Injection molding machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to an injection molding machine with a machine control device and an operating unit configured as a human-machine interface, wherein the operating unit is configured to start the injection molding machine from a shut-off state or a standby state to a production operation for manufacturing injection-molded parts and to shut down the production operation and return to the shut-off state or the standby state. According to the present invention, the start-up of the injection molding machine and the shutdown of the injection molding machine are respectively divided into a plurality of stages and a sequence of determined machine motion instructions and / or determined machine state change instructions is preprogrammed for each stage of the start-up and for each stage of the shutdown. One or more operating elements are provided at the operating unit, and when the operating elements are manipulated, the preprogrammed sequence can be activated and the start-up or shutdown stage can be started, wherein the function of triggering the start-up or shutdown of the injection molding machine is associated with the machine motion instructions and / or machine state change instructions of the sequence.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an injection molding machine according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] Injection molding machines are characterized by cyclic and generally fully automatic production operations, wherein one or more injection molded parts are produced in each cycle. Before starting, sequence programming is performed. This is the programming of the injection molding cycle for producing a specific molded part. The sequence programming is carried out with the aid of an operating unit and a machine control designed as a human-machine interface.

[0003] What should be distinguished from this is production operation. It should be understood as such a state of the injection molding machine, in which injection molding parts are usually manufactured fully automatically-if necessary, but also manually. For the manufacture of fully determined molded parts, the injection molding machine that has been set and programmed must then be turned on and brought into production operation. After the end of production, the injection molding machine should be brought out of the production operation to the state of being cut off. Preferably, it is not directly transferred from the production operation to the state of being cut off, but it must first be ejected or shot empty and the injection molding machine is then cut off. Instead of the complete cut-off of the injection molding machine, the injection molding machine can also be brought into a waiting state, which can also be called "standby". This situation is similar to a computer. After the computer is turned on or turned on, it must first be brought into the operating state, which is also represented by the concept of computer startup. After the work at the computer is finished, the operating state is left and the computer is shut down, wherein, the "standby" state can also be maintained or the computer can be completely cut off. Therefore, the "start-up" of the injection molding machine can also be discussed on the one hand and the "shutdown" of the injection molding machine can be discussed on the other hand. In this context, a “start-up” of an injection molding machine is to be understood as a process in which the injection molding machine is started from a completely switched-off state or a standby state until it reaches a state for production operation. A “shutdown” of an injection molding machine is to be understood as a process in which the state for production operation is terminated and the injection molding machine is brought into a completely switched-off state or a standby state. Suitable operating units and machine controls can be used for starting and shutting down the injection molding machine.

[0004] From the prior art, operating units with a large number of buttons are known (EP2100197B1), which are available to the operator as input options. Therefore, the operator must operate the buttons that are suitable for a large number of applications in order to start the injection molding machine from the switched-off state into production operation and to shut down the injection molding machine again to the completely switched-off state or standby state. Depending on the application or on which molded parts are to be manufactured, different requirements are placed on the start and shutdown of the injection molding machine. For this purpose, the active buttons available or provided to the operator also vary accordingly. Active buttons are to be understood as buttons or input options that are assigned a specific function and trigger the function when they are operated. Here, buttons can be associated with different functions depending on the operating state of the injection molding machine, as is known from EP2100197B1. This should be distinguished from buttons that are present but are just not needed.

[0005] In order to start up the injection molding machine correctly and without errors and to bring it into fully automatic production operation, knowledge of the specific application is generally necessary. The number of steps to be carried out for this purpose is very large and depends strongly on the molded part to be produced. Therefore, in most cases, in-depth knowledge of the injection molding machine and the application is required in order to be able to use the keys available on the operating unit or provided for use as input options correctly and at the right time. An experienced application technician, that is to say an operator with knowledge of the injection molding machine and its application, can correctly carry out the start-up and shutdown of the injection molding machine with the help of the existing keys or input options of the operating unit.

[0006] However, there is an increasing demand for operators with less specialized qualifications, in particular in order to be able to reduce the personnel costs when operating an injection molding machine. Nevertheless, when using such operators, it should be ensured that the injection molding machine is operated in accordance with the instructions and that defect-free molded parts can be produced thereon, and that no special training tailored to their needs is required for these operators. In particular, the start-up and shutdown of the injection molding machine should also be reliably carried out by such operators. Summary of the invention

[0007] Based on this, the object of the present invention is to specify an injection molding machine in which the operation is simplified so that the operator only has to manipulate one operating element or a relatively small number of operating elements in order to start the injection molding machine into production operation and shut it down again from production operation, wherein the operation should always be the same regardless of the molded parts produced on the injection molding machine and wherein the operator does not need to have any application-specific knowledge.

[0008] This object is achieved by an injection molding machine according to the invention.

[0009] According to the present invention, the start-up of the injection molding machine and the shutdown of the injection molding machine are divided into a plurality of phases accordingly and for each phase of the start-up and for each phase of the shutdown, a determined machine motion instruction and / or a determined machine state change instruction is set, the implementation of which is necessary for the execution of the corresponding phase. For each phase, a sequence of determined machine motion instructions and / or machine state change instructions that characterize the phase is preprogrammed. One or more operating elements are provided at the operating unit, and when the operating elements are manipulated, the preprogrammed sequence can be activated and the start-up or shutdown phase of the injection molding machine can be started. Thereby, the start-up or shutdown function of the injection molding machine associated with the sequence of machine motion instructions and / or machine state change instructions is triggered.

[0010] The operating element can be provided in different embodiments and can be preprogrammed for its function. A preprogrammed operating element means that a certain sequence can be started when it is actuated.

[0011] According to one embodiment, an operating element configured as a start button for starting the injection molding machine and an operating element configured as a stop button for shutting down the injection molding machine can be provided. By operating the start button, the start phase can be started and a preprogrammed sequence of machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions determined for the start phase can be activated, wherein functions of starting the injection molding machine associated with these machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions are triggered according to the preprogrammed process. Correspondingly, by operating the stop button, the shutdown phase can be triggered and a preprogrammed sequence of machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions determined for the shutdown phase can be activated, wherein functions of shutting down the injection molding machine associated with these machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions are triggered according to the preprogrammed process.

[0012] The division of the start-up and shutdown of the injection molding machine into multiple phases means that the operating state of the injection molding machine is changed when passing through a phase, more precisely in such a way that the operating state of the injection molding machine is changed from the state before or at the start of the phase to the next state at the end of the phase. The operating state of the injection molding machine thus changes from phase to phase.

[0013] As a result, the operation during the start-up and shutdown of the injection molding machine becomes simpler and safer for the machine operator. The concept of "machine operator" should be understood as an operator who has no or only little process knowledge. Generally speaking, the machine operator has the task of monitoring the prescribed operation of the injection molding machine and possibly performing a smaller quality assurance. What should be distinguished from this is the application technician. The concept of application technician should be understood as an operator with in-depth process knowledge. Application technicians are generally able to program the injection molding cycle. Currently, application technicians are responsible for programming the operating elements or buttons provided to the machine operator for starting and shutting down the injection molding machine. When the machine operator manipulates the operating elements or buttons for starting and shutting down the injection molding machine, the machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions of this sequence of one stage are pre-programmed by the application technician and implemented by the machine operator.

[0014] The training effort for the operating personnel is thus also greatly reduced. To operate the injection molding machine, an operating personnel can be used who need no or only preliminary knowledge about the injection molding machine and the process for producing a completely specific molded part.

[0015] The startup and shutdown of the injection molding machine can be divided into a plurality of stages, wherein the operating state of the injection molding machine changes with the stages. Preferably, the startup and shutdown of the injection molding machine can be divided into three stages, which are between the four operating states (or simply states) of the injection molding machine. Figure 1 Detailed description.

[0016] First, the following states of the injection molding machine can be defined: State 1 = "off"

[0017] The injection molding machine is in a completely switched-off state (i.e. no energy supply) or is switched on but not yet ready for operation. In this state, the control of the injection molding machine is switched on, but all actuators (motor, heating, cooling water, peripherals, etc.) are switched off. In this state, the injection molding machine can be stationary for several hours, in which case not much energy is required. Work can be done with the control (loading data records, adjusting parameters, etc.), but movement on the machine is not possible.

[0018] 1' state = "standby"

[0019] This is an intermediate state that can be activated when necessary and is characterized by energy saving and protection of the plastic material present in the plasticizing unit. Preferably, however, the plasticizing device should be emptied before the "standby" state is activated. Generally speaking, in this "standby" state, the drive is switched off and the heating device is adjusted to a reduced temperature. This state can be meaningfully assumed when production is interrupted for a longer period of time due to a fault and production is to be restarted after the problem has been eliminated. Since the heating device is only switched off to a reduced extent and not completely, the time-consuming heating of the temperature range is reduced when production is restarted.

[0020] State 2 = "ON"

[0021] The injection molding machine is ready for operation. This means that all required actuators are switched on and all temperature ranges are within the rated range. In this state, although the individual actuators / axes of the injection molding machine can be used, the state of the plastic in the plasticizing unit is undefined. There may be old plastic that has yet to be ejected or the plasticizing unit may still be empty.

[0022] Status 3 = "READY"

[0023] The machine is ready for production. In this state, the correct amount of plastic is in the plasticizing device so that it can be started with production. The plastic in the plasticizing device is of good quality, that is, it has been ejected beforehand if necessary. All axes are in the basic position for starting production.

[0024] Status 4 = "PRODUCING"

[0025] The injection molding machine is in fully automatic production operation; it manufactures injection molded parts.

[0026] The start-up and shutdown stages of the injection molding machine are located between the above states.

[0027] Start-up of injection molding machine ( Figure 1 Left arrow in

[0028] Stage 1 = "Open"

[0029] During this process, the injection molding machine is switched on and some components or machine parts are activated. This process takes a relatively long time. The individual actuators must be switched on at the right moment. In addition, it is important to reach a certain temperature in individual areas of the plasticizing unit or in the tool or in the entire component (including the tool) at the injection molding machine.

[0030] Phase 2 = “Preparation”

[0031] In this phase, it must be ensured that the plastic material to be used for production is of sufficient quality. The residues in the plasticizing unit must be ejected and new plastic material must be dosed without bubbles and residues. To this end, the operator must bring the plasticizing unit to the so-called ejection position, eject several times and finally drive it forward again into a safe range. Depending on the application, the plasticizing unit can be docked at the tool in this phase or only docked with the start of production. Depending on the tool / application, the mold must be closed or open at this point. Finally, all axes are brought to the initial position so that production can be started in the next phase.

[0032] Phase 3 = "Starting production"

[0033] After the injection molding machine and the plastic material have been prepared, this phase involves starting and assuming automatic production operation. At the start of production operation, generally individual injection molding cycles are run in order to ensure that all molded parts are correctly injected (that is, all cavities are correctly filled) and ejected cleanly. Only after the operator is convinced that everything is functioning as intended does the switch to fully automatic production operation take place. Fully automatic production operation is characterized by the fact that preprogrammed injection molding cycles are automatically carried out and injection molded parts are produced repeatedly.

[0034] When the production target is reached or in the event of an interruption, the operator must be able to shut down and disconnect the injection molding machine from production operation or bring it to standby mode in a specified manner. Similar to the start-up of the injection molding machine, this process can also be divided into three stages: shutdown of the injection molding machine ( Figure 1 right arrow in the

[0035] Phase 1 = "Stop production"

[0036] In order not to waste semi-finished molded parts and waste plastic unnecessarily, the production run must be stopped regularly. Depending on the application and requirements of the run, special states can be assumed at the end of production (for example, the injection molding tool remains closed).

[0037] Phase 2 = Preparation (Nachbereiten)

[0038] In this stage, the plastics still in the plasticizing device should be ejected so that the plasticizing device contains as little as possible plastics that have been plasticized once when used next time. In addition, the axis can be moved to a special position when necessary.

[0039] Stage 3 = Cut off

[0040] The shut-off of the motor and the heating device as well as the cooling water must be carried out in a certain order so that no damage is caused to the tool and the machine. Here, the temperature in the tool and the plasticizing device in particular is decisive for the shut-off of the individual actuators.

[0041] The operating unit provides a large number of buttons for all the above-mentioned stages so that specific actions can be triggered and specific states can be achieved. Specific symbols are used here to visualize the functions that are triggered when the buttons marked in this way are operated. Such buttons can be constructed as mechanical buttons (hardware buttons) or as touch screen buttons (software buttons). In addition, there is a process editor at the operating unit, which can be used to program the process of the injection molding cycle of the injection molding machine or other (sub) processes or process sequences - usually sequences. In the process editor, a large number of instructions are provided for the operator to use, wherein generally the same or similar symbols as in the case of the above-mentioned buttons are used. The concept "icon" is often used instead of the concept "symbol". When a button is operated, the function belonging to the button is directly triggered, while the function belonging to the instruction is only triggered when the process or sub-process or sequence programmed with these instructions is opened.

[0042] exist Figures 10 to 15 A typical choice of symbols or icons should be shown and briefly described for each of the above stages.

[0043] Symbols 50 and 51 continue to have the same meaning, so that repeated explanation of their meanings can be omitted below.

[0044] A distinction may be made between symbols for functions relating to machine movements and symbols for functions relating to machine state changes.

[0045] Thus, there are machine movement buttons, that is, buttons that move parts or individual parts of the machine when actuated, and there are machine movement commands, that is, commands that move parts or individual parts of the machine when executed. Examples of machine movements are the following symbols:

[0046] 52 Injection unit forward

[0047] Such buttons and commands related to the transport of plastic material can also be regarded as machine movement buttons or machine movement commands, because parts of the injection molding machine are moved there. They are, for example, the following symbols:

[0048] 53 Switch on / open material supply

[0049] 54 Shoot

[0050] In view of the change of the machine state, there is a machine state change button, that is, a button that changes the state of the injection molding machine when it is actuated, wherein the state change involves a component or one or more parts of the injection molding machine. Similarly, there are machine state change commands, that is, commands that change the state of the injection molding machine when it is executed, wherein the state change involves a component or one or more parts of the injection molding machine.

[0051] An example of this is

[0052] 55 Switch on / off the heating device

[0053] 56 Turn on / off cooling water

[0054] The machine movement button and / or the machine state change button can be designed as a mechanical button (hardware button) or as a touch screen button (software button). The machine movement button and the machine state change button have suitable symbols on the area surrounding the corresponding button or in it. In the case of the machine movement button, the symbol indicates which component or part of the injection molding machine is moved when the machine movement button is actuated and, if necessary, also the direction of the movement and the purpose of the movement (e.g., opening the mold, closing the mold). In the case of the machine state change button, the symbol indicates which state is to be changed and, if necessary, to be reached; if necessary, the symbol can also indicate how the state change is to be caused (e.g., heating zone; switching cooling water on / off).

[0055] The machine motion instructions and the machine state change instructions may be provided as symbols or icons on the screen of the sequence editor.

[0056] According to the core idea of ​​the present invention, the machine movement keys and machine state change keys determined for each phase of startup and for each phase of shutdown are not selected and operated individually, but are preprogrammed. In the case of this preprogramming, the machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions are combined into a sequence of instructions in the sequence editor.

[0057] Such process editors are already known in injection molding machines when programming production processes. With the aid of such process editors, production processes or general method steps can be input by an operator into the operating unit of the injection molding machine when the injection molding machine is in operation, in particular in order to program the machine process. This is also referred to as process programming of the injection molding machine. In this case, an input mask is provided to the operator on the operating unit of the injection molding machine and in which symbols / icons / buttons are displayed in which the operator can select instructions for operating parts or components or parts of the injection molding machine according to the instructions (machine movement instructions) or for changing the state of parts or components or parts according to the instructions (machine state change instructions). Examples of such instructions have been described in detail above.

[0058] The preprogramming of the sequence of machine motion instructions and / or machine state change instructions belonging to the present invention is therefore about the following, that is, making a suitable selection from the reserve of machine motion instructions and machine state change instructions and combining them into a sequence of starting or shutting down the injection molding machine. This preprogramming can be realized by itself at the operating unit of the injection molding machine, especially before the injection molding machine is delivered to the customer. It can also be carried out on the spot at the customer by an application technician or professional for process programming at a later time, especially by a person from the manufacturer of the injection molding machine with corresponding knowledge. However, this preprogramming can also be carried out at a computer independently of the injection molding machine. Here, the reserve of machine motion instructions and machine state change instructions is prepared in a storage device and can be used for preprogramming of the sequence. The storage device can be a storage device integrated into the computer or a separate storage device such as a computer-readable storage medium, an external hard disk, a USB flash drive, etc. The application technician or professional for process programming of the injection molding machine can therefore select machine motion instructions and machine state change instructions at a computer independently of a certain injection molding machine and combine them into a desired sequence. Here, a user interface can be provided on the computer, which corresponds to a process editor in the process programming of the injection molding machine or imitates it. Thus, an application technician or a specialist for process programming can preprogram the sequence for starting and shutting down the injection molding machine in a simple form and manner in the user interface known to him.

[0059] As a result, the preprogrammed sequence is a computer program that is performed when the injection molding machine is started or shut down. For each stage of the start-up of the injection molding machine and for each stage of the shutdown of the injection molding machine, there is therefore a computer program that is started when a stage is started. Because the start-up or shutdown of the injection molding machine is divided into multiple stages, multiple of the above-mentioned computer programs, that is, computer programs of the corresponding sequence, are implemented in the case of startup or in the case of shutdown. Therefore, the sequence (Abfolge) of the computer program for startup and the sequence of the computer program for shutdown can be identified. Each of the above-mentioned sequences can therefore be referred to as a total program for startup or as a total program for shutdown. The computer programs and / or total programs of each sequence can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium / data carrier and prepared so that it can be read into the machine control device of the injection molding machine at any time. The computer-readable medium can therefore include computer programs and / or one or more total programs of each sequence. Therefore, it is possible in principle to deliver an injection molding machine according to the feasible scheme of the present invention without simplified startup and shutdown and to equip or modify it with the present invention described herein at a later time. It is only necessary that a sequential computer program suitable for the injection molding machine or an overall program suitable for the injection molding machine is read into the machine control of the injection molding machine.

[0060] The invention therefore also includes a computer program product comprising a preprogrammed sequence of machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions, wherein the sequence is designed to start the injection molding machine from a switched-off state or from a standby state into production operation for producing injection-molded parts and to shut down the production operation back into the switched-off state or standby state, wherein the starting up of the injection molding machine and the shutting down of the injection molding machine are respectively divided into a plurality of phases, and wherein a specific sequence of machine movement instructions and / or specific machine state change instructions is preprogrammed for each phase of the starting up and for each phase of the shutting down. The instructions (commands) of the computer program or computer program product thus cause the injection molding machine to be started from a switched-off state or from a standby state into production operation for producing injection-molded parts and to be shut down the production operation back into the switched-off state or standby state when they are executed. It can also be said that the computer program includes instructions or commands, i.e. machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions, which, when the program is implemented by a computer, especially when the program is implemented by a computer integrated in the machine control device of the injection molding machine, prompt the computer to implement the steps of starting the injection molding machine and - at a later moment - implementing the steps of shutting down the injection molding machine. Such a computer integrated in the machine control device can also be only a processor (CPU), which is suitable for and arranged to read in and implement the computer program. The computer program can be prepared on a data carrier accessible to the processor. The data carrier can be integrated in the machine control device or it can be an external data carrier accessible to the processor. If necessary, the external data carrier can be connected to the machine control device (for example, via USB, LAN, Bluetooth, etc.) and the computer program can be transferred to the internal data memory in the machine control device. When implementing the program, a pre-programmed sequence of instructions for the corresponding stage is implemented for each stage of the startup and for each stage of the shutdown. When implementing the program, it can be arranged that the implementation of the program is suspended when a stage is started or ended and only continues after input by the operator. Preferably, the interruption of program execution is carried out when a phase is opened. In addition, instructions required to be input by the operator can be added at any position in the selected phase.

[0061] The order of the sequence for startup and / or the order of the sequence for shutdown can be combined into a master program for startup and / or a master program for shutdown, respectively. Thus, the first sequence of the computer program for startup can be referred to as the master program for startup and the second sequence of the computer program for shutdown can be referred to as the master program for shutdown.

[0062] One or more operating elements are provided on the operating unit, which, when actuated, activate a computer program associated with a preprogrammed sequence and start a startup or shutdown phase. The computer program of the sequence is triggered with the start of a phase, wherein functions associated with the sequence of machine movement commands and / or machine state change command sequences of the injection molding machine are triggered to start or shut down the injection molding machine.

[0063] The invention also includes a computer-readable medium, in particular a computer-readable data carrier, on which the computer program product according to the invention is stored. The computer program product according to the invention can be stored, for example, on an external hard disk, a visually readable data carrier, a USB stick, etc.

[0064] Here, machine movement commands and machine state change commands can be combined in the desired order. It can usually be said that the start-up phase or the shutdown phase is formed by a sequence of commands. Here, machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands are combined into a sequence. When a phase is started, the sequence of commands preprogrammed for this phase is started from the machine control device, the functions attached to the commands are triggered, and the injection molding machine is brought from the operating state at the beginning of the phase to the operating state at the end of the phase.

[0065] Instead of operating individual machine movement buttons and / or individual machine state change buttons, the machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands are combined into a sequence and a sequence associated therewith is programmed, which is triggered when the start or shutdown operating element or button is operated. Thus, the machine operator only needs to operate the start or shutdown button and the associated function is automatically executed. The operator therefore does not need to operate individual machine movement buttons and machine state change buttons, but only needs to operate the start button or the shutdown button.

[0066] In the above-mentioned phases, the machine movement instructions and machine state change instructions between symbols 50 and 51 respectively form a sequence characterized by the phases.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the invention, exactly one start button can be provided, which is designed or programmed in such a way that the respectively available next phase of the start can be initiated by repeated actuation of the start button.

[0068] Likewise, exactly one shut-off button can be provided, which is designed or programmed in such a way that the respectively available next phase of shut-off can be initiated by repeated actuation of the shut-off button.

[0069] In the simplest case, there is therefore only one button for starting the injection molding machine (start button) and one button for shutting down the injection molding machine (shutdown button), which, through multiple actuations, cause the start and completion of the corresponding phases and a preprogrammed sequence of machine movement commands and machine state change commands.

[0070] However, it is also possible to provide a plurality of start or stop buttons, which are characterized in that they belong to the phase to be triggered and started. In this case, the buttons can be arranged side by side, below each other, above each other or in another way. It only needs to be easy to recognize which button belongs to which phase. It is also possible to provide a knob as an operating element, which is turned further to facilitate the passage from one phase to the next or can be pressed on it several times. In principle, each operating element can be conceived as a start button or as a stop button, which, when actuated, can start or trigger the process of the phase and the sequence preprogrammed for this purpose.

[0071] If necessary, additional start and / or stop buttons can be provided, which can start a preset intermediate state when actuated. For example, an additional start button can be provided to bring the injection molding machine from a shutdown state to a standby state. Similarly, an additional stop button can be provided to shut down the injection molding machine from a switched-on state to a standby state.

[0072] According to another embodiment of the invention, the start button can be provided with an arrow pointing upwards or such an arrow can be associated with the start button. Additionally or alternatively to this, the start button can be designed in a colored manner or can preferably illuminate green. Furthermore, the shutdown button can be provided with an arrow pointing downwards or such an arrow can be associated with the shutdown button. Additionally or alternatively to this, the shutdown button can be designed in a colored manner or can preferably illuminate red. According to a preferred embodiment, the buttons for starting and for shutting down the injection molding machine can be designed according to a traffic light system and constructed in the previously mentioned colors of "green" for starting and "red" for shutting down.

[0073] According to another embodiment, three phases can be provided for starting up the injection molding machine and / or three phases can be provided for shutting down the injection molding machine, wherein preferably three phases are provided both for starting up and for shutting down. Thus, starting from the shut-down state of the injection molding machine, by actuating the start button three times, the state of the - generally fully automatic - production operation for producing injection-molded parts can be started. Likewise, starting from the production operation, by actuating the shut-down button three times, the injection molding machine can be brought into the shut-down state.

[0074] Preferably, the operating unit is set up in such a way that only the available keys for starting or shutting down the injection molding machine are illuminated. Thus, when the injection molding machine is started up, the shutdown key is not illuminated, and when the injection molding machine is shut down, the start key is not illuminated. Likewise, the operating unit can be set up in such a way that the start key can only be actuated again - and accordingly re-illuminated - when the previously started phase has ended and a new start phase can be started. This can also be set up in the same way for the shutdown key.

[0075] The operation of the injection molding machine in production can only be realized via the above-mentioned operating elements or keys for starting and shutting down the injection molding machine. The remaining operating elements of the operating unit no longer need to be used by the operating personnel in production.

[0076] In a refinement of the present invention, it can be provided that during the execution of these phases or between the individual phases, an identifier is generated that prompts the operator to perform a specific action. For example, a manual action that must be performed at a specific time can be made noticeable. For this purpose, it can be provided that the application technician embeds a command or instruction that matches this into the process. Therefore, in addition to the above-mentioned machine movement instructions and machine state change instructions, instructions that can be added to the sequence can be provided, and they are programmed or programmable by the application technician so that when the injection molding machine is started and / or shut down, an identifier can be generated at the operating unit at a preset time, which displays one or more operating instructions to the operator. Once the operator has performed the displayed action, the operator can confirm this by operating the corresponding confirmation button on the operating unit. The application technician can enter not only the title text but also the instruction description in the process editor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] The present invention will be described in detail below with the aid of examples.

[0078] Figure 1 Shows the division of startup and shutdown into three stages

[0079] Figure 2 The operating unit with an additional operating panel according to a first embodiment is shown.

[0080] Figure 3 Shows the process editor

[0081] Figure 4 Shown with one button each for start and stop

[0082] Figure 5 A first embodiment of an additional operating panel is shown.

[0083] Figure 6 A second embodiment of the additional operating panel is shown.

[0084] Figure 7 A third embodiment of the additional operating panel is shown.

[0085] Figure 8 Shows instructions to operators

[0086] Fig. 9 Shown is the Figure 8 Instructions for programming the editor for application technicians

[0087] Figures 10 to 15A typical selection of symbols or icons for each phase is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0088] Figure 1 This has already been explained above in connection with the illustration of the invention, so that a repetition at this point can be dispensed with.

[0089] Figure 2 The operating unit, which is generally designated by reference numeral 1, is shown, as it is known, for example, from EP 2 100 197 B1 mentioned at the beginning. The uppermost section shows the uppermost operating panel 2 with a large number of mechanical keys 3. The mechanical keys are machine movement keys and machine state change keys with symbols as explained above. The middle section is a screen 4, on which any diagrams and process flows can be called and displayed. This call is realized by the keys 6 of the lowermost operating panel 5. The operating panel 5 can be turned up and down via a horizontal axis 7 (see arrow 8). With the help of a handle 9, the entire operating unit 1 can be adjusted in height and / or rotated around a vertical axis. With the help of the keys 6 and the screen 4, the process programming of the injection molding cycle can be performed. The individual sequences of starting and shutting down the injection molding machine can be programmed in the same way. Not only when programming the process but also when programming the individual sequences, the machine movement instructions and machine state change instructions are displayed on the screen 4 and combined into a sequence. The functions of the individual instructions are characterized by symbols as described above.

[0090] Figure 3 A flow editor 20 is shown, with which each sequence of starting and shutting down of an injection molding machine can be programmed. In the flow editor, each stage of starting and shutting down can be programmed - especially by an application technician. For this purpose, the sequence of machine motion instructions and / or machine state change instructions is combined into a sequence of instructions for each stage. This should be explained in detail with the help of the stage 1 of the startup. In the process selection 21, the stage to be processed can be selected, which is the starting process in a given case. According to the selected sequence, the instruction selection 22 with components and instructions available for this stage is selected. The current sequence is displayed in the real flow area 23, wherein each instruction 26 can be selected. The selected instruction is highlighted in a suitable manner. The attached parameterization of the selected instruction is displayed in the parameterization area 24. Depending on the selected instruction, the number and type of variable parameters are different. The focused parameter 29 can be changed by means of a soft keyboard 25 or via an additional hardware keyboard depending on the visual modeling (Auspraegung).

[0091] In the sequence shown, all instructions are executed serially one after the other. However, the design of the process is by no means restricted to purely serial modeling. Parallel subsequences can also be modeled where appropriate.

[0092] According to the present invention, the operating unit 1 is equipped with an additional operating panel 10 (see Figure 2 ), in which there are up to four buttons. These buttons can be configured as hardware buttons. A first button 11 as a shutdown button and a second button 12 as a start button are provided. The start button can be marked with an upward-pointing arrow as shown. Correspondingly, the shutdown button can be marked with a downward-pointing arrow. In addition, there are two other buttons 13 and 14, which can be used to start the intermediate state when necessary. Button 13 is marked with an inverted letter "T" and button 14 is marked with an upright letter "T". The start button 12 can be illuminated green or simply configured as a green button. The shutdown button 11 can be illuminated red or simply configured as a red button. In the case of colored markings, the arrows on buttons 11 and 12 can be omitted. Similarly, the additional buttons 13 and 14 can be illuminated in a suitable manner or configured in a colored manner.

[0093] The start button 12 is programmed in such a way that the next available phase of the start can be started by repeatedly actuating the start button 12. Similarly, the shutdown button 11 is programmed in such a way that the next available phase of the shutdown can be started by repeatedly actuating the shutdown button 11. Figure 4 As shown in , the injection molding machine can be started into production operation according to state 4 by operating the start button 12 three times from state 1 = "off". Similarly, the injection molding machine can be shut down from production operation back to state 1 by operating the shutdown button 11 three times.

[0094] The start phase is initiated by actuating the start button 12, and a sequence of certain machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands that is preset for this phase of the start is activated and the associated functions are triggered. Correspondingly, the shutdown phase is triggered by actuating the shutdown button 11, and a sequence of certain machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands that is preset for this phase of the shutdown is activated and the associated functions are triggered.

[0095] exist Figure 5 1 shows an additional operating panel 10 according to another embodiment. In addition to the buttons 11 and 12 for starting or shutting down the injection molding machine, an additional shutdown button 13 and an additional start button 14 are provided. These buttons 13 and 14 are programmed so that when they are operated, a preset intermediate state is started.

[0096] The additional buttons 13 and 14 may have the same Figure 2Labels (Beschriftung) as described in the related. However, colored markings can also be provided. For example, the additional start button 14 can be illuminated blue or simply configured as a blue button. The additional shutdown button 13 can be illuminated yellow or simply configured as a yellow button. The two additional buttons 13 and 14 can be used to reach other states (such as the intermediate state "standby") or to perform alternative subsequent preparations. In contrast to buttons 11 and 12, the availability of additional buttons 13 and 14 can be configured by application technicians. During ongoing production, buttons 13 and 14 can be used, for example, to implement variants of the production process, for example to trigger a sampling survey by an operator, which leads to an easily changeable production process.

[0097] Figure 6 A second embodiment of an additional operating panel 10a with operating elements for starting and shutting down an injection molding machine is shown. According to this variant, three start buttons 12.1 to 12.3 and three shut-down buttons 11.1 to 11.3 are provided, which are provided with labels of the phases to be triggered. Thus, the first phase of the start is triggered when the start button 12.1 is operated. After its end, the second phase of the start is triggered by operating the start button 12.2 and the third phase of the start is subsequently triggered by operating the start button 12.3. Similarly, the shut-down button can be operated to trigger the phase of the shut-down. In addition to the buttons, markings for indicating the buttons can be provided; currently, arrows pointing upward for the start buttons 12.1 to 12.3 and arrows pointing downward for the shut-down buttons 11.1 to 11.3 are provided. The buttons can be illuminated in a suitable manner if necessary.

[0098] Figure 7 A third embodiment of an operating panel 10b with operating elements for starting and shutting down an injection molding machine is shown. A rotary knob 15 is provided as an operating element. The rotary knob can be designed and programmed, for example, in such a way that the start phases P1 to P3 are triggered when it is turned clockwise and the shutdown phases P1 to P3 are triggered when it is turned counterclockwise. A rotational movement with a small deflection (depending on the molding that also has a locking function) corresponds to buttons 13 and 14, while a rotational movement with a greater deflection corresponds to buttons 11 and 12.

[0099] The change between the machine states and thus the start and completion of the individual phases or the activation of the preprogrammed sequence for this purpose are controlled via four buttons 11, 12, 13 and 14 of the additional operating panel 10, wherein preferably only the buttons that can be used are illuminated accordingly. At each change from one state to another, a machine flow describing the work steps to be performed is started. The sequence of machine movement instructions and machine state change instructions belonging to a phase is executed in the background according to a preprogrammed sequence. The sequence in which the individual work steps are performed, that is, how the sequence of machine movement instructions and machine state change instructions is combined and manipulated, can be freely defined by the application technician. Preferably, the flow editor (with which the application technician determines the sequence of machine movement instructions and machine state change instructions for the sequence) is designed so that only instructions that make sense for the corresponding flow of a phase are always provided. Therefore, for example, in the process for switching on the machine (phase 1, that is, switching from state No. 1 "off" to state No. 2 "on"), it is not allowed to trigger instructions that move the machine. Accordingly, machine movement commands whose function is to trigger a travel movement (eg closing of a mold) are not provided or are not actively switched on.

[0100] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that during the execution of these phases or between the individual phases, an identification is generated which prompts a specific action of the operating element. For example, a manual action that must be performed at a specific moment can be highlighted. For this purpose, it can be provided that the application technician embeds commands or instructions that match this into the process. Thus, in addition to the above-mentioned machine movement instructions and machine state change instructions, instructions that are added to the sequence can be provided. Once the operator has performed the displayed action, the operator can confirm this by operating the corresponding confirmation button on the operating unit. The application technician can enter not only the title text but also the instruction description in the process editor. Figure 8 Shown by way of example is a window-like identification which is displayed on the display of the operating unit. In the example shown here, it is a manual action before ejection (corresponding to button 54) in the phase P2 of the start-up. Fig. 9 By way of example, the identifiers on the operating unit are shown, with which the application technician can define the interaction of the operator. The definition by the application technician is based on Figure 8 , it is shown to the operator in a diagram, more precisely, the next step of the injection molding that should take place when the injection molding machine is started in phase P2.

[0101] Depending on the application, it is important that the dosed plastic does not remain in the plasticizing device too long and is heated. Monitoring that can be configured by the application technician ensures that the material is automatically ejected when the material residence time is exceeded. The operator does not have to worry about this because when production is restarted, the dosage is automatically started again and production is started. This also includes the fact that all components once again assume their corresponding open positions. Similarly, after a longer stop and without operator interaction, the machine is switched off or brought to standby. The instructions or processes necessary for this are stored by the application technician.

[0102] List of reference numerals:

[0103] 1 Operation unit

[0104] 2First operating panel with buttons

[0105] 3 Mechanical buttons in the first operating panel

[0106] 4 screens

[0107] 5 Second operating panel with buttons

[0108] 6Keys on the second operating panel

[0109] 7Horizontal rotation axis

[0110] 8Rotation direction

[0111] 9 handles

[0112] 10 Additional operating panel - first embodiment

[0113] 10a Additional operating panel - second embodiment

[0114] 10b Additional operating panel - third embodiment

[0115] 10Additional operation panel

[0116] 11Shutdown button (Herunterfahr-Tasten)

[0117] 11.1-11.3 Shutdown Button - Second Implementation

[0118] 12 Start button

[0119] 12.1-12.3 Start button - second implementation form

[0120] 13 additional shutdown buttons

[0121] 14 additional start buttons

[0122] 15 Knobs

[0123] 20Process Editor

[0124] 21 Process Selection 21

[0125] 22 Instruction selection 22

[0126] 23 Process Area 23

[0127] 24 Parameterized area 24

[0128] 25Soft keyboard25

[0129] 26 instructions

[0130] 27 Instructions

[0131] 28 instructions

[0132] 29 parameters.

Claims

1. An injection molding machine with a machine control and with an operating unit in the form of a human-machine interface, wherein: The operating unit is configured to start the injection molding machine from a shut-off state or a standby state into a production operation for manufacturing injection-molded parts, and to shut down the production operation and return to the shut-off state or the standby state, and is characterized in that the start-up of the injection molding machine and the shut-down of the injection molding machine are respectively divided into a plurality of stages, wherein the start-up of the injection molding machine comprises: a start-up stage, in which the injection molding machine is switched on; a preparation stage, in which it is ensured that plastic material of sufficient quality is available for production; and a production start-up stage, in which the automatic production operation is started, and the shut-down of the injection molding machine comprises: a production stop stage, in which the production operation is stopped; a subsequent preparation stage, in which the plastic still in the plasticizing device is ejected; and a shut-off stage, in which the injection molding machine is shut off, And for each stage of startup and for each stage of shutdown, a sequence of specific machine instructions and / or specific machine state change instructions is preprogrammed, and one or more operating elements are provided on the operating unit, which can activate the preprogrammed sequence and start the startup or shutdown stage when the operating elements are operated, wherein a function associated with the machine movement instructions and / or machine state change instructions of the sequence that triggers the startup or shutdown of the injection molding machine is provided, wherein exactly one operating element is provided as a start button, which is programmed so that the corresponding next available stage of startup can be started by repeatedly operating the start button, and exactly one operating element is provided as a shutdown button, which is programmed so that the corresponding next available stage of shutdown can be started by repeatedly operating the shutdown button.

2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: An operating element configured as a start button for starting the injection molding machine and an operating element configured as a stop button for shutting down the injection molding machine are provided.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: An additional start button and / or stop button is provided, which can initiate a predefined intermediate state when actuated.

4. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A start button with an arrow pointing upward is provided as an operating element, or such an arrow is associated with the start button and / or the start button is designed in a colored manner.

5. The injection molding machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The start button can illuminate green.

6. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A shut-off button with an arrow pointing downward is provided as an operating element or such an arrow is associated with the shut-off button and / or the shut-off button is designed in a colored manner.

7. The injection molding machine according to claim 6, characterized in that The shut-off button may illuminate in red.

8. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: A rotary knob is provided as an operating element, the actuation of which can be brought about by turning the rotary knob, wherein a preprogrammed sequence of starts can be initiated when turning in one direction and a preprogrammed sequence of stops can be initiated when turning in the opposite direction.

9. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Three phases are provided for starting up the injection molding machine and / or three phases are provided for shutting down the injection molding machine.

10. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The operating elements for starting or for shutting down the injection molding machine that are available in the corresponding state of the injection molding machine illuminate.

11. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: A command button is provided which is programmed or programmable by an application technician so that when starting and / or shutting down the injection molding machine, an indicator is generated on the operating unit at a predeterminable time, which displays one or more operating instructions to the operator.

12. A computer program product comprising a plurality of programmed sequences of machine motion instructions for an injection molding machine and / or machine state change instructions for an injection molding machine, wherein: The command, when executed, causes the injection molding machine to be started from a shut-off state or a standby state into a production operation for manufacturing injection-molded parts and to be shut down from the production operation back to the shut-off state or the standby state, wherein the start-up of the injection molding machine and the shut-down of the injection molding machine are respectively divided into a plurality of phases, wherein the start-up of the injection molding machine comprises: a start-up phase, in which the injection molding machine is switched on; a preparation phase, in which plastic material of sufficient quality to be used for production is ensured; and a start-up production phase, in which the automatic production operation is started, and the shut-down of the injection molding machine comprises: a stop-production phase, in which the injection molding machine is stopped; The invention relates to a method for preparing a start-up machine and a method for shutting down the injection molding machine. The method comprises the steps of: stopping the production run; a subsequent preparation phase in which the plastic still in the plasticizing device is injected; a shut-off phase in which the injection molding machine is shut off, wherein a sequence of specific machine movement instructions and / or specific machine state change instructions is programmed for each phase of the start-up and for each phase of the shut-down, wherein exactly one operating element is provided as a start button, which is programmed so that the corresponding next available phase of the start-up can be started by repeated actuation of the start button, and exactly one operating element is provided as a shut-off button, which is programmed so that the corresponding next available phase of the shut-down can be started by repeated actuation of the shut-off button.

13. The computer program product according to claim 12, characterized in that The first order of the sequence for starting up and / or the second order of the sequence for shutting down are respectively combined into an overall program for starting up and / or an overall program for shutting down.

14. Computer readable medium on which a computer program product according to claim 12 or 13 is stored.

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