JP2001150246A - Electric discharge machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric discharge machine which shortens machining time and improves machining accuracy. SOLUTION: This electric discharge machine, which performs machining by moving an electrode in a traveling direction for machining while moving the electrode along a given rocking path at a predetermined turning speed in a plane perpendicular to the feeding direction of the electrode and divides the overall area into one or more first area divided patterns P1 for judging, on an area-by-area basis, whether a given termination condition is met, is provided with: a storage means 2 for storing one or more second area divided patterns P2 different from the first area divided pattern(s); and a machining termination judging means 1 for judging termination in the first area divided pattern(s) P1 and in the second area divided pattern(s) P2 and judging that machining has terminated when the machining termination condition has been met in all the area divided patterns.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electric discharge machining apparatus for applying a voltage between an electrode and a workpiece and machining the workpiece by utilizing a discharge phenomenon generated between the electrodes. In particular, the present invention relates to an electric discharge machining apparatus that performs machining while swinging an electrode along a swing shape at a variable or constant turning speed in a plane perpendicular to a feed direction.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In such an electric discharge machining apparatus, an electrode is moved in a machining progress direction while swinging (including parallel movement) relative to a workpiece in a plane perpendicular to a feed direction of the electrode. ), The electric discharge machining can be performed, so that a machining similar in shape to the electrode can be performed. As the swing shape, a simple shape such as a circle, a square, and a polygon is generally used.

[0003] Machining while constantly turning the electrode in a plane perpendicular to the machining progress direction prevents machining discharge, improves machining waste discharge efficiency, and improves machining speed, machining accuracy, and machining surface quality. I do.

In such an electric discharge machine, the electrode is constantly turned during machining, but the swing path is divided into several areas by a certain method, and it is determined whether the machining end condition is reached for each area. Judgment is made, and if all areas have reached the processing end condition, the processing is ended.

[0005] When the number of divided areas is increased, the processing accuracy is improved. However, since the size of each area is reduced, when the number of remaining areas is reduced, the time required for processing the area that needs to be processed is reduced. There is a problem that the length is shortened and extra processing time is increased. On the other hand, when the number of divided areas is reduced, there is a problem that machining accuracy is deteriorated.

Conventionally, there is a method of dividing an area so as to reduce the size of an area in which the processing accuracy is deteriorated in order to prevent a partial deterioration of the processing accuracy caused by the swinging shape. However, there is a problem in that when the area is divided by this method, the calculation amount increases.

[0007]

As described above, in the electric discharge machine having the function of dividing the swing path into predetermined divided areas and determining the end of each area,
There were problems to be solved such as an increase in extra processing time and deterioration in processing accuracy.

Further, the materials of the electrodes and the workpiece, the electrical conditions,
Since the optimum area division method or the end determination method differs depending on the swing shape and the length of the swing path, faster and more accurate machining can be performed by adjusting these two elements. It has not been possible for the user of the device to adjust these area division methods or end determination methods.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric discharge machine which shortens machining time and improves machining accuracy.

[0010]

An electric discharge machining apparatus according to the present invention moves an electrode in a machining progress direction while moving along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined turning speed in a plane perpendicular to the electrode feeding direction. Processing while moving the electrode
In an electric discharge machining apparatus that divides the entire area into one or more first area division patterns and determines that a predetermined end condition is reached for each area, one or more second area division patterns different from the first area division pattern Storage means for storing the area division pattern of the first area division pattern and the end determination of the second area division pattern, and the processing end condition is reached for all the area division patterns. And a processing end determining means for determining that the processing has been completed.

Further, at least one of the plurality of area division patterns is an area for determining only a part of the swing path.

The processing end determining means changes the processing end determining method for each of the plurality of area division patterns.

Further, the apparatus further comprises a setting means for externally setting an end determination method.

Further, while the electrode is moved in the processing progress direction, the processing is performed while moving the electrode along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined rotation speed in a plane perpendicular to the feed direction of the electrode, and the entire area is processed. In an electric discharge machining apparatus that divides into at least one area division pattern and determines that a predetermined end condition is reached for each area, a predetermined number or more of the determination areas may be determined even if all the areas do not reach the processing end condition. There is provided a processing end determining means for determining that the processing has been completed by reaching the processing end condition.

Further, the apparatus further comprises a setting means for externally setting the number of determination areas.

Further, there is further provided setting means for externally setting a ratio between the number of determination areas and the number of divisions of the area division pattern.

Further, while the electrode is moved in the processing progress direction, the processing is performed while moving the electrode along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined rotation speed in a plane perpendicular to the electrode feed direction, and the entire area is processed. In an electric discharge machining apparatus that divides into one or more area division patterns and determines that a predetermined end condition is reached for each area, a machining end area or an unprocessed area even if not all areas have reached the machining end condition. Processing end determination means is provided for determining that processing has ended when the arrangement of the end areas becomes a predetermined arrangement.

Further, there is further provided a setting means for setting a predetermined arrangement from outside.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an electric discharge machine according to the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an arithmetic unit, 2 is a storage unit, 3 is a power control unit, 4 is a drive control unit,
5 is a gap voltage detecting unit, 6 is an electrode position detecting unit, 7 is an electrode driving unit, 8 is a processing power source, 9 is an electrode, 10 is a workpiece, 11
Is an electrode head.

Next, the operation will be described. In the present embodiment, the arithmetic unit 1 as the processing end determination means performs the processing end determination using each of the plurality of divided areas. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an area division pattern P1 obtained by dividing a circular path into four parts using an X axis and a Y axis. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an area division pattern P2 obtained by rotating the area division pattern shown in FIG. 2 by 45 degrees. These area division patterns P1 and P2 are stored in the storage unit 2 as storage means.

On the other hand, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 show a circular path using an X axis and a Y axis and a straight line intersecting them at 45 degrees at the origin.
It is the figure which divided. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 1
If the machining end condition is reached even in a part of each area, it is judged that the machining is completed, and if it is judged that the machining of all areas is completed, the machining end condition is reached in the area division pattern. Judge.

In FIG. 4, a second area, a third area,
When a part of the sixth area and the seventh area reaches the processing end condition, the area division pattern P1 shown in FIG.
Indicates that the 31st area and the 33rd area are not finished. Since the end determination condition in the area division pattern P2 has not been reached, it is determined that the processing has not been completed.

In FIG. 5, a second area, a fourth area,
When a part of the sixth area and the eighth area reaches the processing end condition, the processing is completed because all the areas are completed in both the area division pattern P1 shown in FIG. 2 and the area division pattern P2 shown in FIG. Judge.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the end determination is made for each of the two area division patterns. Therefore, the end area is determined more than the end determination is made for only one four division pattern. The size decreases.
Further, since the size of each area does not change, useless processing time does not increase.

Further, in the above-described first embodiment, two area division patterns in which a circular swing path is equally divided into four parts are used. However, a swing shape other than a circle or a large size for each area is used. The same effect can be obtained by changing the length, making the number of divisions equal to or less than 3 or 5 or more, or changing the number of area divisions, or using three or more area division patterns.

Embodiment 2 FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an area division pattern P3 obtained by dividing a square shape into eight parts by using a straight line that intersects the X axis and the Y axis at 45 degrees at the origin. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an area division pattern P4 in which only the vicinity of the corner of the square swing path is determined as an end area.

In the present embodiment, the arithmetic unit 1 makes an end determination for each of the area division patterns P3 and P4 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, and performs processing when both the area division patterns P3 and P4 are also determined to be end. Is determined to have ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least one of the plurality of area division patterns is configured to be an area for judging only a part of the swing path. The accuracy near the corner is likely to deteriorate when performing the swinging processing of the quadrangular shape. However, by adding the end determination based on the area division pattern P4, the processing accuracy of the corner can be improved as compared with performing the end determination only with the area division pattern P3. Can be improved. Further, since the end determination area is provided only in the vicinity of the corner where the progress of processing is slow, useless processing time does not increase.

Further, in the above-described second embodiment, the square swing path is equally divided into eight as shown in FIG.
Although a pattern divided into eight areas only near the corner was used as described above, the swing shape other than the square, or the size of each area was changed, or the number of divisions was reduced to seven or less or nine or more. Alternatively, the same effect can be obtained even if the number of area divisions is different or three or more area division patterns are used.

Embodiment 3 FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an area division pattern P5 in which the square swing shape is divided into four areas with only the vicinity of the square corner as the area.

In the present embodiment, the arithmetic unit 1 makes an end judgment for each of the area division patterns P3 and P5 shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, and performs processing when both the area division patterns P3 and P5 are judged to end. To end. At that time, in the area division pattern P3, if even one point reaches the end condition, it is determined that the processing of the area is completed. In the area division pattern P3, if the end condition is reached in more than half of each area, the processing of the area is completed. Is determined to have ended.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, at least one of the plurality of area division patterns is configured to make a different end determination. Machining accuracy can be improved by strictly determining the end of only a portion that requires accuracy depending on the region. Further, an increase in processing time can be prevented.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the electric discharge machining apparatus of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is an arithmetic unit, 2 is a storage unit, 3 is a power control unit, 4 is a drive control unit,
5 is a gap voltage detecting unit, 6 is an electrode position detecting unit, 7 is an electrode driving unit, 8 is a processing power source, 9 is an electrode, 10 is a workpiece, 11
Is an electrode head, and 12 is an input unit.

Next, the operation will be described. In the present embodiment, the input unit 12 as a setting unit is used so that the end determination used for each area division pattern can be set from the outside.

That is, the present embodiment is configured to have a setting means which can externally set an end determination method for each area division pattern. The input unit 12 allows the user to arbitrarily set, thereby shortening the processing time and improving the processing accuracy.

Embodiment 5 FIG. 10 is a view showing an end state of each area at the end of machining, showing another example of the electric discharge machining apparatus of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the arithmetic unit 1 as the processing end determining means divides the circular path into eight areas, and determines that the processing has been completed when five of the areas reach the end condition.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the processing is completed when a predetermined number of areas reach the end condition even if all the areas do not reach the processing condition.

In general, although the required accuracy is generally achieved by the size of the area and the swing speed of the electrode, a certain area does not reach the processing end condition, so that extra processing time increases. There are cases. As in the present embodiment, by judging that the machining has been completed when a predetermined number of areas have reached the machining end condition even if not all the areas have reached the machining end condition, the machining accuracy is maintained while maintaining the machining accuracy. Time can be reduced.

In the above-described fifth embodiment, the machining is terminated when five of the areas obtained by equally dividing the circular swing path into eight as shown in FIG. 10 reach the termination condition. However, the same effect can be obtained even if the processing is terminated when the six or seven areas have reached the termination condition.

Further, in the above-described fifth embodiment, an area division pattern in which a circular swing path is equally divided into eight as shown in FIG. 10 is used. Similar effects can be obtained even when the number of divisions is 7 or less or 9 or more.

Embodiment 6 FIG. In the present embodiment,
The input unit 12 as setting means inputs the number of areas that have reached an end condition necessary for the end of processing for all areas, or the ratio of the area to all areas. Other configurations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

The input section 12 allows the user to arbitrarily set the processing time, thereby shortening the processing time while satisfying the required processing accuracy.

Embodiment 7 FIG. FIG. 11 is a view showing an end state of each area at the end of machining, showing another example of the electric discharge machine of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the arithmetic unit 1 as the processing end determination means uses a circular path of 8
It is divided into two areas, and when two or more unfinished areas are not continuous, it is determined that the processing has been completed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the processing is terminated when the arrangement of unfinished areas reaches a certain condition. By the time the remaining area reaches the end condition, the area that has reached the end condition also needs to idle. By ending the processing even in some areas even if the ending conditions are not reached, extra processing time can be reduced without deteriorating the processing accuracy.

Further, in the above-described seventh embodiment, the same effect can be obtained even if the processing is terminated when the number of unfinished areas is not continuous for three or more areas.

In the above-described seventh embodiment, the processing is terminated when E (0 <E <D) or more of the continuous D (D> 0) areas reach the termination condition. The same effect can be obtained.

Embodiment 8 FIG. In the present embodiment,
The input unit 12 as a setting unit can set a processing end area in which processing is ended or a method of arranging an unprocessed end area. Other configurations are the same as those of the fourth embodiment.

The user can arbitrarily set the data by the input unit 12, thereby shortening the processing time and improving the processing accuracy.

For this reason, the electric discharge machining apparatus of the present invention performs machining while oscillating the electrode along a predetermined oscillating shape at a turning speed in a plane perpendicular to the machining progress direction. In an electric discharge machining apparatus having a function of dividing a shape into areas of a division number A (A> 0) and determining that an end condition is reached for each area, the processing is ended using a plurality of area division patterns. Make a decision,
The processing is configured to end when the end of all the divided patterns is determined.

At least one of the plurality of area division patterns is configured so that only a part of the swing path is provided with an area for determining the end.

The method of judging the end is changed for at least one area division pattern.

Further, the configuration is such that an area division pattern or an end determination method for each area division pattern can be externally set.

In a certain area division pattern,
Even if all the areas A (A> 0) do not reach the machining end condition, the machining is terminated when the area of a certain number of areas B (0 <B <A) reaches the machining end condition. .

Further, the apparatus is configured so that a certain area number B (B> 0) can be set from the outside.

The ratio C (C> 0) of a certain area number B (0 <B <A) and the total area number A (A> 0) can be set from the outside.

Further, even if all the areas do not reach the processing end condition, the processing is terminated when the arrangement of the processing end area or the unprocessed area reaches a certain condition.

Further, the arrangement of the area for finishing the processing can be set from the outside.

[0058]

The electric discharge machining apparatus according to the present invention moves the electrode along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined rotation speed in a plane perpendicular to the electrode feeding direction while moving the electrode in the machining progress direction. In the electric discharge machine which determines that the predetermined area is attained for each area, the entire area is divided into one or more first area division patterns, which is different from the first area division pattern. A storage unit for storing one or more second area division patterns, an end determination for the first area division pattern, an end determination for the second area division pattern, and processing for all area division patterns. A machining end determining means for determining that the machining has been completed when the end condition is reached. Therefore, processing accuracy is improved.
Further, since the size of each area does not change, it is possible to prevent an increase in processing time due to idle rotation.

At least one of the plurality of area division patterns is an area for determining only a part of the swing path. Therefore, it is possible to improve processing accuracy while preventing an increase in processing time due to idle rotation.

The processing end determining means changes the processing end determining method for each of the plurality of area division patterns. Therefore, by changing the end determination method in accordance with the area division pattern, high-speed and high-accuracy processing can be performed.

Further, there is further provided a setting means for externally setting an end determination method. Therefore, high-speed and high-precision processing can be performed by changing the end determination method according to the material, electrode shape, and swing shape of the workpiece.

Further, while moving the electrode in the processing progress direction, processing is performed while moving the electrode along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined rotation speed in a plane perpendicular to the feed direction of the electrode, and the entire area is processed. In an electric discharge machining apparatus that divides into one or more area division patterns and determines that a predetermined end condition is reached for each area, a predetermined number or more of determination areas even if all areas do not reach the processing end condition are determined. There is provided a processing end determining means for determining that the processing has been completed by reaching the processing end condition. Therefore, even if all the areas do not reach the processing conditions, the processing is terminated when the predetermined area reaches the end condition.
Processing is completed as soon as the required processing accuracy is obtained, and the processing time can be reduced.

Further, there is further provided a setting means for externally setting the number of determination areas. Therefore, by making it possible to externally set the number of determination areas for ending the processing in accordance with the material of the workpiece and the processing conditions, the processing time can be reduced while the required processing accuracy is satisfied.

Further, there is further provided setting means for externally setting a ratio between the number of determination areas and the number of divisions of the area division pattern. Therefore, by allowing the ratio of the total number of areas and the number of areas to finish machining to be set from the outside,
The processing time can be reduced while satisfying the required processing accuracy.

Further, while the electrode is moved in the processing progress direction, the processing is performed while moving the electrode along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined rotation speed in a plane perpendicular to the electrode feeding direction, and the entire area is processed. In an electric discharge machining apparatus that divides into one or more area division patterns and determines that a predetermined end condition is reached for each area, a machining end area or an unprocessed area even if not all areas have reached a machining end condition. Processing end determination means is provided for determining that processing has ended when the arrangement of the end areas becomes a predetermined arrangement. Therefore, even if all the areas do not reach the processing end condition, the processing end area or the processing unfinished area is arranged so that the processing is completed by reaching a certain condition. Processing is completed immediately after it is obtained, and processing time can be reduced.

Further, there is further provided setting means for setting a predetermined arrangement from outside. Therefore, the processing time can be reduced in a state where the required processing accuracy is satisfied by setting the arrangement of the processing end area or the unprocessed area in accordance with the material of the workpiece and the processing conditions.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an electric discharge machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an area division pattern P1 obtained by dividing a circular path into four parts using an X axis and a Y axis.

3 is a diagram showing an area division pattern P2 obtained by rotating the area division pattern shown in FIG. 2 by 45 degrees.

FIG. 4 is a view in which a circular path is divided into eight parts using an X axis, a Y axis, and a straight line that intersects these at 45 degrees at the origin.

FIG. 5 is a diagram in which a circular path is divided into eight using an X axis, a Y axis, and a straight line that intersects these at 45 degrees at the origin.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an area division pattern obtained by dividing a square into eight parts by using a X-axis, a Y-axis, and a straight line intersecting these at 45 degrees at the origin.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an area division pattern in which only the vicinity of a corner of a square swing path is determined as an end.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an area division pattern obtained by dividing a square swing shape into four areas, with only the vicinity of the corner of the square as an area.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram showing another example of the electric discharge machining apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an end state of each area at the end of machining, showing another example of the electric discharge machining apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an end state of each area at the end of machining, showing another example of the electric discharge machine according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 calculation unit (processing end determination unit), 2 storage unit (storage unit), 12 input unit (setting unit).

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. While moving an electrode in a processing progress direction,
Processing is performed while moving the electrode along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined rotation speed in a plane perpendicular to the electrode feed direction, and the entire area is divided into one or more first area division patterns. In the electric discharge machining apparatus that determines that a predetermined end condition is reached for each area, one or more second areas different from the first area division pattern are used.
Storage means for storing the area division pattern of the first area division pattern and the end determination of the second area division pattern, and the processing end condition is reached for all the area division patterns. A machining end determining means for determining that the machining has been completed when the machining has been performed. 2. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of area division patterns is an area for determining only a part of the swing path. 3. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the machining end determining means changes a method of determining machining end for each of the plurality of area division patterns. 4. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising setting means for externally setting the end determination method. 5. While moving the electrode in the processing progress direction,
Processing is performed while moving the electrodes along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined rotation speed in a plane perpendicular to the electrode feed direction, and the entire area is divided into one or more area division patterns. In an electric discharge machining apparatus that determines that a predetermined ending condition is reached, even if all the areas do not reach the processing ending condition, the processing that determines that the processing has been completed when a predetermined number or more of the determination areas reaches the processing ending condition. An electric discharge machining apparatus comprising an end determination unit. 6. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a setting means for externally setting the number of the determination areas. 7. The electric discharge machining apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a setting means for externally setting a ratio between the number of the determination areas and the number of divisions of the area division pattern. 8. While moving the electrode in the processing progress direction,
Processing is performed while moving the electrodes along a predetermined swing path at a predetermined rotation speed in a plane perpendicular to the electrode feed direction, and the entire area is divided into one or more area division patterns. In the electric discharge machine that determines that the machining end condition is reached, the machining end area or the machining unfinished area is arranged in a predetermined manner even if all the areas do not reach the machining end condition. An electrical discharge machining apparatus comprising machining end determination means for determining that the machining has been completed. 9. The electric discharge machine according to claim 8, further comprising setting means for setting the predetermined arrangement from outside.