. .. D1a VERIFICATION l, the (undersigned, Kenichi TAKAGI, of transeuro, inc. located at Shin-Marunouchi Center Bldg., 18th Floor, 6-2, Marunouchi 1?Chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0005 Japan, hereby certi?es that to the best of my knowledge and belief the following is a true translation into English made by me ofJP Patent Appl. Publ. No. HOS-285886. Dated this 22th day of December, 2016 Kai-15L: Kenichi TAKAGI Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E JP.Patent Appl. Publ. Nol. H09-285886 November 4, 1997 Application No. HOS-102959 - April 24, 1996 Priority: none Applicant: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Tokyo, JP Title: Automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing Claims 1. An automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing for cutting a plurality of products out of one plate material, the automatic programming apparatus comprising: a combined figure data creating section, figure data that defines a shape of each product being input to said combined figure data creating section, said combined figure data creating section enabling outer contour sides of the plurality of products disposed -in a mutually adjacent manner on the one plate material to be provided by one cutting line, and creating combined figure data obtained by combining the figure data such that common line cutting is performed; and a cutting route data creating section, the combined figure data created by the combined figure data creating section being input to said cutting route data creating section, said cutting route data creating section determining a first cutting route as an outer perimeter cutting route of a combined figure defined by the combined figure data such that a plurality of outer contour sides of the combined figure mutually forming an angle remain uncut, and setting a subsequent cutting route inclusive ofthe common line cutting such that a product of each figure data is cut out of the plate material one by one under a condition that the remaining uncut outer contour sides are cut last, so that cutting route data defining an entire cutting route is created as tool route data for a processing device. 1/31 (Q Your Reference: SEOOSSBEP Our Reference: 16231E 2. The automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to Claim 1, wherein the cutting route data creating section sets an end point of the first cutting route not to locate at an intersection point with a cutting route of a subsequent common line cutting, and sets a start point for cutting the remaining uncut outer contour sides that are cut last not to locate at the intersection point.? 3. The automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the cutting route data creating section defines the subsequent cutting route as a cutting line for the common line cutting, and, if there are a plurality of cutting lines for the common line cutting, defines a cutting line for the common line cutting located furthest from the remaining uncut outer contour sides as a second cutting route, and sequentially sets a cutting line for the common line cutting located at a position approaching the remaining uncut outer contour sides as the subsequent cutting route. 4. An automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing for cutting a plurality of products out of one plate material, the automatic programming apparatus comprising: a figure arrangement data creating section, figure data that defines a shape of each product being input to said figure arrangement data creating section, said figure arrangement data creating section providing a bridge width corresponding to a cutting width between outer contour sides of the plurality of products disposed in a mutually adjacent manner on the one plate material, and creating figure arrangement data obtained by disposing the figure data such that common line cutting is performed along one cutting line; and a cutting route data creating section, the figure arrangement data created by the figure arrangement data creating section being input to said cutting route data creating 2/31 n? Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E section, setting a cutting route such that each product defined by the figure arrangement data is cut out of the plate material one by one, and setting a cutting route for the common line cutting with reference to positional data of one of two mutually adjacent sides disposed with the bridge width therebetween, so that cutting route data defining an entire cutting route is created as tool route data for a processing deviceThe automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to Claim 4, wherein, depending on a tool radius offset direction that is set depending on a travelling direction of the cutting processing, the cutting route data creating section automatically sets a side of which positional data on the cutting route for the common line cutting is referred to. 6. The. automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to any one of Claims 1 5, wherein the automatic programming apparatus is connected to a CAD device, and, from the CAD device, the figure data defining a shape of each product is input. Detailed Description of the Invention [0001] Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic programming apparatus for creating NC program data for a cutting device, such as a laser processing machine. Particularly, the present invention relates to an automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing, which creates tool route data for cutting processing of cutting a plurality of products out of one plate material. [0002] Conventional Art 3/31 . Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E Typically, a device and an automatic programming apparatus automatically create tool route data as NC program data (NC data) for cutting processing of cutting products having a given shape out of a plate material through the use of an NC cutting device, such as a laser processing machine. [0003] Fig. 7 shows a device for a laser processing machine. The device includes: a CPU 51 for creating figure data defining the shapes of products based on various types of input data, analyzing cutting directions and cutting conditions, and creating cutting information; a memory 52 for storing the various types of input data; a printer 53 for printing the cutting information and information displayed on the screen; a CRT 54 for displaying the defined figure data, cuttingroutes, cutting conditions, input request messages on the screen; a keyboard 55 for inputting various types of data such as shape data and cutting conditions; a mouse 56 serving as a pointing device for selecting the figures or menus displayed on the CRT 54; an auxiliary storage medium device 57 for storing the defined figure data; and a plotter 58 for outputting the figures represented by the created figure data on a sheet. All of these components are connected via a bus 59. [0004] in plate material cutting processing for cutting a plurality of products out of one plate material, as described in .IP Pat. Appl. Publ. No. common line cutting can be performed in order to shorten a cutting distance and improve the yield rate regarding the arrangement of material. In the common line cutting, outer contour sides of a plurality of products disposed in a mutually adjacent manner on one plate material are provided by one cutting line, and both sides of the cutting line are cut as the outer contour sides of the two mutually adjacent products. [0005] 4/3 1 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E Next, through the use of the above-described device, a conventional method for actually creating cutting information (tool route data) inclusive of common line cutting will be described. First, as shown in Fig. figure data defining the shapes of products to be cut is created by a CAD function or registered in advance. Then, as shown in Fig. 8 the figures of the product shapes defined by the figure data are displayed on the screen of the CRT 54 and moved and disposed at appropriate positions automatically or manually by using the mouse 56. In some cases, the figures on the screen are rotated. [0007] Next, the sides (outer contour sides) of two adjacent figures displayed on the screen of the CRT 54 are automatically or manually designated, and a part Cc on which common line cutting is performed is set as shown in Fig. [0008] After that, at the time of creating cutting information (tool route data), the determination is automatically or manually made such that the predesignated part Cc on which the common line cutting is performed is cut at only one time and thus the cutting information is created. [0009] As to a device for creating cutting information in plate material cutting processing for performing common line cutting, in addition to the above-described function of displaying the product figures on the screen and automatically or manually disposing the figures so as to adjoin the common line parts, it is considered to use a function, such as a nesting function, in which a function of aUtomatically setting common line parts is incorporated into a function of automatically disposing figures, and common line parts are automatically adjoined at the same time when figures are disposed. Concerning the arrangement of figures (products), the figures may be 5/31 Your Reference: SEOOSSBEP Our Reference: 16231E disposed in a paired manner as shown in Fig. 9 in which two products can be cut along a common line, or the figures are disposed in a row as shown in Fig. 9 in which three or more products can be cut along a plurality of common lines. [0010] In the case in which products are disposed on one plate material for common line cutting, adjacent outer contour sides of products which are originally cut individually as shown in Fig. 8(a) are aligned in order to cut the outer contour sides of both products along a single path. Thus, as shown in Fig. 8 the products are disposed such that the outer contour sides are aligned, and a tool route is automatically set to cut the two aligned outer contour sides at only one time. [0011] Problem to Be Solved by the invention When a tool route is set in conventional common line cutting, the primary importance is placed on whether the route can be drawn with a single stroke or whether the 'length of an air cut path is decreased. Thus, when the outer perimeter part of the shape shown in Fig. 8(c) is cut, the route of continuously cutting the material in the order of or the route of continuously cutting the material in the order of is set as shown in Fig. 10(3). . [0012] In either tool route of this case, the left part of the product shown in Fig. 10(a) is first cut off and subsequently the right part of the product is cut. When the remaining uncut sides of the right product are cut in the order of the left product ABCD has. been already cut. Because of this, it is impossible to prevent the point A from being deformed leftward in the figure point from being deformed downward in the figure due to a thermal distortion when the cutting point comes close to the point E. This causes a problem that the cutting dimensional accuracy deteriorates. That is, because the left product ABCD has been already cut off and separated, a force of 6/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E preventing the side D-A of the right product from being deformed leftward is not exerted. As a result, the right product is deformed leftward, and the dimensional accuracy after the cutting cannot be maintained. [0013] In the case of cutting the outer perimeter part of the shape shown in Fig. a tool route is conventionally set as shown in Fig. 10(b) such that, after the common line parts and are cut, the material is continuously cut in the order of In this case, when the side is cut, only the sides I-J, J-K and K-L of the respective left product parts remain uncut and connected. Thus, a thermal distortion causes a force of deforming the side upward in the figure and the side F-l leftward in the figure. Because there are gaps corresponding to the cutting width between the plate material and the sides F-G and H, the deformation cannot be prevented. As a result, the dimensional accuracy of the products cannot be maintained. [0014] When a plate material is cut by a laser processing machine, the cutting width due to the beam diameter is always present. Thus, if products on which common line cutting is performed are disposed such that the outer contour sides are aligned as shown in Fig. 8 without changing their original dimensions, a problem arises that the width of the left or right product or the widths of both of the right and left products decrease depending on the cutting direction. [0015] Specifically, when a product having a shape shown in Fig. 11(a) is cut in the order of cutting route data is created such that a processing head-passes along the route shown by the dotted line, which is offset outward the left side of the travelling direction) by a half of the cutting width Tc. After that, as shown in the dotted line of Fig. 11(b), cutting route data is set to cut the side such that the processing 7/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E head passes along the route offset by on the left side of the travelling direction or the processing head passes along the line connecting the point and the point A. [0016] This causes a problem that, in the former case, the width of the right product in the figure decreases by the cutting width, and that, in the latter case, the widths of both of the right and left products decrease by a half of the cutting width. [0017] The present invention is made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing, Which appropriately creates proper cutting route data for suppressing as much as possible a deterioration in the dimensional accuracy of products due to a thermal distortion in a cutting process .for common line cutting and also for preventing a decrease in the dimensions of the products due to the cutting width. [0018] Means for Solving the Problem In order to achieve the above object, an automatic programming apparatus according to this invention for plate material cutting processing for cutting a plurality of products out of one plate material includes: a combined figure data creating section, figure data that defines a shape of each product being input to the combined figure data creating section, the combined figure data creating section enabling outer contour sides of the plurality of products disposed in a mutually adjacent manner on the one plate material to be provided by one cutting line, and creating combined figure data obtained by combining the figure data Such that common line cutting is performed; and a cutting route data creating section, the combined figure data created by the combined figure data creating section being input to the cutting route data creating section, the cutting route data creating section determining a first cutting route as an outer perimeter cutting route of a combined figure defined by the combined figure data such that a 8/31 Your Reference: Our Reference: 16231E plurality of outer contour sides of the combined figure mutually forming an angle remain uncut, and setting a subsequent cutting route inclusive of the common line cutting such that a product of each figure data is cut out of the plate material one by one under a condition that the remaining uncut outer contour sides are cut last, so that cutting route data defining an entire cutting route is created as tool route data for a processing device. [0019] In the automatic programming apparatus according to this invention for plate material cutting processing, figure data that defines a shape of each product is input to the combined figure data creating section. The combined figure data creating section enables outer contour sides of the plurality of products disposed in a mutually adjacent manner on the one plate material to be provided by one cutting line, and creates combined. figure data obtained by combining the figure data such that common line cutting is performed. The combined figure data created by the combined figure data creating section is input to the cutting route data creating section. The cutting route data creating section determines a first cutting route as an outer perimeter cutting route of a combined figure defined by the combined figure data such that a plurality of outer contour sides ofthe combined figure mutually forming an angle remain uncut, and sets a subsequent cutting route inclusive of the common line cutting such that a product of each figure data is cut out of the plate material one by one under a condition that the remaining uncut outer contour sides are cut last, so that cutting route data defining an entire cutting route is created as tool route data for a processing device. When the products are cut by using this cutting route data, the parts of the products connected to the plate material by the outer contour sides mutually forming an angle prevent deformation due to a thermal distortion of the products cut before these parts are cut, thereby suppressing thermal deformation of the products in the cutting process. [0020] 9/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E An automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention is the above-described automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing, wherein the Cutting route data creating section sets an end point of the first cutting route not to locate at an intersection point with a cutting route of a subsequent common line cutting, and sets a start point for cutting the remaining uncut outer contour sides that are cut last not to locate at the intersection point. [0021] In the automatic programmingapparatus for plate material cutting processing according to this invention, the cutting route data creating section sets an endpoint of the first cutting route not to locate at an intersection point with a cutting route of a subsequent common line cutting, and sets a start point for cutting the remaining uncut outer contour sides that are'cut last not to locate at the intersection point. When the products are cut by using this cutting route data, the start point for cutting the remaining uncut outer contour sides that are cut last is remote from the cutting route for the common line cutting. Thus, the cutting is started without interference with the product that has been already cut out of the plate material by the common line cutting. [0022] An automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention is the above-described automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing, wherein the cutting route data creating section defines the subsequent cutting route as a cutting line for the common line cutting, and, if there are a plurality of cutting lines for the common line cutting, defines a cutting line for the common line cutting located furthest from the remaining uncut outer contour sides as a second cutting route, and sequentially sets a cutting line for the common line cutting located at a position approaching the remaining uncut outer contour sides as the subsequent cutting route. 10/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E [0023] In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to this invention, the order of setting the cutting routes of the automatic' programming apparatus is specified in more detail. When the products are cut by using the cutting route data created by this automatic programming apparatus, the parts of the products connected to the plate material by the outer contour sides mutually. forming an angle prevent deformation due to a thermal distortion of the products cut before these parts are cut, thereby suppressing thermal deformation of the products in the cutting process. [0024] Moreover, in order to achieve the above object, an automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to this invention is an automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing of cutting a plurality of products out of one plate material, the automatic programming apparatus including: a figure arrangement data creating section, figure data that defines a shape of each product being input to the figure arrangement data creating section, the figure arrangement data creating section providing a bridge width corresponding to a cutting width between outer contour sides of the plurality of products disposed in a mutually adjacent manner on the one plate material, and creating figure arrangement data obtained by disposing the figure data such that common line cutting is performed along one cutting line; and a cutting route data creating section, the figure arrangement data created by the figure arrangement data creating section being input to the cutting route data creating section, setting a cutting route such that each product defined by the figure arrangement data is cut out of the plate material one by one, and setting a cutting route for the common line cutting with reference to positionai data of one of two mutually adjacent sides disposed with the bridge width therebetween, so that cutting 11/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E route data defining an entire cutting route is created as tool route data for a processing device. [0025] In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to this invention, figure data that defines a shape of each product is input to the figure-arrangement data creating section. The figure arrangement data creating section provides a bridge width corresponding to a cutting width between outer contour sides of the plurality of products disposed in a mutually adjacent manner on the one plate material, and creates figure arrangement data obtained by disposing the figure data such that common line cutting is performed along one cutting line. The figure arrangement data created by the figure arrangement data creating section is input to the cutting route data creating section. The cutting route data creating section sets a cutting route such that each product defined by the figure arrangement data is cut out of the plate material one by one, and sets a cutting route for the common line cutting with reference to positional data of one of two mutually adjacent sides disposed with the bridge width therebetween, so that cutting route data defining an entire cutting route is created as tool route data for a processing device. When the products are cut by using this cutting route data, the bridge width (cutting allowance) is set. This prevents the dimensions of the products from becoming smaller due to the cutting width. {0026] An automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention is the above?described automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing, wherein, depending on a tool radius offset direction that is set depending on a travelling direction of the cutting processing, the cutting route data creating section automatically sets a side for which positional data on the cutting route for the common line cutting is referred to. [0027] 12/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to this invention, depending on a tool radius offset direction that is set depending on a travelling direction of the cutting processing, the cutting route data creating section automatically sets a side of which positional data for the cutting route for the common line cutting is referred to. [0028] An automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention is the above-described automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing, wherein the automatic programming apparatus is connected to a CAD device, and, from the CAD device, figure data defining a shape of each product is input. [0029] In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to this invention, the figure data defining the shape of each product is supplied from the CAD device, so that a system is configured. [0030] Embodiments of the Invention Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. [0031] (First Embodiment) Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of an automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the present invention. This automatic programming apparatus automatically creates an NC program for plate material cutting processing of cutting a plurality of products out of one plate material. The automatic programming apparatus is composed of a general purpose or dedicated microcomputer. 13/3 1 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E The automatic programming apparatus includes a combined figure data creating section 1 and a cutting route data creating section 3. [0032] Figure data defining the shape of each product is input to the combined figure data creating section 1. By means of the combined figure data creating section 1, outer contour sides of a plurality of products disposed in a mutually adjacent manner on one plate material are provided by one cutting line, and the combined figure data creating section 1 creates combined figure data obtained by combining figure data as shown in Fig. 3 such that common line cutting can be performed. [0033] Thecombined figure data creating section 1 is connected to a CAD device 5. From the CAD device 5, the figure data definingthe shape of each product is supplied. [0034] The combined figure data created by the combined figure data creating section 1 is input to the cutting route data creating section 3. By means of the cutting route data creating section a first cutting route is determined as an outer perimeter cutting route of a combined figure defined by the combined figure data such that a plurality of outer contour sides ofthe combined figure mutually forming an angle 'remain uncut, and a subsequent cutting route inclusive of the common line? cutting is set such that a product of each figure data is cut out of the plate material one by one under a condition that the remaining uncut outer contour sides are cut last, so that cutting route data defining an entire cutting route is created as tool route data for a processing device. [0035] I Moreover, under the above setting condition, the cutting route data creating section 3 sets an end point of the first cutting route not to locate at an intersection point with a cutting route of a subsequent common line cutting, and sets a start point for cutting the remaining uncut outer contour sides that are cut last not to locate at the 14/31 Your Reference: SEOOSBBEP Our Reference: 16231E intersection point. If there are a plurality of cutting lines for the common line cutting, the cutting route data creating section 3 defines, as a second cutting route,_a cutting line for the common line cutting located furthest from the remaining uncut outer contour sides, and sequentially sets, as the subsequent cutting route, a cutting line for the common line cutting located at a position approaching the remaining uncut outer contour sides. [0036] Next, an example of the cutting route setting processing performed by the automatic programming apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. First, the figure data defining the shape of each product is input, the figures of the products represented by the figure data are manually or automatically disposed at positions for the common line cutting, and combined figure data obtained by combining the figure data is created (step 510-1). [0037] Next, the first cutting route of the combined figure defined by the combined figure data, the first outer perimeter cutting route, is set (step $102). The first outer perimeter cutting route is set such that a plurality of outer contour sides mutually having an angle remain uncut. In the case of the combined figure for the common line cutting shown in Fig. 3, the cutting starts from the point and passes in the-order? of Here, the route is set to pass the point A, advance from the point A toward the point and finish at that point so that the end point of the first cutting route is not located at the intersection pointlwith the cutting route of the subsequent common line cutting (in this case, the point A). That is, the route is set such that the part shown by the solid line of Fig. 3 is cut. [0038] Next, it is determined whether, among the sides that remain uncut in the first I cutting, a plurality of sides mutually forming an angle remain uncut (step 5103). For 15/31 . Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E example, when the first cutting route is set to start from the point shown in Fig. 3 and pass in the order of only the side remains uncut in the first cutting. In this case, the determination is made, and the processing returns to step $102. In contrast, if the cutting starts from the point as described above, the three sides A-G, 6-8 and B-C remain uncut in the first cutting. Thus, a plurality of sides remain uncut. Moreover, because these three sides are not parallel and mutually form an angle, the determination is made in this case. ?[0039] Next, 35 the second outer perimeter cutting, the outer perimeter cutting starts from the position which has been already cut in the first cutting. Moreover, the cutting route is set such that the products are sequentially cut and separated one by one {step 5104). In the example shown in Fig. 3, the cutting route is set to cut up to the point D, starting from the point A that has been already cut. Thus, the cutting route of cutting and separating the one product onthe right side in Fig. 3 is set. I [0040] Next, it is determined whether the cutting routes of all the products have been already set or not (step $105). If the cutting routes of all the products have not been set yet, the processing returns to step $104. The subsequent outer perimeter cutting routes, such as the third and fourth routes, etc. are sequentially set until the cutting routes of all the productshave been set. In the example of Fig. 3, as the third cutting (last cutting), the cutting route is set to start from the position that has been already cut in the first cutting and pass in the order of C. Thus, the cutting route for cutting and separating the second product on the left side is set, and the setting of all the cutting routes is completed. [0041] In this cutting route setting processing, the first cutting route is not set to advance in the order of shown in Fig. 3, and the route is set to pass 16/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E the point A, advance from the point A toward the point and finish at that point. Namely, the end point of the first cutting route is set not to locate at the intersection point with the cutting route of the subsequent common line cutting. This is because, if the right product is first separated, loses its balance and is tilted by its own weight on a pincushion-like worktable, there is a risk that the product will collide with the head of the processing machine when the cutting starts from the point A. The above setting is made to avoid this risk. [0042] The distance between the point A and the above point that advances from the point A toward the point in order to avoid the coilision differs depending on a processing machine in use and can be freely set. [0043] Moreover, the cutting starting from the point shown in Fig. 3 and advancing in the order of is determined to be unallowable. This is because, if the side that remains uncut in the first cutting is only the side A-G, it decreases a resistive force of suppressing a movement due to a distortion of this product in' the right-to-left direction. [0044] When the products are cut by using the cutting route data that is set as described above, the product part BCDAG connected to the plate material by the plurality of outer contour sides (the sides A-G, 6-3 and B-C) that mutually form an angle prevents deformation due to a thermal distortion of the product part ADEF that is cut before the product part BCDAG is cut, thereby suppressing thermal deformation of the product in the cutting process. This suppresses as much as possible a deterioration in the dimensional accuracy of the products due to a thermal distortion in the cutting process and improves the dimensional accuracy of the products. [0045] 17/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E I The second and subsequent outer perimeter cutting routes start from the point that has been already cut, such as the route in Fig. 3 or the route passing in the order of from the end point' of the first cutting. This eliminates the need for using a piercing function, etc. in order to start-cutting a typical uncut plate material. Thus, it is possible to start cutting immediately. [0046] Moreover, the cutting route is set such that the hole of each product is cut in advance before starting cutting of the outer perimeter for the common line cutting. [0047] In the case of the combined figure for the common line cutting shown in Fig. 4, a cutting route is set in the-same manner as described above. This combined figure has a plurality of cutting lines (four lines) for the common line cutting. [0048] in this?case, a first cutting route is set to start from the point and advances in the order of in such a manner that the route passes the point L, advances from the point toward the point A, and then finishes moving. That is, this route is set to cut the part shown by the solid line in Fig. 4. [0049] Next, the cutting line for the common line cutting located furthest from the remaining uncut outer contour sides, the route of the side is set as a second cutting route. [0050] Sequentially, the route of the side is set as a third cutting route, the route of the side is set as a fourth cutting route, and the route of the side is set as a fifth cutting route. Finally, a cutting route that stats from the end point of the first cutting route and passes in the order of is set. [0051] 18/31 . Your Reference: Our Reference: 16231E In this case, the product part ABCL connected to the plate material by the plurality of outer contour sides (the sides L-A and A-B) mutually forming an angle prevents deformation due to a thermal distortion of each product that is cut before this part is cut, thereby suppressing thermal deformation of the product in the cutting process. This suppresses as much as possible a deterioration in the dimensional accuracy of the produ?ts due to a thermal distortion in the cutting process and improves the dimensional accuracy of the products. [0052] in the first outer perimeter cutting of the above embodiment, an example of setting the cutting route that advances in a clockwise direction is shown. However, of course, the cutting route may advance in a counterclockwise direction. Moreover, in the above example, the cutting route is set to start from one upper corner of the product at the end of the products disposed in a row. However, the cutting route can be set to start from a midpoint of a side. [0053] (Second Embodiment) Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the present invention. This automatic programming apparatus also automatically creates an NC program for plate material cutting proceSsing of cutting a plurality of products out of one plate material. The automatic programming apparatus is composed of a general purpose or dedicated microcomputer. The automatic programming apparatus includes a figure arrangement data creating section 11 and a cutting route-data creating section 13. [0054] Figure data defining the shape of each product is input to the figure arrangement data creating section 11 from the CAD device 5. By means of the figure arrangement data creating-section 11, a bridge width corresponding to a cutting width is provided 19/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E between outer contour sides of a plurality of products disposedin a mutually adjacent manner on one plate material, and figure arrangement data obtained by disposing the figure data such that common line cutting performed along one cutting line is created. [0055] The figure arrangement data created by the figure arrangement data creating section 11 is input to the cutting route data creating section 13. By means of the cutting route data creating section 13, a cutting route is set such that each product defined by the figure arrangement data is cut out of the plate material one by one, and a cutting route for the common line cutting is set with reference to positional data of one of the two mutually adjacent sides disposed with the bridge width therebetween, so that cutting route data defining the entire cutting route is created as tool route data of the processing device. [0056] . Depending on a tool radius offset direction that is set depending on the travelling direction of the cutting processing, the cutting route data creating section 13 automatically sets a side of which the positional data on the cutting route for the common line cutting is referred to. [0057] The cutting route (order) in the present embodiment is set in the same manner as in the first embodiment. [0058] In the second embodiment, when figures on which the common line cutting is performed are disposed, the sides defined as a common line are disposed such that they are separated at a distance corresponding to the predetermined cutting width Tc as shown in, for example, Fig. 6 and Fig. 6 [0059] 20/31 Your Reference: Our Reference: 16231E At the time of setting the second to the second-to?last outer perimeter cutting routes of the common line parts of the sides separated at a distance of the cutting width, the offset direction is automatically considered depending on the travelling direction of the cutting processing, and the cutting route on which the common line cutting is performed is created with reference to the position of one appropriate side. For example, in the case of cutting in the direction of shown in Fig. the right side of the travelling direction, the position of the side shown by the thick line is adopted to set a cutting route. This cutting route is created to pass the point separated from this side at a distance of the offset amount (Tc/2) on the left of the travelling direction. In Fig. when the material is cut in the directions of and the sides shown by the thick lines are adopted, and each cutting route is created to pass the position separated leftward from this side at a distance of the offset amount [0060] Thus, the appropriate cutting route data is created, which prevents the dimensions of the products from becoming smaller due to the cutting width. When the products are cut by using this cutting route data, the setting of the cutting allowance in the parts on which the common line cutting is performed prevents the dimensions of the products from becoming smaller due to the cutting width. Thus, it is possible to definitely obtain products having designed dimensions. [0061] In the example of this embodiment, in which one of the two adjacent sides constituting the common line part is adopted takes the cutting width and the travelling direction into account at the time of setting the cutting route. As another method, the same effect can also be exerted by making this determination when actually creating the cutting information after the cutting route setting processing. [0062] 21/31 Your Reference: 5 E00588EP Our Reference: 1632le In addition to a laser beam cutting machine, examples of cutting devices to which the automatic programming apparatus according to the present invention is applied include a waterjet cutting machine, an air plasma cutting machine and a gas gutting machine. Moreover, the automatic programming apparatus according to the present invention is not limited to a console type computer. A cutting information creating function, etc._ built into a cutting machine controller also can be used. [0063] Effect of the Invention As can be understood from the above description, when a plurality of products having a common cutting line are cut, the automatic programming apparatus according to the present invention for plate material cutting processing sets a cutting route such that the lastly cut product is cut to prevent deformation due to a thermal distortion of the products that have been already cut. This prevents a deterioration of the cutting dimensional accuracy of each product. Thus, it is possible to produce products having high dimensional accuracy. [0064] In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention, the start point for cutting the remaining uncut outer contour sides that are cut last is remote from the cutting route for the common line cutting. Thus, the cutting is started without interference with the product?that has been already cut out of the plate material by the common line cutting. [0065] In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention, even if there are a plurality of cutting lines forvthe common line cutting, a cutting route is set such that cutting of the last product is performed to prevent deformation clue to a thermal distortion of the products that have 22/31 Your Reference: SEOOSBSEP Our Reference: 16231E already been cut. This prevents a deterioration of the cutting dimensiOnal accuracy of each product. Thus, it is possible to produce products having high dimensional accuracy. [0066] In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention, the setting of the bridge width (cutting allowance) in the parts on which the common line cutting is performed prevents the dimensions of the products from becoming smaller due to the cutting width. Thus, it is possible to obtain the products having designed dimensions. [0067] In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention, the side which the positional data on the cutting route for the common line cutting refers to is automatically set depending on the tool radius offset direction that is set depending on the travelling direction of the cutting processing. Thus, it is possible to create appropriate cutting route data without man-made setting mistakes and to obtain products having designed dimensions. [0068] In the automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the next invention, figure data defining the shape of each product is supplied from a CAD device, so that a system can be constituted. [0069] In either case, the common line cutting also exerts the effects of improving yields regarding the arrangement of products, shortening a cutting time due to a decreased cutting distance, and saving used process gas. Brief Description of the Drawings 23/31 Your Reference: SEOOSSBEP I Our Reference: 16231E Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of an automatic programming apparatus for plate material cutting processing according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing cutting route setting processing of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a procedure of setting a I cutting route for common line cutting of the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a procedure of setting a cutting route for common line cutting of the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the automatic programming apparatus for the plate material cutting processing according to the present invention. Figs. 6 and are explanatory diagrams showing examples of procedures of setting cutting routes for common line cutting of the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a device for a conventional laser processing machine. Figs. 8 - are explanatory diagrams showing how to create combined figure data for common line cutting. Figs. 9 and are explanatory diagrams showing examples of disposing combined figures for common line cutting. Figs. 10 and are explanatory diagrams showing procedures of setting cutting routes for conVentional common line cutting. Figs. 11 and are explanatory diagrams showing examples of disposing product figures in conventional art. Explanation of Reference Numerals 1 combined figure data creating section 24/31 Your Reference: Our Reference: 16231E 3 cutting route data creating section 5 CAD device 11 figure arrangement data creating section 13 cutting route data creating section 25/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E Abstract Problem to Be Solved: The invention suppresses as much as possible deterioration in the dimensional accuracy of products due' to a thermal distortion in a cutting process for common line cutting. Means for Solving the Problem: The inventions includes: a combined figure data creating section 1, figure data defining a shape of each product being input to the combined figure data creating section 1, the combined figure data creating section 1 enabling outer contour sides of a plurality of products disposed in a mutually adjacent manner on one plate material to be provided by one cutting line, and creating combined figure data such that common line cutting is performed; and cutting route data creating section 3, such that the cutting route data creating section 3 determines a first cutting route as an outer perimeter cutting route of a combined figure defined by the combined figure data. created by the combined figure data creating section such that a plurality of outer contour sides of the combined figure mutually forming an angle remain uncut, and sets a subsequent cutting route inclusive of the common line cutting such that a product of each figure data is cut out of the plate material one by one under a condition that the remaining uncut outer contour sides are cut last, so that cutting route data defining an entire cutting route is created as tool route data for a processing device. 26/31 Fm.1 5 1 i HGURE 5 DATA CADEE ??lwiha Your Reference: SEOOSSBEP Our Reference: 16231E COMBINED a CUTTING FIGURE 1 ROUTE DATA DATA . emu 1 COMBINED FIGURE DATA CREATING SECTION 3 CUTTING ROUTE DATA CREATING SECTION 5 CAD DEVICE Fig. 2 START $101 anamm? S102 I I 0) Imaw?usua 5104 I $101 CREATING COMBINED FIGURE DATA FOR COMMON LINE CUTTING 5102 SETTING FIRST OUTER PERIMETER CUTTING ROUTE $103 ARE SIDES THAT REMAIN UNCUT IN FIRST CUTTING $104 SETTING NEXT OUTER PERIMETER CUTTING ROUTE $105 IS SETTING OF CUTTING ROUTES 27/31 Your Reference: SE00588EP Our Reference: 16231E a '5 A Fig. 4 a a A I FigFIGURE 5 CUTTING FIGURE ARRANGEMENT moms DATA I DATA - - I 115323 55235 5 CAD DEVICE 11 FIGURE ARRANGEMENT DATA CREATING SECTION 13 CUTTING ROUTE DATA CREATING SECTION Fig. 6 28/31 Fig. 7 51 CPU ,82 (56 7-32 ?53 >9 61 I Fig. 8 @4761 Your Reference: Our Reference: 16231E CPU MEMORY PRINTER CRT KEYBOARD .. MOUSE AUXILIARY STORAGE MEDIUM DEVICE BUS 29/31 Fig30/31 YOur Reference: Our Reference: 15231E Your Reference: Our Reference: 16231E ??1?ch a A 31/31 Eidesstattliche Versicherung In Kenntnis der Bedeutung einer eidesstattlichen Versicherung und der Strafbarkeit der Abgabe einer faischen eidesstattlichen Versicherung versichere ich hiennit Folgendes an Eides statt zur Vorlage beim Europ?ischen Patentamt im Einspruchsverfahren gegen das Patent Zur Person Main Name ist Frank Neidhart, geboren am 24.09.1964, wohnhaft in 70839 Geriingen, ich bin seit 15.09.1992 Mitarbeiter der Technischen Dokumentation der TRUMPF Gruppe, seit 01.07.2007 Leiter der Abteilung Technische Redaktion und in dieser Aufgabe verantwortlich fiir alle Abl?ufe in der Technischen Redaktion der Firma TRUMPF. 2. Zur Sache Das Handbuch ..Software manual TruTops Laser version 7.0? in der Ausgabe 4/2007 ist laut der intemen Datenbank bei TRUMPF am 15.5.2007 erschienen und ist bis heute Bestandteii aller Softwarelieferungen zur Software TruTops in der Version 1.0.0. Diese Software wurde am 15.5.2007 zum Verkauf freigegeben und unmittelbar danach ausgeliefert, beispielsweise am 27.6.2007 an die Firma. H. Steinhart, 0-72513 Hettingen. Die Produktinformation ,,Product information TmTops Laser" in der Ausgabe 5/2007 ist Iaut der intemen Datenbank bei TRUMPF am 1.5.2007 erschienen. Sie ist Teil einer Reihe technischer Produktinformationen und diente zur gezielten Information interessierter LaseranWender. Diese Produktinforrnation wurde unmittelbar nach dem Erscheinen gem??. einer Verteilerliste an mehrere Finnen ohne Geheimhaltungsverp?ichtung verteilt, z.B auch an die Firma AOTEA Machinery Group Ltd., Maurice Road 109, Penrose. AUCKLAND, NEUSEELAND und an die Firma V.A.C. Machines nv/sa, Kleine Pathoekeweg 13-15, 8000 BRUGGE, BELGIEN. und stand vorn Erscheinungszeitpunkt ab ohne Geheimhaltungsverpflichtung dem gesamten TRUMPF Vertrieb zur Weitergabe an Kunden und dem TRUMPF Schulungszentrum als'Zusatzinformation zur Verf?gung. Die technische Information .,Technical information Micro-Joints? in der Ausgabe 9/96 ist Iaut der internen Datenbank bei TRUMPF am 1.9.1996 erschienen. Sie ist Teil einer Reihe Technischer lnformationen und diente zur gezielten Information interessierter Laseranwender. Diese technische Information wurde unmittelbar nach dem Erscheinen gemz'?l's einer Verteilerliste an mehrere Firmen ohne Geheimhaltungsverp?iohtung verteilt, 2.8. auch an die Firma M6ller Metaal Oude Boekeloseweg 31. 7553 DS Henge! Niederlande. und stand vom Erscheinungszeitpunkt ab ohne Geheimhaltungsverp?ichtung dem gesamten TRUMPF Vertrieb zur Weitergabe an Kunden und dem TRUMPF Schulungszentrum als Zusatzinformation zur Verfugung Das Handbuch Supplement to operator's manual TruLaser 7040" in der Ausgabe 12/2007 wurde ab 2008 im Zuge von Lieferungen der Maschine TruLaser 7040 an Kunden ohne Goheimhaltungsverpflichtung ausgeliefert, 23. am 01.04.2008 an die Fa. Prams-Technological Products, 13 Decembrie Nr. 94, R0 09/500164 Brasov, Rum?nien. Die gelieferte Maschine TruLaser 7040 wurde am 23.5.2008 bei der Fa. Proms?Technological Products abgenommen, das heist, dass zu diesem Zeitpunkt alles dem oben genannten Handbuch beim Kunden vo rlag. Ditzingen, 16.12.2016 111111111111: (3.1111111 .1. 6:11 11:11 Johot.nMoLIstroB1a 2 71254 Ditzingen [Frank Neidhart]