Information processing device, manufacturing cycle allocation method, and program

Abstract

An information processing device (100) comprises: a reception unit (111) that receives a three-dimensional model (400) of a workpiece extending around a prescribed axis (310); and a processing unit (120) that generates a two-dimensional model (500) obtained by cutting the three-dimensional model (400) according to a plane including the prescribed axis (310), and allocates a manufacturing cycle to the workpiece on the basis of the contour shape of the workpiece appearing in the two-dimensional model (500).

Description

Information processing device, machining cycle allocation method and program

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a machining cycle allocation method, and a program.

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-16982 (Patent Document 1) discloses a simulation device that enables confirmation of the blocks (movement commands) that make up a machining cycle when displaying a video of the machining operations of a machining program that includes machining cycle commands.

[0003] JP 2014-16982 A

[0004] As disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when creating an NC (Numerical Control) program for machining a workpiece, for example, machining cycles (turning cycles) such as outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, or thread machining are assigned to the workpiece machining process, and then the NC program is created using codes that command these machining cycles as fixed cycles.

[0005] However, since the allocation of the machining cycles is performed manually by an operator, there are problems such as it taking a long time to allocate the machining cycles and the machining cycles not being allocated appropriately.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, a machining cycle allocation method, and a program that allow machining cycle allocation to be easily and appropriately executed.

[0007] An information processing device according to the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending around a predetermined axis, and a processing unit that generates a two-dimensional model by cutting the three-dimensional model along a plane including the predetermined axis, and assigns machining cycles to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece that appears in the two-dimensional model.

[0008] A method for allocating machining cycles according to the present invention comprises the steps of generating a two-dimensional model by cutting a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending around a predetermined axis along a plane including the predetermined axis, and allocating machining cycles to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece that appears in the two-dimensional model.

[0009] A program according to the present invention is a program executed by a computer for allocating machining cycles to a workpiece, the program causing the computer to execute the steps of: generating a two-dimensional model from a three-dimensional model of the workpiece extending about a predetermined axis by cutting the three-dimensional model along a plane including the predetermined axis; and allocating machining cycles to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece appearing in the two-dimensional model.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing device, a machining cycle allocation method, and a program that allow machining cycle allocation to be easily and appropriately executed.

[0011] 1 is a front view showing a machine tool; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an information processing device in embodiment 1 of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a three-dimensional model of a workpiece; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional model of a workpiece generated from the three-dimensional model in FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional model of a workpiece in the range surrounded by a two-dot chain line V in FIG. 4; FIG. 6 is a table showing sections recognized in the two-dimensional models in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the start and end points of each section; FIG. 7 is a table showing machining cycles and workpiece spindles assigned to each section in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contour shape of a workpiece after interpolation; FIG. 9 is a table showing machining cycles and workpiece spindles assigned to the contour shape of a workpiece after interpolation; FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing steps of a method for assigning machining cycles in an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first step of interpolating sections to which groove machining cycles are assigned (external diameter grooves consisting only of simple line segments); FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a second step of interpolating sections to which groove machining cycles are assigned (external diameter grooves consisting only of simple line segments). 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a first step of interpolating a section (an outer diameter groove including a curved line) to which a groove machining cycle is assigned, and another diagram for explaining a second step of interpolating a section (an outer diameter groove including a curved line) to which a groove machining cycle is assigned.

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0013] (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 is a front view showing a machine tool. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an information processing device in a first embodiment of the present invention. With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, an information processing device 100 in the present embodiment is mounted on a machine tool 10.

[0014] 1, machine tool 10 is a lathe equipped with a turning function that performs workpiece machining by bringing a tool into contact with a rotating workpiece. Machine tool 10 is an NC (Numerically Controlled) machine tool in which various operations for workpiece machining are automated by computer numerical control.

[0015] In this specification, an axis extending in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece is referred to as the "Z axis," and an axis extending in the radial direction of the rotation axis of the workpiece is referred to as the "X axis."

[0016] Machine tool 10 has a left work spindle 31, a right work spindle 36, a tool rest 41, and a cover body 21. Left work spindle 31, right work spindle 36, and tool rest 41 are arranged in a working area 12. Working area 12 is a space where workpieces are machined, and is sealed by cover body 21 to prevent foreign matter such as chips or cutting oil generated during workpiece machining from leaking outside of working area 12.

[0017] The left work spindle 31 and the right work spindle 36 are capable of holding a workpiece. The left work spindle 31 is driven by a motor to rotate about a rotation center axis 210 parallel to the Z axis. The left work spindle 31 is provided with a chuck mechanism having multiple jaws 32 for detachably holding a workpiece. Each jaw 32 is driven to slide in the radial direction of the rotation center axis 210 by hydraulic pressure or the like. The multiple jaws 32 grip the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece by sliding radially inward from the rotation center axis 210, or grip the inner peripheral surface of the workpiece by sliding radially outward from the rotation center axis 210.

[0018] The right work spindle 36 is disposed opposite the left work spindle 31 in the Z-axis direction. The right work spindle 36 is driven by a motor to rotate about a rotation center axis 220 that is parallel to the Z-axis and extends in a straight line with the rotation center axis 210. The right work spindle 36 is provided with a chuck mechanism that has multiple jaws 37 and that detachably holds a workpiece. The multiple jaws 37 correspond to the multiple jaws 32 on the left work spindle 31.

[0019] The left work spindle 31 is fixed, while the right work spindle 36 is movable in the Z-axis direction by various feed mechanisms, guide mechanisms, and motors.

[0020] The tool rest 41 is capable of holding tools. The tool rest 41 is a so-called turret type, and a plurality of tools are attached radially and rotate to perform indexing.

[0021] The tool rest 41 has a swivel unit 42. The swivel unit 42 is swivelable around a swivel center axis 230 that is parallel to the Z axis. The swivel unit 42 has an overall disk shape with the axial direction of the swivel center axis 230 as its thickness direction. A plurality of tools are held on the outer peripheral surface of the swivel unit 42 and lined up in the circumferential direction of the swivel center axis 230. As the swivel unit 42 swivels, the tools move in the circumferential direction of the swivel center axis 230, and the tool used for machining the workpiece is indexed to a position at a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction of the swivel center axis 230.

[0022] The tool rest 41 can be moved in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction by various feed mechanisms, guide mechanisms, and motors.

[0023] Machine tool 10 further has an operation panel 50. Operation panel 50 is a general-purpose computer and corresponds to information processing device 100 in this embodiment. Operation panel 50 has an upper panel 51 and a lower panel 52. Upper panel 51 includes a display (touch screen) 56 that displays a manual or various application screens and is operated when using an application. Lower panel 52 includes a display (touch screen) 57 that displays the operating state of machine tool 10 or the machining status of a workpiece and is operated when operating machine tool 10, and an operation unit 53 such as buttons or switches that are operated when operating machine tool 10.

[0024] The machine tool 10 may have only one workpiece spindle. The machine tool on which the information processing device of the present invention is mounted is not limited to a lathe, but may be, for example, a multi-tasking machine equipped with both a milling function for machining a workpiece by bringing a rotating tool into contact with a stationary workpiece, and a turning function for machining a workpiece by bringing a tool into contact with a rotating workpiece. The information processing device of the present invention may also be a computer provided independently of the machine tool. In this case, the information processing device may be configured to be able to communicate with the machine tool wirelessly or via a wire.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing an example of a three-dimensional model of a workpiece. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional model of the workpiece generated from the three-dimensional model in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional model of the workpiece in the area surrounded by a two-dot chain line V in Fig. 4.

[0026] 2 to 5, the components of the information processing device 100 are implemented by hardware including computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various computer processors, storage devices such as memory or storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, as well as software stored in the storage devices and supplying processing instructions to the computing units. The computer programs may be configured by device drivers, an operating system, various application programs located at higher levels thereof, or libraries that provide common functions to these programs. Each block described below represents a functional block.

[0027] The information processing device 100 includes a receiving unit 111 , a processing unit 120 , and a storage unit 150 .

[0028] The receiving unit 111 receives a three-dimensional model 400 of a workpiece W extending around a predetermined axis 310. The processing unit 120 generates a two-dimensional model 500 by cutting the three-dimensional model 400 along a plane including the predetermined axis 310, and assigns a machining cycle to the workpiece W based on the contour shape of the workpiece W that appears in the two-dimensional model 500.

[0029] The storage unit 150 stores various program modules. The processor of the information processing device 100 executes the various program modules to realize the functions of each unit.

[0030] The program causes the information processing device 100, which is a computer, to execute the steps of generating a two-dimensional model 500 by cutting a three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W extending around a predetermined axis 310 along a plane including the predetermined axis 310, and assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece W based on the contour shape of the workpiece W that appears in the two-dimensional model 500.

[0031] The storage unit 150 further stores machining cycle allocation rules 151 , workpiece spindle allocation rules 152 , and contour shape interpolation rules 153 .

[0032] The machining cycle allocation rules 151 prescribe rules by which the processing unit 120 allocates machining cycles to the workpiece W based on the contour shape of the workpiece W. The workpiece spindle allocation rules 152 prescribe rules by which the processing unit 120 allocates either the left workpiece spindle 31 or the right workpiece spindle 36 to machining the contour shape of the workpiece W. The contour shape interpolation rules 153 prescribe rules by which the processing unit 120 interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece W. The specific contents of the machining cycle allocation rules 151, the workpiece spindle allocation rules 152 and the contour shape interpolation rules 153 will be described later.

[0033] The receiving unit 111 receives a three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W created by a CAD (Computer Aided Design) device. The three-dimensional model 400 includes a three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W and a predetermined axis 310 corresponding to the central axis of the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W. The predetermined axis 310 may be a reference line used when drawing the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W by the CAD device. The threaded portion of the workpiece W may be shown in the three-dimensional model 400 as part of the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W, or may be shown as additional information associated with the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W. The receiving unit 111 outputs the received three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W to the processing unit 120.

[0034] The three-dimensional model 400 includes shape information for representing the three-dimensional model, such as points, edges, and faces. For example, an edge is represented by the position of its start point (X1, Y1, Z1) and its end point (X2, Y2, Z2). An arc is represented by the positions of its start point, end point, and center, the normal vector of the plane on which the arc is placed, and the direction of rotation of the arc. Because the three-dimensional model 400 includes the position of the shape as data, a coordinate system is defined through this data.

[0035] The three-dimensional model 400 includes information about the rotation axis (corresponding to the predetermined axis 310). For example, the rotation axis is expressed by a reference point (X, Y, Z) of the rotation axis and a direction vector of the rotation axis. The coordinate system used is the above-mentioned coordinate system defined in the three-dimensional model 400.

[0036] 3 shows an example of a three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W. The three-dimensional model 400 extends around a predetermined axis 310. The three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W is obtained by a turning process in which a base material 160 of the workpiece W, indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 4, is rotated around the predetermined axis 310 and a tool is brought into contact with the base material 160. A reference point (0,0,0) of the rotation axis (predetermined axis 310) and a direction vector (0,0,1) of the rotation axis (predetermined axis 310) are determined.

[0037] The processing unit 120 has a first processing unit 121 and a second processing unit 122. The three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W is input to the first processing unit 121 from the receiving unit 111. The processing unit 120 (first processing unit 121) identifies end points P included in the contour shape of the workpiece W, and assigns a machining cycle to each section S between adjacent end points.

[0038] The first processing unit 121 includes a two-dimensional model generation unit 131 , an end point identification unit 132 , and a section identification unit 133 .

[0039] The two-dimensional model generation unit 131 corresponds the predetermined axis 310 of the three-dimensional model 400 to the rotation center axis 210 of the left work spindle 31 and the rotation center axis 220 of the right work spindle 36 of the machine tool 10. The two-dimensional model generation unit 131 generates a two-dimensional model 500 of the workpiece W by cutting the three-dimensional model 400 with a plane (X-axis-Z-axis plane) that includes the predetermined axis 310. The two-dimensional model generation unit 131 outputs the generated two-dimensional model 500 of the workpiece W to the endpoint identification unit 132.

[0040] The contour shape of the workpiece W obtained by turning appears in the two-dimensional model 500. The contour shape of the workpiece W may be configured as a closed loop path (corresponding to a contour shape including a through hole extending on the Z axis) or an open loop path (corresponding to a contour shape not including a through hole extending on the Z axis) in the range of X≧0 shown in FIG.

[0041] 4, the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500 of the workpiece W is shown by a solid line, and the contour shape of the base material 160 of the workpiece W before machining is shown by a two-dot chain line. In Fig. 4, the dimensions of the two-dimensional model 500 are also shown, with the point where one end face of the workpiece W in the Z-axis direction intersects with the predetermined axis 310 as the origin.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a table showing the intervals recognized in the two-dimensional models in FIGS. 4 and 5, and the start and end points of each interval.

[0043] 2 to 6, endpoint identification unit 132 identifies endpoints P included in the contour shape of two-dimensional model 500. Endpoints P are corners, such as a point at which two straight lines with different slopes intersect in the X-axis-Z-axis coordinate system, a point at which two arcs with different curvatures intersect, or a point at which a straight line intersects with an arc. Endpoint identification unit 132 outputs the identified endpoints P to section identification unit 133.

[0044] The section identification unit 133 identifies a section S between adjacent end points P on the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500 .

[0045] 4 to 6, the endpoint identification unit 132 identifies endpoint P[0], endpoint P[1], endpoint P[2], endpoint P[3]... endpoint P[N-1], and endpoint P[N] as endpoints P included in the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500. Endpoint P[0], endpoint P[1], endpoint P[2], endpoint P[3]... endpoint P[N-1], and endpoint P[N] are arranged in the listed order on the path of the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500. In this embodiment, the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500 is configured from a closed-loop path, and therefore endpoint P[N] and endpoint P[0] are adjacent to each other.

[0046] The interval identification unit 133 identifies interval Sa, interval Sb, interval Sc, interval Sd, interval Se, interval Sf, interval Sg, interval Sh, interval Si, interval Sj, interval Sk, interval Sm, interval Sn, interval Sp, and interval Sq as intervals S between adjacent endpoints P. Intervals Sa, interval Sb, interval Sc, interval Sd, interval Se, interval Sf, interval Sg, interval Sh, interval Si, interval Sj, interval Sk, interval Sm, interval Sn, interval Sp, and interval Sq are arranged in the listed order on the path of the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500.

[0047] Section Sa is the section between end points P[0] and P[1], and corresponds to the contour shape of the right end surface of the workpiece W extending in the X-axis direction. Section Sb is the section between end points P[1] and P[2], and corresponds to the contour shape of the chamfered portion of the workpiece W. Section Sc is the section between end points P[2] and P[3], and corresponds to the contour shape of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction.

[0048] Section Sd corresponds to the contour shape of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending diagonally with respect to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction. Section Se corresponds to the contour shape of the threaded portion of the workpiece W. Section Sf corresponds to the contour shape of the groove side surface of the workpiece W extending diagonally with respect to the Z-axis direction and the X-axis direction. Section Sg corresponds to the contour shape of the groove bottom surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. Section Sh corresponds to the contour shape of the groove side surface of the workpiece W extending in the X-axis direction. Section Si corresponds to the contour shape of the chamfered portion of the workpiece W.

[0049] Section Sj corresponds to the contour shape of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. Section Sk corresponds to the contour shape of the left end face of the workpiece W extending in the X-axis direction. Section Sm corresponds to the contour shape of the inner peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. Section Sn corresponds to the contour shape of the inner peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in a direction oblique to the Z-axis and X-axis directions.

[0050] Section Sp is a section between end points P[N-1] and P[N], and corresponds to the contour shape of the inner peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. Section Sq is a section between end points P[N] and P[0], and corresponds to the contour shape of the chamfered portion of the workpiece W. The end point of section Sq corresponds to the start point of section Sa. The direction in which sections S (Sa to Sq) are arranged in order may be standardized to one direction, such as counterclockwise. The first section Sa may be standardized so that it is positioned at the position where the Z-axis coordinate is maximum.

[0051] The first processing unit 121 outputs the two-dimensional model 500 together with information on the recognized section S to the second processing unit 122 .

[0052] Fig. 7 is a table showing the machining cycles and workpiece spindles assigned to each section in Fig. 6. With reference to Figs. 2 to 7, the second processing unit 122 has an assigning unit 141 and an interpolating unit 142.

[0053] The allocation unit 141 reads out machining cycle allocation rules 151 from the storage unit 150. The allocation unit 141 allocates machining cycles to each section S of sections Sa to Sq in accordance with the correspondence between the machining cycles and the contour shapes defined in the machining cycle allocation rules 151. The machining cycles include at least one of outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, and thread machining.

[0054] An example of the correspondence between the machining cycles and the contour shapes defined in the machining cycle allocation rule 151 is as follows: (1) Internal diameter machining: a contour shape that faces the predetermined axis 310 in the X-axis direction (2) External diameter machining: a contour shape that is located on the opposite side of the predetermined axis 310 across the two-dimensional model 500 in the X-axis direction (3) End face machining: a contour shape that is located at the end in the Z-axis direction and extends in a direction intersecting the Z-axis direction (4) Groove machining: a contour shape that forms a groove shape recessed from a contour shape assigned to internal diameter machining, external diameter machining, or end face machining (the cutting edge dimensions of various tools used for groove machining may be taken into consideration) (5) Thread machining: a contour shape that forms a thread shape, or a contour shape in which a thread shape is indicated by additional information As shown in Figure 7, the allocation unit 141 compares the contour shapes of sections Sa to Sq with the correspondence between the above-mentioned machining cycles and contour shapes, and thereby allocates "end face machining" to sections Sa and Sk, "groove machining" to sections Sf, Sg, Sh and Si, "external diameter machining" to sections Sb, Sc, Sd and Sj, "internal diameter machining" to sections Sm, Sn, Sp and Sq, and "thread machining" to section Se.

[0055] The allocation unit 141 allocates either the left work spindle 31 or the right work spindle 36 as the work spindle that holds the work W during processing in each section S from section Sa to section Sq, in accordance with the correspondence between the work spindle and the contour shape defined in the work spindle allocation rule 152.

[0056] An example of the correspondence between the work spindles and the contour shapes defined in the work spindle allocation rules 152 is as follows. (1) Left work spindle 31: (a) When internal diameter machining is assigned, the contour shape is located on the +Z-axis side of the minimum internal diameter portion that is the shortest distance from the specified axis 310 in the X-axis direction. (b) When external diameter machining is assigned, the contour shape is located on the +Z-axis side of the maximum external diameter portion that is the longest distance from the specified axis 310 in the X-axis direction. (c) When end face machining is assigned, the contour shape is located at the end in the +Z-axis direction. (d) When groove machining and thread machining are assigned, the position of the contour shape is determined in accordance with the above rules (a) to (c). (2) Right work spindle 36: (a) When internal diameter machining is assigned, the contour shape is located on the -Z-axis side of the minimum internal diameter portion that is the shortest distance from the specified axis 310 in the X-axis direction. (b) When outer diameter machining is assigned, a contour shape that is placed on the -Z axis direction side with respect to the maximum outer diameter part that is the longest distance from the specified axis 310 in the X axis direction. (c) When end face machining is assigned, a contour shape that is placed at the end in the -Z axis direction. (d) When groove machining and thread machining are assigned, the position of the contour shape is determined in accordance with the rules (a) to (c) above.

[0057] The allocation unit 141 compares the contour shapes of sections Sa to Sq with the correspondence between the work spindles and contour shapes described above, and allocates the left work spindle 31 as the work spindle that holds the workpiece W when machining sections Sa, Sf, Sg, Sh, Si, Sb, Sc, Sd, Sn, Sp, Sq, and Se, and allocates the right work spindle 36 as the work spindle that holds the workpiece W when machining sections Sk, Sj, and Sm.

[0058] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation. Fig. 8 shows the contour shape of the workpiece W in the range corresponding to Fig. 5. Fig. 9 is a table showing the machining cycles and workpiece spindles assigned to the contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation.

[0059] Referring to Figures 2 to 9, the processing unit 120 (second processing unit 122) interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece W in a specific section S to which groove machining or thread machining is assigned, and assigns outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining or end face machining to the contour shape of the workpiece W after interpolation.

[0060] The interpolation unit 142 extracts, as the above-mentioned specific section S, section Se assigned to thread machining and section Sf, section Sg, section Sh, and section Si assigned to groove machining. The interpolation unit 142 reads out contour shape interpolation rules 153 from the storage unit 150. The interpolation unit 142 interpolates the contour shape of section Se in accordance with the interpolation rules for thread shapes defined in the contour shape interpolation rules 153, and interpolates the contour shapes of section Sf, section Sg, section Sh, and section Si in accordance with the interpolation rules for groove shapes defined in the contour shape interpolation rules 153.

[0061] Examples of the interpolation rules for the thread shape and groove shape defined in the contour shape interpolation rules 153 are as follows: (1) Interpolation of the thread shape: Draw a straight line to fill in the valley portion of the thread shape (rewrite the thread shape as a line connecting the crests of the threads and extending in the Z-axis direction). (2) Interpolation of the groove shape: Draw a straight line to fill in the recess formed by the groove shape (extend the contour shape of the section S connected to the start point or end point of a specific section S to which groove machining is assigned).

[0062] As shown in Figures 5 and 8, the contour shape of the workpiece W after interpolation includes sections Sr and St instead of sections Se, Sf, Sg, and Sh. Section Sr is a section between endpoints P[n] and P[n+1] and corresponds to the contour shape of the outer peripheral surface of the workpiece W extending in the Z-axis direction. Endpoint P[n] is the end point of section Sd. Endpoint P[n+1] is a point on the line of section Sh. Section St is a section between endpoints P[n+1] and P[n+2] and corresponds to the contour shape of the rising surface of the workpiece W extending in the X-axis direction. Endpoint P[n+2] is the start point of section Si. The contour shape of section Sr after interpolation extends to fill the valley portion of the thread shape in section Se in Figure 5 and the recessed portions of the groove shape in sections Sf, Sg, Sh, and Si in Figure 5.

[0063] The allocation unit 141 allocates outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, or end face machining to the contour shape of the workpiece W after interpolation in accordance with the correspondence relationship between the machining cycle and the contour shape defined in the machining cycle allocation rule 151. As shown in Fig. 9, the allocation unit 141 allocates outer diameter machining to sections Sr and St, which are continuous with sections Sb, Sc, and Sd.

[0064] 10 is a table showing the machining cycles and workpiece spindles finally assigned to the contour shape of the workpiece W. Referring to FIG. 10, the processing unit 120 causes the display 56 to display the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500 as well as the machining cycles and workpiece spindles finally assigned to the workpiece W.

[0065] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing steps of a machining cycle allocation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] 2 and 11 , the information processing device 100 receives a three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W (S101). In this step, an operator inputs the three-dimensional model 400 created by a CAD device into the information processing device 100. The receiving unit 111 receives the three-dimensional model 400.

[0067] Next, the information processing device 100 generates a two-dimensional model 500 (S102). In this step, the two-dimensional model generation unit 131 generates the two-dimensional model 500 of the workpiece W by cutting the three-dimensional model 400 with a plane including the predetermined axis 310.

[0068] Next, the information processing device 100 identifies the endpoint P (S103). In this step, the endpoint identification unit 132 identifies the endpoint P[0], endpoint P[1], endpoint P[2], endpoint P[3]... endpoint P[N-1] and endpoint P[N] included in the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500.

[0069] Next, the information processing device 100 identifies sections S (S104). In this step, the section identification unit 133 identifies sections Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf, Sg, Sh, Si, j, Sk, Sm, Sn, Sp, and Sq as sections S between adjacent endpoints P in the contour shape of the two-dimensional model 500.

[0070] Next, the information processing device 100 assigns machining cycles and workpiece spindles (S105). In this step, the assignment unit 141 assigns machining cycles to each section S identified in step S104 in accordance with the correspondence between the machining cycles and contour shapes defined in the machining cycle assignment rules 151. The assignment unit 141 assigns the workpiece spindle that will hold the workpiece W during machining in each section S identified in step S104 from the left workpiece spindle 31 and the right workpiece spindle 36 in accordance with the correspondence between the workpiece spindles and contour shapes defined in the workpiece spindle assignment rules 152.

[0071] Next, the information processing device 100 determines whether or not a groove machining cycle or a thread machining cycle is included in the contour shape of the workpiece W (S106). In this step, if the information processing device 100 determines that a groove machining cycle or a thread machining cycle is not included, the process proceeds to step S109, which will be described later.

[0072] If the information processing device 100 determines in step S106 that a groove machining cycle or a thread machining cycle is included, the information processing device 100 extracts the corresponding specific section (S107) and interpolates the contour shape of the extracted specific section (S108). In this step, the interpolation unit 142 extracts the section Se to which thread machining is assigned and the sections Sf, Sg, Sh, and Si to which groove machining is assigned. The interpolation unit 142 interpolates the contour shape of the section Se in accordance with the thread shape interpolation rules defined in the contour shape interpolation rules 153, and interpolates the contour shapes of the sections Sf, Sg, Sh, and Si in accordance with the groove shape interpolation rules defined in the contour shape interpolation rules 153.

[0073] Next, the information processing device 100 returns to step S105 and assigns machining cycles to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece W. Next, the information processing device 100 determines whether or not the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece W includes a groove machining cycle or a thread machining cycle (S106), and if it determines that the contour shape does not include a groove machining cycle or a thread machining cycle, the information processing device 100 proceeds to step S109.

[0074] Next, the information processing device 100 displays the assigned machining cycles and workpiece spindles on the display 56 along with the contour shape of the workpiece W (S110). The operator proceeds to create an NC program by approving the machining cycles and workpiece spindles displayed on the display 56 through operation of the operation panel 50. If the operator does not approve of the machining cycles and workpiece spindles displayed on the display 56, he or she may modify the allocation of machining cycles to each section S through operation of the operation panel 50.

[0075] In the information processing device 100 and machining cycle allocation method according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above, a two-dimensional model 500 is generated by cutting the three-dimensional model 400 of the workpiece W along a plane including the predetermined axis 310, and machining cycles are allocated to the workpiece W based on the contour shape of the workpiece W that appears in the generated two-dimensional model 500. With such a configuration, the relationship between the contour shape of the workpiece W and the machining cycles used to machine that contour shape can be uniquely determined, so that machining cycles corresponding to the contour shape of the workpiece W that appears in the two-dimensional model 500 can be allocated to the workpiece W. This makes it possible to easily and appropriately allocate machining cycles.

[0076] Furthermore, the processing unit 120 identifies the end points P included in the contour shape of the workpiece W, and allocates a machining cycle to each section S between adjacent end points P. With this configuration, the section S between the end points P included in the contour shape of the workpiece W is regarded as the unit for allocating a machining cycle, thereby making it possible to more simply and appropriately allocate machining cycles.

[0077] The machining cycle includes at least one of outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, and thread machining. With this configuration, machining cycles such as outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, and thread machining can be easily and appropriately assigned to the contour shape of the workpiece W.

[0078] Furthermore, the processing unit 120 interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece W in a specific section S to which groove machining or thread machining is assigned, and assigns outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, or end face machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece W. With this configuration, it is possible to assign outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, or end face machining, which are required in the stage preceding groove machining or thread machining, to the contour shape of the workpiece W.

[0079] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, another embodiment of each step in Fig. 11 will be described. First, the step of allocating machining cycles (S105) will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 11.

[0080] The information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether or not each section S has information indicating that it is a screw (manually set by the user using a GUI (Graphical User Interface) or acquired from additional information associated with the three-dimensional shape of the workpiece W). The information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns a thread machining cycle to the section S having information indicating that it is a screw.

[0081] Next, the information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether each remaining section S corresponds to a line segment whose Z-axis coordinate is the maximum or minimum value and is parallel to the X-axis. The information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns a machining cycle for end face machining to the corresponding section S.

[0082] Next, the information processing device 100 (allocation unit 141) determines whether each remaining section S corresponds to a line segment whose X coordinate is zero and is parallel to the Z-axis direction. The information processing device 100 (allocation unit 141) does not allocate a machining cycle to the corresponding section S (corresponding to a section where machining is not required).

[0083] Next, the information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether each remaining section S is a groove processing section (end face, outer diameter or inner diameter, and can also be determined in consideration of the processing direction, or determination can be made using a shape recognition module), and assigns a groove processing cycle to the corresponding section S.

[0084] Next, the information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) determines whether each remaining section S is located outside or inside the contour shape of the workpiece W in the two-dimensional model 500. As an example, the information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) divides the contour shape of the workpiece W in the two-dimensional model 500 into two between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the Z axis, and determines that on the divided Z axis coordinate, the section S having a relatively large X-axis coordinate is located on the outside, and the section S having a relatively small X-axis coordinate is located on the inside. The information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns an outer diameter machining cycle to the section S located on the outside, and assigns an inner diameter machining cycle to the section S located on the inside.

[0085] Next, the step of allocating the workpiece spindles (S105) will be described. In the case of groove machining on an end face, the information processing device 100 (allocation unit 141) makes a determination based on the machining direction. When the tool axis direction is the +Z axis direction, the information processing device 100 (allocation unit 141) allocates the left workpiece spindle 31, and when the tool axis direction is the -Z axis direction, the information processing device 100 (allocation unit 141) allocates the right workpiece spindle 36.

[0086] In the case of end face machining, the information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) makes a determination based on the Z-axis coordinate. The information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns the left workpiece spindle 31 to end face machining where the Z-axis coordinate is the maximum value, and assigns the right workpiece spindle 36 to end face machining where the Z-axis coordinate is the minimum value.

[0087] In the case of internal diameter machining and external diameter machining, the reference Z-axis coordinate is set in advance by the user. For example, in FIG. 4, the reference Z-axis coordinate may be set at a position of -45 mm. The reference Z-axis coordinate may be different between a set value for internal diameter machining and a set value for external diameter machining. The information processing device 100 (assignment unit 141) assigns the left workpiece spindle 31 to machining on the positive side of the reference Z-axis coordinate, and assigns the right workpiece spindle 36 to machining on the negative side of the reference Z-axis coordinate.

[0088] Next, the step (S108) of interpolating the contour shape of the section S to which the groove machining cycle is assigned will be described.

[0089] 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the steps of interpolating a section (external diameter groove consisting of only simple line segments) to which a groove machining cycle is assigned. In Fig. 12 and Fig. 13, it is assumed that an external diameter groove consisting of only simple line segments is interpolated in a workpiece held by the left workpiece spindle 31.

[0090] 12 and 13, groove machining cycles are assigned and intervals S (Sf to Si) to be interpolated are shown. An interval Sf is determined between end points p1 and p2, an interval Sg is determined between end points p2 and p3, an interval Sh is determined between end points p3 and p4, and an interval Si is determined between end points p4 and p5.

[0091] The information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) sets the maximum slope of the section S (Sf to Si) to be interpolated. The maximum slope may be set to zero in the Z-axis-X-axis coordinate, may be set with reference to the pocket angle of the tool, or may be set manually by the user.

[0092] Next, the information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines the tangent point pa of the line 61 having the maximum slope, which is tangent to the tangent point pa, in the contour shape of section S (Sf to Si). The information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) identifies the line 61 having the maximum slope, which is tangent to the tangent point pa, and a first intersection point pb where the line 61 first intersects with the contour shape continuing from the tangent point pa.

[0093] Next, the information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) divides the section S (Sf to Si) by the first intersection point pa into a section Sf, a section Sg, and a section Sh (end point p3 to first intersection point pb), and a section Sh (first intersection point pb to endpoint p4) and a section Si. The information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) interpolates the sections Sf, Sg, and Sh (end point p3 to first intersection point pb) using a straight line 61.

[0094] Next, the information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines whether the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb is placed in a first range 62 that is equal to or greater than the set maximum slope, or in a second range 63 that is less than the set maximum slope.

[0095] The information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines that the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb is located in the second range 63. In this case, the information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) maintains the contour shapes of the section Sh (first intersection point pb to endpoint p4) and the section Si. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13 , the section S (Sf to Si) is interpolated into a contour shape that passes through endpoint p1 (contact point pa), the first intersection point pb, endpoint p4, and endpoint p5 in that order.

[0096] On the other hand, if the information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines that the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb is located in the first range 62 having a slope equal to or greater than the set maximum slope, it identifies a straight line that passes through the starting point of the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb and has the set maximum slope, and a second intersection point where the straight line first intersects with the contour shape continuing from the first intersection point pb. Thereafter, the above steps are repeated.

[0097] 14 and 15 are diagrams for explaining the steps of interpolating a section (external diameter groove including a curve) to which a groove machining cycle is assigned. In Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, it is assumed that an external diameter groove including a curve is interpolated in a workpiece held by the left workpiece spindle 31.

[0098] 14 and 15 , even if the section S to be interpolated is an outer diameter groove including a curve, the information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) determines the tangent point pa if there is a point tangent to the line with the maximum slope in the contour shape of the section S. The information processing device 100 (interpolation unit 142) identifies the line 61 with the maximum slope that is tangent to the tangent point pa and a first intersection point pb where the line 61 first intersects with the contour shape continuing from the tangent point pa. The other steps are the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 .

[0099] In the interpolation of section S (Sf to Si) shown in Fig. 8, the maximum slope of the interpolated section S is set to 0°. Although Fig. 12 to Fig. 15 assume a case where an outer diameter groove of a workpiece held by the left workpiece spindle 31 is interpolated, the same method as above can also be applied when the workpiece is held by the right workpiece spindle 36 or when an inner diameter groove is interpolated.

[0100] The information processing device, machining cycle allocation method, and program described above can be explained from another perspective: the information processing device includes a receiving unit that receives a three-dimensional model of the workpiece that corresponds to the shape of the workpiece obtained by machining and extends around a predetermined axis, and a processing unit that generates a two-dimensional model by cutting the three-dimensional model along a plane including the predetermined axis and allocates machining cycles to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece that appears in the two-dimensional model. The processing unit interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific machining is allocated as a machining cycle, and allocates a machining cycle different from the specific machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation.

[0101] The specific machining is groove machining or thread machining. The machining different from the specific machining is outer diameter machining, inner diameter machining, or end face machining.

[0102] The processing unit also identifies end points included in the contour shape of the workpiece, and allocates a machining cycle to each section of adjacent end points.

[0103] In addition, the processing unit assigns either a first work spindle capable of rotating the work around a predetermined axis, or a second work spindle arranged opposite the first work spindle in the axial direction of the predetermined axis and capable of rotating the work around the predetermined axis, as the work spindle that holds the work during processing in each section to which the processing cycle is assigned.

[0104] The method for allocating machining cycles comprises the steps of: generating a two-dimensional model from a three-dimensional model of the workpiece, which corresponds to the shape of the workpiece obtained by machining and extends around a predetermined axis, by cutting the three-dimensional model along a plane including the predetermined axis; and allocating machining cycles to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece appearing in the two-dimensional model. The step of allocating machining cycles to the workpiece includes the steps of interpolating the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific machining is assigned as a machining cycle, and allocating a machining different from the specific machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation.

[0105] The program is executed by a computer for allocating machining cycles to a workpiece. The program causes the computer to execute the steps of: generating a two-dimensional model of a three-dimensional workpiece model, which corresponds to the shape of the workpiece obtained by machining and extends around a predetermined axis, by cutting the three-dimensional model along a plane including the predetermined axis; and allocating machining cycles to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece appearing in the two-dimensional model. The step of allocating machining cycles to the workpiece includes the steps of interpolating the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which a specific machining is assigned as a machining cycle, and allocating a machining cycle different from the specific machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece after interpolation.

[0106] The program may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium, which may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

[0107] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0108] 10 Machine tool, 12 Machining area, 21 Cover body, 31 Left work spindle, 32, 37 Claw portion, 36 Right work spindle, 41 Tool rest, 42 Swivel portion, 50 Operation panel, 51 Upper panel, 52 Lower panel, 53 Operation portion, 56, 57 Display, 61 Straight line, 62 First range, 63 Second range, 100 Information processing device, 111 Receiving portion, 120 Processing portion, 121 First processing portion, 122 Second processing portion, 131 Two-dimensional model generation portion, 132 End point identification portion, 133 Section identification portion, 141 Allocation portion, 142 Interpolation portion, 150 Memory portion, 151 Machining cycle allocation rule, 152 Work spindle allocation rule, 153 Contour shape interpolation rule, 160 Base material, 210, 220 Rotation center axis, 230 Rotation center axis, 310 predetermined axis, 400 three-dimensional model, 500 two-dimensional model, P end point, S, Sa, Sb, Sc, Sd, Se, Sf, Sg, Sh, Si, Sj, Sk, Sm, Sn, Sp, Sq, Sr, St, j section, W workpiece.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus comprising: a receiving unit that receives a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending around a predetermined axis; and a processing unit that generates a two-dimensional model obtained by cutting the three-dimensional model with a plane including the predetermined axis, and assigns a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented by the two-dimensional model.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit identifies end points included in the contour shape of the workpiece and assigns the machining cycle for each section between adjacent end points.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the machining cycle includes at least one of external diameter machining, internal diameter machining, end face machining, groove machining, and thread machining.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which the thread machining is assigned, and assigns the external diameter machining or the internal diameter machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processing unit interpolates the contour shape of the workpiece in a specific section to which the groove machining is assigned, and assigns the external diameter machining, the internal diameter machining, or the end face machining to the interpolated contour shape of the workpiece.

6. A method for assigning a machining cycle, comprising: generating a two-dimensional model obtained by cutting a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending around a predetermined axis with a plane including the predetermined axis; and assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented by the two-dimensional model.

7. A program executed by a computer for assigning a machining cycle to a workpiece, the program causing the computer to perform: generating a two-dimensional model obtained by cutting a three-dimensional model of a workpiece extending around a predetermined axis with a plane including the predetermined axis; and assigning a machining cycle to the workpiece based on the contour shape of the workpiece represented by the two-dimensional model.

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