MACHINE TOOL, MANUFACTURING PROGRAM GENERATION SUPPORT METHOD, COMPUTER, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

Abstract

The method for supporting generation of a machining program includes having a computer set a plurality of tools used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools. The method includes having the computer receive an input from a user to change a tool used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from a first assigned tool corresponding to the selected process among the plurality of assigned tools to a first selected tool. The method includes having the computer determine whether or not there is an improvement request process in any of the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, in which a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the plurality of assigned tools becomes unavailable by changing the tool from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool. When the improvement request process exists, the method includes having the computer change the tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine tool, a machining program generation support method, a computer, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Documents 1 to 3 show an interactive machining program creation device. Patent Documents 1 and 2 show a technique for automatically selecting an optimum tool according to a machining shape to create a machining program. Patent Document 3 shows a technique for generating a tool path for machining a machining area created by a user based on a tool selected by the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6674076 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4286836 [Patent Document 3] JP 2013-186866 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the optimal tool selected by the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 cannot be used with the machine tool, it is necessary to select another tool. Patent Document 3 can generate a machining program that performs machining with a tool selected by the user even when the optimal machine tool is not available. However, machining programs often consist of multiple machining steps, and when a tool for one step is changed, a tool for another step may become unusable. The invention of Patent Document 3 cannot address such a problem.

[0005] The objective of the technology disclosed in the present application is to make it possible, for example, when changing a tool for one process of a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, to appropriately change the tool for other processes that are affected by the change. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A machining program generation support method according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes having a computer set a plurality of tools used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools. The method includes having the computer receive an input from a user to change a tool used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from a first assigned tool corresponding to the selected process among the plurality of assigned tools to a first selected tool. The method includes having the computer determine whether or not there is an improvement request process among the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, in which a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the plurality of assigned tools becomes unavailable by changing the tool from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool. When the improvement request process exists, the method includes having the computer change the tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process.

[0007] A machining program generation support method according to a second aspect of the present disclosure includes having a computer set a plurality of tools used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools. The method includes having a computer set the tool paths of the plurality of assigned tools as set tool paths. The method includes having a computer receive an input from a user to change a tool used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from a first assigned tool corresponding to the selected process among the plurality of assigned tools to the first selected tool. The method includes having a computer determine whether or not there is an improvement request process in any of the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, in which the first selected tool becomes unavailable unless the set tool path of a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the plurality of assigned tools is changed by changing the first assigned tool to the first selected tool. When the improvement request process exists, the method includes having a computer change the tool path of the second assigned tool so that the first selected tool becomes available.

[0008] A machining program generation support method according to a third aspect of the present disclosure includes having a computer set a plurality of tools used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools. The method includes having a computer set each tool path of the plurality of assigned tools as a set tool path. The method includes having a computer receive an input from a user to change a tool path of a tool used in a selected process among the plurality of machining processes from the set tool path of the tool to a selected tool path. The method includes having the computer determine whether or not there is an improvement request process among the plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, in which a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the plurality of assigned tools becomes unavailable by changing the tool path to the selected tool path. When the improvement request process exists, the method includes having a computer change a tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the first or third aspect, the selected process includes a machining process for forming an insertion opening into which a tool used in the improvement request process is inserted. The improvement request process includes a side surface enlarging process for inserting the tool into the insertion opening formed in the previous machining process and cutting a side surface of the insertion opening.

[0010] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the fourth aspect, if the size of the insertion opening formed by the first selected tool is smaller than the size between the insertion openings formed by the first assigned tool, and therefore the second assigned tool cannot be inserted into the insertion opening, the computer determines that an improvement request process exists.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the fifth aspect, when an improvement request process exists, the computer changes the second assigned tool to a second selected tool having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion port formed by the first selected tool.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the first or second aspect, the improvement request process includes a pre-machining process of forming an insertion port into which a tool to be used in the selected process is inserted. The selected process includes a side surface enlarging process of inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the pre-machining process and cutting a side surface of the insertion port.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the seventh aspect, if the first selected tool is larger than the first assigned tool and therefore cannot be inserted into the insertion port, the computer determines that a process requiring improvement exists.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to the eighth aspect, when an improvement request process exists, the computer changes the second assigned tool to a second selected tool that can be used to form an insertion opening large enough to insert the first selected tool.

[0015] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in a machining program generation support method according to any of the fourth to ninth aspects, the tool used to form the insertion port is a drilling tool, and the tool inserted into the insertion port is at least one of a turning tool and a grooving tool.

[0016] According to an 11th aspect of the present disclosure, in a machining program generation support method according to any of the 4th to 9th aspects, the tool used to form the insertion port is a grooving tool, and the tool inserted into the insertion port is a turning tool.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, a machining program generation support method according to any of the first to eleventh aspects further includes causing a computer to calculate a first cut shape to be cut by a second assigned tool and displaying the first cut shape on a display, and based on a change in the improvement request process, causing the computer to calculate a second cut shape to be cut in the improvement request process and displaying the second cut shape on the display.

[0018] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in a machining program generation support method according to any of the first to twelfth aspects, having a computer determine whether or not an improvement request process exists includes storing a correspondence relationship between a selected process and the improvement request process in a storage device of the computer, obtaining information representing the improvement request process based on the correspondence relationship from the selected process received by input, and having the computer search, based on the information, for whether or not a process corresponding to the improvement request process is included among a plurality of machining processes.

[0019] According to a 14th aspect of the present disclosure, in the machining program generation support method according to any of the 1st to 13th aspects, when there is no improvement request process, the computer is caused to generate a machining program in which a first assigned tool among the multiple assigned tools is modified to a first selected tool. When there is an improvement request process, the computer is caused to generate a machining program in which the first assigned tool among the multiple assigned tools is modified to the first selected tool and the second assigned tool is modified to the second selected tool.

[0020] According to a 15th aspect of the present disclosure, in a machining program generation support method according to any of the 1st to 14th aspects, having a computer set a plurality of tools to be used in a plurality of machining processes as a plurality of assigned tools includes generating a primary machining program that performs machining using the multiple assigned tools in the multiple machining processes.

[0021] A computer according to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0022] A machine tool according to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure includes a computer configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0023] A computer program according to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0024] A computer-readable medium according to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute a machining program generation support method according to any one of the first to fifteenth aspects.

[0025] In the machining program generation support method according to the first aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the first aspect, the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect, which are provided with instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the first aspect, the computer is caused to determine whether or not there is an improvement request process in which a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the multiple assigned tools becomes unavailable by changing from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool, and when an improvement request process exists, the computer is caused to change the tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process. Thus, when changing the tool for one process of a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for another process affected by the change.

[0026] In the machining program generation support method according to the second aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the second aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect, which are provided with instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the second aspect, the computer is caused to determine whether or not there is an improvement request process in which the first selected tool cannot be used unless the set tool path of the second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the multiple assigned tools is changed by changing the first assigned tool to the first selected tool, and when an improvement request process exists, the computer is caused to change the tool path of the second assigned tool so that the first selected tool can be used. Thus, when changing the tool of one process of a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool path for another process affected by the change.

[0027] In the machining program generation support method according to the third aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the third aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect, which are provided with instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the third aspect, the computer is caused to determine whether or not there is an improvement request process in which a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among a plurality of assigned tools becomes unavailable by changing the selected tool path, and when an improvement request process exists, the tool used in the improvement request process is changed from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process. Thus, when changing the tool path of one process of a machining program consisting of a plurality of machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for another process affected by the change.

[0028] In the machining program generation support method according to the fourth aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the fourth aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the fourth aspect, when the tool of the pre-machining process is changed, the tool that can be inserted into the insertion port of the side expansion process changes, so that a useful machining program can be generated by setting the pre-machining process as the selected process and the side expansion process as the improvement request process.

[0029] In the machining program generation support method according to the fifth aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the fifth aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the fifth aspect, when the size of the insertion opening formed by the tool in the previous machining process becomes small, the tool that can be inserted into the insertion opening in the side enlargement process becomes small, and the second assigned tool that has been set in advance cannot be used. In such a case, it is even more effective to set the side enlargement process as the improvement request process.

[0030] In the machining program generation support method according to the 6th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 6th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer readable medium according to the 19th aspect comprising instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 6th aspect, a second selected tool having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion port is selected, so that the second selected tool can be made available in the improvement request process.

[0031] In the machining program generation support method according to the seventh aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the seventh aspect, and the computer program according to the eighteenth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect that are provided with instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the seventh aspect, when the tool for the side expansion process is changed, the tool that can form the insertion opening into which the tool can be inserted changes, so by setting the side expansion process as the selected process and the pre-machining process as the improvement request process, a useful machining program can be generated.

[0032] In the machining program generation support method according to the eighth aspect, the computer according to the sixteenth aspect and the machine tool according to the seventeenth aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the eighth aspect, the computer program according to the eighth aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the nineteenth aspect, which are provided with instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the eighth aspect, when the tool that can be inserted into the insertion opening becomes large in the side enlargement process, the second assigned tool that is preset cannot form an insertion opening into which the tool can be inserted. Therefore, due to the change in the tool in the side enlargement process, the insertion opening cannot perform the required function, and the second assigned tool cannot be used. In such a case, it is even more effective to set the pre-machining process as the improvement request process.

[0033] In the machining program generation support method according to the 9th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 9th aspect, the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 9th aspect, the first selected tool is changed to a second selected tool that can be used to form an insertion opening of a size that allows the insertion opening to perform the requested function. Therefore, the second selected tool can be made available in the improvement requesting process.

[0034] The machining program generation support method according to the 10th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 10th aspect, as well as the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer readable medium according to the 19th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 10th aspect, are advantageous when performing a series of machining steps in which a long hole is drilled with a drilling tool and the side of the hole is widened with a turning tool or a grooving tool.

[0035] The machining program generation support method according to the 11th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 11th aspect, the computer program according to the 18th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 11th aspect, and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect are advantageous when performing a series of machining steps such as using a grooving tool to open a groove-shaped insertion opening in a flat end face or curved side face of a workpiece and inserting a cutting tool into the insertion opening to increase the groove width, or using a grooving tool to open a groove-shaped insertion opening in the side face of a hole opened by the above-mentioned hole-drilling tool and inserting a cutting tool into the insertion opening to increase the groove width.

[0036] In the machining program generation support method according to the 12th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 12th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 12th aspect, the first cut shape cut by the second assigned tool and the second cut shape cut by the second selected tool can be displayed on a display, allowing the user to visually recognize the cut shapes before and after the change.

[0037] The machining program generation support method according to the 13th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 13th aspect, as well as the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 13th aspect, facilitate the computer's search for processes requiring improvement.

[0038] The machining program generation support method according to the 14th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 14th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 14th aspect can further generate a machining program in which a defect in the improvement request process is corrected.

[0039] In the machining program generation support method according to the 15th aspect, the computer according to the 16th aspect and the machine tool according to the 17th aspect configured to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 15th aspect, and the computer program according to the 18th aspect and the computer-readable medium according to the 19th aspect having instructions for causing a computer to execute the machining program generation support method according to the 15th aspect, a primary machining program is generated, which is advantageous when the user wishes to customize the primary machining program in addition to correcting defects in a process requiring improvement. Effect of the Invention

[0040] According to the technology disclosed in the present application, for example, when changing a tool for one process of a machining program consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for other processes that are affected by the change. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a system including a machine tool according to an embodiment and a computer for generating a machining program for the machine tool. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the control device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a hardware block diagram of a computer. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of a primary processing program. [Diagram 5]FIG. 5 is an example of an image showing a machining shape machined by the primary machining program. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an example of tool information for a turning drill. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a turning drill and the shape of a cut object. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of tool information for a turning tool. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a turning tool and the shape of a cut object. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of an editing window for a primary machining program. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of the correspondence data. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example of a secondary processing program. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an example of an image showing a machining shape machined by the secondary machining program. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is another example of a primary processing program. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the shape of the workpiece cut by the program of FIG. 14 and the shape of the grooving tool. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an example of tool information for a grooving tool. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is another example of the secondary processing program. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flowchart relating to the machining program generation support method. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the detailed process flow of step S3 in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the detailed process flow of step S10 in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the machining program generation support method following the process of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the machining program generation support method following the process of FIG. [Diagram 23] FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the machining program generation support method following the process of FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the machining program generation support method following the process of FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the machining program generation support method following the process of FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the machining program generation support method following the process of FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the machining program generation support method following the process of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate corresponding or substantially identical components.

[0043] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 includes a machine tool 100, a computer 200, and a network 290 that connects the machine tool 100 and the computer 200. The network 290 is, for example, a LAN (local area network) installed in a factory. The illustrated network 290 is a wired network, but the network 290 may be a wireless network. The X-axis shown in FIG. 1 is along the height direction of the machine tool 100, the Y-axis is along the depth direction of the machine tool 100, and the Z-axis is along the width direction of the machine tool 100. In this embodiment, an axis parallel to the rotation axis A3 of the first spindle 122 that holds the workpiece is set as the Z-axis based on the JIS standard. In this embodiment, this coordinate system is called a workpiece coordinate system.

[0044] The machine tool 100 performs machining on a workpiece W1. The machining includes at least one of turning, milling, drilling, threading, reaming, and boring. As shown in Fig. 1, the machine tool 100 includes a column 110, a first headstock 120, and a second headstock 121. The column 110, the first headstock 120, and the second headstock 121 are disposed on a base 140.

[0045] The column 110 is movable in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction on the base 140. A tool headstock 112 is attached to the column 110. The tool headstock 112 is movable in the X-axis direction relative to the column 110. The tool headstock 112 is rotatable about a rotation axis A1 along the Y-axis direction relative to the column 110. A tool spindle 114 is attached to the tool headstock 112. The tool spindle 114 is rotatable about a rotation axis A2 relative to the tool headstock 112. The rotation axis A2 is perpendicular to the rotation axis A1. A tool Ta, which is a machining tool, is held by the tool spindle 114. The cutting tool is a concept that encompasses a turning tool, a milling tool, a drilling tool, a grooving tool, a threading tool, a reaming tool, and a boring tool. The machine tool 100 further includes a tool changer (not shown) for changing the tool Ta to another tool. The tool Ta is changed as necessary according to the machining content of the workpiece W1.

[0046] In this embodiment, the intersection of the axis A1 and the axis A2 is called the machine origin Om, the rotation axis A2 is called the Zm axis, the turning axis A1 is called the Ym axis, and a coordinate system in which an axis perpendicular to each of the Zm axis and the Ym axis is called the machine coordinate system is called the machine coordinate system. The direction from the machine origin Om toward the tip of the first tool T1 is called the positive direction of the Zm axis. The positive direction of the X axis of the work coordinate system when the X axis of the work coordinate system is rotated around the Y axis so that the positive direction of the Z axis of the work coordinate system faces the same direction as the positive direction of the Zm axis of the machine coordinate system is called the positive direction of the Xm axis of the machine coordinate system. The positive direction of the Y axis of the work coordinate system is called the positive direction of the Ym axis of the machine coordinate system.

[0047] The first spindle stock 120 is fixed on the base 140. The first spindle stock 120 includes a first spindle 122. The first spindle 122 is rotatable around a rotation axis A3. The rotation axis A3 is along the Z-axis direction. The first spindle 122 includes a first chuck 124. The first chuck 124 grips a first end of the workpiece W1. The second spindle stock 121 is provided on the base 140 so as to be movable in a direction parallel to the Z-axis direction. The second spindle stock 121 includes a second spindle 123. The second spindle 123 is rotatable around a rotation axis A3. The second spindle 123 includes a second chuck 125. The second chuck 125 grips a second end of the workpiece W1 opposite the first end of the workpiece W1 in the Z-axis direction. When machining the second end of the workpiece W1, the machine tool 100 grips the workpiece W1 in the first chuck 124. When machining the first end of the workpiece W1, the machine tool 100 grips the workpiece W1 in the second chuck 125.

[0048] Machine tool 100 is equipped with a control device 150 for controlling the rotation about each rotation axis, the rotation about each pivot axis, and the movement in each axial direction. Control device 150 is connected to base 140. Here, control device 150 may be connected to another portion of machine tool 100, and may be installed separately from base 140 as long as it is capable of transmitting control signals and receiving detection results. Control device 150 is generally called a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) device. In other words, control device 150 is a type of computer.

[0049] FIG. 2 is a hardware block diagram of the control device 150. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 150 includes a processor 151, a memory 152, a communication circuit 153, and a display 154 with a touch panel. The processor 151, the memory 152, the communication circuit 153, and the display 154 with a touch panel are connected to each other via a bus 155. The memory 152 stores a program required for machining, a program for editing the machining program, and data required for them. The processor 151 reads out the program stored in the memory 152 and executes the read out program. In this way, each function of the control device 150 is realized. Each function realized by the control device 150 includes control of the execution of cutting. Specifically, the memory 152 stores a machining program 157. The machining program 157 includes a control command for executing cutting. Usually, the machining program 157 is edited in the computer 200, transmitted to the control device 150 via the network 290, and stored in the memory 152. The communication circuit 153 has a function of converting communication packets into data, a function of converting data into communication packets, and a communication packet transmission / reception function for communicating with the computer 200 via the network 290 .

[0050] In this embodiment, the memory 152 stores tool information 158 of the tool Ta that can be attached to the machine tool 100. The tool information 158 includes a T number corresponding to the tool Ta, the name of the tool Ta, the material of the tool Ta, the characteristics of the blade of the tool Ta, and the usage state (wear state) of the tool Ta. The characteristics of the blade of the tool Ta include the nominal diameter of the tool Ta, the tool length, the tool diameter, the axial offset, the radial offset, the number of blades, the blade width, the radius of curvature of the arc that defines the blade shape (the radius of curvature of the blade tip) R, the indexing angle of the blade, the effective spindle rotation direction, and the blade orientation.

[0051] The tool length is the length of the tool Ta in the direction along the rotation axis A2 (hereinafter referred to as the axial direction) when a (new) tool Ta without wear is attached to the tool spindle 114. In other words, the tool length is the length of the tool Ta in the Zm axis direction in the machine coordinate system. The tool diameter is the diameter of the tool Ta in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis A2 (hereinafter referred to as the radial direction) when a (new) tool Ta without wear is attached to the tool spindle 114. The axial offset is the axial distance from the base end point of the tool Ta to the cutting edge tip of the tool Ta when a (new) tool Ta without wear is attached to the tool spindle 114. The base end point of the tool Ta is the end point that belongs to the part of the tool Ta that is gripped by the tool spindle 114, out of the two end points along the axial direction of the tool Ta when the tool Ta is attached to the tool spindle 114. In other words, the axial offset is the distance in the Zm axis direction from the base end point of the tool Ta to the tip of the cutting edge in the machine coordinate system. The radial offset is the radial coordinate value from the base end point of the tool Ta to the cutting edge of the tool Ta when an unworn (new) tool Ta is attached to the tool spindle 114. This coordinate value is the Xm coordinate value of the cutting edge of the tool Ta when the tool Ta is attached to the tool spindle 114 with the tool headstock 112 in the position shown in FIG.

[0052] The blade index angle indicates whether the cutting edge of the turning tool is directed toward the first spindle 122 or the second spindle 123. When the index angle is 0 degrees, the cutting edge of the turning tool is directed toward the first spindle 122. When the index angle is 180 degrees, the cutting edge of the turning tool is directed toward the second spindle 123. The effective spindle rotation direction indicates the effective rotation direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the spindle to which the turning tool is directed when viewed from the turning tool. The blade orientation indicates whether the turning tool is left-handed or right-handed.

[0053] The memory 152 further includes material information 161 and machine constant data 162. The material information 161 includes reference information (such as name and ID) of the material to be processed as the workpiece W1 (workpiece W1), its shape (outer diameter, inner diameter (if a hole is provided), and length), and its characteristics (specific cutting resistance x (kg / mm 2 ). The machine constant data 162 is a parameter specific to the machine tool 100 used in the calculation of cutting conditions. The machine constant data 162 is, for example, machine efficiency η, machine horsepower HP (HP), and machining limit (finishing allowance). The tool information 158 is transmitted to the computer 200 via the network 290 by the communication circuit 153. In addition, the tool information 158 and the material information 161 are read from the memory 152 when the machining program generation program 156 or the machining program editing program 159 described later is executed. The memory 152 may store the machining program generation program 156 for generating the machining program 157 and the machining program editing program 159 for editing the generated machining program 157. The machining program generation program 156 has a function equivalent to that of the machining program generation program 156 described in International Publication No. WO 2021 / 014571. A description of the function of the machining program generation program 156 that is unrelated to this embodiment is omitted. However, the function of the machining program generation program 156 described in WO 2021 / 014571 may be referred to by incorporation by reference. In the following embodiments, the machining program 157 generated by the machining program generation program 156 is called a primary machining program 157a. The machining program editing program 159 is a program that changes the primary machining program 157a to generate a secondary machining program 157b. The function of the machining program editing program 159 will be described later.

[0054] Touch panel display 154 does not have to be a single display 154, and may be a collection of multiple displays. The display of touch panel display 154 is an example of a display, and the touch panel is an example of an interface. Touch panel display 154 may be replaced by a combination of a display without a touch panel and an input device such as a button, switch, lever, pointing device, etc. provided around the display. In that case, the input device is an example of an interface.

[0055] 3 is a hardware block diagram of the computer 200. As shown in FIG. 3, the computer 200 includes a processor 210, a memory 220, a communication circuit 230, a display 240, and an input interface 250. The processor 210, the memory 220, the communication circuit 230, the display 240, and the input interface 250 are connected to each other via a bus 260. The input interface 250 is an example of an interface, and refers to a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse. Note that the computer 200 may be one in which the display 240 and the input interface 250 are integrated, such as a tablet computer having a display with a touch panel.

[0056] The memory 220 stores the above-mentioned machining program 157, tool information 158, material information 161, machining program generation program 221, machining program editing program 222, and programs such as an operating system. The machining program generation program 221 has substantially the same function as the machining program generation program 156. The machining program editing program 222 has substantially the same function as the machining program editing program 159. However, the screen display method of the machining program editing program 222 may be partially different from the screen display method of the machining program editing program 159. The processor 210 reads out the program stored in the memory 220 and executes the read out program. The communication circuit 230 has a function of converting communication packets into data, a function of converting data into communication packets, and a communication packet transmission / reception function for communicating with the control device 150 via the network 290.

[0057] The computer 200 can transmit the primary machining program 157a generated using the machining program generation program 221 and the secondary machining program 157b generated using the machining program editing program 222 to the control device 150 using the communication circuit 230. Furthermore, when the machining program generation program 221 or the machining program editing program 222 is executed, the computer 200 can receive the latest tool information 158 from the control device 150 using the communication circuit 230 and update the tool information 158 in the memory 220.

[0058] Next, the contents of the machining program 157 common to the primary machining program 157a and the secondary machining program 157b will be described. In this embodiment, the machining program 157 is written in a program code for numerically controlling the machine tool 100. In the machining program 157, at least the following contents are defined. (1) Common unit: Material and shape of work W1 (2) Basic coordinate unit: How to set the work coordinate system and the machine coordinate system (3) Processing unit: The processing method and processing shape of each part in the final processed shape The common unit, the basic coordinate unit, and the machining unit each have a unit number. The machining unit includes unit data including information for identifying the machining content, a tool Ta and a tool sequence for setting the cutting conditions of the tool Ta, and a shape sequence for defining the machining shape to be machined in the machining unit. The tool sequence refers to a series of machining stages required for forming the machining shape of a portion defined in the machining unit (e.g., one bar material, one thread) (a series of stages for performing rough machining and finishing machining while changing tools in forming one shape (e.g., in the case of hole machining, a series of stages such as spot machining, rough machining using drills with gradually larger tool diameters, and finishing machining such as reaming); in the case of thread machining, a series of stages such as spotting, prepared hole processing, and tapping). A shape sequence is a set of segments defined by the start point, end point, and connection relationship (straight line, arc, etc.) between the start point and end point of the cutting edge of the tool in the work coordinates for determining the machining shape. However, the pitch of the thread in thread machining (tapping) is included in the unit data of the machining unit. In this embodiment, a machining stage performed by one tool in the tool sequence is called a machining process, and will be described below.

[0059] The machining program 157 specifies at least one tool Ta to be used in a machining operation, and at least one machining step during the machining operation by each tool of the at least one tool Ta. Generally, the machining program 157 needs to have at least one machining step, but this embodiment targets a machining program 157 having a plurality of machining steps. In a machining step, the tool Ta and the cutting conditions of the tool Ta for realizing a process at a corresponding machining stage are defined. The cutting conditions of the tool Ta include the cutting speed Vc, the cutting depth of the tool Ta into the workpiece W1, and the feed speed of the workpiece W1. The cutting speed Vc (m / min) is expressed by the spindle rotation speed nw (min -1 ), and the diameter of the workpiece is D (mm), Vc=π×D×nw / 1000. In this embodiment, the feed rate means the feed amount per revolution of the spindle f (mm / rev). The parameters that define the machining process further include information that specifies the stage of the machining process (e.g. rough machining, finishing machining, spot machining, pilot hole machining, tapping, etc.) and a number that indicates the execution order in the machining unit to which the machining process belongs. Therefore, for example, if the machining process of rough machining in the tool sequence is defined as number 1 and the machining process of finishing machining is defined as number 2 in the machining program 157, the machining process of rough machining is executed first, and then the machining process of finishing machining is executed. In addition, the tool Ta and the cutting conditions of the tool Ta defined in the machining process are applied to the entire shape sequence in the same machining unit. <Outline of machining program generation program> The control device 150 that executes the machining program generation program 156 and the computer 200 that executes the machining program generation program 221 (hereinafter, these devices are referred to as the machining program generation computer) input a three-dimensional model of the workpiece W1 (workpiece) and a three-dimensional model of a target object (product or a part in the product), set and classify a machining surface from the difference between these three-dimensional models, select an optimal tool Ta based on the machining surface, and generate a machining unit using the tool Ta. That is, the machining program generation computer sets the multiple tools Ta used in the multiple machining processes as multiple assigned tools. The machining unit includes parameters (described in detail later) that represent patterns and tool sequences that define the tool paths of the multiple assigned tools. Therefore, the machining program generation computer sets each tool path of the multiple assigned tools as a set tool path. The machining program generation computer generates a primary machining program 157a that uses multiple assigned tools in multiple machining processes. FIG. 4 is an example of the primary machining program 157a of the machining program generation program 156. FIG. 5 is an example of an image showing a machining shape machined by the primary machining program 157a.

[0060] Unit number (UNo.) 0 in FIG. 4 indicates a common unit. Unit number (UNo.) 11 indicates a machining unit using a turning drill. Unit number (UNo.) 12 indicates a machining unit that machines the side of a hole machined by a turning drill. Hereinafter, the machining unit with unit number 11 is called a turning drill machining unit, and the machining unit with unit number 12 is called a bar material internal diameter machining unit. The turning drill machining unit includes a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) 1 and a shape sequence consisting of a start point-Z and an end point-Z of FIG 1. The bar material internal diameter machining unit includes a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) R1, a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) F2, and a shape sequence representing a line pattern of FIG 1. In addition, in the machining program in FIG. 4, for convenience of explanation, the display of the basic coordinate unit and machining units other than those shown above is omitted.

[0061] The turning drill machining unit includes a machining part parameter and a hole diameter parameter that are commonly used in the tool sequence and the shape sequence between the unit number (UNo.) and the sequence number (SNo.). The machining part parameter is a parameter that sets whether the end face of the workpiece W1 is to be machined, the flat end face on the right side or the flat end face on the left side. The hole diameter parameter is a parameter that specifies the nominal diameter of the drill. Note that Dr1 in Figure 5 corresponds to the nominal diameter of the turning drill.

[0062] The tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit includes, for example, a tool parameter, a nominal parameter, a peripheral speed parameter, and a feed parameter. The tool parameter specifies a turning drill for end face machining. The nominal parameter includes a nominal diameter ("32.0") and a suffix ("A"). The suffix is ​​used to distinguish between a plurality of tools having the same tool parameters and the same nominal diameter. The peripheral speed parameter indicates the rotation speed of the first spindle 122 that holds the workpiece W1. The first spindle 122 may be fixed and the tool spindle 114 may be rotated. In this case, the peripheral speed parameter is set by a parameter different from the peripheral speed parameter. The feed parameter indicates the moving speed when the turning drill is moved linearly in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] The shape sequence of the turning drill machining unit includes the Z coordinate turning start point (start point-Z) and the cutting end point (end point-Z) as parameters. This causes the tool path of the tip of the turning drill to move from the machine origin to (0,0, start point-Z) in the work coordinate system, move in a straight line from (0,0, start point-Z) to (0,0, end point-Z), move in a straight line from (0,0, end point-Z) to (0,0, start point-Z), and then make a round trip from (0,0, start point-Z) in the work coordinate system to the machine origin, and this is set as the set tool path. Figure 5 shows the shape sequence of the turning drill machining unit. P indicates the origin of the work coordinate system. The coordinate values ​​specified in the shape sequence are the origin O of the work coordinate system. PIn Fig. 5, Zoffmax indicates the movement amount of the turning drill in the Z-axis direction (the difference between the end point-Z value and the start point-Z value), and the polka-dot area IH1 indicates the area cut by the turning drill.

[0064] The bar material inner diameter machining unit includes, between the unit number (UNo.) and the sequence number (SNo.), the X coordinate of the infeed start point (half the coordinate value of infeed-X), the Z coordinate of the infeed start point (infeed-Z), the machining allowance in the finish machining (finishing allowance-X), and the machining allowance in the finish machining (finishing allowance-Z) as parameters commonly used in the tool sequence and the shape sequence. The tool sequence of sequence number R1 defines the tool for rough machining. Hereinafter, the tool sequence of sequence number R1 is called the tool sequence for rough machining. The tool sequence of sequence number R1 includes a pattern parameter and a infeed 1 parameter in addition to the parameters of the tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit. The infeed 1 parameter represents the maximum infeed amount in the X-axis direction cut in one stroke. If the cutting depth in the X-axis direction is greater than the length of the infeed 1 parameter, the machine tool 100 cuts in multiple strokes. The pattern parameter specifies the tool path in each stroke. In this example, the tool path is set as the set tool path, in which the cutting edge is moved to the cut start point in one stroke, then moved in the X-axis direction to cut the workpiece W1 with a cutting depth within the cut 1 parameter, and then moved in the X-axis direction to the other end of the Z-axis direction, and the cutting edge is moved in the X-axis direction to separate the cutting edge from the workpiece W1 and move it to the cut start point again. Note that various tool paths may be set as the set tool path. The tool sequence of sequence number F2 defines the tool for finish machining. Hereinafter, the tool sequence of sequence number F2 is called the tool sequence for finish machining. In the tool sequence of sequence number F2, the pattern parameter and the cut 1 parameter are not set. The machine tool 100 automatically sets the cut amount in the X-axis direction suitable for finish machining and the tool path for finish machining. The shape sequence specifies the X coordinate (end point -X / 2) of the machining end point and the Z coordinate (end point -Z) of the machining end point. The area CP1 shown by hatching using a dashed line in Fig. 5 indicates the area to be cut by the bar material inner diameter machining unit. Xoffmax corresponds to the end point -X / 2 and is equal to the radius of the machining hole of the product shape.

[0065] The machining program generation computer sets the tool to be set in the tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit to the most suitable tool for machining. Fig. 6 is an example of tool information 158 of a turning drill. As shown in Fig. 6, the tool information 158 of a turning drill has a T number (TNo.), a pocket number (PNo.), a tool name (name + machining portion), and a nominal number + suffix. Furthermore, as the parameters (dimensions) of the tool corresponding to these, the tool information includes parameters of the tool length, tool diameter, rotation direction, cutting edge angle, tool material, and effective cutting edge length.

[0066] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a turning drill and the shape to be cut. Referring to FIG. 7, the tool length corresponds to the longitudinal length Ld of the tool. The tool diameter corresponds to the diameter Dd of the tool. The rotational orientation is a parameter that indicates whether it is appropriate to rotate the workpiece W1 clockwise or counterclockwise when the workpiece W1 is viewed from the side opposite to the side where the first chuck 124 is located when the workpiece W1 is rotated by the first spindle 122, and whether it is appropriate to move the turning drill to the left or right relative to the workpiece W1. The cutting edge angle is the angle represented by the angle θd in FIG. 7. The tool material indicates the material of the turning drill. The effective cutting edge length corresponds to Led.

[0067] The machining program generating computer may select and set an optimal cutting drill based on, for example, the following [Condition 1] to [Condition 6]. [Condition 1] The material of the tool is capable of machining the workpiece W1. [Condition 2] The rotation setting of the first spindle 122 / second spindle 123 and the rotation direction are in accordance with the advancing direction of the tool. [Condition 3] The tool length Ld is greater than the machining depth DEP. [Condition 4] The effective cutting length Led is greater than the machining depth DEP. [Condition 5] When the tip angle θr of the tip of the shape to be cut is defined, the cutting edge angle θd is equal to the tip angle θr. [Condition 6] When the tool diameter Dd is equal to the machining diameter Dr or when the machining diameter Dr is larger than the maximum diameter that can be used for a turning drill, the tool diameter Dd is the maximum diameter that can be used for a turning drill.

[0068] The machining program generation computer selects a turning drill with the largest tool diameter, T number 40, and nominal size 32.A, that satisfies these conditions.

[0069] The machining program generation computer sets the tool to be set in the tool sequence of the bar material inner diameter machining unit to the turning tool most suitable for machining. FIG. 8 is an example of tool information 158 of a turning tool. As shown in FIG. 8, the tool information 158 of a turning tool has a T number (TNo.), a pocket number (PNo.), a tool name (name + machining part), and a nominal number + suffix. Furthermore, as the parameters (dimensions) of the tool corresponding to these, the tool information includes parameters of tool length A, tool length B, tool width, rotation direction, cutting edge R, cutting angle, cutting edge angle, minimum machining diameter, tool material, and use (rough / finishing). Below, of these parameters, the parameters that are different from the parameters of a turning drill will be mainly described.

[0070] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the shape of a turning drill and the shape of a cut object. Referring to FIG. 9, tool length A corresponds to the tool overhang amount Ht1 in FIG. 9. Tool length B corresponds to the distance Wt1 in the X-axis direction between the rotation axis A2 and the cutting edge as shown in FIG. 9. Tool width corresponds to the diameter Dt1 of the neck portion of the tool shown in FIG. 9. The rotational direction is the same as that of a turning drill. Cutting edge R is the radius of curvature TR1 of the cutting edge. The cutting angle is the angle β in FIG. 9. t1 The cutting edge angle corresponds to the angle α t1 In the following embodiments, γ t1 =180°-α t1 -β t1 is called the minor cutting angle. The minimum cutting diameter MR1 is substantially equal to the sum of the tool length B (Wt1) and half the tool width (Dt1 / 2).

[0071] The machining program generating computer may select and set an optimal turning tool based on the following [Condition 7] to [Condition 11], for example. [Condition 7] The material of the tool is capable of machining the workpiece W1. [Condition 8] The rotation setting of the first spindle 122 / second spindle 123 and the rotation direction are in accordance with the advancing direction of the tool. [Condition 9] Tool length A (Ht1) is greater than machining depth DEP1. [Condition 10] The minimum machining diameter MR1 is smaller than the machining diameter Dr1. Note that Dr1 = Dd. [Condition 11] It is suitable for the rough cutting and finishing purposes in the program.

[0072] The machining program generation computer selects a tool with a nominal number of 10.A of T number 10 that satisfies the conditions for rough machining of the bar material inner diameter machining unit as a tool for the rough machining tool sequence. The machining program generation computer selects a tool with a nominal number of 10.I of T number 10 that satisfies the conditions for finish machining of the bar material inner diameter machining unit as a tool for the finish machining tool sequence. <Outline of machining program editing program> The control device 150 that executes the machining program editing program 159 and the computer 200 that executes the machining program editing program 222 (hereinafter, these devices are referred to as the machining program editing computer) analyze the primary machining program 157a, calculate each cut shape to be cut by each tool, and display each cut shape on the display 154 (240). FIG. 10 is an example of an editing window 30 of the primary machining program 157a displayed by the machining program editing computer. This editing window 30 includes, for example, a CG display window DIS, a unit selection window WIN1, a tool sequence selection window WIN2, and a tool information display window WIN3. Note that this editing window 30 may further include a shape sequence display window, but the description of the shape sequence display window will be omitted. The display of the unit selection window WIN1, the tool sequence selection window WIN2, and the tool information display window WIN3 in FIG. 10 is an example, and some windows may be integrated, and the unit selection window WIN1 and the tool sequence selection window WIN2 may be omitted. FIG. 5 is an example of an enlarged CG display window DIS.

[0073] When each cut shape (hereinafter referred to as cut portion) to be cut by each tool is selected in the CG display window DIS, the machining unit corresponding to the cut portion is highlighted in the unit selection window WIN1, and the tool sequence included in the machining unit highlighted in the unit selection window WIN1 is displayed in the tool sequence selection window WIN2. When the selected machining unit includes multiple tool sequences, when one tool sequence is selected in the tool sequence selection window WIN2, the tool information of the tool specified in the selected tool sequence is displayed in the tool information display window WIN3. In the example of FIG. 10, the selected portion HL corresponding to the bar material inner diameter machining unit is selected and highlighted, and the bar material inner diameter machining unit corresponding to the selected portion HL is displayed by highlighting HL1. In the tool sequence selection window WIN2, the tool sequence for finishing machining is selected and displayed by highlighting HL2, and the tool information of the tool in the tool sequence for finishing machining is displayed in the tool information display window WIN3.

[0074] Conversely, when a machining unit is selected in the unit selection window WIN1, a selected portion corresponding to the selected machining unit is highlighted in the CG display window DIS. For example, when a turning drill machining unit is selected in the unit selection window WIN1 (for example, USEL1 displayed in polka dots in FIG. 10), a cut area corresponding to the turning drill machining unit is displayed by highlighting USEL. Also, even if a machining unit is not selected in the unit selection window WIN1, a tool sequence can be selected in the tool sequence selection window WIN2, and in that case, a machining unit corresponding to the selected tool sequence may be selected in the unit selection window WIN1, and a selected portion corresponding to the machining unit may be highlighted in the CG display window DIS.

[0075] Further referring to FIG. 10, the editing window 30 of the primary machining program 157a has an edit button BU1 in the unit selection window WIN1 and an edit button BU2 in the tool sequence selection window WIN2. When any one machining unit is selected in the unit selection window WIN1 and the edit button BU1 is pressed, a screen for editing parameters between the unit number (UNo.) and sequence number (SNo.) of the machining unit is displayed. This screen is a well-known graphical user interface (GUI) such as a text box, so the description is omitted. When any one tool sequence is selected in the tool sequence selection window WIN2 and the edit button BU2 is pressed, a list of tools stored as the tool information 158 that have a matching tool name is displayed, and the tool can be changed by selecting one tool from the list. The machining program editing computer may display the contents shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 in a list format, for example, and provide a GUI that can be selected for each row. For details of this interface, refer to FIG. 14 in WO2021-024438.

[0076] In this way, the machining program editing computer accepts an input from the user to change the tool used in the selected process (selected tool sequence) of the multiple machining processes from the first assigned tool (the tool of the selected tool sequence in the primary machining program 157a) corresponding to the selected process of the multiple assigned tools to the first selected tool (the tool selected in the GUI). In the following explanation, it is assumed that the tool designated by the tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit has been changed from a nominal 32.A tool to a 10.A tool.

[0077] Next, the machining program editing computer determines whether there is an improvement-requested process among the multiple machining processes other than the selected process, in which changing from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool will make it impossible to use the second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the multiple assigned tools. For this purpose, the memory 152 (220) (storage device) of the machining program editing computer stores the correspondence between the selected processes and the improvement-requested processes. Data representing this correspondence is called the correspondence data 163. The machining program editing computer obtains information representing the improvement-requested process from the selected process received by the above input based on the correspondence, and searches whether a process corresponding to the improvement-requested process is included among the multiple machining processes based on the information.

[0078] FIG. 11 is an example of the correspondence data 163. The correspondence data 163 includes, for example, a first selected unit 163a, a first selected tool name 163b, a nominal change 163c, a sequence position 163d, a second selected unit 163e, and a second assigned tool name 163f. The first selected tool name 163b and the second assigned tool name 163f respectively represent the tool names (name + machining part) of the first selected tool and the second assigned tool. However, for tool sequences without a definition of a machining part, only the name is described. The machining program editing computer determines whether the tool name represented as the first selected tool name 163b and the tool name represented as the second assigned tool name 163f both exist in the tool sequence in the same machining unit. If both exist, the machining program editing computer judges whether the nominal diameter of the first selected tool has changed as indicated by the nominal change 163c, and if so, makes a specific judgment as to whether the second assigned tool is available. A specific judgment method will be described later. If the second assigned tool is not available, the machining program editing computer judges the tool sequence in which the second assigned tool is set to be an improvement-requesting process.

[0079] The first selected unit 163a, the sequence position 163d, and the second selected unit 163e are used to determine whether or not there is a process requiring improvement in the tool sequence of a different machining unit. The first selected unit 163a represents a machining unit including a selected process. The second selected unit 163e defines a machining unit including a tool sequence in which the initially assigned tool (second assigned tool) may become unavailable due to a change from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool. When there are multiple such machining units, a delimiter ( / ) is used to define the separation. This notation method is an example, and the correspondence data 163 may be in any format as long as it allows similar management.

[0080] The sequence position 163d represents the positional relationship between the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e in the machining program 157 (primary machining program 157a). When this parameter is set to "after", the second selected unit 163e is described after the first selected unit 163a in the machining program 157 (primary machining program 157a). When this parameter is set to "before", the second selected unit 163e is described before the first selected unit 163a in the machining program 157 (primary machining program 157a).

[0081] In FIG. 11, looking at the relationship between the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, whose sequence position is set to "after", the first selected unit 163a is a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which a tool used in the second selected unit 163e is inserted. The second selected unit 163e is a side enlargement process for cutting the side of the insertion port by inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the first selected unit 163a. ​​The drill tool sequence set in the first selected tool name 163b, which does not have the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, is a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which an end mill used in the subsequent end mill tool sequence or a boring tool used in the boring tool sequence is inserted. The end mill tool sequence and the boring tool sequence are side enlargement processes for cutting the side of the insertion port by inserting an end mill and a boring tool into the insertion port formed in the drill tool sequence, respectively. The end mill tool sequence set in the first selected tool name 163b without the setting of the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e is a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which a boring tool used in the subsequent boring tool sequence is inserted. The boring tool sequence is a side surface enlargement process for inserting a boring tool into the insertion port formed in the end mill tool sequence and cutting the side surface of the insertion port.

[0082] Therefore, it can be said that the selected process includes a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which a tool used in the improvement request process is inserted. It can be said that the improvement request process includes a side surface enlargement process for inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the pre-machining process and cutting the side surface of the insertion port. It can also be said that the tool used to form the insertion port is a drilling tool (e.g., a drill) or an end mill, and the tool inserted into the insertion port is at least one of a turning tool, a grooving tool, an end mill, and a boring tool. It should be noted that the turning tool may be something like a dragon diamond core drill, other than a drill or an end mill. Alternatively, it can be said that the tool used to form the insertion port is a grooving tool, and the tool inserted into the insertion port is a turning tool.

[0083] In FIG. 11, looking at the relationship between the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, whose sequence position is set to "before", the second selected unit 163e is a pre-machining step in which an insertion port into which a tool used in the first selected unit 163a is inserted is formed. The first selected unit 163a is a side enlargement step in which a tool is inserted into an insertion port formed in the pre-machining step and the side of the insertion port is cut. The drill tool sequence set as the second assigned tool name 163f, which does not have the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, is a pre-machining step in which an insertion port into which a boring tool used in the subsequent boring tool sequence is inserted is formed. The boring tool sequence set as the first selected tool name 163b, which does not have the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e, is a side enlargement step in which a boring tool is inserted into an insertion port formed in the drill tool sequence and the side of the insertion port is cut. Therefore, it can be said that the improvement-required process includes a pre-machining process for forming an insertion port into which a tool to be used in the selected process is inserted, and the selected process can be said to include a side surface enlarging process for inserting the tool into the insertion port formed in the pre-machining process and cutting the side surface of the insertion port.

[0084] When a tool name represented as the second assigned tool name 163f exists in the tool sequence in the second selected unit 163e existing at the position specified by the sequence position 163d, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not the tool of the tool sequence of the machining unit executed later of the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e passes through the cut portion to be cut by the tool sequence of the machining unit executed earlier of the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e.

[0085] If the tool passes through, the machining program editing computer judges whether the nominal diameter of the first selected tool has changed as indicated by the nominal change 163c, and if so, makes a specific judgment as to whether the second assigned tool is available. A specific judgment method will be described later. If the tool is not available, the machining program editing computer judges the tool sequence in which the second assigned tool is set to be an improvement-requesting process.

[0086] At this time, in the primary machining program 157a of FIG. 4, the tool specified by the tool sequence of the turning drill machining unit is changed from a turning drill with a nominal value of 32.A to a turning drill with a nominal value of 10.A. The changed tool is the "turning drill end face", and the machining unit including the tool sequence is the "turning drill" machining unit. Since the turning drill machining unit includes only one tool sequence, the machining program editing computer refers to the correspondence data 163 and searches whether or not there is a bar material / copy machining unit behind the "turning drill" machining unit. When the "bar material" machining unit is found behind the "turning drill" machining unit in the primary machining program 157a, the machining program editing computer next determines whether or not there is a tool sequence having a tool with a tool name of "turning" in the bar material machining unit. When it is determined that there is a tool sequence having a tool with a tool name of "turning", the machining program editing computer determines whether or not the machining part parameter of the bar material machining unit is "inner diameter". The reason is that the machining part parameter of the bar machining unit is "inner diameter", which means that the "turning inner diameter" tool of the bar machining unit passes through the hole made by the previous "turning drill".

[0087] Since the tool with the rough machining tool sequence name 10.A and the tool with the finish machining tool sequence name 10.I meet all of these conditions, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not these two tools are usable based on whether they meet the above-mentioned [Condition 10].

[0088] With reference to the tool information 158 in FIG. 6, the designation of the "turning drill" has been changed to 10.A, so the machining diameter Dr1 = 10.0 mm. On the other hand, with reference to the tool information 158 in FIG. 8, the minimum machining diameter MR1 is 12.5 for both the turning tool with the designation of 10.A and the turning tool with the designation of 10.I. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that both the turning tool with the designation of 10.A and the turning tool with the designation of 10.I can no longer be used. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that the tool sequence for rough machining and the tool sequence for finish machining are processes requiring improvement. In this way, if the size of the insertion port (drill hole) formed by the first selected tool (turning drill with nominal designation 10.A) is smaller than the size of the insertion port (drill hole) formed by the first assigned tool (turning drill with nominal designation 32.A), and the second assigned tool (turning tool with nominal designation 10.A, 10.I) cannot be inserted into the insertion port, the machining program editing computer determines that a process requiring improvement exists.

[0089] In this way, when an improvement request process exists, the machining program editing computer changes the second assigned tool (turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A or 10.I) to a second selected tool having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion opening formed by the first selected tool (turning drill with a nominal value of 10.A). Specifically, the machining program editing computer changes the tool used in the rough machining tool sequence from the tool with a nominal value of 10.A to a tool that can be used in the rough machining tool sequence. The tool that can be used in the rough machining tool sequence is one that satisfies all of the above [Condition 7] to [Condition 11], and in the example shown in FIG. 8, for example, the tool with a nominal value of 5.A corresponds to this. In other words, the turning tool with a nominal value of 5.A corresponds to the second selected tool. In addition, when there are multiple tools that satisfy such conditions, the machining program editing computer selects the tool with the largest minimum machining diameter MR1 (the tool with the smallest change in the minimum machining diameter MR1).

[0090] Similarly, the machining program editing computer changes the tool used in the tool sequence for the finish machining from the tool with a nominal value of 10.I to a tool available in the tool sequence for the finish machining. The tool available in the tool sequence for the finish machining satisfies all of the above [Condition 7] to [Condition 11], and in the example shown in FIG. 8, for example, the tool with a nominal value of 5.G corresponds to this. That is, the turning tool with a nominal value of 5.G corresponds to the second selected tool. FIG. 12 shows the secondary machining program 157b modified as described above. In FIG. 12, the parts modified from the primary machining program 157a in the secondary machining program 157b are shown in white. It is preferable that, when the improvement request process is determined, the machining program editing computer modifies the start point-X parameter of the shape sequence to 10.0 in accordance with the nominal value of the first selected tool (turning drill with a nominal value of 10.A).

[0091] Furthermore, the machining program editing computer can display the cut shape before and after the change of the tool on the display 154 (240). FIG. 5 is a display example of the cut shape before the change of the tool. As shown in FIG. 5, the machining program editing computer calculates the first cut shape (CP1 in FIG. 5) cut by the second assigned tool (turning tool with nominal diameter 10.A, 10.I) and displays the first cut shape on the display 154 (240). FIG. 13 is a display example of the cut shape after the change of the tool. In FIG. 13, Dr2 corresponds to the nominal diameter 10.A of the turning drill after the change. The area IH2 shown by polka dots indicates the area cut by the turning drill after the change. The area CP2 shown by hatching using dashed lines indicates the area cut by the bar material inner diameter machining unit after the change. As shown in Figure 13, the machining program editing computer calculates a second cut shape (CP2) to be cut in the improvement request process based on a change in the improvement request process (the two tool sequences of the bar material inner diameter machining unit), and displays the second cut shape on the display 154 (240).

[0092] Furthermore, when there is no improvement request process, the machining program editing computer generates a machining program (secondary machining program 157b) in which the first assigned tool among the multiple assigned tools is modified to the first selected tool. When there is an improvement request process, the machining program editing computer generates a machining program (secondary machining program 157b) in which the first assigned tool among the multiple assigned tools is modified to the first selected tool and the second assigned tool is modified to the second selected tool.

[0093] As another example, consider a case where the program shown in Fig. 12 is a primary machining program 157a, and the tool of the rough machining tool sequence is changed to a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A, and the tool of the finish machining tool sequence is changed to a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.I by the user via the interface described above. In this case, the selected process corresponds to each of the rough machining tool sequence and the finish machining tool sequence. When the selected process is the rough machining tool sequence, the first assigned tool corresponds to the turning tool with a nominal value of 5.A, and the first selected tool corresponds to the turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A. When the selected process is the finish machining tool sequence, the first assigned tool corresponds to the turning tool with a nominal value of 5.G, and the first selected tool corresponds to the turning tool with a nominal value of 10.I.

[0094] At this time, the machining program editing computer refers to the correspondence data 163 as shown in FIG. 11, and when the first selected tool name 163b is "turning inner diameter", if the tool sequence of "turning drill end face" or the tool sequence of "grooving inner diameter" exists before the tool sequence, it confirms that the improvement request process exists. Next, the machining program editing computer searches whether the tool sequence of "turning drill end face" or the tool sequence of "grooving inner diameter" is included in the "bar material inner diameter machining unit" including the tool sequence in which the first selected tool is set. In the machining program shown in FIG. 12, since neither the tool sequence of "turning drill end face" nor the tool sequence of "grooving inner diameter" exists in the "bar material inner diameter machining unit", the machining program editing computer searches whether either the turning drill machining unit including the tool sequence of "turning drill end face" or the groove machining unit including the tool sequence of "grooving inner diameter" exists before the "bar material inner diameter machining unit". In the case of the machining program shown in Fig. 12, the machining program editing computer detects the turning drill machining unit of unit number 11 including the tool sequence of "turning drill end face" in this manner. Note that when the first selected tool name 163b is "turning internal diameter", it means that the turning tool specified by the first selected tool name 163b passes through a hole drilled by a turning drill specified by "turning drill end face" of the turning drill machining unit.

[0095] Next, the machining program editing computer judges whether or not the turning drill (second assigned tool) with the designation 10.A is available based on whether the above [Condition 10] is met. Since the designation of the "turning tool" has been changed to 10.A, 10.I, the minimum machining diameter MR1 of both of these tools is 12.5. On the other hand, since the designation of the "turning drill" is 10.A, the machining diameter Dr1 = 10.0m. Therefore, the machining program editing computer judges that the turning drill with the designation 10.A is no longer available. Therefore, the machining program editing computer judges that the turning drill machining unit with unit number 11, which includes the tool sequence of "turning drill end face", is the improvement-required process. In this way, if the first selected tool (turning tool with designation 10.A, 10.I) is larger than the first assigned tool (turning tool with designation 5.A, 5.I) and therefore the first selected tool (turning tool with designation 10.A, 10.I) cannot be inserted into the insertion port, the machining program editing computer determines that a process requiring improvement exists.

[0096] In this way, when there is an improvement request process, the machining program editing computer changes the second assigned tool (turning drill with nominal size 10.A) to a second selected tool that can be used to form an insertion opening large enough to insert the first selected tool (turning tool with nominal size 10.A, 10.I). The tool that can be used in the tool sequence of "turning drill end face" is one that satisfies all of the above [Condition 1] to [Condition 5] and [Condition 10], and in the example shown in FIG. 6, for example, the turning drill with nominal size 32.A corresponds to this. In other words, the turning drill with nominal size 32.A corresponds to the second selected tool. In addition, when there are multiple tools that satisfy such conditions, the machining program editing computer selects the tool with the smallest minimum machining diameter MR1 (the tool with the smallest change in the minimum machining diameter MR1 before and after the change). Furthermore, when the nominal value 32.A of the turning drill is determined, the machining program editing computer preferably modifies the start point-X parameter of the shape sequence of the bar material inner diameter machining unit to 32.0 to match the nominal value 32.A of the second selected tool (turning drill). <Processing features for machining programs that include grooving tools> Fig. 14 shows an example of a machining program 157 including a grooving tool. For ease of explanation, the program in Fig. 14 will be described below assuming that it is provided behind the bar machining unit with unit number 12 in Fig. 4. Fig. 15 is a diagram for explaining the shape of the workpiece and the shape of the grooving tool according to the machining program 157 in Fig. 14.

[0097] Unit number (UNo.) 13 in FIG. 14 indicates a machining unit with a groove tool for further machining the outer peripheral surface of the hole machined by the code in FIG. 4. Unit number (UNo.) 14 indicates a machining unit for machining the side surface of the hole machined by the groove tool. Hereinafter, the machining unit with unit number 13 will be referred to as the groove machining unit, and the machining unit with unit number 14 will be referred to as the bar material internal diameter machining unit. The groove machining unit includes a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) F1 and a shape sequence consisting of start point-X, start point-Z, end point-X, and end point-Z in FIG. 1. The bar material internal diameter machining unit includes a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) R1, a tool sequence with sequence number (SNo.) F2, and a shape sequence representing the taper pattern in FIG. 1.

[0098] The grooving machining unit includes, between the unit number (UNo.) and the sequence number (SNo.), a machining part parameter, a groove shape pattern definition parameter, a groove number parameter, a groove pitch parameter, a groove width parameter, and a finishing allowance parameter, which are commonly used in the tool sequence and the shape sequence. The machining part parameters are parameters that set which end face of the workpiece W1, the flat end face on the right side or the flat end face on the left side, the end face of the outer diameter of the workpiece W1, or the side face of the hole opened in the workpiece W1 (the "inner diameter"), is to be machined. The groove shape pattern definition parameter ("pattern") is a parameter that defines the shape to be cut by the grooving tool. The cross-sectional shape VG1 of this cut shape in a direction parallel to the rotation axis A2 is shown by a polka dot pattern in FIG. 15. The groove number parameter ("number") is a parameter for setting how many grooves of the shape set by the groove shape pattern definition parameter are to be provided at the location set by the machining part parameters. The groove pitch parameter ("pitch") is a parameter that defines the interval between grooves when the number set by the groove number parameter is more than one. The groove width parameter is the groove width indicated by Wg in Figure 15. The finish allowance parameter is the machining allowance in finish machining. In this machining unit, there is no rough machining and all machining is finish machining, so input of the finish allowance parameter is omitted.

[0099] The tool sequence of the groove machining unit is a tool sequence for finishing. This tool sequence includes, for example, a tool parameter, a nominal parameter, a pattern parameter, a cutting depth 1 parameter, a peripheral speed parameter, and a feed parameter. This tool sequence is a tool sequence for finishing. The tool parameters specify a groove tool for groove machining. The nominal parameter includes a nominal diameter ("10.0") and a suffix ("A"). The suffix is ​​used to distinguish between tools with the same tool parameters and the same nominal diameter when there are multiple tools with the same tool parameters. The cutting depth 1 parameter indicates the maximum cutting depth in the X-axis direction cut in one stroke. The pattern parameter specifies the tool path in each stroke. In this example, after the cutting edge is moved to the cutting start point in the first stroke, the cutting edge is moved in the X-axis direction to cut the workpiece W1 with a cutting depth within the cutting depth 1 parameter, and then the cutting edge is returned to the cutting start point. In the subsequent strokes, the cutting edge is again moved in the X-axis direction to cut the workpiece W1 at a cutting depth within the cut 1 parameter, thereby cutting to the final required groove depth. Furthermore, if the groove width Wg is longer than the cutting edge width BW1 (see FIG. 15), the cutting edge is shifted in the Z-axis direction and a similar stroke is repeated. The tool path as shown above is set as the set tool path. Note that various other tool paths may be set as the set tool path. In the tool sequence for finishing machining, such tool paths are automatically set. The peripheral speed parameter indicates the rotational speed of the first spindle 122 that holds the workpiece W1. The feed parameter indicates the moving speed when the grooving tool is moved linearly in the X-axis direction, etc.

[0100] The bar machining unit of unit number 14 in FIG. 14 has the same parameters as the bar machining unit of unit number 12 in FIG. 4, except for the shape sequence, so only the shape sequence will be described. The hatched area TC in FIG. 15 represents the shape defined by this shape sequence. The hatched area TC represents the cross-sectional shape in a direction parallel to the rotation axis A2 of the shape to be cut by the bar machining unit of unit number 14. Point A in FIG. 15 represents the cut start point and is defined by (cut-X / 2, cut-Z). Point B in FIG. 15 is defined by (start point-X / 2, start point-Z). Point C in FIG. 15 is defined by (end point-X / 2, end point-Z). The hatched area TC is defined by a trapezoid consisting of four points represented by points A, B, C and (cut-X / 2, start point-Z).

[0101] The machining program generation computer sets the groove tool that is optimal for machining the tool set in the tool sequence of the groove machining unit. FIG. 16 is an example of tool information 158 of the groove tool. As shown in FIG. 16, the tool information 158 of the turning tool has a T number (TNo.), a pocket number (PNo.), a tool name (name + machining part), and a nominal + suffix. Furthermore, as the parameters (dimensions) of the tool corresponding to these, the tool information includes parameters of the tool length A, the tool length B, the tool width, the rotation direction, the cutting edge R, the groove depth, the cutting edge width, the minimum machining diameter, the tool material, and the use (rough / finishing). Most of these parameters are the same as the parameters of the turning tool, but only the groove depth and the cutting edge width are different. The groove depth corresponds to the length BH1 in FIG. 15. The cutting edge width corresponds to the length BW1 in FIG. 15. In FIG. 15, the tool length A, tool length B, tool width, and minimum machining diameter of the grooving tool are represented as Ht2, Wt2, Dt2, and MR2, respectively.

[0102] The machining program generating computer may select and set an optimal grooving tool based on, for example, the following [Condition 14] to [Condition 20]. [Condition 14] The material of the tool is capable of machining the workpiece W1. [Condition 15] The rotation setting of the first spindle 122 / second spindle 123 and the rotation direction are in accordance with the advancing direction of the tool. [Condition 16] Tool length A (Ht2) is greater than machining depth DEP2. [Condition 17] The minimum machining diameter MR2 is smaller than the machining diameter Dr2 formed by the bar unit of unit number 12. [Condition 18] It is suitable for the rough cutting and finishing purposes in the program. [Condition 19] The cutting edge width BW1 is shorter than the groove width Wg. More specifically, the cutting edge width BW1 is formed to a length that allows the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern to be formed. [Condition 20] The groove depth BH1 is shorter than the groove height Wh=|(end point-X / 2)-(start point-X / 2)|.

[0103] The machining program generation computer may select and set the optimum turning tool for the bar machining unit with unit number 14 based on the above conditions 7 to 11, as well as conditions 12 and 13. [Condition 12] Secondary entering angle γ t1 is smaller than arctan(Wh / Wg). In other words, Wgtanγ t1 >Wh so that the minor cutting angle γ t1 This prevents the cutting tool from hitting the outer corner Co even when the cutting edge of the cutting tool hits the inner corner Ci. [Condition 13] Entering angle β t1 is larger than the angle θ in Fig. 15. When the opposite side of the cross-sectional shape VG1 is also machined by the groove machining unit (shown by the dotted line area VG2 in Fig. 15), the cutting angle β is set so that the cutting tool does not come into contact with the outer corner Coe even when the cutting edge of the turning tool comes into contact with the inner corner Cie. t1 is greater than the angle φ in FIG.

[0104] The machining program generation computer sets the tool with the nominal number 10.A of the tool sequence of the grooving tool unit as the assigned tool based on [Condition 14] to [Condition 20]. The machining program generation computer selects the tool with the nominal number 10.A of T number 10 that satisfies the conditions for rough machining of the bar material internal diameter machining unit as the assigned tool based on [Condition 14] to [Condition 20]. The machining program generation computer selects the tool with the nominal number 10.I of T number 10 that satisfies the conditions for finish machining of the bar material internal diameter machining unit as the assigned tool.

[0105] Next, the processing of the machining program editing computer will be described using the above-mentioned interface, taking as an example a case where the turning tool used in the rough machining tool sequence is changed from a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A to a turning tool with a nominal value of 10.G. In this example, the rough machining tool sequence corresponds to the selected process, the original turning tool with a nominal value of 10.A corresponds to the first assigned tool, and the turning tool with a nominal value of 10.G corresponds to the first selected tool. First, the machining program editing computer refers to the correspondence data 163, and when the first selected tool name 163b is "turning inner diameter", which is the tool name of the turning tool with a nominal value of 10.G, it confirms that an improvement request process exists if a tool sequence of "turning drill end face" or a tool sequence of "grooving inner diameter" exists before the tool sequence.

[0106] Next, the machining program editing computer searches whether the "bar stock internal diameter machining unit" including the tool sequence set with the first selected tool includes a tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" or a tool sequence of "grooving, internal diameter". In the machining program shown in Fig. 14, neither the tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" nor the tool sequence of "grooving, internal diameter" exists in the bar stock internal diameter machining unit of unit number 14, so the machining program editing computer searches whether there exists either a turning drill machining unit including a tool sequence of "turning drill, end face" or a grooving machining unit including a tool sequence of "grooving, internal diameter" before the bar stock internal diameter machining unit.

[0107] In the machining program, both a turning drill machining unit and a grooving machining unit exist. In this case, the machining program editing computer searches for a tool sequence of "grooving inner diameter" in a "grooving machining unit" closer to the bar material inner diameter machining unit of unit number 14. Here, "closer" may be determined based on the number of other machining units between the reference machining unit and the referenced machining unit. In the case of the machining program shown in FIG. 14, the machining program editing computer detects the groove machining unit of unit number 13 including the tool sequence of "grooving inner diameter" in this way. The machining program editing computer determines that the turning tool of nominal 10.A of the bar material machining unit executed later passes through the hole opened by the groove tool specified by "grooving inner diameter" of the groove machining unit executed earlier, since the cut start point (point A in FIG. 15) determined by (cut-X / 2, cut-Z) of the "bar material inner diameter machining unit" is in contact with the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern of the groove machining unit.

[0108] Then, since a change in the nominal diameter of the first selected tool, represented by the nominal change 163c, has occurred, the machining program editing computer makes a specific judgment as to whether the second assigned tool is available or not. As a specific judgment, the machining program editing computer judges whether or not [Condition 7] to [Condition 13] are satisfied. At this time, the minor cutting angle γ t1 is 180°-95°-55°=30°, and if the original groove machining unit is used, Wgtanγ t1= 1.732.. <Wh = 2 is obtained. Therefore, if [Condition 12] is not satisfied and the groove width Wg of the tool sequence of the grooving unit is not changed, the turning tool with a nominal size of 10.G cannot be used. Therefore, the machining program editing computer determines that the tool sequence of the grooving unit is a process requiring improvement. At this time, the grooving tool with a nominal size of 10.A corresponds to the second assigned tool. In other words, the machining program editing computer determines whether there is an improvement required process among a plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, such that if the first assigned tool is changed to the first selected tool, the first selected tool cannot be used unless the set tool path of the second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the plurality of assigned tools is changed. The set tool path is a tool path defined by the groove width parameter and the pattern parameter of the tool sequence with sequence number F1.

[0109] Thus, when there is an improvement required process, the machining program editing computer changes the tool path of the second assigned tool (grooving tool) so that the first selected tool can be used. Specifically, the machining program editing computer changes the groove width parameter of the grooving unit to 4.0. By doing so, Wgtanγ t1 = 2.309.. > Wh = 2.0 is obtained, because [Condition 12] is satisfied. Since it is necessary to set so that the product shape does not change even when this groove width parameter changes, if the product shape changes when the groove width parameter changes, it is also necessary to change the shape sequence of the grooving unit. In this example, the groove shape pattern is "2", and the hatched (starting point -X / 2, starting point -Z)(ending point -X / 2, ending point -Z) in the shape sequence of the water droplet pattern does not require changing the shape sequence of the grooving unit because it only specifies the right side of the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern. Further, along with the change of the groove width parameter, the cutting -Z parameter of the bar machining unit is changed to correspond to the point corresponding to the corner of the portion cut out in the grooving unit.

[0110] Furthermore, it is preferable that the machining program editing computer changes the tool (grooving tool) used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool (grooving tool with nominal 10.A) to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process. The tool available in the tool sequence of "grooving inner diameter" is one that satisfies all of the above [Condition 12], [Condition 14] to [Condition 20] and is preferably one with the largest cutting edge width BW1. This is because it is possible to reduce the number of strokes. In the example given in FIG. 16, for example, a groove tool with nominal 10.G corresponds to this. This cutting edge width BW1 corresponds to the length of the upper base of the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern. FIG. 17 shows the secondary machining program 157b modified as described above. In FIG. 17, the parts modified from the primary machining program 157a in the secondary machining program 157b are shown in white.

[0111] As another example, consider the case where the program shown in FIG. 17 is the primary machining program 157a, and the user changes the groove tool with a nominal size of 10.G to a groove tool with a nominal size of 10.A via the interface described above, and changes the groove width parameter to 3.0. The groove width parameter may be changed, for example, by pressing the edit button BU1 in the unit selection window WIN1 in FIG. 10 and changing the groove width parameter in the GUI, or the machining program editing program 159 may have a function of automatically changing the groove width parameter together with the correction of the groove tool. At this time, the selected process corresponds to the tool sequence of the groove machining unit. The first assigned tool corresponds to the groove tool with a nominal size of 10.G, and the first selected tool corresponds to the groove tool with a nominal size of 10.A. Changing the groove width parameter corresponds to changing the tool path of the groove tool. In other words, the machining program editing computer accepts input from the user to change the tool path of a tool (grooving tool) used in a selected process (tool sequence of the groove machining unit) among multiple machining processes from the set tool path of the tool (tool path when the groove width is 4.0) to the selected tool path (tool path when the groove width is 3.0).

[0112] Next, the machining program editing computer judges whether there is an improvement-required process among the multiple machining processes other than the selected process (the tool sequence of the groove cutting unit) that, by changing to the selected tool path (the tool path when the groove width is 3.0), will make it impossible to use the second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the multiple assigned tools. Specifically, in the case where the first selected tool name 163b is "grooving inner diameter" which is a groove cutting tool with a nominal value of 10.A, it is confirmed that there is an improvement-required process if there is a tool sequence of "turning inner diameter" after the tool sequence.

[0113] In this machining program, there is a tool sequence of "Turning, Inner Diameter" with unit number 14 after the groove machining unit. Therefore, the machining program editing computer searches whether there is a tool sequence of "Turning, Inner Diameter" in the "Bar Machining Unit" with unit number 14. In the case of the machining program shown in Fig. 14, the machining program editing computer detects the bar machining unit with unit number 14 including the tool sequence of "Turning, Inner Diameter" in this way.

[0114] Next, the machining program editing computer determines that the cutting start point (point A in FIG. 5) determined by (cut-X / 2, cut-Z) of the "bar stock internal diameter machining unit" is in contact with the cross-sectional shape VG1 of the groove shape pattern of the grooving machining unit before the tool path is changed (when the tool path is for groove width 4.0), and therefore the turning tool with nominal size 10.G of the bar stock machining unit executed later passes through the hole opened by the grooving tool specified by the "grooving internal diameter" of the grooving machining unit executed earlier. Therefore, the turning tool with nominal size 10.G corresponds to the second assigned tool.

[0115] Therefore, next, the machining program editing computer refers to the call change 163c. Here, the fact that the call change 163c is "[small]" refers to the size of the opening formed by the tool path regardless of the call diameter of the first selected tool. In this case, if the size of the groove width parameter is small, the machining program editing computer determines that the change represented by the call change 163c has occurred. In this example, since the groove width parameter has decreased from 4.0 to 3.0, the machining program editing computer determines that the change represented by the call change 163c has occurred.

[0116] Since the machining program editing computer determines that the change represented by the call change 163c has occurred, it makes a specific determination as to whether the second assigned tool (a turning tool with a call of 10.G) is available. A tool that is available in the tool sequence of "turning inner diameter" is a tool that satisfies all of the above [Condition 7] to [Condition 13]. As described above, Wgtanγ t1 = 1.732.. <Wh = 2, so it does not satisfy [Condition 12]. Therefore, the second assigned tool (a turning tool with a call of 10.G) cannot be used, and the machining program editing computer determines the tool sequence of sequence number R1 of the bar machining unit of unit number 14 as the improvement request process.

[0117] When there is an improvement request process (the tool sequence of sequence number R1), the machining program editing computer changes the tool used in the improvement request process (the tool sequence of sequence number R1) from the second assigned tool (a turning tool with a call of 10.G) to the second selected tool (a turning tool with a call of 10.A) that is available in the improvement request process (the tool sequence of sequence number R1). At this time, the auxiliary cutting edge angle γ t1 becomes 180° - 95° - 50° = 35°, and still, Wgtanγ t1This is because =2.100..>Wh=2, and [Condition 12] is satisfied. Other parameters are also the same as nominal 10.A, so [Condition 7] to [Condition 13] are satisfied. Even in this case, the machining program editing computer may display the cut shape before and after the tool change on the display 154 (240).

[0118] In the example of Fig. 17, when the turning tool (nominal 10.G) is replaced with a larger turning tool, if the turning tool can be inserted into the insertion opening formed by the grooving tool by changing only the groove width parameter without changing the grooving tool, only the groove width parameter may be changed. In this case, only the tool path of the grooving tool is changed.

[0119] 14 to 17 are examples of machining the inner diameter of a hole drilled in a workpiece W1, but the examples of Figures 14 to 17 can be applied as they are to machining the outer periphery (outer diameter) or end face of a workpiece, except for the differences in the conditions for tool selection described below. When machining the outer periphery (outer diameter) or end face of a workpiece, there is no need to consider interference between the wall surface of the hole and the tool, so a turning tool should be selected to satisfy [Condition 7], [Condition 8], and [Condition 11] to [Condition 13], and a grooving tool should be selected to satisfy [Condition 14], [Condition 15], and [Condition 18] to [Condition 20]. <Method of generating the secondary machining program 157b using the machining program editing program 159> Next, a method for supporting the generation of the machining program 157 using the machining program editing program 159 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 18 is a flowchart relating to the machining program generation support method. In step S1 of FIG. 18, the machining program editing computer sets a plurality of assigned tools in a plurality of machining processes. In step S2, the machining program editing computer sets the tool paths of each of the plurality of assigned tools as set tool paths. These are realized, for example, by the machining program editing computer reading the primary machining program 157a generated by the machining program generating computer. However, the data read by the machining program editing computer may not be the primary machining program 157a, but may be intermediate processing data in which only the tools and tool paths are defined.

[0120] In step S3, the machining program editing computer accepts a correction input for the selected process using the editing window 30 of the primary machining program 157a as shown in Fig. 10. Specifically, in step S3A in Fig. 19, the machining program editing computer accepts an input for changing the first assigned tool of the selected process to the first selected tool using the tool sequence selection window WIN2. When the input is accepted (Yes in step S3A), in step S3B, the machining program editing computer stores the selected first selected tool and the first selected unit 163a in the memory 152 (220) (storage device). If there is no input to change the first assigned tool to the first selected tool (step S3A is No), in step S3B of Fig. 19, the machining program editing computer uses the unit selection window WIN1 (e.g., editing the groove width parameter of the groove cutting unit) and the tool sequence selection window WIN2 (e.g., editing the machining hole diameter parameter of the end mill tool sequence) to accept an input to change the set tool path of the selected process to the selected tool path. If the input is accepted (step S3C is Yes), in step S3D, the machining program editing computer stores the machining unit of the process corresponding to the selected tool path as the first selected unit 163a and the tool of the process as the first selected tool in the memory 152 (220) (storage device).

[0121] In step S4, the machining program editing computer searches for the second assigned tool name 163f and sequence position 163d corresponding to the first selected tool name 163b of the selected process from the correspondence data 163. If there are multiple second assigned tool names 163f and sequence positions 163d corresponding to the first selected tool name 163b of the selected process, the machining program editing computer extracts all the corresponding second assigned tool names 163f and sequence positions 163d.

[0122] In step S5, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not there is a first selected tool name 163b with a sequence position 163d of "front" among the second assigned tool names 163f extracted in step S4. If there is no first selected tool name 163b with a sequence position 163d of "front" (No in step S5), proceed to step S7. If there is a first selected tool name 163b with a sequence position 163d of "front" (Yes in step S5), in step S6, the machining program editing computer sets the search direction to forward and executes step S10. In step S7, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not there is a first selected tool name 163b with a sequence position 163d of "back" among the second assigned tool names 163f extracted in step S4. If there is no first selected tool name 163b with the sequence position 163d being "back" (No in step S7), in step S9, the machining program editing computer outputs the primary machining program 157a, or, if the primary machining program 157a has been modified in step S10, the secondary machining program 157b. If there is a first selected tool name 163b with the sequence position 163d being "back" (Yes in step S7), in step S8, the machining program editing computer sets the search direction to "back" and executes step S10.

[0123] In step S11 of FIG. 20, the machining program editing computer searches for tool sequences in the same machining unit as the selected process in the search direction determined in step S6 or S8. In step S12, the machining program editing computer determines whether the tool name of the searched tool sequence matches the second assigned tool name 163f at the sequence position 163d in the same direction as the search direction. For example, when the selected process is a tool sequence of a groove machining unit, when the search direction is "front", it determines whether the second assigned tool name 163f at the sequence position 163d "front" matches either the tool name of "turning inner diameter" or the tool name of "turning drill end face". If there is a match (Yes in step S12), proceed to step S22 of FIG. 21. If there is no match (No in step S12), in step S13, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not all tool sequences have been searched in the search direction within the machining unit in which the selected process exists, and if all tool sequences have not been searched (No in step S13), the machining program editing computer repeats the operations of steps S11 to S13 until all tool sequences have been searched.

[0124] In step S22 of FIG. 21, the machining program editing computer determines a tool in a tool sequence whose tool name matches the second assigned tool name as the second assigned tool. In the correspondence data 163, depending on the selected process, a plurality of second assigned tool names 163f having the same sequence position as the selected process are defined. However, in step S22, the tool name matches the second assigned tool name and the tool in the tool sequence closest to the selected process is determined as the second assigned tool in order. Then, if the search direction is forward (Yes in step S23), the machining program editing computer determines in step S24 whether the size of the first selected tool is larger than the size of the first assigned tool. If the size of the first selected tool is larger than the size of the first assigned tool, the nominal diameter of the tool is larger, the cutting edge width BW1 of the grooving tool is larger, or the minor cutting angle γ of the turning tool is larger. t1This means that either

[0125] If the search direction is backward (No in step S23), the machining program editing computer determines in step S25 whether the size of the insertion hole machined by the first selected tool is smaller than the size of the insertion hole machined by the first assigned tool. If the size of the first selected tool is larger than the size of the first assigned tool, the nominal diameter of the tool will be larger, the cutting edge width BW1 of the grooving tool will be larger, or the minor cutting angle γ of the turning tool will be larger. t1 It means that the size of the first selected tool is not larger than the size of the first assigned tool (No in step S24) or the size of the insertion opening machined by the first selected tool is not smaller than the size of the insertion opening machined by the first assigned tool (No in step S25), the process returns to step S11. When the size of the first selected tool is larger than the size of the first assigned tool (Yes in step S24) or the size of the insertion opening machined by the first selected tool is smaller than the size of the insertion opening machined by the first assigned tool (Yes in step S25), the machining program editing computer performs the following process according to the type of the first selected tool or the second assigned tool that is used first (step S26).

[0126] When the tool used first in step S26 is a turning drill, the machining program editing computer determines in step S30 of FIG. 22 whether or not the turning tool used in the machining unit executed later satisfies the above [Condition 10]. If [Condition 10] is met (Yes in step S30), the process returns to step S11. If [Condition 10] is not met (No in step S30), in step S31, the machining program editing computer determines a tool sequence including a second assigned tool as the improvement request process. When the improvement request process is a tool sequence including a turning tool (Yes in step S32), in step S33, the machining program editing computer determines a second selected tool that is a turning tool that satisfies [Condition 7] to [Condition 11] and has a size smaller than the size of the turning tool that is the second assigned tool. When the improvement request process is a tool sequence including a turning drill (No in step S32), in step S34, the machining program editing computer determines a second selected tool which is a turning drill having [Condition 1] to [Condition 5] and [Condition 10] and has a size larger than the size of the second assigned tool, the turning drill.

[0127] When the tool used first in step S26 is a groove tool, the machining program editing computer determines in step S40 of FIG. 23 whether or not the turning tool used in the machining unit executed later satisfies the above-mentioned [Condition 12]. If [Condition 12] is satisfied (Yes in step S40), the process returns to step S11. If [Condition 12] is not satisfied (No in step S40), in step S41, the machining program editing computer determines the tool sequence including the second assigned tool as the improvement request process. When the improvement request process is a tool sequence including a turning tool (Yes in step S42), in step S43, the machining program editing computer finds a second selected tool, which is a turning tool having a shape that satisfies [Condition 7] to [Condition 13] and replaces the turning tool that is the second assigned tool. When the improvement request process is a tool sequence including a grooving tool (No in step S42), the machining program editing computer determines in step S44 a tool path (groove width parameter) of a grooving tool, which is a second assigned tool, that satisfies [Condition 12]. In step S45, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not a grooving tool better than the second assigned tool exists. This is because the machining program editing computer determines whether or not a second selected tool exists that is a grooving tool that satisfies [Condition 14] to [Condition 20] and has a cutting edge width larger than that of the grooving tool, which is the second assigned tool. If such a tool exists (No in step S45), in step S46, the machining program editing computer determines a second selected tool that is a grooving tool that satisfies [Condition 14] to [Condition 20] and [Condition 12] and has a cutting edge width larger than that of the grooving tool, which is the second assigned tool.

[0128] 20, when any of steps S33, S34, S43, and S46 is completed, or when S45 is completed without executing S46 (No in S45), the machining program editing computer calculates a first cut shape to be cut by the second assigned tool in step S18 of FIG. 20, displays the first cut shape on the display 154 (240), calculates a second cut shape to be cut in the improvement request process based on the change of the improvement request process, and displays the second cut shape on the display 154 (240). In step S19, the machining program editing computer accepts an instruction from the user to OK the correction of the improvement request process based on the shape displayed on the display 154 (240). When an instruction to reject the correction of the improvement request process is accepted (No in step S19), the machining program editing computer cancels the acceptance of step S3 in step S20. When an instruction to correct the improvement-required process is received (Yes in step S19), the machining program editing computer changes the second assigned tool to the determined second selected tool and / or changes the tool path of the improvement-required process to the determined tool path in step S21.

[0129] Returning to FIG. 20, if it is determined that there is no tool sequence by a tool that matches the second assigned tool name 163f in the same machining unit as the selected process, or there is no unavailable second assigned tool (Yes in step S13), the machining program editing computer extracts the second selected unit 163e corresponding to the second assigned tool name 163f from the correspondence data 163 in step S14. In step S15, the machining program editing computer searches for machining units in order from the machining unit in which the selected process is located in the search direction determined in step S6 or S8. In step S16, the machining program editing computer determines whether the searched machining unit matches the second selected unit 163e. If they match (Yes in step S16), the process proceeds to step S70 in FIG. 24. If there is no match (No in step S16), in step S17, the machining program editing computer determines whether or not all machining units have been searched in the search direction, and if all machining units have not been searched (No in step S17), the machining program editing computer repeats the operations from step S15 to step S17 until all machining units have been searched.

[0130] In step S70 of FIG. 24, the machining program editing computer searches the tool sequence in order from the selected process in the second selected unit 163e in the search direction determined in step S6 or S8. In step S71, the machining program editing computer determines whether the tool name of the searched tool sequence matches the second assigned tool name 163f at the sequence position 163d in the same direction as the search direction. For example, when the selected process is the tool sequence of a groove machining unit, when the search direction is "front", it determines whether the second assigned tool name 163f at the sequence position 163d "front" matches either the tool name of "turning inner diameter" or the tool name of "turning drill end face". If there is a match (Yes in step S71), in step S72, the machining program editing computer determines whether the tool of the tool sequence to be executed later passes through the cut part to be cut by the tool sequence of the machining unit to be executed earlier of the first selected unit 163a and the second selected unit 163e. For example, in the relationship between the turning drill machining unit and the bar stock inner diameter machining unit, this can be determined by whether the machining part is "inner diameter". In the relationship between the groove machining unit and the bar stock machining unit, this can be determined by whether the cutting start point of the bar stock unit is included in the groove machining figure before the change. If the tool of the tool sequence executed later passes through the cut part cut by the tool sequence of the machining unit executed earlier (Yes in step S72), proceed to step S22' in FIG. 25. If there is no match in step S71 (No in step S71) or the tool does not pass through (No in step S72), in step S73, the machining program editing computer determines whether all the tool sequences have been searched in the search direction in the second selected unit 163e, and if all the tool sequences have not been searched (No in step S73), the machining program editing computer repeats the operations from step S70 to step S73 until all the tool sequences have been searched. If all the tool sequences have been searched, return to step S15 in FIG. 20.

[0131] The process contents of each of step S22' in FIG. 25 to step S46' in FIG. 27 are the same as step S22 in FIG. 21 to step S46 in FIG. 23 except for "'", but only the process destinations indicated by circles and symbols are different. The process destinations are as shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 20. Specifically, when the conditions of steps S24', S25', S30', and S40' are not met, the process proceeds to step S70, which is different from the process from step S22 to step S46. Therefore, a detailed description of the process will be omitted. <Actions and Effects of the Embodiments> The machining program generation support method, the machine tool 100, and the machining program editing program 159 according to the present embodiment cause the machining program editing computer to determine whether or not there is an improvement request process in which the second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the multiple assigned tools used in the multiple machining processes cannot be used by changing the first assigned tool of the selected process to the first selected tool, which is one of multiple machining processes other than the selected process. Then, when an improvement request process exists, the method, the machine tool 100, and the machining program editing program 159 cause the machining program editing computer to change the tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process. Therefore, when changing the tool of one process of the machining program 157 consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for another process affected by the change.

[0132] Furthermore, the machining program generation support method, the machine tool 100, and the machining program editing program 159 according to this embodiment cause the machining program editing computer to determine whether or not there is an improvement request process in which the first selected tool cannot be used unless the set tool path of the second assigned tool corresponding to the process among the multiple assigned tools used in the multiple machining processes is changed by changing the first assigned tool of the selected process to the first selected tool, which is one of multiple machining processes other than the selected process. When an improvement request process exists, the method, the machine tool 100, and the machining program editing program 159 cause the machining program editing computer to change the tool path of the second assigned tool so that the first selected tool can be used. Therefore, when changing the tool of one process of the machining program 157 consisting of multiple machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool path for another process affected by the change.

[0133] Furthermore, the machining program generation support method, the machine tool 100, and the machining program editing program 159 according to the present embodiment allow the machining program editing computer to receive an input from a user to change the tool path of a tool used in a selected process among a plurality of machining processes from a set tool path to a selected tool path. The method, the machine tool 100, and the machining program editing program 159 allow the machining program editing computer to determine whether or not there is an improvement request process in any of a plurality of machining processes other than the selected process, in which a second assigned tool corresponding to the process among a plurality of assigned tools becomes unavailable by changing to the selected tool path. When an improvement request process exists, the method, the machine tool 100, and the machining program editing program 159 allow the machining program editing computer to change the tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process. Therefore, when changing the tool path of one process of a machining program consisting of a plurality of machining processes, it is possible to appropriately change the tool for another process affected by the change. <Modification> The technology shown in the above embodiment is also applicable to a case where a hole is drilled while adjusting the diameter with a plurality of tools such as a drill, an end mill, and a boring tool. The parameters of finish-X, start-X, and end-X in the above embodiment correspond to twice the X coordinate of the corresponding machining point (the diameter of the machined hole), but the parameters of finish-X, start-X, and end-X may correspond to the X coordinate of the corresponding machining point (the radius of the machined hole). In the primary machining program 157a in FIG. 4, the case where the bar machining unit includes both the rough machining tool sequence and the finish machining tool sequence is illustrated, but the rough machining tool sequence may be omitted. In that case, if the nominal diameter of the turning drill of the turning drill unit becomes small, a rough machining tool unit may be added. Also, the bar machining unit of unit number 12 itself may be omitted, and a groove machining unit of unit number 13 or later may be described. In that case, if the nominal diameter of the turning drill of the turning drill unit becomes small, a bar machining unit as shown in the embodiment may be added.

[0134] In this application, the term "comprises" and its derivatives are open-ended terms that describe the presence of elements and do not exclude the presence of other elements not listed. This also applies to the terms "have", "include" and their derivatives.

[0135] The terms "member," "part," "element," "body," and "structure" may have multiple meanings, such as a single part or multiple parts.

[0136] Ordinal numbers such as "first" and "second" are merely terms used to identify components and do not have any other meaning (such as a particular order). For example, the presence of a "first element" does not imply the presence of a "second element," and the presence of a "second element" does not imply the presence of a "first element."

[0137] Words expressing degrees such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately" can refer to reasonable deviations that do not significantly change the end result. All numerical values ​​described in this application can be interpreted to include words such as "substantially," "about," and "approximately."

[0138] In this application, the phrase "at least one of A and B" should be interpreted as including A only, B only, and both A and B.

[0139] It is apparent that various changes and modifications of the present invention are possible in light of the above disclosure, and therefore, the present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Multiple tools used in multiple machining processes are set up in the computer as multiple assigned tools. The computer receives input from a user to change the tool used in the selected process among the plurality of processing processes from the first assigned tool corresponding to the selected process among the plurality of assigned tools to the first selected tool. The computer is instructed to determine whether there is an improvement request process among the plurality of processing processes other than the selected process in which changing from the first assigned tool to the first selected tool would render the second assigned tool corresponding to that process unavailable. When the aforementioned improvement request process exists, the computer changes the tool used in the improvement request process from the second assigned tool to the second selected tool available in the improvement request process. A method for supporting the generation of a processing program, including the following.

2. The computer is made to calculate the first workpiece shape to be removed by the second assigned tool, and the first workpiece shape is displayed on the display. The process further includes causing the computer to calculate the second workpiece shape to be removed in the improvement request process based on the change in the improvement request process, and displaying the second workpiece shape on the display. The method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to claim 1.

3. The selected step includes a pre-processing step that forms an insertion opening into which a tool used in the improvement request step is inserted, The improvement request step includes inserting the tool into the insertion opening formed in the pre-processing step and a side enlargement step of shaving the side surface of the insertion opening. The method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to claim 1.

4. If the size of the insertion opening formed by the first selected tool becomes smaller than the size of the insertion opening formed by the first assigned tool, and the second assigned tool cannot be inserted into the insertion opening, the computer determines that the improvement request process exists. The method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to claim 3.

5. When the aforementioned improvement request process exists, the computer changes the second assigned tool to a second selected tool having a shape that can be inserted into the insertion opening formed by the first selected tool. The method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned improvement request step includes a pre-processing step that forms an insertion opening into which a tool used in the selected step is inserted, The selected step includes inserting the tool into the insertion opening formed in the pre-processing step and a side enlargement step of shaving the side surface of the insertion opening, The method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to claim 1.

7. If the first selected tool is larger than the first assigned tool, and the first selected tool cannot be inserted into the insertion port, the computer determines that the improvement request process exists. The method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to claim 6.

8. When the aforementioned improvement request process exists, the computer changes the second assigned tool to the second selected tool that can be used to form an insertion opening of a size into which the first selected tool can be inserted. The method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to claim 7.

9. The tool used to form the aforementioned insertion opening is a drilling tool, The tool inserted into the aforementioned opening is at least one of a turning tool and a grooving tool. A method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

10. The tool used to form the aforementioned insertion opening is a grooving tool, The tool inserted into the aforementioned opening is a turning tool. A method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

11. Having the computer determine whether or not the aforementioned improvement request process exists is, The computer's storage device stores the correspondence between the selected process and the process for which improvement is requested. Based on the selected process received through the input, information representing the improvement request process is obtained from the corresponding process, and the computer is instructed to search whether a process corresponding to the improvement request process is included among the multiple processing processes based on the information. Including, A method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. When there is no improvement request process, the computer generates the machining program in which the first assigned tool among the plurality of assigned tools is modified to the first selected tool. When the aforementioned improvement request process exists, the computer is instructed to generate the machining program in which the first assigned tool among the plurality of assigned tools is modified to the first selected tool, and the second assigned tool is modified to the second selected tool. A method for supporting the generation of a processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. A computer configured to perform a processing program generation support method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

14. A machine tool comprising a computer configured to perform a machining program generation support method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. A computer program that, when executed by a computer, includes an instruction to cause the computer to execute any of the processing program generation support methods described in claims 1 to 8.

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