WO2010112217A1

WO2010112217A1 - Method and apparatus for generating control data for controlling a tool on a machine tool

Info

Publication number: WO2010112217A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/002072
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rudolf Hahn
Original assignee: Dmg Electronics Gmbh
Priority date: 2009-04-02
Filing date: 2010-03-31
Publication date: 2010-10-07
Also published as: DE102009015934A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating control data for controlling a predefined tool on a machine tool for machining a workpiece, which is clamped in the machine tool, from a blank into a finished part by means of a cutting process. Machining geometry model data relating to a machining geometry of the workpiece at a machining time is compared with finished part geometry model data in order to determine a differential geometry between the machining geometry and the finished part geometry. A machining path for the predefined tool for the purpose of removing material from the workpiece is defined using the differential geometry determined, and path data is generated in such a manner that a maximum portion of the volume of the differential geometry is removed per unit time on the basis of a maximum cutting volume of the predefined tool.

Description

Method and device for generating control data for controlling a tool on a machine tool

description

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating control data for controlling a given tool on a machine tool for machining a clamped workpiece from a blank into a finished part by machining.

More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating control data for controlling a given milling tool on a CNC machine tool or a CNC controlled machining center for machining a workpiece clamped in the machine tool from a blank to a finished part having a desired predetermined finished part geometry.

Background of the invention

CNC machine tools are well known in a variety of prior art designs. CNC ("Computerized Numerical Contror") means that the machine tool is numerically controlled, ie by means of a CNC program that includes the CNC control data. The machine tool is equipped with a tool that removes material from the workpiece by machining. The control of the tool by means of a control device based on the CNC control data of the CNC program. As a result, a precise machining of a workpiece clamped in the machine tool based on the specified CNC control data is possible. Nowadays, CNC programs are software-assisted by means of CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) systems A CNC program created includes control data that controls an inserted tool relative to a workpiece clamped in the machine tool along a generated path to form material of the Workpiece to be removed when moving off the web.

From the prior art devices and methods for simulating a processing of a virtual workpiece on a virtual machine tool are known, wherein the processing of the workpiece is visualized on a display device, and a user can evaluate the simulation to any changes to the control data for controlling the tool create or change.

Applicant's DE 10 2006 043390 A1 discloses an apparatus and a method for simulating a sequence for machining a workpiece on a machine tool for the simulation of sequences on CNC machines. The apparatus comprises memory means for storing machine tool data for generating a virtual image of a machine tool, for storing workpiece data for generating a virtual image of a workpiece and for storing resource data for generating a virtual image of a resource. These devices provide the data required to produce a realistic image of the machine tool. This not only includes an illustration of the tool table and the workpiece, but also the possibility to present the clamping situation in detail during the simulation. Furthermore, it is possible to represent the machine tool in various configurations including workpiece and tool. The corresponding data are supplied from the corresponding devices to the overall simulation device. This is virtually a pre-equipped with workpiece and tool machine tool. EP 0 524 344 A1 discloses a graphically interactive dialog-oriented programming system for generating programs for controlling the machining process for a CNC machine tool. The dialog-oriented program makes it easier for the user or operator to easily change, supplement or create control programs for a machine tool by means of graphical dialog guidance.

From JP 2001 282331 A a tool simulation device is known, which is suitable for simulating a real tool of a machine tool, wherein a control for a machining by the tool can be changed. The simulation of machining through the workpiece is displayed on a screen.

From US 6 584 373 B 1 there is known a method of controlling a CNC tool and a control system for controlling a CNC tool for control in cyclic recurring sequences. The control system includes a data feed unit, a visualization unit, a machine tool testing unit, and an NC control unit. In this case, the NC control unit contains at least one stored NC program for generating a motion sequence for the CNC tool.

The prior art orbit calculation for a CNC controlled tool is based on geometric dimensions and is oriented to the desired finished part geometry of the workpiece. Control data are generated in such a way that the material of the workpiece is removed layer by layer by reciprocating an inserted tool along simple paths until the finished part contour is reached. This is also called a line.

The cutting volume along a machining path (material volume removed per unit of time), ie the cutting performance of the tool in the material is determined by geometric sizes. Starting from the Blank geometry On a CAM system, a processing path is generated which, in the case of uncritical contour progressions of the workpiece geometry, ie contour progressions which do not endanger the finished part geometry, is oriented to static cutting volumes defined in cutting tables.

When approaching the finished part contour, only milling paths are generated which, with constant feed, remove the residual material with different tools used in the finished part contour. The machining time, ie the time it takes to reach the finished part contour from the blank by removing material, is determined by the programmed feed rates and the specified machining path (s).

In order to reduce the machining time of a workpiece from a blank to a finished part, CAM systems known in the art generate one or more webs for a tool that reduce air cutting time. The air cutting time is the time that a controlled tool is controlled in the machine tool without removing material from a clamped workpiece. Air cutting time arises, for example, when the tool is fed from one point of the workpiece to another point of the workpiece to start a new machining path to remove material, wherein no material is removed from the workpiece during the air cutting time. In contrast, a processing path is a path along which the tool for removing material of the workpiece is controlled, ie a tool carries material along a processing path from the workpiece. Summary of the invention

Starting from the prior art, the object of the present invention to provide a method and an apparatus for generating control data for controlling a tool on a machine tool, which allow a reduced processing time compared to the prior art.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1 and a device having the features of claim 11.

Advantageous embodiments and preferred embodiments of the invention are described by the dependent claims.

The invention relates to a method for generating control data for controlling a given tool on a machine tool for machining a clamped workpiece from a blank into a finished part by machining, comprising the step of generating web data indicating which machining path or paths at least one predetermined tool at which feed rate and with which tool orientation relative to the workpiece for removing material of the workpiece to move by feed.

According to the invention, the method comprises the steps of generating machining geometry model data of a machining geometry of the workpiece describing the current machining state of the workpiece at a specific machining time, providing finished part geometry model data describing a finished part geometry of the workpiece, generating difference geometry model data based on a comparison of Machining geometry model data with the precast geometry model data to determine a difference geometry between the machining geometry and the precast geometry, generating trajectory data including specifying a machining path to be fed by a given tool for ablating material of the determined difference geometry of the workpiece by feed based on the generated differential geometry model data.

According to the invention, the web data are generated on the basis of the differential geometry model data, wherein the web data further specify in addition to the specified processing path, with which feed rate and with which tool orientation of the given tool relative to the workpiece, the given tool to start the defined by the difference geometry machining path.

According to the invention, the web data are generated with the proviso that, when the machining path travels down the machining path depending on a maximum machining volume of the given tool, the predetermined tool removes a maximum of the volume of the determined difference geometry of the workpiece per unit time.

The generation of control data with the associated processing path calculation is thus not only, as in the prior art, based on the finished part geometry, but is additionally on the achieved or achievable with a given tool depending on the difference geometry Zerspanvolumen (ablated material volume per unit time) oriented to the Zerspanvolumen depending on the difference geometry to maximize.

By the step generating machining geometry model data of a machining geometry of the workpiece, the instantaneous geometry of the workpiece at this time can be determined at any time during the machining of the workpiece, so that the current abrasion state at this machining time is known.

The machining geometry is a geometry of the workpiece at any machining time during machining of the workpiece, ie a Intermediate state between blank and finished part geometry. Before removing material from the workpiece before a first predetermined tool removes material from the workpiece by feeding, the machining geometry of the workpiece is identical to the blank geometry, and after the workpiece is completed, the machining geometry is identical to the finished part geometry.

The provision of finished part geometry model data, which describe the finished part geometry of the workpiece, enables a comparison of the finished part geometry and the machining geometry of the workpiece determined according to the invention in the last method step. By means of the comparison, the position, position and geometry of the still protruding material of the workpiece, that is to say the material to be removed until the completion of the workpiece, can be determined at a specific processing time in which the first processing geometry model data are generated. Thus, the difference geometry model data can be generated based on the comparison of the machining geometry model data with the finished part geometry model data.

This has the advantage that at any point in the machining of the workpiece, it is possible to determine an instantaneous difference geometry of the workpiece at this time, which exactly corresponds to the material of the workpiece still to be removed at this processing time. Thus, it is possible to determine at any time of the machining, which material still has to be removed from the workpiece, including the geometry and shape of the material still to be removed.

On the basis of the determined instantaneous difference geometry model data, it is possible to calculate a processing path through the difference geometry of the workpiece for traversing the given tool with the proviso that the predetermined tool when traversing the web in dependence of a maximum Zerspan volume of the given Tool a maximum of the volume of the particular difference geometry of the workpiece per unit time removes.

In addition to the pure geometric path calculation, according to the invention, the path data are generated in such a way that, in addition to the defined processing path, they determine the feed rate and tool orientation along the path. The feed rate here is an important parameter on which the actual cutting volume achieved when the web travels through the given tool depends, because a higher feed rate leads directly to a higher cutting volume.

The achievable Zerspanvolumen when traveling the web still depends on the orientation of the tool relative to the feed direction. Other parameters that determine the achievable machining volume and can be taken into account when defining the machining path, in addition to machine tool parameters such as spindle power or feed value of the axes, for example, the material of the workpiece, the diameter and height of the tool and / or the number of cutting edges of the tool ,

It is the maximum allowable material volume that can be removed per unit time by the given tool and thus indicates an upper limit for the achievable actual Zerspanvolumen when removing material of the workpiece.

The maximum machining volume of the given tool is a tool-specific property, which depends on the geometric properties and material of the tool and which may additionally depend on the material of the clamped workpiece.

This results in an optimal reduction of the processing time, when the removal of material by advancing the given tool along the calculated machining path, as far as possible, at each point of the machining path, the maximum machining volume of the given tool is achieved.

By the method of the present invention, a significant reduction of the total processing time compared to conventional methods is achieved in which the webs are generated only on the precast geometry, since in the method according to the invention, the web calculation in addition to the consideration of precast geometry chip volume oriented and based on a current difference geometry.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of selecting a tool of the machine tool with a comparatively high maximum machining volume as a function of the differential geometry model data as a given tool.

This has the advantage that, when the workpiece is machined on a machine tool which comprises a plurality of tools with different maximum machining volumes and different tool properties, a tool can be selected as a predetermined tool for traversing the calculated path depending on the conditions of the particular instantaneous difference geometry that the highest possible machining volume can be achieved when traveling down a defined path. As a given tool, the tool with the largest maximum machining volume is not necessarily determined here, but rather a tool is determined which, depending on the determined instantaneous difference geometry, can achieve an optimum as large as possible machining volume.

Preferably, the steps of generating machining geometry model data of the workpiece at a particular machining time, generating difference geometry model data based on a comparison of the machining geometry model data with the finished part geometry model data and generating web data in this order continuously, wherein at least second machining geometry model data of a second machining geometry of the workpiece and second difference geometry model data at a particular second machining time after the at least one predetermined tool has traversed a first predetermined machining trajectory based on first trajectory data a first repetition of the steps are generated, wherein based on the second differential geometry model data at least one second processing path is determined by generating second path data, which are preferably generated with the proviso that a given for the second processing path tool when moving off the second processing path in dependence maximum chipping volume of this predetermined tool removes a maximum of a large part of the volume of the specific second differential geometry of the workpiece per unit time.

This has the advantage that a workpiece in a plurality of processing steps can be processed by a blank in a finished part by removing material, wherein the plurality of processing steps includes the departure of a plurality of processing paths. Thus, after a machining path has been traveled, a new current machining geometry of the workpiece can be detected in order to determine a new, current difference geometry, so that a next machining path is determined by the web data on the basis of the new actual difference geometry of the workpiece. Thus, according to the invention, as large a machining volume as possible can be achieved at each machining time when each of the machining paths of the machining steps is shut down.

Since a given tool in the machining of the workpiece in several processing steps that involve the departure of multiple processing tracks, it is necessary to control the predetermined tool from one end point of a machining path to a starting point of the next machining path, if the Machining tracks do not hang together directly and connects a machining path to the previous processing path. This can cause air cutting time, which is included in the total processing time of the workpiece.

This results in a particularly advantageous possibility for a considerable reduction of the processing time when the control data of the machining of the workpiece by a combination of the inventive machining volume-oriented method with an additional minimization of the air cutting time are generated, wherein processing tracks for removing material are determined by the method according to the invention and In addition, an air cutting time, ie the time of movement of a tool from an end point of a machining path and the starting point of a next machining path is minimized. At this time, the plurality of machining paths are additionally set with the proviso that an air cutting time in controlling the tool from an end point of a machining line to a starting point of a next machining path is minimum if the machining paths are not related.

Preferably, the method for generating control data additionally comprises the step of providing tool storage data describing the tool storage of the machine tool and indicating which tool properties the tools of the tool storage machine tool and preferably the method step of selecting a predetermined tool with a comparatively high maximum machining volume in dependence the instantaneous difference geometry model data as a predetermined tool each executed for a next machining path. In addition, the method of the present invention may optionally include the step of specifying a tool change of the previously given tool with a predetermined tool selected for the next machining path depending on the tool stock of the machine tool, if, for the next machining path, another tool is selected from the tool storage of the machine tool than the previously specified tool as the tool specified for the next machining path.

This has the advantage that when processing the workpiece in a plurality of processing steps for each of the defined processing paths an optimal tool can be selected as a given tool and optionally the predetermined for the previous processing step machining path predetermined tool with one for the next processing path in the next Machining step as a given tool selected tool can be replaced.

Preferably, the machine tool comprises a control device for controlling the at least one predetermined tool, the control device enabling control of the tool relative to the clamped workpiece with three-dimensional free tool movement and free tool orientation about at least 5 axes, and wherein the path data preferably with the additional proviso that the at least one predetermined tool changes the feed direction, the feed speed and / or the orientation relative to the clamped workpiece as a function of the instantaneous difference geometry when a machining path defined on the basis of the instantaneous difference geometry is moved.

This has the advantage that the tool orientation is freely movable relative to the workpiece, the at least 5 axes of the control device of the machine tool preferably comprise 3 linear axes and 2 rotary axes to allow a particularly advantageous free mobility and orientability of the tool. Due to the resulting free tool guide relative to the clamped workpiece in addition to straight-line tracks a variety of geometrically complex curvilinear Bearbeitungsbahnverläufen for the given Tool possible through the difference geometry of the workpiece. Thus, a processing path can be selected, which maximizes the achievable Zerspanvolumen along the trajectory.

The variability of the feed rate and feed direction of the tool thus has the particular advantage that a path can be calculated such that the changes in the feed rate and feed direction of the given tool along the path can be controlled so that the largest possible actual cutting volume can be achieved , In this case, a feed rate, feed direction and tool orientation are preferably always generated with the proviso that the Zerspanvolumen is maximized depending on the maximum Zerspanvolumens the given tool, in addition, no material of the finished part geometry is removed. Preferably, the feed rate and feed direction may vary continuously along the path depending on the difference geometry.

The path data can additionally be generated as a function of permissible performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool in such a way that the maximum performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool are not exceeded by a given tool when traversing a machining path determined by the path data.

This has the advantage that no paths are calculated which exceed the permissible performance parameters of the machine tool and / or overload the kinetic properties of the machine tool. Performance parameters and kinetic properties of the machine tool include, for example, power of the spindles, feed rate of the linear axes, power of the rotary axes, kinematically permissible feed values on linear and rotary axes, feed acceleration and / or a maximum permissible load of clamping means or Elements of the control device of the machine tool by forces and / or torques.

In addition, the path data may be generated as a function of one or more maximum load values of the at least one predetermined tool such that a load of the given tool does not exceed the maximum load value (s) of the given tool when traversing a machining path defined by the path data ,

This has the advantage that in the machining path calculation in addition to the specification of the optimization of Zerspanvolumens additionally as a proviso one or more maximum load values of the tool should not be exceeded and thus always a path is calculated and path data are generated, so that the one or more maximum load values of the tool should not be exceeded. A load of the tool in this case refers to forces and torques that act on the predetermined tool when traversing the specified machining path. Damage to the tool can thus be avoided since no machining paths and path data are set so that the maximum permissible load values of the given workpiece are exceeded.

Preferably, the method of the present invention comprises the continuously repeating step of generating machine tool geometry model data, the machine tool geometry model data describing a current machine tool geometry at a particular machining time of the workpiece, the current machine tool geometry preferably having a current relative orientation and relative position of the given tool, of elements of the control device and clamping means of the machine tool for clamping the workpiece at a certain processing time, wherein the web data continues preferably on the basis of the machine tool geometry model data and / or on the basis of a comparison of the machine tool geometry model data with the machining geometry model data at the specific machining time with the additional proviso that a collision of elements of the machine tool with elements of the machine tool and of elements of the machine tool, except the predetermined tool, is prevented with the workpiece when moving away from the machining path by the at least one predetermined tool.

This has the advantage that a predictive interference check is performed. Thus, no processing paths are set, which lead to a collision of elements of the control device with chucking means of the machine tool, with the workpiece or with other elements of the machine tool when traveling the web through the predetermined tool. Only the predetermined tool controlled by the control device comes next to the clamping means of the machine tool in contact with the workpiece to be machined. This forward-looking collision check is advantageous, in particular because of the optionally complicated and curvilinear course of the machining path according to the invention as a function of the difference geometry with possibly continuously changing feed direction, feed speed and / or tool orientation.

Preferably, the model data are each suitable for generating a respective virtual 3D model of the blank geometry of the workpiece, the machining geometry of the workpiece, the finished part geometry of the workpiece, the difference geometry and / or the machine tool.

This has the advantage that the generated and provided model data can be displayed visually in a virtual 3D model of the respective geometry. Thus, the respective processing state of the workpiece can be displayed to a human operator or the respective geometries can be displayed individually or in combination. Furthermore, it is also possible to indicate to the human operator a defined machining path through the indicated difference geometry or machining geometry, so that the human operator can check this fixed machining path and, if necessary, change it.

Preferably, the path data is generated based on a simulation of processing a virtual workpiece by one or more virtual predetermined tools on a virtual machine tool, the simulation preferably comprising the steps of generating a virtual 3D model of the workpiece in the raw state, generating first path data including setting a first Machining Path for a Virtual Predetermined Tool, Simulating the Departure of the Specified First Machining Path Based on the Generated First Path Data by the Virtual Predetermined Tool, Generating Machining Geometry Model Data of a Virtual 3D Model of Machining Geometry of the Virtual Work Piece, Providing a Virtual Ablation Condition of the Work Piece at a Machining Time after simulating the departure of the first specified machining path by a virtual given tool, provide finished part geometry model data of one 3D virtual model of precast geometry describing a precast geometry of the virtual workpiece, generating differential geometry model data describing a difference geometry of the material that still needs to be removed from the virtual workpiece to achieve the precast geometry, and generating second orbit data including specifying a second processing path based on the difference geometry model data, wherein the web data are generated with the proviso that the virtual predetermined tool when simulating the run of the second processing path depending on a maximum Zerspanvolumens for the given tool a maximum amount of the volume of the difference geometry of the workpiece per Time unit removes. This has the advantage that the machining paths and the associated path data can be determined by simulation of a virtual machine tool. A virtual machine tool for simulating a process for machining a workpiece on a machine tool for the simulation of processes on CNC machines is described in DE 10 2006 043390 A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in the present application.

By simulating the machining of a workpiece, even a large volume of data can be handled particularly advantageously by the large data volumes of the SD model data, since intermediate steps or individual processing steps can each be simulated and / or stored. Furthermore, a simulation allows an operator to subjectively intervene in the simulated machining process by specifying or changing simulation parameters. Optionally, the overall machining of the workpiece can be simulated with different predetermined tools or different tool changes. For example, different machining strategies can be simulated, whereby the respective machining strategies can be compared with one another based on the simulation, so that an optimal machining strategy can be selected. The machining strategy includes, for example, the or the predetermined tool, specified tool change, start and end points of machining paths, which may optionally be specified subjectively by the operator.

Thus, an optimal machining of the workpiece by simulation and iterative approach to the optimal processing with optimally reduced processing time is possible. The simulation requires that the departure of a defined machining path can be simulated on the basis of path data by a virtual predefined tool, the machining volume being calculated along the machining path. A simulation may further allow an operator to intervene, subjectively intervene in the simulated machining process, subjectively select a new tool, subjectively adapt or modify a CNC part program, whereby the operator can visually represent intermediate states of the machining process so that he can control the machining process and can assess the associated intermediate states. Optionally, the operator can adjust a machining strategy for certain intermediate states depending on the associated difference geometry. If necessary, the simulation can also be used with regard to safety-relevant parameters to check the simulated machining process in terms of safety.

Preferably, the web data are further generated in such a way that a machining path is defined in a plurality of contiguous machining path sections, wherein a machining path starting point is determined depending on the difference geometry, wherein starting from the machining path starting point in dependence of the difference geometry a first machining path section is determined, which determines the machining volume from the

Machining path starting point maximized, and wherein starting from an end point of each of the plurality of contiguous Bearbeitungsbahnteilstücken depending on the difference geometry another Bearbeitungsbahnteilstück is set, which maximizes the machining volume from the end point of the previous Bearbeitungsbahnteilstücks, along the first and the other

Machining section no material is removed from the precast geometry.

This has the advantage that a machining path can be defined, which is defined at each end point of a section, with the proviso that a predetermined tool maximizes the machining volume as a function of the maximum machining volume of the given tool when traveling the predetermined path based on the generated web data. Here are the Processing track sections preferably set so short that the feed direction, feed rate and / or tool orientation can be adjusted as possible after short Bearbeitungsbahnteilstücken to the circumstances of the differential geometry, with the proviso, depending on the difference geometry set a further Bearbeitungsbahnteilstück so that the Zerspanvolumen is maximized. Thus, an entire machining path can be defined, which is determined at each point of the machining path optimized zerspan, since the inventively optimal trajectory is determined by iterative optimization and determination in zerspanvolumenorientiert optimized sub-track pieces.

In order to carry out the method according to the invention, a device for generating control data for controlling a given tool on a machine tool for machining a clamped workpiece from a blank into a finished part by machining is provided according to the invention. The device comprises a web data generation device for repeatedly generating web data which specifies which at least one machining web is to run off an at least one predefined tool for removing material of the workpiece by feed.

According to the invention, the control data generating device comprises a machining geometry model data generating device for generating first machining geometry model data of a machining geometry of the workpiece describing the current machining state of the workpiece at a specific machining time, a finished part geometry providing device for providing finished part geometry model data Describe a finished part geometry of the workpiece, a differential geometry model data generating device for generating differential geometry model data based on a comparison of the machining geometry model data with the finished part geometry model data for determining a current difference geometry between the machining geometry and the finished part geometry, and a web data generating means for generating web data including setting a machining path, which is a predefined tool for removing material of the determined instantaneous difference geometry of the workpiece by advancing based on the generated instantaneous differential geometry model data with the proviso that the predetermined Tool on abduction of the machining path in dependence on a maximum Zerspanvolumens for the given tool a maximum of large part of the volume of the difference geometry of the workpiece per unit time removes.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a machine tool parameter acquisition device for detecting permissible performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool, wherein the web data generating device generates the web data with the additional proviso that the maximum performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool when starting a based the path data specified processing path can not be exceeded by a given tool.

This has the advantage that maximum allowable performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool can be detected, in which case the processing paths and the path data can be set such that the detected performance parameters and kinetic properties are not exceeded.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises tool property detecting means for detecting tool properties of the tools of the machine tool, the tool characteristics including one or more maximum load values of the tools, and wherein the web data generating means generates the web data with the additional proviso that one or more load values of the tool predetermined tool when departing on the basis of the web data fixed machining path or exceed the maximum load values of the given tool.

This has the advantage that one or more maximum load values of the given tool are known, in which case the machining tracks and the path data can be set in such a way that the maximum load value or values of the given tool are not exceeded when the machining path is traveled on the basis of the generated path data.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a tool storage detecting means for detecting the tool storage of the machine tool, a tool selecting means for selecting a tool having a comparatively high maximum machining volume depending on the instantaneous differential geometry model data as a predetermined tool for a next machining path and a tool change setting means for specifying a tool change the previously specified tool with a selected for the next machining path predetermined tool as a function of the detected Werkzeugbeforratung the machine tool, the Werkzeugwechsel- fixing device preferably defines a tool change, if for the next machining path another tool from the tool storage of the machine tool than the previously specified tool of the tool determination device as a given tool for the next processing is selected.

This has the advantage that the tool storage situation of the machine tool can be detected so that the available tools and the associated tool properties (eg the maximum machining volume) are known. Thus, the respective tool can be selected as a given tool for which a processing path and the associated path data can be determined with optimal, that is as large as possible achievable Zerspanvolumen along the track. Furthermore, when processing in several processing steps between two processing steps, the predetermined tool can be replaced with another tool, if this allows a larger Zerspanvolumen.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a machine tool geometry model data generating means for generating machine tool geometry model data describing a current machine tool geometry at a particular machining time of the workpiece, the machine tool geometry preferably having a current orientation and position of the given tool, elements of the control device, and clamping means Machine tool for clamping the workpiece comprises. In this case, the web data are then preferably generated on the basis of the machine tool geometry model data and / or on the basis of a comparison of the machine tool geometry model data with the machining geometry model data at the specific machining time with the additional proviso that a collision of elements of the machine tool with elements of the machine tool and of Elements of the machine tool, except the predetermined tool, is prevented with the workpiece when moving away from the machining path through the at least one predetermined tool.

This has the advantage that, in addition to the geometry of the workpiece, an instantaneous geometry of the machine tool at a certain point in time during machining of the workpiece is known or can be determined, wherein the current machine tool geometry specifically the instantaneous position and / or position of movable elements of the machine tool as the position and / or position of elements of the control device or clamping means. As a result, preferably also a relative position and / or position between elements of the machine tool with other elements of the machine tool, such as For example, be determined between elements of the control device with chucking.

Furthermore, there is the advantage that a comparison of the machine tool geometry with the machining geometry of the workpiece is made possible at any time during the machining of the workpiece. Thus, a relative position or position of the clamped workpiece elements of the machine tool, such as specially movable elements of the machine tool, such as the control device or clamping means, are determined.

Furthermore, there is the advantage that, by comparing the current machine tool geometry and the machining geometry of the workpiece, a path calculation can be carried out such that when the path is traveled by the predetermined tool no collisions between elements of the machine tool with elements of the machine tool and / or with the clamped Workpiece take place.

Thus, only tracks can be calculated that allow a collision-free shutdown of the web by the given tool. Specifically, collisions between elements of the control device with chucking means and collisions between elements of the control device with the chucked workpiece can be prevented.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a display device for visual presentation of a virtual SD model of the blank geometry, a 3D virtual model of the machining geometry, a 3D virtual model of the precast geometry, a virtual 3D model of the differential geometry, and / or a 3D virtual model Model of the machine tool.

This has the advantage that at any time of the machining process of the workpiece on the machine tool, the blank geometry, Machining geometry, finished part geometry and / or differential geometry of the workpiece and / or the machine tool geometry can be displayed to a human operator Übeφrüfung.

Preferably, the web data generating device generates the web data based on a simulation of the processing of a virtual workpiece on a virtual machine tool, wherein the device preferably further comprises a machining simulation device for simulating the departure of a defined by the web data generating device path tool path through a virtual predetermined tool ,

Preferably, the machining geometry model data generating means generates machining geometry model data of a virtual 3D model of a virtual workpiece machining geometry describing a virtual machining state of the workpiece at an arbitrary machining time after the machining of a first predetermined machining path by a virtual given tool by the machining simulation device has been.

Preferably, the finished part geometry providing device provides finished part geometry model data of a virtual 3D model of the finished part geometry describing a finished part geometry of the virtual workpiece, the difference geometry model data generating device preferably generating difference geometry model data describing a difference geometry of the material used to achieve the Prefabricated geometry still needs to be removed from the virtual workpiece.

Preferably, the web data generating device generates second web data defining a second processing path based on the difference geometry model data with the proviso that the virtual predetermined tool simulation of Abfahren the second processing path by the processing simulation device in response to a maximum Zerspanvolumens for the given Tool a maximum of the volume of the difference geometry of the workpiece per unit time removes.

This has the advantage that a processing path and the associated path data can be determined by the device in a simulation of a virtual machine tool.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a machine tool. Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention

Method for generating control data. Fig. 3a shows a schematic representation of a simple example of a

Blank geometry. Fig. 3b shows a schematic representation of a simple example of a

Editing geometry. Fig. 3c shows a schematic representation of a simple example of a

Finished part geometry. Fig. 3d shows a schematic representation of a simple example of a

Differential geometry. FIG. 4a shows a schematic representation of a simple example of a second machining geometry. 4b shows a schematic representation of a simple example of a second differential geometry. Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the invention

Method for generating control data. Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of the invention

Method for generating control data. Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the inventive device for

Generating control data. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the figures.

1 shows a schematic representation of a machine tool 100 for machining a clamped workpiece 150 from a blank into a finished part by machining. The machine tool 100 comprises a control device 110, clamping means 120, a predetermined tool 130 and a tool magazine 140. The tool magazine comprises a plurality of tools 141a, 141b, 141c and 14 Id. The control device 110 is equipped with the predetermined tool 130 and is configured such that the controller 110 may control the predetermined tool 130 along a predetermined machining path for removing material of the workpiece. The workpiece 150 to be machined is clamped in the clamping means 120.

The tool magazine 140 further comprises a tool changing device 142 for changing the predetermined tool 130 with which the control device 110 is equipped with one of the tools 141a-d from the tool magazine 140. Thus, the control device can communicate with each of the tools 141a and 130, so that the workpiece can be machined with each of the tools 141a-d and 130 after the control device 110 has been equipped with the respective tool by the tool changing device 142.

The various tools 141a-d and 130 on a machine tool differ in specific tool properties. Possible tool properties are, for example, the material or materials of the tool, the diameter and the height of the tool, the number of cutting edges of the tool, load values of the tool and a maximum machining volume of the respective tool. It depends maximum cutting volume of the tool mainly from the aforementioned properties.

The cutting volume is here a parameter that indicates how much material is removed per time. A common unit of Zerspanvolumens of tools of a machine tool is the unit cm ³ / min. The tool property of the height of the tool here does not mean the absolute height of the tool, but a height of the tool, which can be used for machining material of the workpiece and therefore corresponds to a possible cutting depth of the tool, ie the depth of a tool into a workpiece can penetrate for the removal of material. The maximum machining volume of a tool can also depend on the material of the workpiece.

When a defined machining path is traveled by the predetermined tool 130 through the workpiece 150, material of the workpiece 150 is removed. In this case, an actual machining volume, also measured in cm ³ / min, is achieved which is smaller or at most equal to the maximum machining volume of the tool. The machining volume actually achieved in traversing the specified machining path through the workpiece 150 depends on factors such as the feed rate of the given tool 130 along the designated machining path through the workpiece 150, the power of the spindle 111 that generates the given tool 130 about an axis a cutting speed rotates, the material of the workpiece 150, the material of the tool 130, the diameter and the height and the number of cutting edges of the predetermined tool 130 and the tool orientation of the tool 130 relative to the clamped workpiece 150 from.

The machine tool 100 is a CNC machine tool, ie the control device 110 is automatically controlled by CNC control data fed into the machine tool 100. On In this way, the predetermined tool 130 is controlled on the basis of the CNC control data.

The control device 110 of the machine tool 100 makes it possible to control the tool 130 relative to the clamped workpiece 150 with a three-dimensional, free tool movement and a free tool orientation around five axes. This includes three linear axes, so that the predetermined tool 130 can be moved three-dimensionally in all directions. The linear axes are arranged perpendicular zueinender and each allow a linear movement of the tool, whereby simultaneous trajectories are made possible by simultaneous movement of the linear axes. Furthermore, the free tool orientation relative to the clamped workpiece 150 is made possible by two rotary axes, one of the rotary axes allowing an oblique rotation of the tool (not to be confused with the rotation for generating a cutting speed), and allowing the second rotary axis to rotate the workpiece 150 , Thus, in addition negative angles of the tool 130 relative to the clamped workpiece 150 are possible, so that a so-called undercut is made possible.

A first embodiment of the method for generating control data according to the present invention is shown in FIG. The method for generating control data for controlling a given tool on a machine tool for machining a clamped workpiece 150 from a blank into a finished part by machining comprises the steps of generating machining geometry model data S201, providing finished part geometry model data S202, generating differential geometry model data S203 and generating orbit data S204.

An explanation of the terms processing geometry of the workpiece, finished part geometry of the workpiece and differential geometry of the workpiece will be described below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the figures 3a-d. FIG. 3 a shows an example of a blank 310 a cube, which represents the blank of the workpiece, as it is clamped at the beginning of the machining of the workpiece in the machine tool 100 in the chucking means 120.

By way of example, FIG. 3 c shows a finished part 340 that is to be achieved by machining of the blank 310. 3b shows an example of a possible first intermediate state geometry of the workpiece at a first processing time ti after one or more predetermined tools 130 have removed material from the upper right side of the blank 310 along one or more processing paths. This represents the machining geometry 320 at the first machining time ti. The material 330a and 330b still to be removed from the first intermediate state 320 for achieving the finished part geometry of the finished part 340 results from a direct comparison of the finished part geometry of the finished part 340 with the machining geometry of the first machining geometry 320 at the first machining time ti and is shown in Fig. 3d.

The thus determined difference geometry 330a, b corresponds exactly to the material that still has to be removed by machining until the finished part 340 is reached. In Fig. 2, this corresponds to the steps S201 "generating machining geometry model data", S202 "providing finished part geometry model data" and S203 "generating differential geometry model data".

At a certain processing time ti, the machining geometry 320 of a workpiece in the intermediate state is determined and machining geometry mode data is generated, which indicates the machining geometry 320 at a first machining time ti. In step S202 "Providing precast geometry model data", the model data is provided to the precast geometry 340, where the precast geometry model data indicates the geometry of the targeted precast part, ie, the geometry of the workpiece as after machining is sought by one or more of the tools 130 and / or 141a-d as finished state.

The comparison of the machining geometry model data with the finished part geometry model data is performed in step S203 "generating differential geometry model data" in which the model data are generated that describe the difference geometry 330a, 330b of the workpiece at the first machining time ti, which also includes the machining geometry Model data were generated.

In the next step S204 "generating web data", a machining path is set by the difference geometry 330a, b of the workpiece to be fed by the predetermined tool 130 for removing material of the workpiece 150. Further, in step S204, "generating path data "further web data generated to the specified processing path, which also specify at which feed rate and with which tool orientation relative to the workpiece, the predetermined tool 130 is to leave the set in step S204 processing path.

According to the invention, the machining path and the path data are defined or generated in such a way that the predetermined tool 130, when traversing the machining path defined in step S204, depending on the maximum machining volume of the given tool 130, covers a maximum of the volume of the difference geometry 330a determined in step S203, B of the workpiece per unit time removes. Thus, the machining path is set in step S204 and path data is generated taking into consideration the differential geometry model data generated in step S203.

In this case, the machining path is determined by the difference geometry 330a, b of the predetermined workpiece 150 such that the largest possible actual machining volume is achieved when the machining path is traveled by the predetermined tool 130. At best, this is the reaches maximum machining volume of the given tool 130. Furthermore, the machining path is set so that only the volume of the determined difference geometry 330a, b is removed when the predetermined machining path is traveled by the predetermined tool 130. This means that no material of the finished part geometry 340 is removed when the predetermined processing path is traversed by the predetermined tool 130.

In step S204 "Generate Web Data", the free tool motion and free tool orientation relative to the workpiece 150 is utilized to continuously adjust and change the feed direction, feed rate, and / or tool orientation to maximize actual machining volume as the work path travels by the given tool 130. If possible, the maximum machining volume of the given tool should be achieved.

This leads according to the invention, depending on the shape of the difference geometry for the first processing time ti to complex, curvilinear trajectories, directional changes of the feed direction of the predetermined tool 130 along the machining path are each determined so that the change in direction as large an actual Zerspanvolumen after a change in direction by the predetermined Tool 130 can be achieved. In particular, the machining path is determined so that after a change in direction along the track, a larger Zerspanvolumen can be achieved, as by a straight feed direction without changing direction.

Thus, in the method according to the invention, not by simple reciprocation of the given tool 130 along linear tracks layer by layer of the workpiece is removed in slices until the finished part geometry 340 is reached, as in the so-called Abzeilen of the prior art. In contrast to the Abzeilen is in the inventive departure of the set in step S204 Machining path based on the generated web data a feed rate, movement direction and tool orientation relative to the workpiece 150 changed such that the actually achieved Zerspanvolumen when moving the specified path through the predetermined tool 130 depending on the circumstances of the difference geometry 330 a, b is maximum.

Thus, it can be ensured that material is continuously removed during the feed movement, i. the time span in which the tool moves through the air without contacting the material can be shortened considerably. In addition, by setting the machining path based on the maximum machining volume of the given tool, it can be ensured that a maximum actual material removal is ensured at a predetermined track length, which depends on the difference geometry and the maximum machining volume of the given tool.

Thus, according to the invention, the setting of the machining path and the generation of the web data are based not only on the finished part geometry 340 of the workpiece, but also on the difference geometry 330a, b and on the maximum machining volume. As a result, the machining time for machining the workpiece 150 from a blank to a finished part can be significantly reduced by the inventive method for generating control data.

In a second embodiment of the method for generating control data according to the present invention, a plurality of machining paths are defined in succession, wherein a difference geometry is determined to the current processing state always after the predetermined machining path has been traversed by the predetermined tool 130 and before setting a further machining path. This requires, in each case, the generation of current machining geometry model data at a current machining time t _n , which is the machining of the workpiece 150 since generating the previous machining geometry model data for Processing time t _n -i detected, so that the current difference geometry at the processing time t _n can be determined.

With reference to the simple examples of the blank geometry, machining geometry, difference geometry and finished part geometry in FIGS. 3a to 3d with an intermediate state of the workpiece in a machining geometry 320 at a first machining time ti, the workpiece is supplied in a second intermediate state with a machining geometry 420 in FIG a second processing time t2 exemplified, wherein between the first processing time ti and the second processing time t2 by one or more predetermined tool (s) 130 along one or more machining path (s) material has been removed from the workpiece in the upper left part. By comparing the second machining geometry 420 of the intermediate state to the second machining time t2 with the finished part geometry 340 of the finished part, a new momentary difference geometry 430a, b results as shown in FIG. 4b by way of example. Based on this difference geometry 430a, b, a second processing path is determined and second path data for the second processing path is generated.

The sequence of process steps of the second embodiment of the method for generating control data is shown in FIG. At a processing time t _n , the processing geometry model data of an intermediate state at the processing time t _{n is} generated in step S501 "generation of n-th machining geometry model data." Thereafter, in step S502, "generation of n-th differential geometry model data", the current differential geometry is generated. Model data on the basis of the comparison of the finished part geometry with the current machining geometry at the nth processing time t _n for generating n-th differential geometry model data compared.

Finished part geometry model data are again required for the comparison of the current machining geometry with the finished part geometry. Shown in Fig. 5 is an n-th repetition of the sequence of Processing steps S201 to S204. In the exemplary embodiment of the method illustrated in FIG. 5, no provision is made for providing finished part geometry model data since it is assumed that the finished part geometry model data have already been provided in a first sequence of the method steps, so that it starts from the second sequence, ie first repetition of the process steps, it is no longer necessary that finished part geometry model data must be provided.

In the next step S503 _^ selecting a tool as the predetermined tool ", a tool is selected as the predetermined tool. Here, the predetermined tool is that tool with which the control device 110 is equipped so that the control device 110, the predetermined tool 130 through the workpiece 150 for Abtrag of material of the workpiece 150 controls In another embodiment not illustrated here in detail, in which the machine tool 100 includes only one tool, and no other tools 141a-d are included in the tool magazine 140, or no tool magazine 140 in the Machine tool 100 is included, this step S503 is not executed.

Furthermore, on a machine tool 100 with a plurality of tools 141a-d in a tool magazine 140 with different tool properties, two essential possibilities arise. On the one hand, the tool selected as the given tool for the nth machining path can be the same as the predefined tool for the (nth) machining path. In this case, no change of the tool with which the control device 110 is equipped is required. In the second case, in step S503, a tool is selected as a given tool for the nth machining path which is not equal to the tool specified for the (nl) th machining path. In this case, the step S504 is followed by "setting a tool change" in which a tool change is set, that is, it is determined that the tool with which the control device 110 is equipped by a tool selected from the tool magazine 140 as a given tool is changed. For this purpose, the machine tool 100 comprises the tool changing device 142 for changing the tool 130 with which the control device is equipped.

Thus, it is possible, during the processing of the workpiece 150 to change from a blank in a finished part of the predetermined tool, depending on the circumstances of the still abzutragenden material of the workpiece, that is dependent on the current difference geometry of the workpiece. In practice, this case arises, for example, when a tool with a large diameter is first inserted into the control device 110, in order to achieve the greatest possible actual machining volume, whereby it is no longer possible to determine a path beyond a certain difference geometry at a specific machining time. in which the predetermined tool removes material from the workpiece, without removing the finished part geometry of the workpiece. It is then necessary to select a tool from the tool magazine 140 with a smaller diameter, and replace this tool with the previously specified tool with the large diameter.

In the next step S505 "Generation of n-th path data", an nth processing path is determined on the basis of generated nth path data, the predetermined tool or a possibly new predetermined tool for removing material of the particular instantaneous difference geometry of the workpiece at the processing time t _n In step S505 "Generation of n-th path data", n-th path data are generated here, which indicate at which feed rate and with which tool orientation of the given tool relative to the workpiece the predetermined tool the specified nth processing path should depart.

According to the invention, the n-th orbit data are generated on the basis of the determined instantaneous difference geometry at the time of processing t _n , so that the tool specified for the n-th machining path during the Departing the n-th machining path in dependence on the maximum Zerspanvolumens of the predetermined for the n-th machining path tool a maximum amount of the volume of the particular n-th differential geometry of the workpiece per time removes.

This is performed analogously to the first embodiment of the method for generating control data with the steps S201 to S204. After the n-th machining path has been traversed by the tool specified for the n-th machining path, a new machining geometry results, wherein in the next step S506 "generating (n + l) -th machining geometry model data * the (n + l) -ths Machining geometry model data for the new current machining geometry at the machining time t _n + i after the tool specified for the nth machining path has traveled the n th machining path and has removed material.

This is followed by the steps S507 "generating (n + l) -th differential geometry model data", S508 "selecting a tool as a given tool", optionally the step S509 "setting a tool change" if the tool selected in step S508 is not equal to given tool for the nth machining path, S510 "generating (n + l) th orbit data", and S511 "generating (n + 2) th machining geometry model data" for another (n + 2) th machining path.

This repetition of the steps in this pattern, or this sequence S501 to S511, takes place as long as until a workpiece geometry determined in step S511 is equal to the finished part geometry of the workpiece, so that no material has to be removed from the workpiece to increase the finished part geometry to reach.

In a third exemplary embodiment of the method for generating control data according to the present invention, the method comprises a further step S604 "generating machine tool geometry As illustrated in Fig. 6, the method then comprises the steps S601 "generating nth machining geometry model data", S602 "providing finished part geometry model data", S603 "generating nth difference geometry model data", S604 "Generating Machine Tool Geometry Model Data" and S605 "Generating Web Data for the nth Machining Path".

Optionally, the sequence of method steps S601 to S605 is part of a sequence of method steps in which, as in the second embodiment, the steps are repeated, so that processing paths are set repeatedly. In this case, in another embodiment, as in the second embodiment, step S602 "providing precast geometry model data" may not occur if the precast geometry model data is already available because it has been provided for defining a first processing path.

In step S604, machine tool geometry model data indicating a current machine tool geometry at a particular nth machining time t _{n is} generated, wherein the current machine tool geometry is a current relative orientation and relative position of the given tool 130, elements of the controller 110, and the chuck 120 the machine tool 100 for clamping the workpiece 150 includes. The nth processing time t _n here is the processing time at which the nth processing geometry model data has been generated in step S601.

In step S605 "generation of n-th path data", the n-th machining path is set such that a collision of elements of the machine tool 100 with elements of the machine tool 100 and elements of the machine tool 100 other than the predetermined tool 130 for the n-th Machining path, with the workpiece 150 when moving the n-th machining path through that for the n-th machining path predetermined tool 130 is prevented. Specifically, the nth machining path is set so as to prevent collision of elements of the control device 110 of the machine tool 100 with elements of the machine tool 100 such as the chuck 120.

Furthermore, the n-th machining path is set such that a collision of elements of the control device 110 with the clamped workpiece 150 is prevented, so that only the predetermined tool 130 comes exclusively for the predetermined removal of material in contact with the workpiece 150. This additionally requires a comparison of the machine tool geometry model data with the machining geometry model data of the workpiece 150 at the particular machining time t _n , so that by comparing the machining geometry model data and the machine tool geometry model data, the position and location of the clamped workpiece 150 by knowing the position and Position of the clamping means 120 relative to all elements of the machine tool 100, in particular to elements of the control device 110, is known.

Thus, in step S605, only one machining path is determined at a time, which can be traversed by the tool specified for the nth machining path in such a manner, without causing an undesired collision of elements of the control device 110 with elements of the clamping device 120, elements of the control device 110 comes with the workpiece, and elements of the control device 110 with elements of the machine tool 100. In this case, a collision would occur if elements of the control device 110 collide with elements of the machine tool 100 or with the workpiece 150 or come into contact in such a way that a further movement of the processing path through the predetermined tool 130 is not possible. Thus, the path calculation in this embodiment is done with an additional predictive interference check. In the embodiments of the method for generating control data according to the present invention, since machining paths are set and path data are generated so as to obtain the largest possible machining volume when the predetermined machining path is traveled by the predetermined tool 130, in practice, machining paths are set have a curvilinear, complicated course through the specific difference geometry of the workpiece.

When the specified machining path is traversed, the orientation of the given tool 130 relative to the clamped workpiece 150 along the path, depending on the course of the machining path, is thus changed as a function of the determined instantaneous difference geometry, as indicated in the generated path data. Furthermore, on the basis of the web data, a feed rate of the predetermined tool 130 is changed along the defined machining path, so that in each case as far as possible the maximum machining volume of the given tool along the defined machining path is achieved depending on the difference geometry.

This leads, in addition to the changing tool orientation, to constant changes in the feed rate along a defined machining path. This results in loads on the given tool, as acting on the given tool when driving off the specified machining path forces and torques. This results in a stress of the tool, which is expected to be much higher than in prior art methods. It must be noted here that the feed values of all at least five axes and the resulting load on the given tool 130 have an additive effect.

Thus, when defining a machining path or when generating the web data, it is necessary to define only machining paths and to generate only path data, so that a load of the given tool, that is to say the load due to forces and torques during the travel of the defined machining path as a function of the generated web data does not exceed a maximum permissible load or one or more maximum load values of the given tool 130.

Furthermore, machining paths are determined and path data generated as a function of permissible performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool 100. This means that only machining paths are defined and the associated path data are generated so that permissible performance parameters of the machine tool 100 are not exceeded, and the kinetic properties the machine tool 100 are taken into account. In this case, it is meant that only machining paths are defined and associated path data are generated, which are made possible on the basis of the maximum permissible performance parameters and the kinematic properties of the machine tool 100. The kinematics of the machine tool 100 include orientability and mobility of the control device 100, feed values of the linear axes and / or rotary axes values (feed values of the rotary axes).

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of the control data generating apparatus 700 according to any one of the described embodiments of the method of generating control data according to the present invention.

The control data generating device 700 comprises a machining geometry model data generating device 701 and a finished part geometry model data providing device 702. Furthermore, the device 700 comprises a differential geometry model data generating device 703 that is compatible with the machining geometry model data generating device 701 and the finished part geometry. Model data generator 702 is connected. The apparatus 700 further comprises a web data generation device 705, wherein the Web data generation device 705 is connected to at least the difference geometry model data generation device 703.

The machining geometry model data generator 701 is suitable for repeatedly generating machining geometry model data of a machining geometry of the workpiece 150 at any machining time, the machining geometry describing the current machining state of the workpiece 150 at that machining timing.

The finished part geometry model data providing device 702 is adapted to provide finished part geometry model data, wherein the finished part geometry model data describe the geometry of the finished part of the workpiece 150 to be achieved after machining the workpiece 150 on the machine tool 100 in one or more processing steps.

The difference geometry model data generating device 703 is adapted to compare the respective machining geometry model data and the finished part geometry model data and to generate differential geometry model data for a respective machining geometry of the workpiece 150 at a particular machining timing, including a current difference geometry of the workpiece 150 between the two Specify current machining geometry and precast geometry.

The difference geometry of the workpiece at the specific machining time corresponding to this processing time exactly the geometry of the material of the workpiece 150, which still has to be removed by one or more predetermined tool (s) 130 of the workpiece 150 to the finished part geometry of the workpiece 150th to reach.

The web data generation device 705 is suitable for defining a processing path based on the determined instantaneous difference geometry that a given tool 130 for removing material the particular momentary. Traverse differential geometry by feed. According to the invention, the machining path is determined on the basis of the current difference geometry of the workpiece 150 determined by the differential geometry model data generation device 703.

The web data generation device 705 is further adapted to generate web data from the generated difference geometry model data, wherein the web data indicate at which feed rate and with which tool orientation of the given tool relative to the workpiece 150, the predetermined tool 130 is to start a predetermined machining path.

Here, the web data is generated by the web data generating device 705 with the proviso that the predetermined tool 130 when traversing a defined by the web data processing path depending on the maximum Zerspanvolumens the given tool 130 a maximum amount of the volume of the particular instantaneous difference geometry of the workpiece 150th per unit time.

Furthermore, the device 700 for generating control data comprises a machine tool parameter acquisition device 706 for detecting maximum permissible performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool 100. The machine tool parameter acquisition device 706 is connected at least to the web data generation device 705 so that the web data is dependent on the maximum allowable performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool 100 are set.

Furthermore, the control data generating apparatus 700 includes a machine tool geometry model data generating means 707 for generating machine tool geometry model data describing a current machine tool geometry at an arbitrary machining timing of the workpiece 150. The current machine tool geometry here comprises a momentary relative Orientation and relative position of the given tool 130, elements of the control device 110 and clamping means 120 of the machine tool 100 for clamping the workpiece 150.

The machine tool geometry model data generation device 707 is connected at least to the web data generation device 705, such that the machining path and the associated web data from the web data generation device 705 are additionally based on the machine tool geometry model data and / or on the basis of a comparison of the machine tool geometry model data with the machining geometry Model data are determined so that a collision of elements of the machine tool 100 with elements of the machine tool 100 and elements of the machine tool 100, except the predetermined tool 130, with the workpiece 150 is prevented when moving the predetermined machining path through the predetermined tool 150.

Furthermore, the apparatus 700 includes a tool selector 708 connected to the web data generation device 705, the tool selector 708 being adapted for repeatedly selecting a tool having a comparatively high maximum machining volume depending on the current differential geometry model data as a given tool. For this purpose, the tool selection device 708 is connected to a tool storage detection device 710 and a tool change setting device 709.

The tool storage detecting means 710 detects the tool storage of the machine tool 100. That is, the tool storage detecting means 710 detects the stocking on tools 141a-d and 130 on the machine tool 100, and also detects the characteristics of the respective tools 141a-d and 130, such that the tool storage detecting means 710 detects all the tools 141 and 130 received from the tool selecting means 708 may be determined as a predetermined tool 130, wherein the tool storage detecting means 710 additionally detects the respective maximum machining volume and / or the one or more maximum load values of the respective tools.

Thus, the tool selector 708 may determine a tool as a given tool 130 depending on the maximum machining volume of that tool. The tool change-Festiegungseinrichtung 709 detects the previously specified tool 130 on the machine tool, that is, the tool with which the control device 110 of the machine tool is equipped. In a case where the tool selecting means 708 selects a tool as a given tool 130 for another machining path, this given tool 130 being a tool other than the tool previously equipped in the control apparatus 110 of the machine tool 100, then sets the tool change setting means 709 fixed a tool change, so that the tool with which the control device 110 of the machine tool 100 is equipped, is replaced by the predetermined for the next processing path predetermined tool 130.

Such a tool change is required, for example, if material still needs to be removed from the workpiece 150, but the difference geometry is such that with the previous predetermined tool 130 no further processing path can be determined such that material is removed from the differential geometry, without violating the precast geometry.

Furthermore, the device 700 for generating control data comprises a display device 711 for visual presentation of a virtual SD model of the blank geometry, machining geometry, finished part geometry, difference geometry or machine tool geometry on the basis of the respective model data. In this case, the presentation device 711 can visually represent the individual virtual 3D models, or more of them Model data specified geometries simultaneously. Furthermore, the presentation device 711 enables the visual representation of a defined processing path through the difference geometry of the workpiece. This allows a manual operator of the machine tool 100 or the apparatus 700 to visually inspect or check the generated control data, the set machining paths, the generated control data, or also the machining states of the workpiece.

In one embodiment of the control data generation apparatus 700 of the present invention, the apparatus 700 is connected directly to the machine tool 100 via an interface. In this case, the device 700 generates the control data according to one of the embodiments of the method for generating control data according to the present invention directly during the machining of the workpiece 150 on the machine tool 100. This means that the web data generation device 705 generates path data, which is then immediately sent to the Control device 110 of the machine tool 100 are passed so that the control device 110 controls the predetermined tool 130 directly along the specified machining path based on the generated web data and removes material from the workpiece 150.

After the predetermined machining path has been traveled by the predetermined tool 130, a new machining geometry of the workpiece results. This is indicated by the machining geometry model data generator 701 by the generated machining geometry model data. The device 700 then generates control data for the next processing step if the processing geometry does not yet correspond to the desired finished part geometry. For this purpose, differential geometry model data of the current machining geometry are again generated, so that again a further machining path with the associated web data can be determined. Optionally, the tool change setting device 709 initiates an actual tool change, in which the previously equipped in the control device 110 tool 130 with another, coming from the tool magazine 140 tool 141a-d is changed, provided that the tool selector 708 other than that predetermined tool 130 selects as predetermined for the next processing path tool 130. After the tool change has been carried out on the machine tool 100, a further machining path is defined by generating path data by the web data generation device 705. This is done according to the invention on the basis of the current specific difference geometry with the proviso to achieve the largest possible actual cutting volume when driving off the new predetermined tool 130 along the specified machining path, where possible the maximum Zerspanvolumen the given tool 130 is to be achieved.

The web data are forwarded via the interface directly to the machine tool 100, so that the machine tool 100 controls the predetermined tool 130 with the control device 110 along the defined machining path based on the generated web data based on the generated control data, so that material is removed from the workpiece 150. This can be repeated according to the second embodiment of the method for generating control data according to the present invention, until the finished part, or the finished part geometry of the workpiece 150 is reached.

The large amount of data to be considered in generated model data, technology information and machine-specific data results in such a data volume that such an "on-line solution" in which the control data generating device 700 is directly connected to the machine tool 100 for controlling the machine tool 100 during processing of the workpiece 150 is difficult in view of today's computer processing power. For this reason, in another embodiment of the present invention, the control data generating apparatus 700 is interfaced not with an actual machine tool 100 but with a simulation device for simulating a virtual machine tool. Such a simulation device for a virtual machine tool, which is suitable for simulating a simulation of a machining of a workpiece on a machine tool, is known, for example, from DE 10 2006 043390 A1 of the applicant.

Here, by simulating the machining of the workpiece on a machine tool by virtual processing of a virtual workpiece on a virtual machine tool by simulation in iterative approach to the optimum by running and evaluating simulation runs on a virtual machine tool that contains all the necessary properties for the machining process control, one Machining path or a sequence of machining paths and, where appropriate tool changes set by the corresponding path data are generated.

The optimum here means a processing path or a sequence of processing paths and associated path data, wherein the processing path and the path data are determined according to the method of the present invention, so that the processing time of the workpiece is optimally reduced due to the selected or predetermined processing paths.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 700 additionally includes a machining simulation device 712 for simulating the running of a machining path determined from web data generated by the web data generating device 705 by a virtual given tool, the machining geometry model data generating device 701 machining model data of a 3D virtual model generates a machining geometry of the virtual workpiece, which is a virtual Abtragszustand the workpiece Describe a processing time after the departure of a first predetermined machining path was simulated by a virtual predetermined tool by the machining simulation device 712.

The finished part geometry providing means 702 provides finished part geometry model data of a virtual 3D model of the finished part geometry describing a finished part geometry of the virtual workpiece, the difference geometry model data generation device 703 based on a comparison of the finished part geometry model data and the machining geometry model data current difference geometry model data generated, which describe a difference geometry of the material that still has to be removed from the virtual workpiece to achieve the finished part geometry.

The web data generation device 705 uses the difference geometry model data to generate web data defining a machining path with the proviso that the simulation of the second machining path by the machining simulation device depending on a maximum machining volume for the given tool, the virtual predefined tool a maximum of part Volume of the difference geometry of the workpiece per unit time removes.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 700 or the virtual machine tool, which is connected to the device 700 for generating control data, comprises a storage means for storing the generated control data, the defined processing paths, the associated path data and possibly the specified tool changes. These data can then be transferred to an actual machine tool after the simulation has been completed, so that this machine tool can use the control data to process an actual workpiece with an actual given tool on the basis of the control data. The exemplary embodiments and drawings listed here are to be understood as purely illustrative and not restrictive. It is possible to combine the features described in the embodiments in a different way with each other, in order to provide in this way further embodiments, which are optimized for the corresponding application. As far as such modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art, they should be implicitly disclosed by the above description of the embodiments.

For example, the device 700 shown in FIG. 7 has been described for generating control data having many technical features that are optional. For example, a control data generating apparatus 700 according to the first embodiment of the control data generating method requires only a machining geometry model data generating means 701, a finished part geometry model data generating means 702, a difference geometry model data generating means 703, and a web data generating means 705 All other devices of the device 700 as described in Fig. 7 are optional for this first embodiment of the method for generating control data.

Claims

claims

A method for generating control data for controlling a given tool on a machine tool for machining a clamped workpiece from a blank into a finished part by machining, comprising the step of generating web data indicating which machining path a given tool at which feed rate and which tool orientation relative to the workpiece to depart, characterized by

Generation of machining geometry model data of a machining geometry of the workpiece, which describe the machining state of the workpiece at a specific machining time,

Providing finished part geometry model data describing a finished part geometry of the workpiece,

Generating differential geometry model data describing a differential geometry of the material that still needs to be removed to achieve the finished part geometry, and

Generating path data on the basis of the differential geometry model data with the proviso that the predetermined tool removes a maximum of a large part of the volume of the difference geometry of the workpiece per unit time as the machining path travels as a function of a maximum machining volume for the given tool.

2. The method of claim 1, characterized by repeating the steps one or more times generating machining geometry model data, generating differential geometry model data, and generating web data from the difference geometry model data in that order, wherein at least second machining geometry model data is a second machining geometry of the workpiece and second differential geometry model data at a certain second processing time after the predetermined for a first processing path tool, the first processing path based on first Track data has been generated, are generated at a first repetition of the steps, and based on the second differential geometry model data second path data are generated with the proviso that a given for a second machining path tool when moving the second machining path in response to a maximum Zerspanvolumens this predetermined tool removes at most a large part of the volume of the specific second differential geometry of the workpiece per unit time.

3. The method of claim 2, further characterized by one or more times repeating the steps

Providing tool stocking data describing the tool stocking of the machine tool and indicating which tool properties the tools of the tool stocking machine tool have, and

Selecting a tool having a comparatively high maximum machining volume as a function of the difference geometry model data as a predefined tool for a next machining path, and optionally repeating a step one or more times

- Specify a tool change of a previously specified tool with a selected for a next machining path tool as a function of tool storage of the machine tool.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the machine tool comprises a control device for controlling the predetermined tool, wherein the control device controlling the predetermined tool relative to the clamped workpiece with a three-dimensional free tool movement and a free tool orientation to at least 5 axis allows, and wherein the web data are generated such that the predetermined tool changes the feed direction, the feed rate and / or the orientation relative to the clamped workpiece as a function of the difference geometry when traversing a defined by the differential geometry machining path.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the web data are additionally generated in dependence on performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool such that the maximum performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool when departing on the basis of the web data specified machining path can not be exceeded by a given tool.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the web data additionally in response to one or more maximum load values of the at least one predetermined tool are generated such that a load of the given tool when traveling a set on the basis of the web data processing path or does not exceed the maximum load values of the given tool.

7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by one or more repetition of a step generating machine tool geometry model data, the one

Describe machine tool geometry at a specific machining time of the workpiece, wherein the machine tool geometry comprises a relative orientation and relative position of the predetermined tool, elements of the control device and clamping means of the machine tool for clamping the workpiece, wherein the web data additionally based on

Machine tool geometry model data and / or based on a comparison of the machine tool geometry model data with the machining geometry model data at the particular machining time are generated with the proviso that a collision of elements of the machine tool with elements of the machine tool and elements of the machine tool, except the given tool, with the workpiece when moving off on the basis of generated web data defined processing path is prevented by the given tool.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the model data are adapted to produce a virtual 3D model of the blank geometry, the machining geometry, the finished part geometry, the difference geometry and / or the machine tool.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the web data is generated based on a simulation of the processing of a virtual workpiece on a virtual machine tool, wherein the simulation comprises the following steps:

Generating a virtual 3D model of the workpiece in the raw state,

Generating first path data including defining a first processing path for a virtual given tool,

Simulating the departure of the defined first processing path on the basis of the generated first path data by the virtual predetermined tool,

Generation of machining geometry model data of a virtual SD model of a machining geometry of the virtual workpiece, which describe a virtual removal state of the workpiece at a machining time after the departure of the first defined machining path has been simulated by a virtual given tool.

Provision of finished part geometry model data of a virtual 3D model of the finished part geometry, which describe a finished part geometry of the virtual workpiece,

Generating differential geometry model data describing a differential geometry of the material that still needs to be removed from the virtual workpiece to achieve the finished part geometry; and

Generating second path data including defining a second processing path on the basis of the difference geometry model data with the proviso that the virtual predefined tool in simulation of the departure of the second processing path depending on a maximum Zerspan volume for the given tool a maximum of large part of the volume of the difference geometry of the workpiece per unit time removes.

10. A method for generating control data according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the web data are generated in the step generating web data such that a machining path is set in a plurality of contiguous machining path sections, wherein depending on the difference geometry determines a machining path starting point is, starting from the processing path starting point in dependence of the difference geometry, a first machining path section is set, such that the Zerspanvolumen starting from the

Machining path starting point is maximized, and wherein, starting from an end point of each of the plurality of contiguous Bearbeitungsbahnteilstücken depending on the difference geometry another Bearbeitungsbahnteilstück is set such that the Zerspan volume starting from the. End point of the previous Bearbeitungsbahnteilstücks is maximized, wherein along the first and the further processing sections no material is removed from the finished part geometry.

An apparatus for generating control data according to any of the methods of claims 1 to 10 for controlling a given tool on a machine tool for machining a clamped workpiece from a blank into a finished part by machining, comprising web data generating means for generating web data indicating which machining path a predetermined tool is to run at which feed rate and which tool orientation relative to the workpiece is characterized by a machining geometry model data generating device for generating machining geometry model data Processing geometry of the workpiece describing the Abtragszustand of the workpiece at a certain processing time, a finished part geometry model data providing means for providing finished part geometry model data describing a finished part geometry of the workpiece, a difference geometry model data generating device for generating difference geometry model data, the Describe differential geometry of the material that still needs to be removed to achieve the finished part geometry, the web data generating device generates web data based on the differential geometry model data with the proviso that the predetermined tool when traversing the machining path in response to a maximum Zerspanvolumens for the given tool a maximum removes a large part of the volume of the difference geometry of the workpiece per unit of time.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further characterized in that the apparatus comprises machine tool parameter detection means for detecting allowable performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool, the path data generating means generating the path data with the additional proviso that the maximum performance parameters and / or kinetic properties of the machine tool during departure of a defined by the web data processing path can not be exceeded by a given tool.

The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, further characterized in that the apparatus comprises tool property detecting means for detecting tool properties of the tools of the machine tool, the tool characteristics comprising one or more maximum load values of the tools, and wherein the web data generating means comprises the web data with the additional proviso that generates one or more Load values of the given tool when traveling down a machining path defined on the basis of the web data does not exceed the maximum load value or values of the given tool.

14. Device according to one of claims 11 to 13, further characterized in that the device comprises a tool storage detection means for detecting the tool storage of the machine tool, a tool selection means for selecting a tool from the detected tool storage with a comparatively high maximum Zerspanvolumen depending on the Differenzgeometrie- model data as a predetermined tool for a next machining path and a tool change-setting device for specifying a tool change of the previously given tool with a selected for the next machining path predetermined tool depending on the detected tool stocking of the machine tool, wherein the tool change-determining device determines a tool change, if for the next machining path another tool from the tool storage of the machine tool than the previously specified tool from the W tool selection device is selected as a predetermined tool for the next machining path.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, further characterized in that the apparatus comprises a machine tool geometry model data generator for generating machine tool geometry model data describing a current machine tool geometry at a particular machining time of the workpiece, wherein the machine tool geometry is an orientation and position of the predetermined tool, elements of the control device and clamping means of the machine tool for clamping the workpiece, wherein the web data generating device further uses the web data based on the machine tool geometry model data and / or based on a comparison of the machine tool geometry model data with the Produces machining geometry model data at the particular processing time with the additional proviso that a collision of elements of the machine tool with elements of the machine tool and elements of the machine tool, except the given tool, with the workpiece when traversing the set by the web data processing path through the at least one predetermined tool is prevented.

16. Device according to one of claims 11 to 15, further characterized in that the device comprises a display device for visual presentation of a virtual 3D model of the blank geometry, the intermediate geometry, the finished part geometry, the difference geometry and / or the machine tool.

17. The device according to claim 11, further characterized in that the web data generation device generates the web data based on a simulation of the processing of a virtual workpiece on a virtual machine tool, wherein the device further comprises a processing simulation device for simulating the departure of a of machining path determined by path data generated by the path data generating means by a virtual predetermined tool, the machining geometry model data generating device generating machining geometry model data of a virtual 3D model of machining geometry of the virtual workpiece describing a virtual machining state of the workpiece at a machining timing, the departure of a first defined machining path by a virtual predefined tool was simulated by the machining simulation device, the finished part geometry Preparation Device Provides finished part geometry model data of a virtual 3D model of the precast geometry that describes a precast geometry of the virtual workpiece. the difference geometry model data generating device generates differential geometry model data that describes a difference geometry of the material that still has to be removed from the virtual workpiece to reach the finished part geometry, and the web data generation device uses second path data that defines a second processing path based on the difference geometry Model data generated with the proviso that the virtual predetermined tool in simulation of the departure of the second machining path by the machining simulation device depending on a maximum Zerspanvolumens for the given tool a maximum amount of the volume of the difference geometry of the workpiece per unit time removes.