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the passing area CA1 based on the posture of the workpiece W during the rotation when the machining table Pt is rotated.

[0086] When there is no interference between the tool T and the passing area CA1 of the machined workpiece W, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets the created tool retraction operation as the new tool retraction operation because the table rotation operation does not cause interference between the tool T and the machined workpiece W. That is, if the retraction end position P13 of the tool T is outside the passing area CA1, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets the created tool retraction operation as the new tool retraction operation. The new tool retraction operation set by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 is the tool retraction operation after correcting the tool retraction operation shown in FIG. 5. That is, the new tool retraction operation set by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 is the tool retraction operation shown in FIG. 6.

[0087] 8 is a diagram for explaining the tool retraction operation before and after correction, which are displayed by the display unit of the information processing device according to the embodiment 1. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time before correction based on the tool retraction operation before correction, and calculates the tool retraction time after correction based on the tool retraction operation after correction.

[0088] In step S4 described above, the display unit 15 displays the tool retraction operation before the correction and the tool retraction operation after the correction in a comparative manner. Furthermore, the display unit 15 displays the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before the correction and the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation after the correction in a comparative manner. Note that the display unit 15 does not have to display the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before the correction and the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation after the correction.

[0089] When displaying the tool retraction operations before and after the correction, the display unit 15 may, for example, graphically display a series of movements of the tool T side by side, or may display them as an animation. Furthermore, the information processing device 1A may allow the user to select which of the tool retraction operations before the correction or the tool retraction operation after the correction is to be reflected in the machining program. In this case, the display unit 15 displays the tool retraction operation after the correction as the tool retraction operation of the correction candidate. In this case, the display unit 15 also displays the tool retraction operation before the correction and the tool retraction operation of the correction candidate in a contrastive manner.

[0090] The information processing device 1A receives information from the user indicating which of the tool retraction actions before and after the correction has been selected. The retraction action correction unit 13 applies the tool retraction action selected by the user of the information processing device 1A. That is, when a tool retraction action candidate for correction has been selected by the user of the information processing device 1A, the retraction action correction unit 13 sets the selected tool retraction action as the actual tool retraction action. The machining program correction unit 14 reflects the tool retraction action received from the user of the tool retraction actions before and after the correction in the machining program.

[0091] Next, a second example of the correction process for the tool retraction operation will be described with reference to Fig. 9 to Fig. 11. Fig. 9 to Fig. 11 describe an example of the correction process for the tool retraction operation when interference occurs in the corrected tool retraction operation. If interference occurs when performing a table rotation operation or a tool rotation operation in the corrected tool retraction operation, the information processing device 1A performs correction process to avoid the interference.

[0092] 9 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the tool retraction operation before the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation. The machine tool 6 machines the workpiece W in the Mth (M is any one of 1 to (n-1)) machining step, and the Mth machining step is completed (st41).

[0093] In the Mth machining step, the tool T machines the workpiece W, resulting in the workpiece W having a shape different from that of the raw material Mx. The position of the tool T at the time when the Mth machining step is completed is the retraction start position P21, which is the start position of the tool retraction operation.

[0094] After the Mth machining step is completed, the tool T retreats in the Y-axis direction (upward of the machining table Pt) to the retreat position P22 (st42). Next, while the tool T remains stopped at the retreat position P22, the machining table Pt performs a table rotation operation around the rotation axis RA (st43). Here, the case where the machining table Pt has rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise around the rotation axis RA is shown.

[0095] Finally, the tool T moves to the retraction end position P23, which is the end position of the tool retraction operation (st44). The retraction end position P23 is the position where the next machining step, the (M+1)th machining step, starts.

[0096] 9, the tool T is retracted to the retract position P22 with an excessive margin to avoid interference, which may result in a long machining time for the workpiece W. In the first embodiment, the information processing device 1A corrects the tool retraction operation to shorten such a long machining time.

[0097] The information processing device 1A executes the correction process as described in Fig. 6 for the tool retraction operation shown in Fig. 9. Specifically, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for directly moving the tool T from the retraction start position P21 to the retraction end position P23 based on the tool retraction operation shown in Fig. 9.

[0098] Then, the retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates a table rotation motion of the machining table Pt around the rotation axis RA while keeping the tool T stopped at the retraction end position P23. The retraction motion correcting unit 13 here creates the same motion as the motion of st43 described above. For example, the retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates a motion to rotate the machining table Pt by 90 degrees counterclockwise around the rotation axis RA.

[0099] Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining a second example of the process in which the information processing device according to the first embodiment determines whether or not there is interference with the corrected tool retraction operation. Fig. 10 explains the process in which the information processing device determines whether or not there is interference with the tool retraction operation obtained by correcting the tool retraction operation in Fig. 9 and performs correction to avoid the interference.

[0100] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 determines whether interference will occur when a tool retraction operation is created to move the tool T directly from the retraction start position P21 to the retraction end position P23. Specifically, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 determines whether interference will occur between the tool T and the workpiece W or the machined structure after machining when the machining table Pt is rotated while the tool T is stopped at the retraction end position P23 (st51).

[0101] 10 shows st51, which is shown in the upper left side, determining whether or not interference occurs between the tool T and the workpiece W, which is the shape of the material being machined. In st51, the posture of the workpiece W during machining is discretely expressed when the machining table Pt is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise while the tool T is stopped at the retraction end position P23.

[0102] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates a passing area CA2, which is an area through which the workpiece W passes when the machining table Pt is rotated (st52). The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the passing area CA2 based on the posture of the workpiece W during the rotation when the machining table Pt is rotated.

[0103] If the tool T interferes with the passing area CA2 of the machined workpiece W, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the created tool retraction operation because the table rotation operation causes interference between the tool T and the machined workpiece W (st53). Specifically, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates a retraction intermediate position P24 by correcting the retraction end position P23 in order to avoid interference between the tool T and the passing area CA2 of the machined workpiece W.

[0104] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 here calculates, as the retraction intermediate position P24, a position at which the amount of correction is smallest when the retraction end position P23 is corrected so that the retraction intermediate position P24 of the tool T is located outside the passing area CA2. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the retraction intermediate position P24 so that the retraction intermediate position P24 of the tool T is located outside the passing area CA2 and the amount of correction from the retraction end position P23 is smallest. The amount of correction from the retraction end position P23 is the distance between the retraction end position P23 and the retraction intermediate position P24.

[0105] The retraction intermediate position P24 calculated by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 becomes a relay position in the tool retraction operation. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for directly moving the tool T from the retraction start position P21 to the retraction end position P23 via the retraction intermediate position P24. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets the tool retraction operation that passes through the retraction intermediate position P24 as a new tool retraction operation. This new tool retraction operation set by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 is a tool retraction operation obtained by correcting and correcting the tool retraction operation shown in FIG. 9.

[0106] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the tool retraction operation after the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the corrected tool retraction operation. Fig. 11 shows the tool retraction operation after correction when correction is made to avoid interference as in Fig. 10. Fig. 11 explains a case where the information processing device 1A creates an operation to move the tool T from the retraction start position P21 to the retraction end position P23 via the retraction intermediate position P24 based on the determination result of the presence or absence of interference described in Fig. 10.

[0107] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 adopts the retraction start position P21 of the tool retraction operation before correction (st61). The retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the retraction start position P21 to the retraction intermediate position P24 along a straight path or the like (st62).

[0108] The retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates a table rotation motion of the machining table Pt about the rotation axis RA while keeping the tool T stopped at the retraction relay position P24 (st63). The retraction motion correcting unit 13 here creates the same motion as the motion of the machining table Pt in st43 described above. The retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates, for example, a motion to rotate the machining table Pt 90 degrees counterclockwise about the rotation axis RA. The retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates a motion to move the tool T from the retraction relay position P24 to the retraction end position P23 (st64).

[0109] 6 or 11, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 may set the table rotation direction of the table rotation operation to the opposite direction to the table rotation direction in the table rotation operation before correction. In other words, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 may correct the tool retraction operation so that the table rotation operation is performed in the opposite direction to the table rotation operation before correction.

[0110] Furthermore, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 may select the table rotation direction that results in the shorter tool retraction time between the table rotation operation before correction and the table rotation operation corrected so that the table rotation direction is executed in the opposite direction. In this case, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time when the table rotation direction is not changed and the tool retraction time when the table rotation direction is changed to the opposite direction. Then, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 selects the table rotation direction by comparing the calculated tool retraction times.

[0111] The tool retraction operation when the table rotation direction is not changed and the tool retraction operation when the table rotation direction is changed in the opposite direction have different passing areas CA2, and therefore different retraction intermediate positions P24. Here, the retraction intermediate position P24 when the table rotation direction is not changed is referred to as retraction intermediate position P24A, and the retraction intermediate position P24 when the table rotation direction is changed in the opposite direction is referred to as retraction intermediate position P24B.

[0112] The retraction operation correction unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time when the table rotation direction is not changed as the total time of the time it takes for the tool T to move from the retraction start position P21 to the retraction intermediate position P24A, the time for the table rotation operation, and the time it takes for the tool T to move from the retraction intermediate position P24A to the retraction end position P23.

[0113] In addition, the retraction operation correction unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time when changing the table rotation direction as the total time of the time it takes for the tool T to move from the retraction start position P21 to the retraction intermediate position P24B, the time for the table rotation operation, and the time it takes for the tool T to move from the retraction intermediate position P24B to the retraction end position P23.

[0114] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 compares the tool retraction time when the table rotation direction is not changed with the tool retraction time when the table rotation direction is changed, and selects the table rotation direction which results in the shorter tool retraction time. Also, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 selects the retraction intermediate position P24A or P24B which results in the shorter tool retraction time.

[0115] 12 is a diagram for explaining a tool rotation operation when the information processing device according to the first embodiment performs a table rotation operation while retracting the tool. Fig. 12 explains a case in which the information processing device 1A corrects the tool retraction operation described in Fig. 5 so that the operation of moving the tool T to the retraction end position P13 and the table rotation operation are performed simultaneously.

[0116] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 adopts the retraction start position P11 of the tool retraction operation before correction (st71). The retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation to move the tool T from the retraction start position P11 to the retraction midway position P31 along a straight path or the like while executing the table rotation operation (st72).

[0117] The retraction intermediate position P31 and retraction intermediate positions P32 and P33, which will be described later, are positions on the way from the retraction start position P11 to the retraction end position P13. That is, the retraction intermediate positions P31 to P33 are positions on a line segment connecting the retraction start position P11 and the retraction end position P13. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 rotates the machining table Pt to a rotation intermediate position of the first stage of the table rotating operation while moving the tool T to the retraction intermediate position P31.

[0118] Furthermore, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the retraction intermediate position P31 to the retraction intermediate position P32 along a straight path or the like while executing the table rotation operation (st73).

[0119] The retraction intermediate position P32 is a position on a line segment connecting the retraction intermediate position P31 and the retraction end position P13. In other words, the retraction intermediate position P32 is closer to the retraction end position P13 than the retraction intermediate position P31. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 rotates the machining table Pt to a rotation intermediate position of the second stage of the table rotation operation while moving the tool T to the retraction intermediate position P32. The rotation angle up to the second stage is larger than the rotation angle up to the first stage.

[0120] Furthermore, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the retraction intermediate position P32 to the retraction intermediate position P33 along a straight path or the like while executing the table rotation operation (st74).

[0121] The retraction intermediate position P33 is a position on a line segment connecting the retraction intermediate position P32 and the retraction end position P13. In other words, the retraction intermediate position P33 is closer to the retraction end position P13 than the retraction intermediate position P32. The retraction operation corrector 13 rotates the machining table Pt to a rotation intermediate position of the third stage of the table rotation operation while moving the tool T to the retraction intermediate position P33. The rotation angle up to the third stage is larger than the rotation angle up to the second stage.

[0122] Furthermore, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the retraction intermediate position P33 to the retraction end position P13 along a straight path or the like while executing the table rotation operation (st75). While moving the tool T to the retraction end position P13, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 rotates the machining table Pt to the final stage of the table rotation operation.

[0123] St72 shows the position of the tool T and the position of the machining table Pt when a specific time has passed since st71. St73 shows the position of the tool T and the position of the machining table Pt when a specific time has passed since st72. St74 shows the position of the tool T and the position of the machining table Pt when a specific time has passed since st73. St75 shows the position of the tool T and the position of the machining table Pt when a specific time has passed since st74.

[0124] The turning angle at the final stage of the table turning operation by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 is the same as the turning angle at st23 in Fig. 6. Also, the retraction end position P13 of the tool T by the retraction operation correcting unit 13 is the same as the retraction end position P13 at st22 and st23 in Fig. 6. Thus, in Fig. 6, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 performed the table turning operation while keeping the tool T stopped, but in Fig. 12, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 performs the table turning operation while moving the tool T. As a result, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the retraction start position P11 to the retraction end position P13 along a straight path or the like while performing the table turning operation.

[0125] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 may synchronize the operation of moving the tool T and the operation of turning the table and finish them simultaneously by adjusting the feed rates of the tool T and the machining table Pt, etc. Alternatively, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 may not synchronize the operation of moving the tool T and the operation of turning the table, but may finish either the operation of moving the tool T or the operation of turning the table first.

[0126] 12 shows a state in which both the linear movement of the tool T and the table rotation have finally ended, the tool T has reached the retraction end position P13, and the machining table Pt has rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

[0127] In the tool retraction operation of FIG. 12, if interference occurs between the tool T and the workpiece W or the machine structure after machining during the operation of the tool T and the machining table Pt, the retraction operation correction unit 13 may correct the linear movement operation of the tool T and the table rotation operation to avoid the interference.

[0128] In this case, the retraction operation corrector 13 sets, for example, a plurality of interference check points during the tool retraction operation period, and calculates the retraction mid-point of the tool T and the rotation mid-point of the machining table Pt at each interference check point.

[0129] Furthermore, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 determines whether or not there is interference with the tool T for each interference check period from the time of the interference check to the time of the next interference check. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 determines whether or not there is interference between the tool T and the workpiece W or the machined structure after machining at each specific time interval.

[0130] The retraction operation correction unit 13 calculates the passing area of ​​the workpiece W due to the table rotation operation and the passing area of ​​the tool T due to the linear movement operation of the tool T at specific time intervals. The retraction operation correction unit 13 calculates the passing area of ​​the workpiece W and the passing area of ​​the tool T for each interference check period, for example. The retraction operation correction unit 13 determines the presence or absence of interference for each interference check period based on the passing area of ​​the workpiece W and the passing area of ​​the tool T.

[0131] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the retraction operation of the tool T for an interference check period in which interference occurs by correcting the retraction midway position of the tool T to a retraction midway position in which interference does not occur. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets the corrected retraction midway position based on, for example, the passing area of ​​the workpiece W and the passing area of ​​the tool T. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets the corrected retraction midway position so that the passing area of ​​the workpiece W and the passing area of ​​the tool T do not interfere with each other. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets, for example, the corrected retraction midway position so that the correction amount of the retraction midway position is minimum.

[0132] When the retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the retraction midway position, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 does not cause the tool T to pass through the retraction midway position before the correction. In other words, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 causes the tool T to pass through the retraction midway position after the correction, instead of the retraction midway position before the correction.

[0133] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 may correct the tool retraction operation by correcting the mid-swing position of the machining table Pt to a mid-swing position where no interference occurs during the interference check period in which interference occurs.

[0134] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets a corrected position for the mid-swing position of the machining table Pt based on, for example, the passing area of ​​the workpiece W and the passing area of ​​the tool T. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets a corrected mid-swing position of the machining table Pt so that the passing area of ​​the workpiece W and the passing area of ​​the tool T do not interfere with each other. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets, for example, a corrected position for the mid-swing position of the machining table Pt such that the amount of correction for the mid-swing position of the machining table Pt is minimum. Note that the retraction operation correcting unit 13 may also set a corrected position for the mid-swing position such that the turning direction of the machining table Pt is reversed.

[0135] 5 to 12, the case where the table rotation operation is performed between processing steps has been described, but the information processing device 1A may execute at least one of the table rotation operation and the tool rotation operation. That is, the information processing device 1A may execute the tool rotation operation instead of the table rotation operation described above, or may execute the tool rotation operation together with the table rotation operation described above.

[0136] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the processing performed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment when correcting a tool retraction operation using a first tool rotation operation. Here, the processing performed by the information processing device 1A when correcting a tool retraction operation using a tool rotation operation for a machine tool (not shown) with an axis configuration in which the B axis is located on the tool T side will be explained. Hereinafter, a machine tool with an axis configuration in which the B axis is located on the tool T side will be referred to as a machine tool 6X. FIG. 13 shows the corrected tool retraction operation performed by the machine tool 6X when the tool retraction operation shown in FIG. 5 is corrected. In FIG. 13, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for the machine tool 6X to perform a tool rotation operation instead of a table rotation operation of the machining table Pt.

[0137] 13 and FIG. 14, which will be described later, show cross-sectional views of the tool T, the workpiece W being machined, and the fixture F, as viewed from the Y-axis direction. The fixture F is a jig that secures the workpiece W.

[0138] The retraction operation correction unit 13 uses the retraction start position P41 of the tool retraction operation before correction as it is (st81). The retraction start position P41 is the start position of the tool retraction operation, similar to the retraction start position P11. The retraction operation correction unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the retraction start position P41 to the retraction position P42 along a straight path or the like (st82). The direction from the retraction start position P41 to the retraction position P42 is the direction in which the tool T moves away from the workpiece W.

[0139] The retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates a tool rotation motion of the tool T about the rotation axis RB at the base of the tool T (opposite the machining location) while keeping the workpiece W stationary (st83). FIG. 13 illustrates a case where the rotation axis RB is in the Y-axis direction. The retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates, for example, a motion to rotate the tool T 45 degrees clockwise about the rotation axis RB. The position of the tool T after the tool rotation motion is the tool rotation end position P43. Finally, the retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates a motion to move the tool T from the tool rotation end position P43 to the retraction end position P44 along a straight path or the like (st84).

[0140] Fig. 14 is a diagram for explaining the processing when the information processing device according to the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation by a second tool rotation operation. Here, the processing when the information processing device 1A corrects the tool retraction operation by a tool rotation operation for a machine tool 6X having an axis configuration in which the B axis exists on the tool T side will be explained. Fig. 14 shows the tool retraction operation after correction when the tool retraction operation as shown in Fig. 5 is corrected for the machine tool 6X. In Fig. 14, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for the machine tool 6X to perform a tool rotation operation instead of a table rotation operation of the machining table Pt.

[0141] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 uses the retraction start position P41 of the tool retraction operation before correction as it is (st91). The retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the retraction start position P41 to the retraction position P45 along a straight path or the like (st92). The direction from the retraction start position P41 to the retraction position P45 is the direction in which the tool T moves while maintaining the distance between the tool T and the workpiece W.

[0142] The retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates a table rotation motion of the tool T around the rotation axis RB at the base of the tool T while keeping the workpiece W stationary (st93). FIG. 14 illustrates a case where the rotation axis RB is in the Y-axis direction. The retraction motion correcting unit 13 creates, for example, a motion to rotate the tool T 45 degrees clockwise around the rotation axis RB. The position of the tool T after the tool rotation motion is the tool rotation end position P46.

[0143] Finally, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation for moving the tool T from the tool rotation end position P46 to the retraction end position P47 along a straight path or the like (st94). As described with reference to Figures 13 and 14, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates an operation of a tool rotation operation instead of a table rotation operation for the machine tool 6X. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 creates a table rotation operation for the machine tool 6 and a tool rotation operation for the machine tool 6X.

[0144] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates a passing area CA3 (not shown), which is an area through which the tool T passes when the tool T is rotated. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the passing area CA3 based on the posture of the tool T during the rotation when the tool T is rotated.

[0145] When there is no interference between the workpiece W and the passing area CA3 of the tool T, the retraction operation correction unit 13 sets the created tool retraction operation as a new tool retraction operation, since the tool rotation operation does not cause interference between the tool T and the workpiece W after machining.

[0146] On the other hand, when the workpiece W interferes with the passing area CA3 of the tool T, the retraction operation correction unit 13 corrects the created tool retraction operation because the tool turning operation causes interference between the tool T and the machined workpiece W. In this case, the retraction operation correction unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation by processing similar to the processing described with reference to Figs. 10 and 11.

[0147] Furthermore, the retraction operation correction unit 13 may correct the tool retraction operation by correcting the mid-swing position of the tool T to a mid-swing position where no interference occurs during the interference check period, for example.

[0148] The retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets a corrected position for the mid-swing position of the tool T based on, for example, the passing area of ​​the workpiece W and the passing area of ​​the tool T. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets the corrected mid-swing position of the tool T so that the passing area of ​​the workpiece W and the passing area of ​​the tool T do not interfere with each other. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 sets, for example, a corrected position for the mid-swing position of the tool T such that the amount of correction for the mid-swing position of the tool T is minimum. Note that the retraction operation correcting unit 13 may also set a corrected position for the mid-swing position such that the turning direction of the tool T is reversed.

[0149] The tool retraction motion before correction includes at least one of a table rotation motion and a tool rotation motion. The retraction motion correction unit 13 corrects the tool retraction motion so that the corrected tool retraction motion includes at least one of a table rotation motion and a tool rotation motion.

[0150] When the corrected tool retraction operation includes a tool rotation operation, that is, for the machine tool 6X, the retraction operation correction unit 13 may select the tool rotation direction having the shorter tool retraction time from the tool rotation operation in which the tool rotation direction is clockwise and the tool rotation direction in which the tool rotation direction is counterclockwise.

[0151] In this case, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time for each of the two types of tool rotation operations. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time when the tool rotation direction is clockwise and the tool retraction time when the tool rotation direction is counterclockwise. Then, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 selects the tool rotation direction by comparing the calculated tool retraction times. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation so that the tool T operates in the following order: movement of the tool T, tool rotation in the selected tool rotation direction, and movement of the tool T.

[0152] In addition, when the corrected tool retraction operation includes a table rotation operation, that is, for the machine tool 6, the retraction operation correction unit 13 may select the table rotation direction that has the shorter tool retraction time from among a table rotation operation in which the table rotation direction is clockwise and a table rotation operation in which the table rotation direction is counterclockwise.

[0153] In this case, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time for each of the two types of table rotation operations. That is, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 calculates the tool retraction time when the table rotation direction is clockwise and the tool retraction time when the table rotation direction is counterclockwise. Then, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 selects the table rotation direction by comparing the calculated tool retraction times. The retraction operation correcting unit 13 corrects the tool retraction operation so that the tool T and the machining table Pt move in the following order, for example: movement of the tool T, table rotation in the selected table rotation direction, and movement of the tool T.

[0154] However, if the tool retraction operation is set based on the material shape without taking into account that the shape of the workpiece W changes during machining, the tool retraction path may become excessively long, which may result in a long tool retraction time.

[0155] On the other hand, the information processing device 1A of the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation to shorten the tool retraction time based on the post-machining shape of the workpiece W that has changed during machining. Therefore, the information processing device 1A of the first embodiment can shorten the tool retraction time, and can shorten the machining time of the workpiece W.

[0156] Furthermore, the information processing device 1A can avoid interference by taking into consideration changes in the shape of the workpiece W during machining through machining simulation, and can reduce the effort required to check for interference after correcting the tool retraction operation.

[0157] In this way, the information processing device 1A of the first embodiment corrects the tool retraction operation based on the post-machining shape of the workpiece W included in the machining simulation result so as to shorten the tool retraction time within a range where the tool T does not interfere with the post-machining workpiece W. This allows the information processing device 1A to shorten the tool retraction time when the tool T retracts from the workpiece W. Furthermore, the information processing device 1A corrects the machining program based on the tool retraction operation that has shortened the tool retraction time, thereby shortening the machining time of the workpiece W.

[0158] Embodiment 2 Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. In the second embodiment, the information processing device is applied to a numerical control device.

[0159] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the configuration of a numerical control device according to the second embodiment. Of the components in Fig. 15, those that achieve the same functions as those of the information processing device 1A of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. The numerical control device 2 includes an information processing device 1B having the same functions as the information processing device 1A, a machining program analysis unit 21, and a command position generation unit 22.

[0160] The numerical control device 2 is a computer that controls a motor drive unit 3 arranged in the machine tool 6. Like the information processing device 1A, the information processing device 1B includes a machining simulation execution unit 11, a retraction operation detection unit 12, a retraction operation correction unit 13, and a machining program correction unit 14. The information processing device 1B also includes a machining program storage unit 41, a material shape storage unit 42, a tool shape storage unit 43, and a machine model storage unit 44.

[0161] Unlike the information processing device 1A, the information processing device 1B does not include a display unit 15. The numerical control device 2 is connected to a display device 5, and causes the display device 5 to display information similar to that of the display unit 15. The display device 5 may be disposed within the numerical control device 2.

[0162] The machining program correction unit 14 of the information processing device 1B transmits the corrected machining program to the machining program analysis unit 21. The machining program analysis unit 21 analyzes the operation commands described in the corrected machining program based on the corrected machining program. The machining program analysis unit 21 transmits the operation commands, which are the analysis results of the machining program, to the command position generation unit 22.

[0163] Command position generator 22 generates a command position for each of a plurality of drive axes of machine tool 6 for each control cycle based on the operation command. Command position generator 22 transmits the generated command position to motor driver 3 of machine tool 6, which is connected externally to numerical control device 2. Motor driver 3 drives a motor (not shown) based on the generated command position for each control cycle. In this way, command position generator 22 transmits the command position to motor driver 3, and thereby numerical control device 2 controls motor driver 3 and machine tool 6.

[0164] The information processing device 1B corrects the machining program using the same processing procedure as that of the information processing device 1A described in Fig. 3 of embodiment 1. Furthermore, the retraction operation correcting unit 13 of the information processing device 1B corrects the tool retraction operation using the same processing procedure as that of the retraction operation correcting unit 13 of the information processing device 1A described in Fig. 4 of embodiment 1.

[0165] The information processing device 1B may be a device separate from the numerical control device 2 and arranged outside the numerical control device 2. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system according to the second embodiment. Of the components in Fig. 16, components that achieve the same functions as those in the numerical control device 2 shown in Fig. 15 are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0166] The control system 10 includes an information processing device 1B and a numerical control device 2X. The numerical control device 2X includes a machining program analysis unit 21 and a command position generation unit 22. In this manner, the control system 10 includes the information processing device 1B, the machining program analysis unit 21, and the command position generation unit 22. In the control system 10, the machining program correction unit 14 of the information processing device 1B and the machining program analysis unit 21 may be directly connected or may be connected via a network or the like. Note that the control system 10 may include an information processing device 1A instead of the information processing device 1B.

[0167] As described above, the numerical control device 2 of the second embodiment has the information processing device 1B, and therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the retraction time when the tool T is retracted from the workpiece W. Furthermore, the numerical control device 2 controls the machining of the workpiece W using a machining program that has been modified based on the tool retraction operation that has reduced the retraction time, and therefore it is possible to reduce the machining time of the workpiece W.

[0168] Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing devices 1A and 1B will be described. The information processing devices 1A and 1B are realized by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor and memory that executes a program stored in a memory, or may be dedicated hardware.

[0169] 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a processing circuit when the processing circuit provided in the information processing device according to the first and second embodiments is realized by a processor and a memory. Note that the information processing devices 1A and 1B have similar hardware configurations, and therefore, the hardware configuration of the information processing device 1A will be described here.

[0170] The processing circuit 90 shown in FIG. 17 includes a processor 91 and a memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is configured with the processor 91 and the memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as an information processing program and stored in the memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the information processing program stored in the memory 92. That is, the processing circuit 90 includes the memory 92 for storing the information processing program that results in the processing of the information processing device 1A. This information processing program can also be said to be a program that causes the information processing device 1A to execute each function realized by the processing circuit 90. This information processing program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium on which the information processing program is recorded, or by other means such as a communication medium.

[0171] In the case of the information processing device 1A of the first embodiment, the information processing program can also be said to be a program that causes the information processing device 1A to execute the processes of steps S1 to S5 in Fig. 3. The information processing program executed by the information processing device 1A has a modular configuration including a machining simulation execution unit 11, a retraction operation detection unit 12, a retraction operation correction unit 13, a machining program correction unit 14, and a display unit 15, which are loaded onto a main storage device and generated on the main storage device. Meanwhile, the information processing program executed by the information processing device 1B has a modular configuration including the machining simulation execution unit 11, a retraction operation detection unit 12, a retraction operation correction unit 13, and a machining program correction unit 14, which are loaded onto a main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

[0172] Here, the processor 91 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. Furthermore, the memory 92 is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or an EEPROM (registered trademark) (Electrically EPROM), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a minidisk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0173] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a processing circuit provided in the information processing device according to the first and second embodiments, when the processing circuit is configured with dedicated hardware. The processing circuit 93 illustrated in FIG. 18 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The processing circuit 93 may be partially realized with dedicated hardware and partially realized with software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit 93 can realize each of the above-described functions by dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0174] The numerical control devices 2 and 2X also have the same hardware configuration as the information processing devices 1A and 1B. In the case of the numerical control device 2, the information processing program includes a first program for executing the functions of the information processing device 1B and a second program for executing the functions of the machining program analysis unit 21 and the command position generation unit 22. The first program and the second program may be separate programs. In the case of the numerical control device 2X, the information processing program is the second program for executing the functions of the machining program analysis unit 21 and the command position generation unit 22.

[0175] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or different embodiments may be combined with each other. It is also possible to omit or modify parts of the configurations as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0176] 1A, 1B Information processing device, 2, 2X Numerical control device, 3 Motor drive unit, 5 Display device, 6, 6X Machine tool, 10 Control system, 11 Machining simulation execution unit, 12 Evacuation operation detection unit, 13 Evacuation operation correction unit, 14 Machining program correction unit, 15 Display unit, 21 Machining program analysis unit, 22 Command position generation unit, 41 Machining program memory unit, 42 Material shape memory unit, 43 Tool shape memory unit, 44 Machine model memory unit, CA1 to CA3 Passing area, F Fixture, Mx Material, P11, P21, P41 Evacuation start position, P12, P22, P42, P45 Evacuation position, P13, P23, P44, P47 Evacuation end position, P24, P24A, P24B Evacuation intermediate position, P31 to P33 Evacuation intermediate position, P43, P46 Tool rotation end position, Pt processing table, RA, RB rotation axis, T tool, W workpiece.

Claims

1. An information processing device that corrects a machining program used when machining a workpiece with a tool attached to a machine tool, a machining simulation execution unit that executes a machining simulation of the workpiece based on a material shape that is a shape of the workpiece before machining, a tool shape that is a shape of the tool, a machine model that represents a structure of the machine tool, and the machining program, and derives a machining simulation result; a retraction operation detection unit that extracts, from the machining simulation result, a tool retraction operation that is a relative movement operation of the tool with respect to the workpiece from a position where the tool completes a first machining process in which the tool machines a first machining region of the workpiece to a position where the tool starts a second machining process in which the tool machines a second machining region of the workpiece; a retraction operation correcting unit that corrects the tool retraction operation so as to shorten a tool retraction time, which is an operating time of the tool retraction operation, within a range in which the tool and the workpiece after machining do not interfere with each other, based on a post-machining shape of the workpiece at the time when the first machining process is completed, which is included in the machining simulation result, and corrects the machining program based on the corrected tool retraction operation; Equipped with 1. An information processing device comprising:

2. the retraction operation correcting unit corrects the tool retraction operation so that the tool does not interfere with the workpiece or a structure of the machine tool.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The tool retraction operation includes at least one of a turning operation which is an operation in which the axial direction of the rotation axis of the processing table on which the workpiece is placed is changed and a turning operation which is an operation in which the axial direction of the rotation axis of the tool is changed, and a moving operation which is an operation in which the axial direction of the rotation axis of the tool is not changed but the position of the tool is changed.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

4. the retraction operation correcting unit corrects the tool retraction operation so that at least one of the turning operation of the machining table and the turning operation of the tool and the moving operation of the tool are executed simultaneously.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

5. the retraction operation correcting unit corrects the tool retraction operation so that the turning operation of the machining table is performed in a direction opposite to the turning operation of the machining table before the correction.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

6. the retraction operation correcting unit corrects the tool retraction operation so that the tool is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of the tool rotation operation before the correction.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3,

7. a display unit that displays the extracted tool retraction motion before the correction and the extracted tool retraction motion after the correction in a comparative manner; 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

8. the retraction operation correction unit calculates a tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before correction and a tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation after correction, the display unit displays the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation before the correction and the tool retraction time of the tool retraction operation after the correction in a comparative manner.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7,

9. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a machining program analysis unit that analyzes operation commands described in the corrected machining program; a command position generating unit that generates a command position for a drive axis of the machine tool for each control period based on the operation command and transmits the command position to the machine tool, thereby controlling the machine tool; having A numerical control device characterized by:

10. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a machining program analysis unit that analyzes operation commands described in the corrected machining program; a command position generating unit that generates a command position for a drive axis of the machine tool for each control period based on the operation command and transmits the command position to the machine tool, thereby controlling the machine tool; having A control system comprising:

11. 1. An information processing method for correcting a machining program used when machining a workpiece with a tool attached to a machine tool, comprising: a machining simulation execution step in which an information processing device executes a machining simulation of the workpiece based on a material shape which is a shape of the workpiece before machining, a tool shape which is a shape of the tool, a machine model which represents a structure of the machine tool, and the machining program, and derives a machining simulation result; a retraction operation detection step in which the information processing device extracts, from the machining simulation result, a tool retraction operation, which is a relative movement operation of the tool with respect to the workpiece, from a position where the tool completes a first machining process in which the tool machines a first machining region of the workpiece to a position where the tool starts a second machining process in which the tool machines a second machining region of the workpiece; a retraction operation correction step in which the information processing device corrects the tool retraction operation based on a post-machining shape of the workpiece at the time of completion of the first machining process, which is included in the machining simulation result, so as to shorten a tool retraction time, which is an operating time for the tool retraction operation, within a range in which the tool and the post-machining workpiece do not interfere with each other, and corrects the machining program based on the corrected tool retraction operation; Including, An information processing method comprising:

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