JP3623248B2 - Automatic programming device for complex machining - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial application fields]
The present invention relates to an automatic programming device that generates NC data by CAD / CAM, and more particularly to an automatic programming device for performing complex machining using a plurality of types of machining devices such as a punching machine and a laser machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A punching machine is used to punch one workpiece material, and laser processing is performed with a laser machine to complete one part (sheet metal product).
[0003]
In the combined machining for one part as described above, NC data for punching and NC data for laser machining are required for each single part and scissors due to the difference in tools in each machining. NC data is all created individually by an automatic programming device dedicated to each process.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
When NC data for each processing is individually created by an automatic programming device dedicated to each processing machine, two systems for punching and laser processing must be configured, and two or more computer devices are required.
[0005]
In addition, a conventional automatic programming device for complex machining is configured by a single computer device, but a machining instruction unit for instructing machining such as a tool trajectory, a plate cutting unit, etc. are for punching and laser machining. For this reason, the burden on computer resources such as memory and hard disk is more than doubled.
[0006]
Also, in this automatic programming device for combined machining, the menu mode is divided between punching and laser machining for machining instructions and cutting, so punching / laser machining is necessary to make one part. These two machining instructions and coordinate calculations must be performed individually under separate screen displays in separate menu modes. This is cumbersome and places a heavy burden on the NC data operator. The operator is likely to make a mistake such as a calculation error, and it is difficult to efficiently create NC data.
[0007]
Further, the created NC data is individually managed for punching and laser processing, and therefore the burden on the operator for managing NC data is large.
[0008]
The present invention has been made paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and is for composite processing in which one processing material is processed by a plurality of processing methods such as punching by a punching machine and laser processing by a laser processing machine. NC data, without the need for large computer resources, provide an automatic programming apparatus capable of without imposing a heavy burden on the operator, to create efficiently conveniently, also the operator of the burden on the management of the NC data to reduce The purpose is to do.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. The invention according to claim 1 includes a graphic data generation unit that generates graphic data of a part to be processed, and a graphic generated by the graphic data generation unit. A tool trajectory instruction / tool trajectory data generation unit that obtains data and gives tool trajectory instructions for punching and laser machining to graphic data on the same display screen, and generates tool trajectory data for each machining, and the graphic data The tool path data related to punching and the tool path data related to laser processing are divided by a tree structure and stored in association with each other, and the tool path instruction / tool path data generation unit generates and stores it in the database. An NC data generation unit for acquiring tool trajectory data for each machining and generating NC data for each machining, The generation unit includes a post processor for punching and a post processor for laser processing to individually output NC data of the corresponding processing machine, and when performing the tool path instruction on the graphic data on the same display screen, It is an automatic programming device for combined machining provided with means for linking tool path data related to piercing punch processing and tool path data related to an approach in laser processing.
[0010]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an automatic programming apparatus for complex machining for sheet metal machining complex machining in which punching by a punching machine and laser machining by a laser machining machine are performed as an embodiment of the automatic programming apparatus for complex machining according to the present invention. .
[0012]
The CAD unit 1 is a graphic data generation unit, and generates graphic data of a part based on an operator input based on a sheet metal drawing indicating a part to be processed. The graphic data generated by the CAD unit 1 is stored in the graphic database 3.
[0013]
The tool trajectory instruction / tool trajectory data generation unit 5 takes in the graphic data created by the CAD unit 1 from the graphic database 3, assigns the graphic data to a graphic data with a predetermined tool, and generates tool trajectory data. The tool path data generated by the tool path instruction / tool path data generating unit 5 is stored in the tool path database 7.
[0014]
The tool path instruction (machining instruction) in the tool path instruction / tool path data generating unit 5 gives each tool path instruction of punching and laser processing to graphic data on the same display screen for processing by each processing method. As a result, the operator can instruct the tool trajectories for punching and laser processing on the same graphic data on the same screen, and this processing instruction work can be performed with good operability.
[0015]
The tool trajectory data generated by the tool trajectory instruction / tool trajectory data generation unit 5 is integrated data of each processing in which the punching tool trajectory and the laser processing tool trajectory are combined.
[0016]
The plate removing unit 9 takes out the tool path data created by the tool path instruction / tool path data generating unit 5 from the tool path database 7 and arranges parts on a predetermined sheet (processed plate material). Since the tool path data extracted from the tool path database 7 is data in which the tool paths for punching and laser processing are combined, both data are handled simultaneously in one operation.
[0017]
In addition to this, the plate removing unit 9 has functions such as multi-piece taking, copying, moving, rotating, and reversing, and can arrange tool trajectory data on a sheet with high yield.
[0018]
The post processor 11 for punching and the post processor 13 for laser processing take out the tool trajectory data stored in the tool trajectory database 7 and individually output the NC data of the corresponding processing machine. The post processor is NC data creation software.
Here, the reason why the post processor is divided into punching and laser processing is that it is necessary to generate NC data corresponding to each processing machine, that is, the punching machine and the laser processing machine.
[0019]
The simulation unit 15 simulates NC data generated by the punching post processor 11 and the laser processing post processor 13. Specifically, the NC data simulation includes a processing trajectory by drawing, confirmation of the processing order, and an interference check between the clamping portion holding the sheet and the processing trajectory.
[0020]
NC data created by the punching post processor 11 and the laser processing post processor 13 are stored in the data management database 19, punching saved NC data file 21, and laser saved NC data file 23 through the data management unit 17.
[0021]
Further, since the graphic database 3 and the tool path database 7 are intermediate data on the memory, they are stored in the data management database 19, the storage graphic data file 25, and the stored tool path data file 27 through the data management unit 17. Each save file stores actual save data, and management data thereof, for example, a management name, a comment, a data creation date, and the like are managed in the data management database 19, and various saved data are stored in the data management database 19. Centralized management.
[0022]
The input / output unit 29 searches the data management database 17 through the data management unit 17, retrieves the corresponding NC data from the storage NC data files 21 and 23, and inputs / outputs the IC card 31, floppy disk 33, communication cable. 35, data is output to the paper tape 37. The outputted NC data is taken into each processing machine, whereby actual processing is performed in each processing machine.
[0023]
In addition, when capturing existing NC data or NC data created by another computer, the NC data is read from these input / output media, and the NC data is read from the data management database 19 through the data management unit 17. Store in the NC data file for saving.
[0024]
Next, a construction example of a tool locus database for complex machining will be described.
[0025]
In order to perform punching / laser machining instructions and planing on one screen for one graphic data created by the CAD unit 1, a database combining both punching and laser machining data is constructed. There is a need. Here, an example of constructing the database for the complex processing will be described.
[0026]
FIG. 2A shows an example of part graphic data created by the CAD unit 1. This graphic data is an example in which two graphic fixed holes (square hole 14 and elongated circular hole 15) and a set of a plurality of graphic elements (1 to 13) constitute one closed loop.
[0027]
The database structure of the graphic data shown in FIG. 2A is shown in FIG.
[0028]
This database structure uses a commonly used tree structure format. Each element constituting the tree is called a node (node = node), and a line connecting the elements is called an edge (edge = branch). Also, the left node connected to an edge by an edge becomes a parent node.
[0029]
Hereinafter, each node shown in FIG. 3 will be described.
[0030]
a. Original parts:
This means that all data below this node constitute one part. Arrangement on a sheet to be described later is performed in this unit.
[0031]
b. Shape:
Below this node, all graphic data for one part is stored. When searching for graphic data, it is only necessary to target the nodes and the nodes below, thereby improving the search efficiency.
[0032]
c. Closed path:
The graphic elements below this node are continuous and represent a closed loop. If it is not a closed loop, the type of this node is “open path”.
[0033]
d. element:
This node represents one graphic element (straight line / arc).
[0034]
e. Fixed hole:
This node represents one hole shape. In this example, a single square hole 14 and a single round hole 15 are present.
[0035]
f. processing:
Below this node, all tool path data for one part is stored. When searching for tool trajectory data, it suffices to target below this node, thereby improving search efficiency.
[0036]
Note that the database shown in FIG. 3 is in a state before the assignment of the tool path, so no data exists below this node.
[0037]
FIG. 2B shows an example in which the tool path is assigned to the graphic data of FIG.
[0038]
The regular hole / square hole 14 is subjected to lattice machining 101 with a square die, and the regular hole / long round hole 15 is subjected to single machining 102 with an oblong die. Laser path machining is assigned to the closed path, and laser straight lines and arcs (104 to 118) are assigned to trace the figure closed path after the approach 104. The one-shot machining with the round mold 103 is for machining piercing with a mold instead of piercing with laser. This piercing punching is a feature of composite machining.
[0039]
FIG. 4 shows a database structure after the tool path is assigned as shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, the data of the area surrounded by the dotted line frame is generated below the “processing” node by assignment.
[0040]
Hereinafter, each node below the machining node shown in FIG. 4 will be described.
[0041]
g. Mold processing:
The data below this node indicates that the machining is performed by a mold. All tool tool trajectories for a part are stored under this node.
[0042]
When the NC data for the turret punch press is created in the post processor 11 for punching, the data below this node is searched.
[0043]
h. Laser processing:
Data below this node represents processing by laser. All laser tool trajectories for a part are stored under this node.
[0044]
When the NC data for the laser beam machine is created in the post processor 13 for laser beam processing, data below this node is searched.
[0045]
i. Mold tool trajectory:
This node represents one die machining. In this example, lattice processing 101 using a square die, single processing 102 using a long round die, and single processing using a round die are shown.
[0046]
j. Laser path:
This node represents one laser path machining. In this example, the path machining is an outer diameter machining.
[0047]
k. Laser element:
This node represents one laser machining element (approach, release, straight line machining, arc machining). In this example, laser processing is started from the approach 104, and data is stored in the order of processing with the straight line 105 and the circular arc 106 in order.
[0048]
In addition, the die tool trajectory 103 and the laser element (approach) 104, which are piercing punch processing (processing in which piercing is performed by a round die instead of piercing processing by laser as described above) , are connected by a link pointer. The link destination data can be acquired when editing or deleting such data. This is for automatically erasing the die machining 103 which is piercing punching when the approach 104 is erased by an erase command in a machining instruction, for example. Since the piercing punch processing alone is a processing defect, it prevents the operator from forgetting to turn it off.
[0049]
FIG. 5 shows an example in which parts (parts shown in FIG. 2B) to which a tool path is assigned are arranged on a sheet to be processed. Part A is placed after calling the part, and part B is placed by copying part A. Furthermore, the part C is an instruction for picking a large number after placing the call.
[0050]
In this way, the operator can place parts at any position on the sheet, and the mold / laser in one part can be handled at the same time, so the burden on the operator is reduced.
[0051]
In this arrangement, other parts can be called and arranged, and processing with a high yield is possible.
[0052]
FIG. 6 shows the database structure after the parts placement is completed. In FIG. 6, the data in the area surrounded by the dotted line frame is newly generated by arranging the parts.
[0053]
Hereinafter, each newly generated node shown in FIG. 6 will be described.
[0054]
l. Repeat parts:
The data of this node is data representing the arrangement state of the original part a on the sheet. This data is stored when the part is placed.
[0055]
In drawing on a sheet, if the data of parts is copied and expressed, the data capacity on the database becomes enormous, which causes problems such as memory pressure and increased data search time. Therefore, here, this is expressed by repeat data for the original part, and does not have actual data.
[0056]
Next, an example of construction of a data management database for complex machining will be described.
[0057]
As saved data for combined machining, graphic data, NC data for each machine, and tool path data for each machine can be considered. In order for these stored data to be managed centrally and handled by one part name by an operator, it is necessary to construct a data management database for combined machining.
[0058]
Here, an example of construction of a data management database for combined machining will be described with reference to the conceptual diagram of data management shown in FIG.
[0059]
In this data management, the data management database 19 and actual storage files (21 to 27) are used.
[0060]
The data management database 19 is divided into a group data management unit for managing “group (a)” in the system and a part data management unit for managing “part (b)” in one group.
[0061]
A “group” is a directory that is divided so that an operator can easily manage part data. The group name can be arbitrarily set by the operator. “Parts” is set by the operator when the part name is saved and stored in a designated group.
[0062]
The actual saving file is configured as one file for each saved data. The relationship between groups and parts is performed by the file name of the saved real file. Details will be described later. One piece of graphic data is managed as one part. This is because there is only one figure data as the original, even in complex machining with multiple machines.
[0063]
NC data and tool trajectory data are managed in pairs for each type of processing machine (NC turret punch press, laser processing machine, etc.). Whether the NC data is called or the tool path data is called may differ depending on each function. In some cases, the selection is made based on the judgment of the operator.
[0064]
FIG. 8 shows details in the data management database.
[0065]
The group data management unit stores each group name as one record. Record numbers on this file are issued as group management numbers. The presence / absence flag represents the use / unuse of the record.
[0066]
The parts data management unit is a collection of various information related to parts data stored in one record. The contents of various information are shown below.
[0067]
<Various information in parts data>
a. Identification flag:
Indicates the presence / absence of each saved data (graphic, NC, tool path).
[0068]
b: Part name:
Name set by operator when saving c. Material name:
Name of workpiece material and plate thickness used (set by system)
d. comment:
Comment set by operator when saving e. Part dimensions x, y:
X and Y dimensions of parts to be processed (set by system)
f. date:
Last saved date (set by system)
g. NC data information:
This is information on NC data (set by the system) for each saved NC data.
[0069]
g-1. NC data date: Date when NC data was saved g-2. Machine type: Indicates the type of processing machine g-3. Machine name: The name of the processing machine The part data record number is issued as the part data management number.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 8, the file name of the saved real file is represented by a group management number + part data management number + data identifier.
[0071]
For example, when it is desired to read graphic data of the group name [TEST] and the part name [A-1], the processing is performed according to the following procedure.
[0072]
1) The designated group name [TEST] is searched from the group data management unit, and the group management number [2] corresponding to the group name is acquired.
[0073]
2) Reading the part data management unit for the acquired group management number [2].
[0074]
3) The specified part name [A-1] is searched from the part data management unit, and the part data management number [1] corresponding to the part name is acquired.
[0075]
4) A data identifier [001] indicating graphic data is added to the group management number [2] and the part data management number [1] acquired in steps 1) and 2), and the saved real file name [G002D001.001] ] Is acquired.
[0076]
5) Read the file with the actual file name acquired in 4).
[0077]
In the above-described embodiment, in addition to the processing instruction unit that combines the die processing instruction and the laser processing instruction on one computer device, the plate cutting unit and the simulation unit are configured, and the processing instruction is displayed on one screen. Confirmation, editing, and placement are performed.
[0078]
Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As understood from the above description, according to the automatic programming device for combined machining according to the present invention,
(1) A processing instruction unit combining a mold processing instruction and a laser processing instruction is configured on one computer device, and processing instructions, confirmation, editing, and arrangement are performed on one screen.
[0080]
As a result, coordinate calculation of a plurality of tool trajectories such as punching / laser processing, which has been difficult in the past, is handled in one coordinate system, and calculation errors of the operator can be reduced. In addition, since tools (metal molds, lasers) are assigned based on one piece of graphic data, it is possible to check in advance for “leak processing instructions”.
[0081]
(2) It is possible to unify the processing instruction unit, further the plate cutting unit and the simulation unit for each processing, and this makes it possible to reduce the necessary resources (memory, disk capacity, etc.) for the system.
[0082]
(3) The created NC data for the turret punch / laser processing is centrally managed with one name (part name) together with the graphic data, thereby reducing the conventionally complicated NC data management work by the operator. Can do.
[0083]
(4) Since the piercing punch processing alone is a processing failure, the die processing which is the piercing punch processing can be automatically deleted when the approach is deleted with the delete command in the processing instruction, and the operator erases. You can prevent forgetting.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic programming apparatus for complex machining for sheet metal processing that performs punching and laser machining as an embodiment of an automatic programming apparatus for complex machining according to the present invention.
2A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of part graphic data created by a CAD unit, and FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which a tool path is assigned to the graphic data;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a database structure example of graphic data.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a database structure after assignment of a tool path.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example in which parts assigned with tool paths are arranged on a sheet to be processed.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a database structure after parts placement is completed.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram conceptually showing data management.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing details in a data management database;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 CAD part 3 Graphic database 5 Tool path instruction | indication and tool path data generation part 7 Tool path database 9 Planer part 11 Punching post processor 13 Laser processing post processor 15 Simulation part 17 Data management part 19 Data management database 21 Punch preservation NC Data file 23 Laser saved NC data file 25 Graphic data file for saving 27 Saved tool path data file 29 Input / output unit

Claims (1)

A graphic data generation unit for generating graphic data of parts to be processed;
  A tool path instruction that obtains the graphic data generated by the graphic data generation unit and performs tool path instructions for punching and laser processing on the graphic data on the same display screen, and generates tool path data for each of the processes. A tool path data generator,
  A database that stores the graphic data, tool trajectory data related to punching processing, and tool trajectory data related to laser processing according to a tree structure, and stores them in association with each other;
  An NC data generation unit that generates the tool path data for each process by generating the tool path data generated by the tool path instruction / tool path data generation unit and stored in the database;
  The NC data generation unit includes a post processor for punching and a post processor for laser processing to individually output NC data of a corresponding processing machine,
  When performing the tool path instruction on the graphic data on the same display screen, the tool path data includes means for linking tool path data related to piercing punch processing and tool path data related to an approach in laser processing. Automatic programming device for complex machining.

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