JP2004240966A - Patternizing method of working specification, cutting condition/cycle time extraction method using patternized information, and its program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reuse a program and to facilitate control program creation by extracting/registering a working specification pattern. <P>SOLUTION: When a working specification pattern part not present in an existing pattern is extracted from an NCPG (program) 26 based on tool design information 23, working specification feature (pattern) information 25 and the NCPG (program) 26, a basic information processing part 31 stores it in a database by forming it into a library. A movement feature, a G code feature and the like of the working specification pattern part are registered in the feature (pattern) information 25. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a system and a program for controlling production equipment for processing a workpiece, and more particularly to a method for patterning processing specifications and a method for extracting cutting conditions and C / T using patterning information.

  In recent years, people's values have diversified, and their changes have been quickening. As a result, production equipment for product production tends to be used for multi-product production. Automation (unmanned) is required from the viewpoint of reducing production costs. For these reasons, most of the production equipment is configured to operate the machine tool under the control of the control device that executes the program. The control device includes a program logic controller (hereinafter, PLC), an NC (Numerical Control) device (numerical control device), a motion controller (hereinafter, MC), and the like. At present, most of the NC devices are CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) devices, but unless otherwise specified, the term "NC device" is used hereinafter to include the CNC device.

  A production line is constructed by organically combining a plurality of production facilities. Processing includes deformation processing (forging, powder processing, plastic molding processing, etc.), removal processing (cutting processing, abrasive processing, or optical processing, etc.), joining processing (welding processing, bonding processing, bonding processing, assembly processing, etc.) ) And processing (surface treatment, heat treatment, etc.). The production equipment that constitutes the production line is determined according to the type of work (workpiece) and the processing to be performed on the work.

  A program (NC program) to be executed by the NC device is usually created by an operator interactively using an automatic programming device (including changes here). In most cases, work design is performed using a CAD / CAM (Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing) system. For this reason, the automatic programming device is mounted not only on the operation panel connected to the NC device but also on a CAD (Computer Aided Design) system as a standard.

  The CAD system is also provided with a function of performing a simulation when the created or changed NC program is executed by the NC device as a standard. Thus, when the created or changed NC program is actually executed by the NC device, the worker can confirm the time estimated to be required for machining the work as the cycle time.

  In a conventional simulation, an NC program is simulated, and the cycle time is obtained by measuring the time required for the execution. However, with the cycle time thus obtained, it is possible to confirm only the time required for machining the work in the entire production equipment.

It is often the case that production equipment processes a plurality of workpieces. In that case, the actual time required for processing usually varies depending on the order in which the processing is performed.
Further, for example, there is a conventional technique described in Patent Document 1.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-163873 fetches know-how possessed by a skilled worker into a database and automatically determines tools and machining conditions. In addition, the tool path of only the machining area designated by the operator can be displayed on the display device at high speed, and the numerical value of the machine tool capable of correcting the NC program by locally correcting the tool path. A control device is provided. In addition, the type of the used tool and the machining condition for the machining area designated by the operator are identified, and such information can be displayed. Further, the displayed type of the used tool and the machining condition can be corrected by the operator. The present invention provides a numerical control device for a machine tool capable of correcting an NC program by using the numerical controller.
JP-A-7-295519

In the above Patent Document 1, although the local modification of the NC program may be easily performed, it is insufficient to facilitate the operation of creating the NC program.
In addition, the applicant of the present application has already proposed a cutting condition / cycle time extraction method in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-114634 or the like, and it is desired to improve its accuracy and precision.

  It is an object of the present invention to construct a program for controlling a production facility for machining a workpiece and to register a machining specification feature to construct a new program by reusing the library. A method of patterning machining specifications that makes it possible to facilitate program creation, and cutting conditions and cycle times that can improve the accuracy and precision of cutting conditions and cycle time extraction by using this patterning information An object of the present invention is to provide an extraction method, a program for realizing these methods in a computer, and the like.

  The patterning method of the processing specification of the present invention is a method of patterning a processing specification based on a control program executed in a control device that controls a production facility for processing a work, and includes a method of controlling a processing target. Along with acquiring the program, it acquires work design information, machining process design information, and tool design information, divides the control program for each machining process for each tool to be processed, and defines a tool path feature of the tool movement. Each extracted part of the control program is extracted as a library, and the library is registered as one machining specification pattern in association with the extracted tool path features and tool information.

  According to the above method, a library of various processing specification patterns (drilling with a drill, boring with a return cutting pattern, boring through the back, return cutting, etc.) is extracted based on an existing control program. By registering this, when a new control program is created later, it can be used (reuse of the program) to facilitate the creation.

  Also, for example, for each of the processing specification patterns, a general-purpose document for visually displaying the tool path feature and a graphic document for visually displaying the cutting pattern are created, and these are processed by the processing. Register in association with the specification pattern.

By doing so, when the user or the like later refers to or uses the existing processing specification pattern, the characteristics can be understood at a glance.
The cutting condition / cycle time extraction method using the patterning information of the present invention is a method for extracting the cutting condition / cycle time from a control program executed in a control device for controlling a production facility for processing a work, The control program is divided in a machining process for each tool, and using the machining specification pattern information registered by the machining specification patterning method according to claim 1, among the respective parts obtained by dividing the control program, The part corresponding to the registered machining specification pattern is determined to be a cutting description, and then the processing for extracting the cutting conditions / cycle time is executed.

  According to the above-described method, a part that is not determined to be a cutting description despite performing cutting can be determined to be a cutting description by referring to the processing specification pattern information.・ Accuracy can be improved.

  The above-described problem can also be solved by causing a computer to read and execute the program from a computer-readable storage medium that stores a program that causes the computer to perform the above-described method. .

  According to the processing specification patterning method of the present invention, a program for controlling a production facility for processing a work is made into a library, and the processing specification feature is registered. This makes it possible to construct a program and facilitate program creation. Further, for each processing specification pattern, the tool path and the cutting pattern can be visually displayed so as to be easily understood by the user. In addition, by using this patterning information, it is possible to improve the accuracy and precision of cutting condition / cycle time extraction.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an entire network system to which the device according to the present embodiment is applied.

  The illustrated network system is, for example, a client / server type system built in a company that owns a factory that manufactures products. As shown in FIG. 1, a local LAN 1 and a factory local LAN 2 are connected by a router 3.

The premises LAN 1 is connected to a facility design information system server 4, a tool design information system server 5, a process design information system server 6, and a database (DB) server 7.
A line server 8 and a plurality of access points (hereinafter, AP) 9 are connected to one factory local LAN (hereinafter, abbreviated as local LAN) 2. Each AP 9 communicates with the AP 10 corresponding to the child device.

The local LAN 2 is laid in a factory where the production lines 12 and 13 are installed. The production lines 12 and 13 are composed of 9 and 22 production facilities, respectively.
These production facilities process or transport a workpiece under the control of an NC controller, a PLC, or an MC. For example, it is provided with a machining center, a punching device, a deburring device, or a cleaning device. Since the configuration is well known, a detailed description is omitted, but for example, it is as follows.

  One production facility 12a constituting the production line 12 processes a work under the control of, for example, an NC control device having a built-in PLC. The operation panel 12b and the AP 12c are connected to the NC control device. The NC control device is connected to the local LAN 2 by the AP 12c. The operator can change the NC program and parameters (data set for determining specifications) executed by the NC control device by operating the operation panel 12b.

  One production facility 13a constituting the production line 13 includes, for example, a part that processes a work under the control of an NC control device (hereinafter, referred to as a partial facility) and a work piece under the control of an NC control device with a built-in PLC. It is composed of a part facility for processing. The control devices are connected, and the NC control device of the sub-equipment is connected to the hub 13b. An operation panel 13c and an AP 13d are connected to the hub 13b. The NC controller of each of the partial facilities is connected to the local LAN 2 by the AP 13d. The operator can change the NC program and parameters executed by each NC control device by operating the operation panel 13c.

The line server 8 monitors the operation state of each production facility by collecting predetermined data from the control device of each production facility.
The DB server 7 centrally manages and stores various data created by the facility design information system server 4, the tool design information system server 5, and the process design information system server 6. Therefore, the device according to the present embodiment (the device 30 in FIG. 2 and the device 110 in FIG. 10) is desirably implemented in the DB server 7, but is not limited thereto, and may be implemented in another device.

  A program executed by a control device for controlling a production facility usually differs depending on the type of the control device. Multiple types of programming languages have been developed for the same type of control device. Therefore, the programs and the like shown in the drawings and the like in the following description are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these examples.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the device 30 according to the first embodiment.
The illustrated device 30 includes a basic information processing unit 31 and a processing specification pattern registration processing unit 32. The device 30 executes a process based on information of various databases created in advance, and creates a PG library 40 of machining specification feature pattern information / various machining patterns. The various databases include illustrated work design information 21, tool design information 23, machining specification feature (pattern) information 25, and NCPG (program) 26.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure executed by the basic information processing unit 31.
In the figure, first, a user or the like operates a keyboard, a mouse or the like of a computer to set an arbitrary processing target NCPG (step S13), and thereby the processing target NCPG is determined (step S14). At this time, the processing target device (PLC / NC model name, model, etc.) may also be set. This is because the G code system described later (that is, which code corresponds to what operation) differs for each model. However, since this is not directly related to the present process, the description is omitted in the following description.

The basic information processing unit 31 acquires the determined NCPG from a database (not shown) that stores various NCPGs (step S16).
Then, the target NCPG is analyzed, one processing target tool is determined (step S20), and the processing of steps S21 to S30 is repeatedly performed for each of the determined processing targets.

  First, referring to the tool design information 23, information such as a tool type, a tool diameter, a process name, and a movement feature (rotation / flat movement) of a processing target tool is acquired. Further, it is determined from the process name whether point processing or surface processing. For example, if the process name includes "surface", it is determined that the surface processing is performed, and if there is "hole", it is determined that point processing is performed. The rotation, the horizontal movement, the point processing, the surface processing, and the like may be collectively referred to as a processing method (step S21).

FIG. 4 shows an example of the tool design information 23.
The illustrated tool design information 23 includes a process number. 81, process name 82, tool 83 (tool No., tool diameter, tool type), cutting tool CD (code) 84, number of chips Dr type 85, cutting tool material 86, tool 3D database name 87, cutting condition 88 (peripheral speed, (A feed amount, a rotation speed, a feed speed), a life 89, a life characteristic 90, a cost 91, a movement characteristic 92 (rotation, flat movement), and the like.

  Here, the life characteristic 90 indicates the correspondence between the cutting speed and the life of the cutting tool, for example, as in “Example of end mill cutting tool life characteristic” shown on the upper and lower sides of FIG. As shown, the higher the cutting speed, the shorter the tool life. If the cutting speed is increased, the working efficiency is improved, but the cost is increased, especially when the cutting tool used is expensive. However, the life characteristics 90 are not relevant here.

  Next, a description part relating to the tool to be processed is extracted from the NCPG to be processed, and firstly, this is divided for each machining step / part. Further, each of these has a description for calling a normal subprogram (PG). Is obtained and divided by the G code to extract a tool path (tool path), a movement feature, a G code feature, and the like (step S22).

  The process in step S22 will be described. First, to divide for each processing step / part means to “divide into blocks for tool steps” described later with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15. If a sub PG called from a block of an arbitrary tool process is, for example, a PG shown in the lower right of FIG. 6, dividing by the above G code means dividing this into (1) to (6) in the drawing. Means to do. In these (1) to (6), the method of moving the tool is described. (For example, in (1), it is possible to fast-forward by G00 and move by 40.5 (mm) in the Z-axis direction by Z40.5. Based on this, a tool path as shown in FIG. 6 can be created. The moving feature is obtained by extracting a characteristic point (cutting pattern) from the tool path. This is, for example, each of the features shown as “features of the cutting pattern” in the upper left of the drawing in FIG. 6 (the main shaft does not rotate when drilling, return cutting is performed at G01, the return path does not partially overlap with the feed path, etc.). (However, although this is expressed in words for the sake of explanation, a program portion or the like showing these features is actually extracted. In addition to the features extracted by the computer, the user can determine The input features may be added, for example, "return to G01 to cut" is determined and input by the user.) Further, G code features related to cutting are also extracted. In the example of FIG. 6, G01 is extracted.

Then, the processes of steps S25 to S29 are repeatedly executed using the information obtained by the process of step S22 for each tool process.
First, one arbitrary processing target is determined (step S25), and the processing target is compared with the existing processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 using the data obtained and extracted (step S26). It is determined whether or not the pattern does not exist in the existing pattern (step S27). If so (step S27, YES), the pattern is added and registered as a new pattern in the processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 (step S28). ). Hereinafter, the processing of steps S26 to S28 will be described in detail.

First, FIG. 5 shows an example of the processing specification feature (pattern) information 25.
The illustrated processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 includes a processing specification pattern name 101, a processing method characteristic 102, a tool type 103, a G code characteristic 104, a relative rule path description 105, a tool path characteristic 106, and a graphic document description file name 107. , A general-purpose document (XML base) description file name 108, an NCPG library file name 109, a movement feature 201, and a movement feature 202.

  The processing in step S26 includes the processing method (rotation / flat movement, point processing / surface processing) obtained in step S21, the movement characteristic (cutting pattern characteristic) obtained in step S22, the G code characteristic, and the processing specification characteristic. This is a process for comparing each data of the (pattern) information 25 and determining whether or not there is any matching data. The rotation / flat movement is stored in the movement feature 201. Point processing / surface processing is determined based on the processing method feature 102 (if there is a character of “surface”, it is determined that surface processing is to be performed, and otherwise, it is determined to be point processing). Since the G-code feature is stored in the G-code feature 104 and the moving feature is stored in the moving feature 202 (data examples are not particularly shown), these are compared.

  If all of the three matches are not registered in the processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 (step S27, YES), the process of step S28 is performed. Of all three, the movement feature is particularly important. In other words, the feature of the present method is that it is possible to reduce the time and effort of creating a program by registering programs for various cutting patterns in a library. That is, the program creator obtains a library corresponding to a desired cutting pattern, and only corrects numerical values such as a tool moving distance and a cutting condition, and obtains, for example, each of (6) shown in FIG. From the processing description of the pattern 10 to the processing description of the pattern 10). Thus, the purpose of the processing in FIG. 3 is to newly register in the processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 every time a new cutting pattern is found.

  In the process of step S28, first, the motion feature, the G code feature, the movement feature, and the tool path information obtained in steps S21 and S22 are respectively combined with the movement feature 201, the G code feature 104, the movement feature 202, and the movement feature 202 in FIG. This is processing to be stored in the relative tool path description 105. Further, the processing specification pattern name 101, the processing method characteristic 102, and the tool path characteristic 106 store a pattern name, a characteristic name, and the like arbitrarily determined and input by the user. Further, a subprogram corresponding to the newly registered cutting pattern is stored in a file, an arbitrary file name is assigned, and this file name is stored in the NCPG library file name 109. For example, in the example of FIG. 6, the subprogram shown in the lower right of the figure is stored in a file, and an arbitrary file name is assigned.

  On the other hand, the graphic document description file name 107 and the general-purpose document (XML base) description file name 108 store the file names of document files created and added by the processing of FIG. 7 described later.

  If the above processing is repeatedly performed until all the targets are performed (steps S29, S30, S31), finally, the subprogram file corresponding to the newly registered cutting pattern is stored in the NCPG library database 40 ( Step S32), the process ends. The “machining specification information corresponding to each machining step / part for each tool” 25 ′ shown in the figure is the machining specification characteristic (pattern) information 25 after the new registration is performed. This will be described as processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 '.

Next, the processing specification pattern registration unit 32 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure executed by the processing specification pattern registration processing unit 32.

In the figure, first, processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 'is acquired. For example, the information shown in FIG. 5 is obtained (step S41).
When the user or the like determines the processing target from the acquired information (step S42), the processing target information is displayed (step S43). The user determines and inputs the pattern name to be processed (step S44).

  Then, the information of the relative tool path description 105 to be processed is obtained, and converted into an XML-based general-purpose document 41 by using an existing commercially available conversion tool. Store in database. Further, the file name is stored in the general-purpose document (XML base) description file name 108 of FIG. 5 (step S45). As an example of an existing commercially available conversion tool, for example, ACDTOSVG (Kernel Computer System Co., Ltd.) is known.

  Next, from the work design information 21, CAD drawing data of a file of a work part (name, shape), dimensions from a reference plane, and a CAD drawing file name is obtained from the work design information 21 (step S <b> 46). The shape information (tool 3D database name 77 etc.) is acquired (step S47).

FIG. 9 shows an example of the work design information 21.
The work design information 21 includes information on the material / product shape / dimension, accuracy, tolerance, material, hardness, surface treatment (painting / quenching), surface roughness, etc. of the work (object to be processed). What is used is a processed part 61 (name, shape), a dimension 62 from a reference plane, and the like.

  The processing part 61 includes data of the name and shape of each processing part. In the example shown in the figure, there are six machined parts, and their names are “A1 surface”, “B1 surface”, “C1 hole”, “C2 hole”, “D1 surface”, and “E1 hole”. The shape, the dimension 62 (azimuth, position, diameter (width), depth, etc.) from the reference plane, and other data are stored in association with each other. Further, a CAD drawing file name 63 is stored, and in step S18, CAD drawing data is acquired from the file having the CAD drawing file name 63.

  Then, based on the obtained information, a graphic document of the processing target pattern is created (for example, two graphic data are combined) (step S48). The created graphic document is displayed on a display or the like (step S49). The user or the like looks at the displayed contents and makes corrections and the like if necessary (step S50). The created / modified graphic document 42 is given an arbitrary file name and stored in the database, and this file name is stored in the graphic document description file name 107 in FIG. 5 (step S51).

If there is another processing target (step S52, YES), the process returns to step S42, determines the next processing target, and performs the same processing.
By using the XML-based general-purpose document database 41 of various patterns and the graphic document database 42 of various patterns created and updated by the above-described processing of FIG. Since the display is performed, the configuration and operation contents of various processing specification patterns can be visually easily understood by a program creator. That is, the program creator can easily determine whether or not a library of the same pattern as the cutting pattern to be created is already registered.

  As described above, by registering each NCPG library corresponding to various processing specification patterns (cutting patterns), it is possible to easily create a program by using this library when creating a new arbitrary NCPG. This makes it possible to automate program creation. FIG. 8 shows a specific image thereof.

  An example of the NCPG (program) created using the library is shown on the upper right side of FIG. In the illustrated program, a sub PG (program) is called from the main program. The sub PG is created based on the library.

The illustrated NCPG is composed of the respective parts (1) to (7).
(1) to (4) are main programs, and (5) to (7) are subprogram groups called in the main program.
(1), (4), and (7) are parts that are not related to the processing specifications. On the other hand, (2), (3), (5), and (6) are parts related to the processing specification, and therefore, the description contents should be changed every time the processing specification is changed.

(1) is a program related to setting related to equipment specifications and preparation processing 1 (jig operation, etc.).
(2) is a program relating to preparation processing 2 (coordinate setting and the like).

(3) is a program relating to a combination of machining steps in a designated order (consisting of 1 to n steps and assembling by a sub PG call).
(4) is a program related to the processing completion processing.

  (5) is a group of subprograms that describe the machining process specifications for each tool. In this example, there is a subprogram describing the processing specifications of each of the tools 1 to 10. These subprograms are called by the program of (3).

  (6) is a group of sub-programs that describe machining specifications for each machining feature pattern. In this example, there is a subprogram that describes the processing specifications of each of the processing feature patterns 1 to 10. These subprograms are called from within the subprogram of (5).

(7) is a group of sub-programs describing processes such as correction, tool change, and blade detection.
Each line of the illustrated program has, at the head of a sequence number represented by a numerical value following the symbol “N”, one symbol (“code”) consisting of a symbol representing a function type and a coded numerical value following the symbol. As described above, the configuration is continued.
The sequence numbers are described in ascending order in which the sequence numbers become smaller as approaching the head of the NC program.

  The symbols “G”, “M”, “S”, and “T”, which represent the types of the above functions, are symbols that represent different types of functions, respectively. To represent.

  The symbol "G" represents the preparation function, and the type of interpolation and the selection of the coordinate system, the fixed cycle, the thread cutting, the preparation function, and the other things are designated by a numerical value (G code) that follows. The symbols "X" and "Y" are used to designate a coordinate position or the like by a numerical value subsequent thereto.

  The symbol "M" represents an auxiliary function, and the rotation and stop of the spindle, its rotation direction, tool change, and the like can be designated by a subsequent numerical value (M code). The symbol "S" indicates a spindle function, and the rotation speed of the spindle can be designated by a numerical value (S code) following the spindle speed. The symbol "T" indicates a tool function, and a tool (tool) to be used can be designated by a numerical value (T code) following the tool function.

  Further, in the processing of extracting the cutting condition / C / T (cycle time) information from the NCPG by using the processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 '(for example, in the prior application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-114634)). It has been proposed by the present applicant), and the accuracy and precision can be improved.

FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the function and configuration of the cutting condition / C / T extraction device 110 according to the second embodiment.
In FIG. 10, the cutting condition / C / T extraction device 110 includes work design information 21, tool design information 23, and machining specification feature (pattern) information 25 ′ (these may be the same as those shown in FIG. Further, based on the equipment design information 22 and the machining process design information 24, the cutting condition / C / T information 120 is extracted from an arbitrary NCPG 26.

  In the cutting condition / C / T extraction device 110, NCPG reading 111, tool information acquisition 112, process information recognition 113 (acquisition of work design information 21, equipment design information 22 is also performed), and cutting condition / C / T extraction calculation Since the processing 116 is also performed in the above-mentioned prior application, the description here is omitted. The difference is that “determining whether or not to perform cutting / processing” 115 is performed after performing cutting pattern recognition 114 based on the processing specification feature (pattern) information 25 ′. Thereby, the cutting conditions and the accuracy and precision of C / T extraction can be improved.

Here, the cutting condition / C / T extraction method proposed in the above-mentioned prior application will be described.
The program executed by the control device for controlling the production equipment usually differs depending on the type of the control device. Needless to say, a plurality of types of programs have been developed for the same type of control device. FIG. 11 shows an example of such a program.

In FIG. 11, each block corresponds to one statement constituting the NC program. The NC program is basically configured in a form arranged in the block execution order.
One block includes a sequence number represented by a numerical value following the symbol "N", a symbol indicating the type of function, and one or more data (code) consisting of a coded numerical value following the symbol. Has become. The sequence numbers are described in ascending order in which the sequence numbers become smaller as approaching the head of the NC program. Hereinafter, the program is abbreviated as PG.

In FIG. 11, "G", "M", "S", and "T" are symbols representing different types of functions, respectively, and a coded numerical value following the symbol indicates a function instruction (command).
The symbol "G" represents the preparation function, and the type of interpolation and the selection of the coordinate system, the fixed cycle, the thread cutting, the preparation function, and the other things are designated by a numerical value (G code) that follows. The symbols "X" and "Y" are used to designate a coordinate position or the like by a numerical value following the symbol.

  The symbol "M" represents an auxiliary function, and the rotation and stop of the spindle, its rotation direction, tool change, and the like can be designated by a subsequent numerical value (M code). The symbol "S" indicates a spindle function, and the rotation speed of the spindle can be designated by a numerical value (S code) following the spindle speed. The symbol "T" indicates a tool function, and a tool (tool) to be used can be designated by a numerical value (T code) following the tool function.

  As is evident from the provision of the above-described functions, when processing a work in a production facility, a plurality of portions of the work may be processed using the tool while changing the tool as needed. . For this reason, in the present embodiment, the program is executed by focusing on the type of tool used for processing and the operation when the operation of processing the workpiece with the tool is temporarily interrupted. Under the control of the control device, a processing step in which a production facility processes a workpiece is divided into basic processing steps, and the cycle time is calculated. For example, in the case of a PG in which the same tool is used to perform a process of making a hole a plurality of times using the same tool, the machining process is divided by focusing on the operation of temporarily stopping the rotation of the spindle that transmits power to the tool. This is because when the tool is moved between processing points that are close to each other, the main spindle is usually moved without stopping the rotation of the main spindle. This is because when the time required for rotation is long, it is usual to stop the spindle. As a result, each step before and after the spindle stop is regarded as one processing step, and the time required to make a hole to be processed before stopping, the time required to make a hole to be processed after re-rotating after stopping, and Is calculated as the cycle time of each process.

  When a workpiece is machined a plurality of times while moving the position of the tool as needed, the overall machining time required for the machining varies depending on the distance the tool is moved during the machining. The distance usually changes depending on the order of processing positions. It goes without saying that the shorter the distance, the shorter the overall time. This is why the production equipment divides the processing step of processing the work into basic processing steps and calculates the cycle time.

  When the order of the processing steps thus divided is changed, the cycle time of each processing step, and further, the entire processing time changes accordingly. Therefore, by presenting the cycle time, the worker (user of the terminal device 104) can accurately grasp the problematic machining process. This makes it easy to adjust the tools and review the processing steps. As a result, it becomes easy to optimize the processing steps, for example, to minimize the overall processing time or to match the processing time with the target time.

  In addition, if the processing conditions (such as the type of tool, cutting conditions and processing position, and processing method (such as how to use the tool and its movement direction)) are presented along with the cycle time, the change in the cycle time It becomes easier to identify the factors that affect Further, the tool life and the quality of the processing can be easily and accurately grasped from the processing conditions.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a method of dividing the processing steps. Here, taking a production facility for machining a work by rotating a spindle as an example, a method for dividing a machining process for machining a work by the production facility into a basic machining process from a program executed by a control device for controlling the work. Will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 12, first, a block for instructing a tool (tool) exchange is detected, and PG is divided by the block. Thereby, a group of blocks to be processed by the same tool is specified. Hereinafter, in order to distinguish it from the basic machining process, the entire machining process performed using the same tool is referred to as a tool process. The tool process is composed of one or more basic processing steps.

  In the PG shown in FIG. 12, the tool change command is issued in one or two blocks. “Case 1” and “Case 3” in FIG. 12 are cases where the tool change command is realized in one block (command statement). “Case 3” implements a tool change command by calling a sub PG prepared as a macro. "Case 2" is a case in which the tool exchange command is realized by two blocks, a block for instructing the preparation of the tool and a block for instructing the exchange to the tool for which the preparation has been instructed. In each case, the PG is divided by a command block that will actually change the tool.

  When the PG is divided into one or more block groups by focusing on tool (tool) exchange, the block group is then further divided for each block group (tool) by focusing on a block that instructs spindle stop. . More specifically, as the block, pay attention to a block that instructs a temporary stop of the spindle here, that is, a block that instructs a spindle stop, in which a block that instructs rotation of the spindle is arranged later. I have. The reason is that it is impossible to process a workpiece while the spindle is stopped in a production facility that processes a workpiece by rotating a spindle. In the case of performing one processing with one tool, the tool process of the tool is not divided, and the tool process includes one basic machining process.

  When the PG is further divided in each processing step in this manner, processing conditions (here, cutting conditions) are extracted for each block group. The cutting conditions extracted here are mainly necessary conditions for calculating the cycle time. In the present embodiment, F, E, S, and D values are extracted as the cutting conditions according to the situation. ing. Each of these values is a value that can be described as a function code in the block (see FIG. 12). The F value (F code) represents the moving speed of the spindle, the E value (E code) represents the amount of movement per revolution of the spindle, and the D value (D code) represents the peripheral speed of the tool. .

  The spindle moves at the speed set by the parameter when machining is not performed by the tool. Returning the spindle to a predetermined origin is rapid return, and other movements are rapid traverse. Drilling of the work is performed by reducing the position on the Z axis. If the main shaft is moved on the XY plane while the tool is in contact with the work, a groove is formed in the work or the surface of the work can be cut. For these reasons, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, cutting, fast-forward, and fast-return are identified. The G code “G01” in FIG. 13 represents linear interpolation, and the G code “G00” represents positioning.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of division of the processing steps. As shown above, the actual PG is analyzed to divide the PG into blocks for each processing step, and to extract cutting conditions from each block. In the PG shown in FIG. 14, a sub PG called by executing a block having a T code is prepared as a macro. “Step 1” and “Step 2” in the figure each represent a tool step.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a workpiece processed by one production facility.
The work shown in FIG. 15 has four types of holes # 1 to # 4 having different shapes. The holes # 1 to # 4 are opened using different tools. Two holes # 2 having the same shape are provided. Hole # 3 is formed in an elongated shape instead of a circular shape.

  In a PG for performing such a process of opening the holes # 1 to # 4, it is divided into four tool process block groups. Steps 1 to 4 in the figure indicate tool steps divided into block groups, and the numbers assigned thereto indicate the order in which the tool steps are performed. Since there are two holes # 2, the block group corresponding to step 2 is further divided into two block groups.

  In the hole # 3, unlike the others, the shape of the surface of the work is elongated. The hole # 3 having such a shape is formed by, for example, making a hole along the Z axis with a tool (eg, an end mill), and then moving the tool (main axis) on the XY plane. Accordingly, the processing conditions (here, the cutting conditions) described with reference to FIG. 12 change. When calculating the cycle time required to open the hole # 3, the time required to open the hole along the Z axis and the time required to move the tool on the XY plane must be calculated separately. From this, such processing conditions are extracted.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the definition and calculation method of the cycle time. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a method of obtaining the cycle time calculation data. Next, a cycle time to be calculated, a calculation method thereof, and a method of obtaining data used for the calculation will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. FIGS. 16 and 17 show an example of a production facility for performing cutting.

In FIG. 16, “T step cycle 1” and “T step cycle N” respectively correspond to basic processing steps of processing a workpiece using the same tool. The work shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to each processing step for making two holes # 2. The cycle time T _RK is an operation time during which the production equipment is operated to perform the processing in the basic processing step.

The “tool cycle” corresponds to the above-described tool process, and includes all basic machining steps performed in the tool process. Thus, the cycle time T _j, as shown in FIG. 16, a time calculated by multiplying the cycle time T _RK for each basic processing steps. The “equipment cycle” corresponds to the entire process of processing a work in a production facility, and all tool processes are performed as a part thereof. Therefore, the cycle time T is the time calculated by multiplying the cycle time T _R of the tool process, the time obtained by adding the time required for processing of the production equipment-specific work. If the worker sets the work to be processed, closes the safety door, opens the door, and takes out the processed work, the work is set as a unique time as shown in FIG. The time T _BS required to close the door and the time T _BE required to open the door and take out the work are added.

  The “line cycle” corresponds to the entire process of processing a work in one production line, and the entire equipment cycle (process) is performed as a part thereof. Therefore, the cycle time TL is a time obtained by adding the time required for processing a work unique to the production line to the time calculated by integrating the cycle time T of each equipment cycle. If a worker transports a work between production facilities, the transport time between production facilities is added as a unique time.

As shown in FIG. 16, the cycle time T _RK of the basic machining process is represented by a suffix of a rapid traverse time (time required for rapid traverse of the spindle) T _qf _ _RK , a positioning time T _ld _ _RK in the basic machining process _RK , ATC time (time required for automatic change of tools) T _{atc — RK} , table indexing time (time required to change the indexing angle of a table on which a work is set) T _{tac — RK} , dwell time T _{d — RK} , Spindle acceleration tap loss time (time required for the spindle rotation speed to reach the target value) T _al _ _RK , total cutting (machining) time T _ts _ _RK , rapid return time (for returning the spindle to the origin quickly time required) T _qr _ _RK, and is calculated by adding the tool detection time T _tcc _ _RK.

As described above, the total cutting (machining) time T _{ts — RK} is a time obtained by calculating the time required for machining for each machining condition extracted from the PG and integrating the calculated times. For example, in the case of hole # 3 as shown in FIG. 15, the time required to make a hole along the Z-axis and the time required to move the main axis on the XY plane are added.

Each time, since it is divided into the basic machining process tools process as described above, in the cutting, fast-forward time T _qf _ _RK, positioning time T _ld _ _RK, spindle acceleration Tappurosu time T _al _ _RK, and total Times other than the cutting (machining) time T _{ts — RK} may be zero. For example, the ATC time T _{atc — RK} is 0 except for the first basic machining step, and the fast-return time T _{qr — RK} is 0 except for the last basic machining step. The tool detection time T _{tcc — RK} may be 0 because some production equipment performs tool detection while the spindle is performing another movement. For this reason, the tool detection time T _{tcc — RK} uses a fixed value stored in a file. In addition, fixed values stored in files are used for the positioning time T _{ld — RK} , the ATC time T _{atc — RK} , and also the times T _BS and T _BE (see FIG. 17). Hereinafter, the file is referred to as a calculation file because it is prepared for cycle time calculation.

The fast-forward time T _qf _ _RK, and rewind time T _qr _ _RK is calculated in consideration of the restrictions on the movement of the spindle. For example, if the main shaft can be moved only one axis at a time, the integrated value of the moving distance of each axis is the moving distance of the main shaft. The time required to move the moving distance is obtained by integrating the time obtained by dividing the moving distance by the rapid traverse speed of the axis for each axis. If it is possible to move on a plurality of axes, the maximum time obtained by dividing the movement distance on each axis by the rapid traverse speed of that axis is the time required for movement. From this, the time is calculated in consideration of the restriction on the movement of the spindle. The moving distance, including on each axis, is obtained from the PG, and the rapid traverse speed is obtained from the parameters collected from the control device of the production equipment for each axis.

The index angle θ for calculating the table index time T _{tac — RK} is obtained from PG. The calculation is performed by multiplying the reference time α required for rotating the table by 90 degrees by a value obtained by dividing the index angle θ by 90. The reference time α is prepared in the calculation file or defined in a program executed by the line server 108 for calculating the cycle time.

The dwell time T _{d — RK} is obtained from PG. If it is long as there exist a plurality, the total value becomes the time T _d _ _RK. The spindle acceleration tap loss time T _al _ _RK is the time required for the spindle to reach the rotation speed specified by the S code. The time is stored, for example, in a calculation file in the form of a table or an equation for calculating the time. In the example shown in FIG. 17, the fixed value a is set when the rotation speed commanded by the S code is 1500 rpm, the fixed value b is set when the rotation speed is 1500 to 3000 rpm, and the fixed value c is set when the rotation speed is 3000 rpm or more. The time T _{al — RK} is shown.

In the processing, the same or the processing regarded as the same may be repeatedly performed. For example, in milling, a tool may be moved a plurality of times while processing a milling surface while changing the location and direction. Here, the process of moving the tool once is called one pass. Thus, the total cutting time T _{ts — RK} is calculated by multiplying the cutting (machining) time per pass by the number of passes PN_RK. The cutting time per pass is obtained by dividing the cutting distance in that pass by the feed speed. The cutting distance, the feed speed, and the number of passes PN_RK are all obtained from PG.

  In the method of the above-mentioned prior application, the determination as to whether or not the cutting / machining is not sufficient for a special machining method. For example, in the case of a processing method in which a back side is cut while performing a return operation after passing a tool through a hole of a work (return cutting), the return cutting is not regarded as cutting or processing.

  In this example, even with respect to such an exception, the one that is registered as “cutting” in the processing specification pattern information 25 ′ is regarded as cutting / machining, so that “determine whether to perform cutting / machining” 115 Can be performed more accurately, thereby improving the accuracy and precision of cutting conditions and C / T extraction.

FIG. 18 is a processing flowchart of the cutting condition / C / T extraction device 110.
In FIG. 18, the processes in steps S61 to S68 are substantially the same as the processes described in the above-mentioned prior application, as described in FIG.

In addition, among the processes after step S68, the processes of steps S21, S22, S25, and S26 are the same as the processes of the same reference numerals in FIG. 3, and thus description thereof will be omitted.
Then, when a pattern that matches the processing specification pattern (cutting pattern or the like) to be processed has already been registered in the processing specification pattern information 25 (step S75, YES), the G code feature 104 of the matching registration pattern And the moving feature 202, and based on this, performs the processing of “determine whether to perform cutting / machining” 115 in FIG. 10, and then performs cutting conditions / C / T extraction (step S 76). Specifically, the cutting condition / C / T information 120 is created. FIG. 19 shows an example of the extracted cutting condition / C / T information. However, as described above, this is not particularly important.

  What is important is that the G code feature 104 and the movement feature 202 are acquired, and the processing of “determining whether to perform cutting / machining” 115 in FIG. 10 is performed based on the G code feature 104 and the movement feature 202. Will be explained.

  Here, it is assumed that the processing specification pattern corresponding to the example shown in FIG. 6 has already been registered in the processing specification pattern information 25, and that processing specification pattern and the processing specification pattern (G code feature, movement And the like). In this case, the G code feature is G01. In the case of G01, in the example shown in FIG. 13, when the X value and the Y value increase without any change in the Z value, it is determined to be “return”, It is not determined as "cutting". However, there is an exceptional case where "cutting" is performed even when the X value and the Y value increase without any change in the Z value as shown in (3) in FIG. In this method, even in such a case, it is possible to correctly determine “cutting”. That is, as described above, in the case of the above example, the feature of the cutting pattern shown in the upper left of FIG. 6 is recorded in the moving feature 202, and it is described that “return with G01 and cut”. Since the indicated information is stored, it can be determined as “cutting” from this.

  If there is another tool to be processed (step S78, NO), the process returns to step S68, a new tool to be processed is determined, and the same processing is performed for this tool to be processed. If there is another NCPG to be processed, the process returns to step S63 to perform the above-described processing. Then, when the processing has been completed for all the processing targets, the result of extracting the cutting conditions / C / T is output as shown in FIG. 19 (step S80).

  As described above, the description of the data acquisition of the facility design information 22, the machining process design information 24, and the like is omitted, but an example of the facility design information 22, the machining process design information 24 is shown in FIGS. I will show you.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the equipment design information 22.
The illustrated equipment design information 22 includes C / T (cycle time) related information 51, energy related information 52, equipment information 53, and the like. Actually, there are other information such as size, tool, accuracy, reliability and the like in addition to the above, but they are not related here, and therefore will be omitted.

  The C / T related information 51 is information indicating the maximum capacity of the facility (NC or PLC; here, an example of NC). For example, the fast-forward speed (XYZ) indicates the MAX value of the fast-forward speed of the facility. means. The same applies to other cutting feed speeds (XYZ) and the like.

Since the energy-related information 52 has no relation here, the description is omitted.
The facility information 53 is information such as a model name, a maker, and a model of the facility (NC, PLC, etc.). Even in the case of the same maker, the program to be used is often different depending on the model and model. Therefore, the program to be used is determined based on the equipment information 53. Further, a control device parameter file name is stored. The control device parameters 54 include a spindle operation method, reference point coordinates, and the like.

An example of the machining process design information 24 shown in FIG. 21 will be described.
An example of the machining process design information 24 shown in FIG. 21 indicates a machining process for machining each machining portion of the work of the example shown in FIG.

The illustrated processing step design information 24 includes a step No. 71, an equipment process name 72, a process content 73, a blade diameter 74, and a blade type 75.
Step NO71. Indicates the order of the processing steps, and the processing is performed in the order of the numbers.

  The equipment process name 72 is a name arbitrarily assigned to each process, the process content 73 is the actual process content (face milling, drilling, etc.), and the cutting tool diameter 74 and the cutting tool type 75 are tools used in each process. (Blade tool). For example, NO. In the step of = 1, it means that the A1 surface is chamfered using a milling cutter having a diameter of 60.0.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes the functions of the above device.
The computer 130 shown in the figure has a CPU 131, a memory 132, an input unit 133, an output unit 134, a storage unit 135, a recording medium drive unit 136, and a network connection unit 137, which are connected to a bus 138. Has become. The configuration shown in the figure is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this.

The CPU 131 is a central processing unit that controls the computer 130 as a whole.
The memory 132 is a memory such as a RAM for temporarily storing a program or data stored in the storage unit 135 (or the portable recording medium 139) when executing a program, updating data, or the like. The CPU 131 executes the above-described various processes using the programs / data read into the memory 132.

The input unit 133 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.
The output unit 134 is, for example, a display.
The storage unit 135 is, for example, a hard disk or the like, and causes the computer 130 to execute the various processes and functions described above (each of the functional units in FIGS. 2 and 10 and the processes in the flowcharts in FIGS. 3, 7, and 18). (Data; FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 9, FIG. 19 to FIG. 21, etc.) are stored.

The network connection unit 137 is configured to connect to an arbitrary network and perform command / data transmission / reception with another information processing apparatus.
Alternatively, these programs / data may be stored in the portable recording medium 139. In this case, the program / data stored in the portable recording medium 139 is read by the recording medium driving unit 136. The portable recording medium 139 is, for example, an FD (flexible disk) 139a, a CD-ROM 139b, a DVD, a magneto-optical disk, or the like.

  Alternatively, the program / data may be a program that downloads a program stored in another device via a network connected by the network connection unit 137. Alternatively, the content stored in another external device may be downloaded via the Internet.

  In addition, the present invention can be configured not only as a portable storage medium storing a program for realizing the various processes of the present invention on a computer, but also as the program itself.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an entire network system to which an apparatus according to an embodiment is applied. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the device according to the first embodiment. It is a processing flowchart figure of a basic information processing part. It is a figure showing an example of tool design information. It is a figure showing an example of processing specification feature (pattern) information. FIG. 4 is a diagram for specifically explaining program division, tool path creation, movement features, and G code feature extraction. It is a processing flowchart figure of the registration processing part of a processing specification pattern. It is an example of NCPG using a library, and its explanatory drawing. It is a figure showing an example of work design information. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a function and configuration of an apparatus according to a second embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a program. It is a figure explaining the division method of a processing process. It is explanatory drawing of the identification method of cutting, fast-forward, and fast-return. It is a figure explaining the example of division of a processing process. It is a figure showing the work machined by one production equipment. It is a figure explaining the definition and calculation method of cycle time. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for obtaining cycle time calculation data. It is a processing flowchart figure of a cutting condition and C / T extraction device. An example of the extracted cutting condition / C / T information is shown. It is a figure showing an example of equipment design information. It is a figure showing an example of processing process design information. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a computer that realizes functions of the device of the present example.

Explanation of reference numerals

1 Premise LAN
2 Factory local LAN
3 Router 4 Equipment design information system server 5 Tool design information system server 6 Process design information system server 7 Database (DB) server 8 Line server 9, 10 Access point (AP)
12, 13 production line 21 work design information 22 equipment design information 23 tool design information 24 machining process design information 25 machining specification feature (pattern) information 26 NCPG (program)
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 30 device 31 basic information processing unit 32 processing specification pattern registration processing unit 40 processing specification feature / library 51 C / T (cycle time) related information 52 energy related information 53 equipment information 54 control device parameters 61 processing part 62 dimensions from reference plane 63 CAD drawing file name 71 Process No.
72 Equipment process name 73 Process content 74 Cutting tool diameter 75 Cutting tool type 81 Process NO.
82 Process name 83 Tool (cutting tool diameter, cutting tool type)
84 cutting tool CD (hardness)
85 Number of inserts Dr type 86 Cutting tool material 87 Tool 3D database name 88 Cutting conditions (peripheral speed, feed amount, number of revolutions, feed speed)
89 Lifetime 90 Lifetime characteristic 91 Cost 92 Motion feature 101 Processing specification pattern name 102 Processing method characteristic 103 Tool classification example 104 G code characteristic 105 Relative rule path description 106 Toolpath characteristic 107 Graphic document description file name 108 General-purpose document (XML base) Description file name 109 NCPG library file name 110 Cutting condition / C / T extraction device 111 NCPG reading 112 Tool information acquisition 114 Cutting pattern recognition 113 Process information recognition 115 “Determine whether to perform cutting / machining”
116 Cutting condition / C / T extraction calculation processing 120 Cutting condition / C / T information 130 Computer 131 CPU
132 memory 133 input section 134 output section 135 storage section 136 recording medium drive section 137 network connection section 138 bus 139 portable recording medium 201 movement feature 202 movement feature

Claims (5)

A method for performing patterning of processing specifications based on a control program executed in a control device that controls a production facility for processing a workpiece,
Acquire the control program to be processed, and also acquire the work design information, machining process design information, and tool design information,
For each processing target tool, the control program is divided for each processing step, and a tool path feature of the tool movement is extracted,
A method of patterning machining specifications, wherein each divided part of the control program is a library, and the library is registered as one machining specification pattern in association with the extracted tool path features and tool information.   For each of the processing specification patterns, a general-purpose document for visually displaying the tool path feature and a graphic document for visually displaying the cutting pattern are created and correspond to the processing specification pattern. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pattern is registered. In a method for extracting cutting conditions and cycle time from a control program executed in a control device that controls a production facility for processing a workpiece,
The control program is divided into machining steps for each tool,
A part corresponding to the registered machining specification pattern among the parts obtained by dividing the control program using the machining specification pattern information registered by the machining specification patterning method according to claim 1 is a cutting description. And performing a process of extracting the cutting condition / cycle time after determining that the cutting condition / cycle time is extracted. On the computer,
A function to acquire a control program to be processed from among a group of control programs executed by a control device that controls production equipment for machining a workpiece, and to acquire work design information, machining process design information, and tool design information. When,
A function of dividing the control program for each machining step for each processing target tool, and extracting a tool path feature of the tool movement;
A function of registering each divided part of the control program as a library, and registering the library as one machining specification pattern in association with the extracted tool path features and tool information;
The program to realize. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the program portion corresponding to the pattern registered as the machining specification pattern further has a function of extracting a cutting condition and a cycle time after determining that the program is a cutting description.