Output device and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

This output device is provided with: an operation information acquisition unit that acquires first operation information; a first index value calculation unit that calculates a first index value relating to power consumption when a drive shaft operates on the basis of the first operation information so that a workpiece is machined; an operation information calculation unit that calculates second operation information on the basis of the first operation information; a second index value calculation unit that calculates a second index value relating to power consumption when the drive shaft operates on the basis of the second operation information so that the workpiece is machined; a conversion information generation unit that generates conversion information for the drive shaft to operate on the basis of the second operation information; and an output unit that outputs the conversion information generated by the conversion information generation unit.

Description

Output Device and Computer-Readable Storage Medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an output device and a computer-readable storage medium.

[0002] In industrial machinery equipped with multiple servo motors, the power consumption of each servo motor may differ (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In processing machines, servo motors are selected based on the weight and inertia of the drive parts. Therefore, the performance of each servo motor that moves each drive part differs. Therefore, the power consumption when each drive axis operates differs for each servo motor.

[0003] JP 2012-183624 A

[0004] For example, when CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) creates a machining program, it is not created based on the power consumption of the servo motors that operate each drive axis. Therefore, when the created machining program is executed, there is a risk that the machining machine will consume more power than necessary. In other words, by creating a machining program taking into account the power consumption of the servo motors that operate each drive axis of the machining machine, it may be possible to reduce the power consumption of the machining machine.

[0005] However, it is a significant burden for operators to create machining programs that take into account the power consumption of servo motors, so there is a demand for technology that can easily reduce the power consumption of machining machines.

[0006] The output device of the present disclosure includes an operation information acquisition unit that acquires first operation information related to the operation of the drive axis based on a machining program; a first index value calculation unit that calculates a first index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information to machine a workpiece; an operation information calculation unit that calculates second operation information different from the first operation information based on the first operation information; a second index value calculation unit that calculates a second index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information to machine a workpiece; a conversion information generation unit that generates conversion information for the drive axis to operate based on the second operation information if the second index value is smaller than the first index value; and an output unit that outputs the conversion information generated by the conversion information generation unit.

[0007] The computer-readable storage medium of the present disclosure stores instructions that cause a computer to execute the following: acquire first operation information related to the operation of the drive axis based on a machining program; calculate a first index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information to machine a workpiece; calculate second operation information different from the first operation information based on the first operation information; calculate a second index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information to machine a workpiece; if the second index value is smaller than the first index value, generate conversion information for the drive axis to operate based on the second operation information; and output the generated conversion information.

[0008] 1 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the power consumption of a processing machine is reduced. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example in which the power consumption of a processing machine is reduced. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining another example in which the power consumption of a processing machine is reduced. A block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a processing machine in which a numerical control device is implemented. A block diagram showing an example of the functions of an output device implemented in the numerical control device. An example of a processing program. A diagram showing a movement path of a tool. A diagram showing an example of power information. A diagram for explaining a calculation method of a second path. A diagram showing an example of a second index value calculated by a second index value calculation unit. A diagram showing an example of conversion information. A diagram showing an example of power information acquired by a power information acquisition unit. An example of a graph showing the relationship between a rotation angle of a first path and a second index value. A diagram showing an example of a generated program. A diagram showing an example of a generated program. A diagram showing an example of power information acquired by a power information acquisition unit. An example of a graph showing the relationship between a rotation angle of a first path and a second index value. A diagram showing an example of a generated program. A diagram showing an example of a generated program. A flowchart showing an example of processing executed by an output device. A diagram showing an example of a five-axis processing machine. A diagram showing an example of a five-axis processing machine. A perspective view of a part of a five-axis processing machine.

[0009] An output device and a computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0010] In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

[0011] In this application, "movement of a tool" refers to relative movement between the tool and the workpiece, and therefore includes a case where the tool is stationary and the workpiece is moving.

[0012] The term "drive axis" used herein refers to a virtual axis set in a processing machine, and includes, for example, the X-axis, Y-axis, Z-axis, A-axis, and C-axis.

[0013] In this application, the term "drive axis operation" refers to an increase or decrease in the coordinate value indicating the position of the drive axis due to the driving of the servo motor.

[0014] The output device is a device that outputs information used to reduce the power consumption of the processing machine when the processing program is executed, for example, the power consumption of a servo motor of the processing machine.

[0015] Servo motors for processing machines are generally selected based on the weight and inertia of the structures that make up the machine, the performance that the machine must meet, etc. Therefore, the multiple servo motors that operate the multiple drive axes each have different performance and power consumption. In this case, even if each drive axis is operated by the same amount, the power consumption differs for each servo motor.

[0016] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining an example in which the power consumption of a processing machine is reduced. The workpiece shown in Fig. 1B is the workpiece shown in Fig. 1A rotated by 90° around the origin.

[0017] When machining the four side surfaces Si1, Si2, Si3, and Si4 of the workpiece shown in FIG. 1A, the tool starts from position P1, passes through positions P2, P3, and P4 in order, and returns to position P1. In this case, if the X-axis coordinate value of position P2 is d1, the distance the tool moves along the X-axis is 2×d1. Also, if the Y-axis coordinate value of position P4 is d2, the distance the tool moves along the Y-axis is 2×d2. Note that d1 is longer than d2.

[0018] 1B, when the four sides Si1, Si2, Si3, and Si4 of the workpiece are machined, the tool starts from position P1, passes through positions P2, P3, and P4 in order, and returns to position P1. In this case, the distance the tool moves along the X axis is 2×d2. The distance the tool moves along the Y axis is 2×d1.

[0019] If the power consumption of the tool when it moves along the Y-axis is greater than the power consumption when it moves along the X-axis, the power consumption of the machine will be lower if the workpiece is arranged as shown in Figure 1A. This is because d1 is longer than d2. On the other hand, the power consumption will be higher if the workpiece is arranged as shown in Figure 1B. In other words, the power consumption of the machine may vary depending on the workpiece arrangement and the machining program. Therefore, the power consumption of the machine can be reduced by optimizing the machining program and changing the workpiece arrangement.

[0020] 2 is a diagram illustrating another example of a reduction in the power consumption of a processing machine. In a horizontal machining center, the power consumption when moving the spindle in the positive direction of the Y axis is greater than the power consumption when moving the spindle in the negative direction of the Y axis. This is because when moving the spindle in the positive direction of the Y axis, it is necessary to move the spindle in a direction opposite to gravity. Therefore, when moving the spindle along the Y axis, moving it in the negative direction of the Y axis can reduce the power consumption of the processing machine more effectively than moving it in the positive direction of the Y axis.

[0021] The output device is implemented in, for example, a numerical control device, a personal computer (PC), a server, or a tablet terminal. The numerical control device is a device for controlling a processing machine. In the following, an example in which the output device is implemented in a numerical control device will be described.

[0022] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a processing machine in which a numerical control device is implemented. The processing machine 1 is, for example, a machine tool, a wire electric discharge machine, or a three-dimensional printer. The machine tool is, for example, a lathe, a machining center, or a multi-tasking machine.

[0023] The processing machine 1 includes a numerical control device 2 , an input / output device 3 , a servo amplifier 4 , a servo motor 5 , a spindle amplifier 6 , a spindle motor 7 , and auxiliary equipment 8 .

[0024] The numerical control device 2 includes, for example, a hardware processor 201 , a bus 202 , a read-only memory (ROM) 203 , a random access memory (RAM) 204 , and a non-volatile memory 205 .

[0025] The hardware processor 201 is a processor that controls the entire numerical control device 2 in accordance with a system program. The hardware processor 201 reads the system program and the like stored in the ROM 203 via the bus 202. The hardware processor 201 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an electronic circuit.

[0026] The bus 202 is a communication path that connects the various hardware components of the numerical control device 2. The various hardware components of the numerical control device 2 exchange data via the bus 202.

[0027] The ROM 203 is a storage device that stores system programs, etc. The ROM 203 is a computer-readable storage medium.

[0028] The RAM 204 is a storage device that temporarily stores various data and functions as a work area for the hardware processor 201 to process various data.

[0029] The nonvolatile memory 205 is a storage device that retains data even when the power to the numerical control device 2 is turned off. The nonvolatile memory 205 stores, for example, a machining program for machining in the machining machine 1. The nonvolatile memory 205 is a computer-readable storage medium. The nonvolatile memory 205 is, for example, a battery-backed memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0030] The numerical control device 2 further includes an interface 206 , an axis control circuit 207 , a spindle control circuit 208 , a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 209 , and an I / O unit 210 .

[0031] The interface 206 connects the bus 202 and the input / output device 3. The interface 206 sends various data processed by the hardware processor 201 to the input / output device 3, for example.

[0032] The input / output device 3 receives various data via the interface 206 and displays the various data on a display. The input / output device 3 also receives input of various data and sends the various data via the interface 206 to, for example, the hardware processor 201.

[0033] The input / output device 3 is, for example, a touch panel. When the input / output device 3 is a touch panel, the input / output device 3 is, for example, a capacitive touch panel. The touch panel is not limited to a capacitive touch panel and may be a touch panel of another type. The input / output device 3 is installed in an operation panel (not shown) in which the numerical control device 2 is housed.

[0034] The axis control circuit 207 is a circuit for controlling the servo motor 5. The axis control circuit 207 receives control commands from the hardware processor 201 and sends various commands to the servo amplifier 4 for driving the servo motor 5. The axis control circuit 207 sends, for example, a torque command for controlling the torque of the servo motor 5 to the servo amplifier 4.

[0035] The servo amplifier 4 receives a command from the axis control circuit 207 and supplies a current to the servo motor 5 .

[0036] The servo motors 5 are driven by receiving a current supply from the servo amplifier 4. The servo motors 5 are provided corresponding to the respective drive axes of the processing machine 1. If the processing machine 1 is a machine tool having five axes, the servo motors 5 include, for example, an X-axis servo motor, a Y-axis servo motor, a Z-axis servo motor, an A-axis servo motor, and a C-axis servo motor. In this case, an axis control circuit 207 and a servo amplifier 4 are provided for each servo motor 5.

[0037] The servo motor 5 is connected to, for example, a ball screw that drives a tool post. When the servo motor 5 is driven, the structure of the processing machine 1, such as the tool post, moves along a predetermined drive axis.

[0038] The servo motor 5 has a built-in encoder (not shown) that detects the position and feed speed of the drive axis. Position feedback information and speed feedback information indicating the position and feed speed of the drive axis detected by the encoder are fed back to the axis control circuit 207. In this way, the axis control circuit 207 performs feedback control of each drive axis.

[0039] The spindle control circuit 208 is a circuit for controlling the spindle motor 7. The spindle control circuit 208 receives a control command from the hardware processor 201 and sends a command to the spindle amplifier 6 to drive the spindle motor 7. The spindle control circuit 208 sends, for example, a spindle speed command to the spindle amplifier 6 to control the rotation speed of the spindle motor 7.

[0040] The spindle amplifier 6 receives a command from the spindle control circuit 208 and supplies a current to the spindle motor 7 .

[0041] The spindle motor 7 is driven by receiving a current supplied from the spindle amplifier 6. The spindle motor 7 is connected to the main shaft and rotates the main shaft.

[0042] The PLC 209 is a device that executes a ladder program to control the auxiliary device 8. The PLC 209 sends commands to the auxiliary device 8 via an I / O unit 210.

[0043] The I / O unit 210 is an interface that connects the PLC 209 and the auxiliary device 8. The I / O unit 210 sends commands received from the PLC 209 to the auxiliary device 8.

[0044] The auxiliary device 8 is installed in the processing machine 1 and performs auxiliary operations in the processing machine 1. The auxiliary device 8 operates based on commands received from the I / O unit 210. The auxiliary device 8 may be a device installed in the periphery of the processing machine 1. The auxiliary device 8 is, for example, a tool changer, a cutting fluid injection device, or an opening / closing door drive device.

[0045] 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functions of an output device implemented in the numerical control device 2. The numerical control device 2 controls the operation of each drive axis of the processing machine 1 based on a processing program. In this way, the numerical control device 2 processes the workpiece.

[0046] The output device 21 includes a program acquisition unit 211, a motion information acquisition unit 212, a power information acquisition unit 213, a first index value calculation unit 214, a motion information calculation unit 215, a second index value calculation unit 216, a conversion information generation unit 217, and an output unit 218. The program acquisition unit 211, the motion information acquisition unit 212, the power information acquisition unit 213, the first index value calculation unit 214, the motion information calculation unit 215, the second index value calculation unit 216, the conversion information generation unit 217, and the output unit 218 are realized, for example, by the hardware processor 201 performing arithmetic processing using a system program stored in the ROM 203 and various data and processing programs stored in the non-volatile memory 205.

[0047] The program acquisition unit 211 acquires a machining program used for machining in the processing machine 1. The program acquisition unit 211 acquires, for example, a machining program stored in a storage unit (not shown).

[0048] The operation information acquisition unit 212 acquires first operation information relating to the operation of the drive axis based on the machining program.

[0049] The first operation information is information for specifying the amount of movement of each drive axis specified in the machining program. In other words, the first operation information is information indicating the tool movement path specified in the machining program. Hereinafter, the tool movement path specified in the machining program may be referred to as the first path.

[0050] Fig. 5A is an example of a machining program, and Fig. 5B is a diagram showing a movement path of a tool specified by the machining program of Fig. 5A.

[0051] In sequence number N1, "G91G01X200.Y100.F100;" is specified. "G91" is an incremental command. "G01" is a linear interpolation command. "X200.Y100." is a command that specifies the tool movement path. In other words, "G01X200.Y100." is a command that moves the tool by "X200.Y100." from its current position using linear interpolation. "F100" is a command that specifies the tool feed rate.

[0052] Sequence number N2 specifies "X-100.Y100." The command for sequence number N2 is a command that specifies that the tool should be moved by "X-100.Y100." from the position specified by sequence number N1 using linear interpolation.

[0053] Sequence number N3 specifies "X-100." The command for sequence number N3 is a command that specifies that the tool is to be moved by "X-100." from the position specified by sequence number N2 using linear interpolation.

[0054] Sequence number N4 specifies "Y-200." The command for sequence number N4 is a command that specifies moving the tool by "Y-200." from the position specified by sequence number N3 by linear interpolation. The operation information acquisition unit 212 acquires information indicating the tool movement path shown in FIG. 5B.

[0055] The power information acquisition unit 213 acquires power information related to the power consumption when each drive axis of the processing machine 1 operates. The power information is information related to the power consumed when each drive axis operates under predetermined conditions. The power information is, for example, the power consumption of the servo motor 5 that operates the drive axis. The power information may be the output of the servo motor 5 and the loss of the servo motor 5.

[0056] 6 is a diagram showing an example of power information. The power consumption of the servo motor 5 when the drive shaft is operated in the positive direction along the X axis is P X+ The power consumption of the servo motor 5 when the drive shaft is moved in the positive direction along the Y axis is P Y+The power consumption of the servo motor 5 when the drive shaft is moved in the negative direction along the X axis is P X- The power consumption of the servo motor 5 when the drive shaft is moved in the negative direction along the Y axis is P Y- That is, the power consumed in the processing machine 1 differs for each servo motor 5 and also differs depending on the direction of movement of the drive shaft.

[0057] The power information acquisition unit 213 acquires power information that indicates the power consumption of the multiple servo motors 5 that operate the drive axes of the processing machine 1, which is published by, for example, an MTB (Machine Tool Builder). The power information acquisition unit 213 acquires the power information from the MTB, for example, using a communication device (not shown). The power information acquisition unit 213 may acquire the power information based on, for example, an operator's operation on the input / output device 3.

[0058] The plurality of servo motors 5 include, for example, a servo motor for operating the X-axis, a servo motor for operating the Y-axis, a servo motor for operating the Z-axis, a servo motor for operating the A-axis, and a servo motor for operating the C-axis. The power consumption of each servo motor 5 may be different depending on the direction in which the drive axis is operated.

[0059] The power information acquisition unit 213 may acquire the power consumption of each servo motor 5 when the processing machine 1 is operated for a certain period of time. The power consumption of each servo motor 5 is, for example, the average value of the power consumed by each servo motor 5 when each drive axis is operated based on the processing program.

[0060] The first index value calculation unit 214 calculates a first index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information to machine the workpiece. In other words, the first index value calculation unit 214 calculates a first index value related to power consumption when the tool moves along the first path to machine the workpiece.

[0061] The first index value is, for example, a value calculated by multiplying the operation amount of the drive axis when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information by the power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information. The operation amount of the drive axis is the movement distance. That is, the first index value is a value obtained by multiplying the movement distance when the tool moves along the first path by the power consumption of the servo motor 5 when the tool moves along the first path. The operation amount may be the time it takes for the tool to move along the first path.

[0062] 5A and 5B , the first index value calculation unit 214 calculates a value obtained by multiplying the power consumption when the tool moves along a path specified by sequence number N1 by the distance traveled by the tool along that path. The first index value calculation unit 214 also calculates a value obtained by multiplying the power consumption when the tool moves along a path specified by sequence number N2 by the distance traveled by the tool along that path. The first index value calculation unit 214 also calculates a value obtained by multiplying the power consumption when the tool moves along a path specified by sequence number N3 by the distance traveled by the tool along that path. The first index value calculation unit 214 also calculates a value obtained by multiplying the power consumption when the tool moves along a path specified by sequence number N4 by the distance traveled by the tool along that path. The first index value calculation unit 214 adds up these four calculated values ​​to calculate the first index value.

[0063] The operation information calculation unit 215 calculates second operation information different from the first operation information based on the first operation information. In other words, the second operation information is information indicating a tool movement path different from the tool movement path specified in the machining program. However, the second operation information is information indicating a tool movement path for machining a workpiece having the same shape as the workpiece to be machined by the machining program. Hereinafter, the tool movement path different from the tool movement path specified in the machining program may be referred to as the second path.

[0064] 7 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating the second path. The first path is, for example, a path in which the tool moves from the current position P0(0,0) to the position P α (X α , Yα ) and the second path is, for example, a path that moves the tool from the current position P0(0,0) to the position P β (X β ,Y β ) is the path to move to the position P β (X β ,Y β ) is the position P specified in the first path. α (X α , Y α ) is located at a position rotated by θ around the origin (current position P0).

[0065] Tool travel distance l in the first path α , and the tool travel distance l in the second path β is expressed by the following equation 1.

[0066]

[0067] In addition, the feed rate F when the tool moves along the first path α and the feed rate F when the tool moves along the second path β In this case, the travel time T α and the travel time T when the tool travels the second path. β is expressed by the following equation 2.

[0068]

[0069] The angle α between the X axis and the vector indicating the first path is expressed by the following equation 3.

[0070]

[0071] In this case, position P β X-axis coordinate value of β , and position P β Y-axis coordinate value of β are respectively expressed by Equation 4 and Equation 5. In other words, Equation 4 and Equation 5 are transformation formulas for calculating the second path by rotating the first path by the rotation angle θ.

[0072]

[0073]

[0074] The motion information calculation section 215 calculates the second motion information using the above-mentioned equations 4 and 5.

[0075] The second index value calculation unit 216 calculates a second index value related to the power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information to machine the workpiece. In other words, the second index value calculation unit 216 calculates a second index value related to the power consumption when the tool moves along the second path to machine the workpiece.

[0076] The second index value is, for example, a value calculated by multiplying the operation amount of the drive axis when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information by the power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information. The operation amount of the drive axis is the movement distance. That is, the second index value is a value obtained by multiplying the movement distance when the tool moves along the second path by the power consumed by the servo motor 5 when the tool moves along the second path. The operation amount may also be the time it takes for the tool to move along the second path.

[0077] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the second index value calculated by the second index value calculation unit 216. Position P specified on the second route β (X β ,Y β ) is at a predetermined position in the first quadrant of the XY plane, and the tool moves from the origin to position P β (X β ,Y β ), the drive axis is driven in the positive direction of the X axis. Also, the drive axis is driven in the positive direction of the Y axis. In this case, the second index value is P X+ X β +P y+ Y β is.

[0078] Position P specified on the second path β (X β ,Y β ) is at a predetermined position in the second quadrant of the XY plane, and the tool moves from the origin to position P β (X β ,Y β), the drive axis is driven in the negative direction of the X axis. Also, the drive axis is driven in the positive direction of the Y axis. In this case, the second index value is P X- X β +P y+ Y β is.

[0079] Position P specified on the second path β (X β ,Y β ) is at a predetermined position in the third quadrant of the XY plane, and the tool moves from the origin to position P β (X β ,Y β ), the drive axis is driven in the negative direction of the X axis. Also, the drive axis is driven in the negative direction of the Y axis. In this case, the second index value is P X- X β +P y- Y β is.

[0080] Position P specified on the second path β (X β ,Y β ) is at a predetermined position in the fourth quadrant of the XY plane, and the tool is moved from the origin to position P β (X β ,Y β ), the drive axis is driven in the positive direction of the X axis. Also, the drive axis is driven in the negative direction of the Y axis. In this case, the second index value is P X+ X β +P y- Y β is.

[0081] When the second index value is smaller than the first index value, the conversion information generating unit 217 generates conversion information for operating the drive axis based on the second operation information. In other words, when the second index value when the tool moves along the second path is smaller than the first index value when the tool moves along the first path, the conversion information generating unit 217 generates conversion information for moving the tool along the second path.

[0082] The conversion information includes, for example, information indicating a conversion amount for converting the first operation information into the second operation information. The information indicating the conversion amount is, for example, information indicating a rotation angle of a plane perpendicular to the tool axis. The plane perpendicular to the tool axis is, for example, the XY plane. The rotation angle is represented by θ in the example shown in FIG. 7. In other words, the conversion information is information for obtaining the second path from the first path specified in the machining program.

[0083] The output unit 218 outputs the conversion information generated by the conversion information generation unit 217. The output unit 218 outputs the conversion information to, for example, a display of the input / output device 3. The operator can modify the machining program based on the output conversion information. When the modified machining program is executed, the power consumption of the processing machine 1 is reduced compared to when the unmodified machining program was executed.

[0084] The conversion information may be a program generated by adding information indicating the conversion amount to the machining program, or may be a program generated by converting first operation information specified in the machining program into second operation information.

[0085] FIG. 9 shows an example of conversion information. The leftmost program is the original machining program. The machining program is "G91 G01 X α Y α The first path is specified by ";". In other words, this machining program does not include conversion information.

[0086] The second program from the left is a program generated by converting the first operation information specified in the original machining program into the second operation information. β Y β The coordinate value specified by "G91 G01 X α Y α ;" is a coordinate value obtained by rotating the coordinate value specified by ";" by an angle θ around the origin. When the program indicated by this conversion information is executed in the numerical control device 2, the power consumed by the processing machine 1 is reduced.

[0087] The third program from the left is a program generated by adding information indicating the conversion amount for converting the first operation information into the second operation information to the machining program. "G17" is a command that specifies the XY plane. "G68" is a rotation command. "R" is a command that specifies the rotation angle. In other words, "G17 G68 X0 Y0 Rθ;" is a command that rotates the XY plane by θ around the origin in the coordinate system. By executing a program with the information indicating this conversion amount added in the numerical control device 2, the power consumed by the machining machine 1 is reduced.

[0088] Next, the processing executed by the output device 21 will be described using a specific machining program. The program acquisition unit 211 acquires, for example, the machining program shown in FIG. 5A. When the program acquisition unit 211 acquires the machining program shown in FIG. 5A, the operation information acquisition unit 212 acquires the first operation information shown in FIG. 5B. That is, the operation information acquisition unit 212 acquires operation information indicating a first path. The operation information indicating the first path is coordinate values ​​indicating the first path. When the operation information acquisition unit 212 acquires the operation information, the power information acquisition unit 213 acquires power information related to the power consumption when each drive axis of the processing machine 1 operates.

[0089] 10 is a diagram showing an example of power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 213. The power information includes information indicating power consumption when the X axis moves in the positive direction, information indicating power consumption when the Y axis moves in the positive direction, information indicating power consumption when the X axis moves in the negative direction, and information indicating power consumption when the Y axis moves in the negative direction.

[0090] The power consumption when the X axis moves in the positive direction is, for example, 1 [kW]. The power consumption when the Y axis moves in the positive direction is, for example, 1.5 [kW]. The power consumption when the X axis moves in the negative direction is, for example, 1 [kW]. The power consumption when the Y axis moves in the negative direction is, for example, 1.2 [kW].

[0091] The first index value calculation unit 214 calculates a first index value related to the power consumption when the tool moves along the first path and machines the workpiece. The first index value calculation unit 214 calculates the first index value by multiplying the power consumption of the servo motor 5 when the tool moves along the first path by the moving distance when the tool moves along the first path.

[0092] Next, the motion information calculation circuitry 215 calculates second motion information different from the first motion information based on the first motion information. The motion information calculation circuitry 215 calculates multiple pieces of second motion information different from each other based on the first motion information.

[0093] The motion information calculation circuitry 215 calculates the second motion information, for example, every time the first path is rotated by 1° around the Z axis from 1° to 359°. In this case, the motion information calculation circuitry 215 calculates 359 pieces of second motion information.

[0094] The second index value calculation unit 216 calculates a second index value corresponding to the second path information. For example, the second index value calculation unit 216 calculates the second index value 359 corresponding to the second operation information 359 described above.

[0095] FIG. 11 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the first path and the second index value. The second index value is calculated for each rotation angle, and the second index value at a rotation angle of 0° corresponds to the first index value. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the second index values ​​are relatively low near 153° and 333°. In this case, to calculate the rotation angle at which the second index value is smallest, the motion information calculation unit 215 may calculate the second motion information in increments of 0.001° near 153° and 333°. Furthermore, the second index value calculation unit 216 calculates multiple second index values ​​corresponding to the second motion information calculated in increments of 0.001°. This allows the rotation angle at which the second index value is smallest to be obtained.

[0096] In the example shown in Figure 11, the second index value is smallest at rotation angles of 153.435° and 333.435°. Furthermore, the second index value at these rotation angles is smaller than the second index value at a rotation angle of 0°, which corresponds to the first index value. Therefore, the conversion information generation unit 217 generates conversion information for operating the drive axis based on the second operation information. In other words, the conversion information generation unit 217 generates conversion information for moving the tool along the second path.

[0097] The transformation information is, for example, information indicating 153.435° or information indicating 333.435°. In other words, the second motion information indicating the second path is obtained by rotating the first path by 153.435° or 333.435° around the Z axis.

[0098] When multiple pieces of conversion information are obtained, the conversion information generation unit 217 may use the one with the smaller rotation angle as the conversion information. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the conversion information generation unit 217 uses 153.435° as the conversion information.

[0099] The output unit 218 outputs the conversion information generated by the conversion information generation unit 217 to, for example, the display of the input / output device 3. The operator can confirm the information indicating "153.435°" displayed on the display and add a command to the machining program to rotate the coordinate system by 153.435° around the Z axis. This reduces the power consumption of the machining machine 1 when the machining program is executed.

[0100] The conversion information generating unit 217 may generate a program by converting a first path specified in the original machining program into a second path.

[0101] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a generated program, which specifies a second path obtained by rotating the first path specified by the original machining program shown in Fig. 5A by 153.435° around the Z axis.

[0102] Specifically, by rotating the coordinate system 153.435° around the Z axis, "X-223.607Y0" is obtained from "X200.Y100." specified in sequence number N1 of the machining program shown in FIG. 5A. Rotating the coordinate system 153.435° around the Z axis obtains "X44.721Y-134.164" from "X-100.Y100." specified in sequence number N2. Rotating the coordinate system 153.435° around the Z axis obtains "X89.443Y-44.721" from "X-100." specified in sequence number N3. Rotating the coordinate system 153.435° around the Z axis obtains "X89.443Y-44.721" from "Y-200." specified in sequence number N4.

[0103] By having the numerical control device 2 execute the generated program, the power consumed by the processing machine 1 is reduced compared to when the original processing program is executed to process the workpiece.

[0104] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a generated program. The program shown in Fig. 13 is generated by adding a conversion command to the original machining program to rotate the coordinate system by 153.435° around the Z axis.

[0105] "G90" is an absolute command. "G17" is a command that specifies the XY plane. "G68" is a rotation command. "R" is a command that specifies the rotation angle. In other words, "G90 G17 G68 X0 Y0 R153.435" specifies that the path specified by the tool movement commands shown in sequence numbers N1 and after is to be rotated 153.435° around the Z axis. Note that "G69" cancels the rotation of the coordinate system.

[0106] By having the numerical control device 2 execute the generated program, the power consumed by the processing machine 1 is reduced compared to when the original processing program is executed to process the workpiece.

[0107] Next, an example will be described in which the power information acquisition unit 213 acquires power information different from the above-described power information.

[0108] As in the example described above, the program acquisition unit 211 acquires the machining program shown in Fig. 5A. When the program acquisition unit 211 acquires the machining program shown in Fig. 5A, the operation information acquisition unit 212 acquires the first operation information shown in Fig. 5B. When the operation information acquisition unit 212 acquires the operation information, the power information acquisition unit 213 acquires power information related to the power consumption when each drive axis of the processing machine 1 operates.

[0109] 14 is a diagram showing an example of power information acquired by the power information acquisition unit 213. The power information includes information indicating power consumption when the X axis moves in the positive direction, information indicating power consumption when the Y axis moves in the positive direction, information indicating power consumption when the X axis moves in the negative direction, and information indicating power consumption when the Y axis moves in the negative direction.

[0110] The power consumption when the X axis moves in the positive direction is, for example, 1 [kW]. The power consumption when the Y axis moves in the positive direction is, for example, 0.8 [kW]. The power consumption when the X axis moves in the negative direction is, for example, 1 [kW]. The power consumption when the Y axis moves in the negative direction is, for example, 0.5 [kW].

[0111] The first index value calculation unit 214 calculates a first index value related to the power consumption when the tool moves along the first path and machines the workpiece. The first index value calculation unit 214 calculates the first index value by multiplying the power consumption of the servo motor 5 when the tool moves along the first path by the moving distance when the tool moves along the first path.

[0112] Next, the motion information calculation circuitry 215 calculates second motion information different from the first motion information based on the first motion information. The motion information calculation circuitry 215 calculates multiple pieces of second motion information different from each other based on the first motion information.

[0113] The motion information calculation circuitry 215 calculates the second motion information, for example, every time the first path is rotated by 1° around the Z axis from 1° to 359°. In this case, the motion information calculation circuitry 215 calculates 359 pieces of second motion information.

[0114] The second index value calculation unit 216 calculates a second index value corresponding to the second path information. For example, the second index value calculation unit 216 calculates the second index value 359 corresponding to the second operation information 359 described above.

[0115] FIG. 15 is an example of a graph showing the relationship between the rotation angle of the first path and the second index value. The second index value is calculated for each rotation angle, and the second index value at a rotation angle of 0° corresponds to the first index value. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the second index values ​​are relatively low near 63° and 243°. In this case, to calculate the rotation angle at which the second index value is smallest, the motion information calculation unit 215 may calculate the second motion information in increments of 0.001° near 63° and 243°. Furthermore, the second index value calculation unit 216 calculates multiple second index values ​​corresponding to the second motion information calculated in increments of 0.001°. This allows the rotation angle at which the second index value is smallest to be obtained.

[0116] In the example shown in Figure 15, the second index value is smallest at rotation angles of 63.435° and 243.435°. Furthermore, the second index value at these rotation angles is smaller than the second index value at a rotation angle of 0°, which corresponds to the first index value. Therefore, the conversion information generation unit 217 generates conversion information for operating the drive axis based on the second operation information. In other words, the conversion information generation unit 217 generates conversion information for moving the tool along the second path.

[0117] The transformation information is, for example, information indicating 63.435° or information indicating 243.435°. In other words, the second motion information indicating the second path is obtained by rotating the first path by 63.435° or 243.435° around the Z axis.

[0118] When multiple pieces of conversion information are obtained, the conversion information generation unit 217 may use the one with the smaller rotation angle as the conversion information. In the example shown in Fig. 15, the conversion information generation unit 217 uses 63.435° as the conversion information.

[0119] The output unit 218 outputs the conversion information generated by the conversion information generation unit 217 to, for example, the display of the input / output device 3. The operator can confirm the information indicating "63.435°" displayed on the display and add a command to the machining program to rotate the coordinate system by 63.435° around the Z axis. This reduces the power consumption of the machining machine 1 when the machining program is executed.

[0120] The conversion information generating unit 217 may generate a program by converting a first path specified in the original machining program into a second path.

[0121] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a generated program, which specifies a second path obtained by rotating the first path specified by the original machining program shown in Fig. 5A by 63.435° around the Z axis.

[0122] Specifically, by rotating the coordinate system 63.435° around the Z axis, "X0Y223.607" is obtained from "X200.Y100." specified in sequence number N1 of the machining program shown in FIG. 5A. Rotating the coordinate system 63.435° around the Z axis obtains "X-134.164Y-44.721" from "X-100.Y100." specified in sequence number N2. Rotating the coordinate system 63.435° around the Z axis obtains "X-44.721Y-89.443" from "X-100." specified in sequence number N3. Rotating the coordinate system 63.435° around the Z axis obtains "X178.886Y-89.443" from "Y-200." specified in sequence number N4.

[0123] By having the numerical control device 2 execute the generated program, the power consumed by the processing machine 1 is reduced compared to when the original processing program is executed to process the workpiece.

[0124] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a generated program, which is generated by adding a conversion command to rotate the coordinate system by 63.435° around the Z axis to the original machining program.

[0125] "G90" is an absolute command. "G17" is a command that specifies the XY plane. "G68" is a rotation command. "R" is a command that specifies the rotation angle. In other words, "G90 G17 G68 X0 Y0 R63.435" specifies that the path specified by the tool movement commands shown in sequence numbers N1 and after is to be rotated 63.435° around the Z axis. Note that "G69" cancels the rotation of the coordinate system.

[0126] By having the numerical control device 2 execute the generated program, the power consumed by the processing machine 1 is reduced compared to when the original processing program is executed to process the workpiece.

[0127] 18 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the output device 21. In the output device 21, first, the program acquisition unit 211 acquires a machining program (step S1).

[0128] Next, the motion information acquiring unit 212 acquires first motion information (step S2), the power information acquiring unit 213 acquires power information (step S3), and the first index value calculating unit 214 calculates a first index value (step S4).

[0129] Next, the motion information calculation section 215 calculates the second motion information (step S5). The motion information calculation section 215 calculates a plurality of pieces of second motion information.

[0130] Next, the second index value calculation unit 216 calculates a second index value (step S6). The second index value calculation unit 216 calculates a plurality of second index values ​​corresponding to the plurality of second motion information, respectively.

[0131] Next, the conversion information generation unit 217 generates conversion information (step S7). The conversion information generation unit 217 selects the smallest second index value from among the second index values. If the selected second index value is smaller than the first index value, the conversion information generation unit 217 generates conversion information corresponding to the selected second index value.

[0132] Finally, the output unit 218 outputs the conversion information (step S8), and the process ends.

[0133] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the first motion information is converted into the second motion information in the XY plane. However, the first motion information may be converted into the second motion information in the XZ plane. Also, the first motion information may be converted into the second motion information in the YZ plane.

[0134] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the drive axes are linear axes such as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. However, the drive axes may be, for example, rotary axes of a five-axis machining center.

[0135] 19A and 19B are diagrams showing an example of a five-axis machining center. For example, when the upper surface of a workpiece W is machined parallel to the Y axis, a command to move the Y axis in a straight line is specified in the machining program (FIG. 19A).

[0136] On the other hand, by rotating the A axis while moving the Z axis in the negative direction, the upper surface of the workpiece W can be machined parallel to the Y axis ( FIG. 19B ). Therefore, the motion information calculation unit 215 may calculate second motion information for moving the A axis and the Z axis based on first motion information for moving the Y axis.

[0137] The power information in the above-described embodiment is information indicating the power consumption when the linear axis is operating. However, when the drive axis is a rotary axis, the power information is information indicating the power consumption when the rotary axis is operating. When the processing machine is a five-axis processing machine with a rotating and tilting table, the power information may be information regarding the power consumption according to the rotation direction and position of the rotary axis.

[0138] 20 is a perspective view of a portion of a five-axis machining center with a rotating and tilting table. When the B-axis of the five-axis machining center rotates, power consumption varies depending on the position of the table T. For example, even when the B-axis rotates in the positive direction, power consumption differs when the table T moves downward from when it moves upward. In this case, the power consumption information includes information indicating the rotation direction and position of the rotation axis. This allows the first index value and the second index value to be calculated with high accuracy.

[0139] As described above, the output device 21 includes: an operation information acquisition unit 212 that acquires first operation information related to the operation of the drive axis based on the machining program; a first index value calculation unit 214 that calculates a first index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information to machine the workpiece W; an operation information calculation unit 215 that calculates second operation information different from the first operation information based on the first operation information; a second index value calculation unit 216 that calculates a second index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information to machine the workpiece W; a conversion information generation unit 217 that generates conversion information for operating the drive axis based on the second operation information when the second index value is smaller than the first index value; and an output unit 218 that outputs the conversion information generated by the conversion information generation unit 217. Therefore, the output device 21 can output conversion information that can reduce the power consumption of the processing machine 1.

[0140] The conversion information also includes information indicating the amount of conversion by which the first operation information is converted into the second operation information. Therefore, the operator can generate a program that can reduce the power consumption of the processing machine 1 by changing the processing program based on the conversion information.

[0141] The information indicating the amount of transformation is information indicating the rotation angle of a plane perpendicular to the tool axis. Therefore, the output device 21 can output a program that can reduce the power consumption of a three-axis machining center, for example.

[0142] The conversion information is a program generated by adding information indicating the conversion amount to the machining program. Alternatively, the conversion information is a program generated by converting first operation information specified in the machining program into second operation information. In this case, the output device 21 can output a program that can reduce the power consumption of the machining machine 1.

[0143] The first index value is a value calculated by multiplying the amount of operation of the drive axis when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information by the power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information, and the second index value is a value calculated by multiplying the amount of operation of the drive axis when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information by the power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information. In other words, the first index value and the second index value are calculated by a simple calculation. Therefore, the output device 21 can output conversion information that can reduce the power consumption of the processing machine 1 without performing complex calculations.

[0144] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible to these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the gist of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination.

[0145] The following are supplementary notes related to embodiments of the present disclosure. Supplementary Note [1] An output device including: a motion information acquisition unit that acquires first motion information related to motion of a drive axis based on a machining program; a first index value calculation unit that calculates a first index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first motion information to machine a workpiece; a motion information calculation unit that calculates second motion information different from the first motion information based on the first motion information; a second index value calculation unit that calculates a second index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second motion information to machine the workpiece; a conversion information generation unit that generates conversion information for operating the drive axis based on the second motion information if the second index value is smaller than the first index value; and an output unit that outputs the conversion information generated by the conversion information generation unit. Supplementary Note [2] The output device according to Supplementary Note [1], wherein the conversion information includes information indicating a conversion amount for converting the first motion information into the second motion information. Supplementary Note [3] The output device according to Supplementary Note [2], wherein the information indicating the conversion amount is information indicating a rotation angle of a plane perpendicular to a tool axis. Supplementary Note [4] The output device according to Supplementary Note [2], wherein the conversion information is a program generated by adding information indicating the conversion amount to the machining program. Supplementary Note [5] The output device according to Supplementary Note [1], wherein the conversion information is a program generated by converting the first operation information specified in the machining program into the second operation information. Supplementary Note [6] The output device according to any one of Supplements [1] to [5], wherein the first index value is a value calculated by multiplying the operation amount of the drive axis when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information by the power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information, and the second index value is a value calculated by multiplying the operation amount of the drive axis when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information by the power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information. Supplementary Note [7] A numerical control device comprising the output device according to any one of Supplements [1] to [6].Supplementary Note [8] A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for causing a computer to execute the following: acquiring first operation information related to the operation of a drive axis based on a machining program; calculating a first index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information to machine a workpiece; calculating second operation information different from the first operation information based on the first operation information; calculating a second index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information to machine the workpiece; and, if the second index value is smaller than the first index value, generating conversion information for the drive axis to operate based on the second operation information; and outputting the generated conversion information.

[0146] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Machining machine 2 Numerical control device 21 Output device 201 Hardware processor 202 Bus 203 ROM 204 RAM 205 Non-volatile memory 206 Interface 207 Axis control circuit 208 Spindle control circuit 209 PLC 210 I / O unit 211 Program acquisition unit 212 Operation information acquisition unit 213 Power information acquisition unit 214 First index value calculation unit 215 Operation information calculation unit 216 Second index value calculation unit 217 Conversion information generation unit 218 Output unit 3 Input / output device 4 Servo amplifier 5 Servo motor 6 Spindle amplifier 7 Spindle motor 8 Auxiliary equipment

Claims

1. An output device comprising: an operation information acquisition unit that acquires first operation information related to the operation of a drive axis based on a machining program; a first index value calculation unit that calculates a first index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information to machine a workpiece; an operation information calculation unit that calculates second operation information different from the first operation information based on the first operation information; a second index value calculation unit that calculates a second index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information to machine the workpiece; a conversion information generation unit that generates conversion information for the drive axis to operate based on the second operation information if the second index value is smaller than the first index value; and an output unit that outputs the conversion information generated by the conversion information generation unit.

2. The output device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion information includes information indicating an amount of conversion for converting the first motion information into the second motion information.

3. An output device according to claim 2, wherein the information indicating the amount of conversion is information indicating a rotation angle of a plane perpendicular to the tool axis.

4. The output device according to claim 2, wherein the conversion information is a program generated by adding information indicating the amount of conversion to the machining program.

5. An output device according to claim 1, wherein the conversion information is a program generated by converting the first motion information specified in the machining program into the second motion information.

6. An output device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first index value is a value calculated by multiplying the amount of movement of the drive shaft when it operates based on the first operation information by the power consumption when the drive shaft operates based on the first operation information, and the second index value is a value calculated by multiplying the amount of movement of the drive shaft when it operates based on the second operation information by the power consumption when the drive shaft operates based on the second operation information.

7. A numerical control device comprising an output device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that cause a computer to execute the following: acquiring first operation information related to the operation of a drive axis based on a machining program; calculating a first index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the first operation information to machine a workpiece; calculating second operation information different from the first operation information based on the first operation information; calculating a second index value related to power consumption when the drive axis operates based on the second operation information to machine the workpiece; generating conversion information for the drive axis to operate based on the second operation information if the second index value is smaller than the first index value; and outputting the generated conversion information.

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