Injection molding machine and controller

Abstract

The present application provides a technology capable of performing control using the latest data even in a case where data cannot be received for some reason in an injection molding machine or the like. An injection molding machine (1) according to an embodiment of the present application has a communication cycle shorter than a control cycle in which control is performed using received data, in which data is exchanged between at least one of an upper controller (700A) and a lower controller (700B) mounted inside and a management device (2) or another injection molding machine (1). Also, an injection molding machine (1) according to another embodiment of the present application is configured to use the latest data received most recently even in a case where data is exchanged between at least one of an upper controller (700A) and a lower controller (700B) mounted inside and a management device (2) or another injection molding machine (1) and control is performed using the received data, even if data reception fails.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an injection molding machine or the like. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a control system, data outputted is sometimes transmitted from one party to another party, and the data received by the other party is used for control.

[0003] For example, in an industrial machine such as an injection molding machine, data outputted by various sensors is transmitted to a controller, and the data received by the controller is used for control of molding operation or the like (see Patent Literature 1 or the like).

[0004] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0005] PATENT LITERATURE

[0006] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-105136 SUMMARY

[0007] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0008] However, in a case where data cannot be received due to a communication obstacle or the like for some reason, it can not be possible to use the latest data.

[0009] Therefore, in view of the above-described problems, an object is to provide a technology in which, in an injection molding machine or the like, control using the latest data can be performed even in a case where data cannot be received due to some reason.

[0010] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present application, there is provided an injection molding machine including:

[0012] a clamping device that clamps a mold device;

[0013] an injection device that fills a molding material to the mold device clamped by the clamping device; and

[0014] an ejection device that takes out a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device is cooled and solidified,

[0015] a communication cycle in which data is exchanged between the internal devices and at least one of the internal devices and the external devices is shorter than a control cycle in which the received data is used for prescribed control.

[0016] Further, in another embodiment of the present application, there is provided an injection molding machine including:

[0017] a clamping device that clamps a mold device;

[0018] an injection device that fills the mold device with a molding material by the clamping of the mold device by the clamping device; and

[0019] an ejection device that takes out a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device is cooled and solidified,

[0020] When data exchange is performed between the internal devices and at least one of the native and external devices, and a prescribed control is performed using the received data, even if the data reception fails, the latest data can be used.

[0021] Also, in still another embodiment of the present application, a controller is provided in which a communication period in which internal CPUs exchange data with each other and at least one of native and other devices is shorter than a control period in which a prescribed control is performed using the received data.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the above-described embodiment, in the injection molding machine or the like, even if data reception fails for some reason, control using the latest data can be performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1A is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an injection molding machine management system including an injection molding machine.

[0025] Figure 1B is a diagram showing an example of the structure of an injection molding machine management system including an injection molding machine.

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of a controller.

[0027] Figure 3A is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a controller.

[0028] Figure 3B is a diagram showing an example of the operation of a controller.

[0029] Figure 4A is a diagram showing another example of the operation of a controller.

[0030] Figure 4B is a diagram showing another example of the operation of a controller.

[0031] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a period setting screen displayed on a display device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0033] [Structure of injection molding machine management system]

[0034] First, the structure of an injection molding machine management system SYS according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. Figure 1A 、 1B

[0035] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the injection molding machine management system SYS according to the present embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1A a side sectional view showing a state at the time of completion of mold opening of the injection molding machine 1 is depicted in FIG. 1, Figure 1B a side sectional view showing a state at the time of mold closing of the injection molding machine 1 is depicted in FIG. 2. Hereinafter, in the drawings of the present embodiment, the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis are perpendicular to each other, the positive and negative directions of the X axis (hereinafter, simply referred to as the “X direction”) and the positive and negative directions of the Y axis (hereinafter, simply referred to as the “Y direction”) indicate the horizontal direction, and the positive and negative directions of the Z axis (hereinafter, simply referred to as the “Z direction”) indicate the vertical direction.

[0036] The injection molding machine management system SYS includes a plurality of (in this example, three) injection molding machines 1 and a management device 2.

[0037] In addition, the injection molding machine 1 included in the injection molding machine management system SYS can be one.

[0038] <Injection molding machine>

[0039] The injection molding machine 1 performs a series of actions for obtaining a molded product.

[0040] Furthermore, the injection molding machine 1 is communicably connected to the management device 2 through a prescribed communication line NW. Furthermore, the injection molding machine 1 can also be communicably connected to other injection molding machines 1 through the communication line NW. The communication line NW can include, for example, a wide area network (WAN: Wide Area Network) outside a factory in which the injection molding machine 1 is installed. The wide area network can include, for example, a mobile communication network in which a base station is a terminal. The mobile communication network can include, for example, 4G (4 th Generation: fourth generation) or 5G (5 th ​Generation: the fifth generation or the like. Also, the wide area network can include a satellite communication network using a communication satellite, for example. Also, the wide area network can include the Internet, for example. Also, the communication line NW can include a local area network (LAN: Local Area Network) within a factory in which the injection molding machine 1 is installed, for example. The local area network can be constructed by wire, by wireless, or by a combination of both. Also, the communication line NW can be a short distance wireless communication line corresponding to Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication or WiFi communication or the like, for example.

[0041] For example, the injection molding machine 1 transmits (uploads) data related to the operation state of the injection molding machine 1 (hereinafter, "operation state data") to the management device 2 (an example of a prescribed external device) through the communication line NW. Thereby, the management device 2 (or a manager or a worker thereof or the like) can grasp the operation state and manage the maintenance timing of the injection molding machine 1 or the operation schedule of the injection molding machine 1 or the like.

[0042] Also, for example, the injection molding machine 1 can monitor or control the operation of another injection molding machine 1 as a slave device through the communication line NW as a master device. Specifically, the injection molding machine 1 (slave device) can transmit operation state data to the injection molding machine 1 (master device) through the communication line NW. Thereby, the injection molding machine 1 (master device) can monitor the operation of the other injection molding machine 1 (slave device). Also, the injection molding machine 1 (master device) can transmit a control instruction related to the operation to the other injection molding machine 1 (slave device) through the communication line NW while grasping the operation state of the other injection molding machine 1 (slave device) based on the operation state data. Thereby, the injection molding machine 1 (master device) can control the operation of the other injection molding machine 1 (slave device).

[0043] The injection molding machine 1 (an example of a prescribed machine) includes a clamping device 100, an ejection device 200, an injection device 300, a moving device 400, and a controller 700.

[0044] << Clamping Device >>

[0045] The clamping device 100 performs mold closing, mold clamping, and mold opening of the mold device 10. The clamping device 100 is a horizontal type, for example, and the mold opening and closing direction is the horizontal direction. The clamping device 100 has a fixed platen 110, a movable platen 120, a toggle seat 130, a connecting rod 140, a toggle mechanism 150, a clamping motor 160, a motion conversion mechanism 170, and a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180.

[0046] Hereinafter, in the description of the clamping device 100, the moving direction of the movable platen 120 at the time of mold closing (the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1) is referred to as the "mold closing direction", the moving direction of the movable platen 120 at the time of mold clamping (the direction indicated by the arrow B in FIG. 1) is referred to as the "mold clamping direction", and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 at the time of mold opening (the direction indicated by the arrow C in FIG. 1) is referred to as the "mold opening direction".Figure 1A and Figure 1B the front direction (right direction in the figure) is set as the front direction, and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 at the time of mold opening (left direction in the figure) is set as the rear direction. Figure 1A and Figure 1B the front direction (right direction in the figure) is set as the front direction, and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 at the time of mold opening (left direction in the figure) is set as the rear direction.

[0047] The fixed platen 110 is fixed to the frame Fr. The fixed mold 11 is attached to the surface of the fixed platen 110 opposite to the movable platen 120.

[0048] The movable platen 120 is arranged so as to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the frame Fr. A guide 101 that guides the movable platen 120 is laid on the frame Fr. The movable mold 12 is attached to the surface of the movable platen 120 opposite to the fixed platen 110.

[0049] By advancing and retreating the movable platen 120 with respect to the fixed platen 110, mold closing, mold clamping, and mold opening are performed.

[0050] The mold device 10 is configured to include the fixed mold 11 corresponding to the fixed platen 110 and the movable mold 12 corresponding to the movable platen 120.

[0051] The toggle seat 130 is linked with the fixed platen 110 across a prescribed interval L and is placed on the frame Fr so as to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction. For example, the toggle seat 130 can be arranged so as to be movable along a guide laid on the frame Fr. At this time, the guide of the toggle seat 130 can be common with the guide 101 of the movable platen 120.

[0052] In addition, the fixed platen 110 is fixed with respect to the frame Fr, and the toggle seat 130 is arranged so as to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the frame Fr, but the toggle seat 130 can also be fixed with respect to the frame Fr, and the fixed platen 110 can be arranged so as to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the frame Fr.

[0053] The connecting rods 140 link the fixed platen 110 and the toggle seat 130 across the interval L in the mold opening and closing direction. The connecting rods 140 can be used in plural (for example, four). Each connecting rod 140 is parallel to the mold opening and closing direction and extends in accordance with the mold clamping force. A connecting rod strain detector 141 that detects the strain of the connecting rod 140 is provided on at least one connecting rod 140. The connecting rod strain detector 141 is, for example, a strain gauge. The connecting rod strain detector 141 transmits a signal indicating the detection result thereof to the controller 700. For example, the detection result of the connecting rod strain detector 141 can be used for the detection of the mold clamping force and the like.

[0054] In addition, instead of the connecting rod strain detector 141, or in addition thereto, any clamp tonnage detector capable of detecting the clamp tonnage can be used. For example, the clamp tonnage detector is not limited to a strain gauge type, but can be a piezoelectric type, a capacitive type, a hydraulic type, an electromagnetic type, or the like, and the installation position thereof is not limited to the connecting rod 140.

[0055] The toggle mechanism 150 is provided between the movable platen 120 and the toggle base 130, and moves the movable platen 120 in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the toggle base 130. The toggle mechanism 150 is composed of a cross head 151 and a pair of link sets. Each link set has a first link 152 and a second link 153 which are flexibly connected by a pin or the like. The first link 152 is swingably mounted to the movable platen 120 by a pin or the like, and the second link 153 is swingably mounted to the toggle base 130 by a pin or the like. The second link 153 is mounted to the cross head 151 via a third link 154. If the cross head 151 is advanced and retracted with respect to the toggle base 130, the first link 152 and the second link 153 are flexed and extended, so that the movable platen 120 is advanced and retracted with respect to the toggle base 130.

[0056] In addition, the structure of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to the structure shown in Figure 1A and Figure 1B For example, in Figure 1A and Figure 1B , the number of nodes of each link set is five, but can be four, or one end portion of the third link 154 can be joined to the nodes of the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0057] The clamp motor 160 is mounted to the toggle base 130, and operates the toggle mechanism 150. The clamp motor 160 advances and retracts the cross head 151 with respect to the toggle base 130, so that the first link 152 and the second link 153 are flexed and extended, and the movable platen 120 is advanced and retracted with respect to the toggle base 130. The clamp motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but can be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt and a pulley, or the like.

[0058] The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotational motion of the clamp motor 160 into the linear motion of the cross head 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 includes a screw shaft 171 and a screw nut 172 which is screwed to the screw shaft 171. A ball or a roller can be interposed between the screw shaft 171 and the screw nut 172.

[0059] The clamp device 100 performs a mold closing process, a mold clamping process, a mold opening process, and the like, under the control of the controller 700.

[0060] In the closing process, the cross head 151 is advanced to a completion of the closing position at a set speed by driving the closing motor 160, and the movable platen 120 is advanced so that the movable mold 12 comes into contact with the fixed mold 11. The position and speed of the cross head 151 are detected, for example, using the closing motor encoder 161 or the like. The closing motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the closing motor 160 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 700.

[0061] In addition, the cross head position detector that detects the position of the cross head 151 and the cross head speed detector that detects the speed of the cross head 151 are not limited to the closing motor encoder 161, and a conventional detector can be used. Also, the movable platen position detector that detects the position of the movable platen 120 and the movable platen speed detector that detects the speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the closing motor encoder 161, and a conventional detector can be used.

[0062] In the closing process, the cross head 151 is advanced to a completion of the closing position at a set speed by driving the closing motor 160, and the movable platen 120 is advanced so that the movable mold 12 comes into contact with the fixed mold 11. The position and speed of the cross head 151 are detected, for example, using the closing motor encoder 161 or the like. The closing motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the closing motor 160 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 700.

[0063] In the closing process, the cross head 151 is advanced to a completion of the closing position at a set speed by driving the closing motor 160, and the movable platen 120 is advanced so that the movable mold 12 comes into contact with the fixed mold 11. The position and speed of the cross head 151 are detected, for example, using the closing motor encoder 161 or the like. The closing motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the closing motor 160 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 700.

[0064] The set conditions in the closing process and the closing process are set as a series of set conditions. For example, the speed, position (including the closing start position, speed switching position, completion of the closing position, and closing position) of the cross head 151, or the closing force in the closing process and the closing process are set as a series of set conditions. The closing start position, speed switching position, completion of the closing position, and closing position are arranged in order from the rear side to the front side, and represent the start point and end point of the interval of the set speed. The set speed is set for each interval. The speed switching position can be one or a plurality of positions. The speed switching position can not be set. Only one of the closing position and the closing force can be set.

[0065] Also, the setting conditions in the mold opening process are set in the same manner. For example, the speed and position of the cross head 151 in the mold opening process, including the mold opening start position, speed switching position, and mold opening completion position, are set as a series of setting conditions. The mold opening start position, speed switching position, and mold opening completion position are arranged in order from the front side to the rear side, and indicate the start point and end point of the interval in which the speed is set. The speed is set for each interval. The speed switching position can be one or a plurality of positions. The speed switching position can not be set. The mold opening start position and the mold closing position can be the same position. Also, the mold opening completion position and the mold closing start position can be the same position.

[0066] In addition, instead of the speed, position, and the like of the cross head 151, the speed, position, and the like of the movable platen 120 can be set. Also, instead of the position of the cross head (e.g., the mold closing position) or the position of the movable platen, the mold closing force can be set.

[0067] The toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the mold closing motor 160 and transmits it to the movable platen 120. The amplification ratio thereof is also referred to as the toggle ratio. The toggle ratio changes according to the angle (hereinafter, referred to as the "link angle") θ formed by the first link 152 and the second link 153. The link angle θ is found from the position of the cross head 151. When the link angle θ is 180°, the toggle ratio becomes the maximum.

[0068] When the thickness of the mold device 10 has changed due to replacement of the mold device 10, a change in the temperature of the mold device 10, or the like, mold thickness adjustment is performed to obtain a predetermined mold closing force at the time of mold closing. In the mold thickness adjustment, for example, the interval L of the fixed platen 110 and the toggle seat 130 is adjusted so that the link angle θ of the toggle mechanism 150 becomes a predetermined angle at the time of mold contact at which the movable mold 12 and the fixed mold 11 come into contact with each other.

[0069] The mold closing device 100 has a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 that performs mold thickness adjustment by adjusting the interval L of the fixed platen 110 and the toggle seat 130. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 has a lead screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end portion of the link 140, a lead screw nut 182 held so as to be rotatable with respect to the toggle seat 130, and a mold thickness adjustment motor 183 that rotates the lead screw nut 182 that is screwed with the lead screw shaft 181.

[0070] The lead screw shaft 181 and the lead screw nut 182 are provided for each link 140. The rotation of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 can be transmitted to a plurality of lead screw nuts 182 via a rotation transmission portion 185. The plurality of lead screw nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously.

[0071] In addition, by changing the transmission path of the rotation transmission portion 185, the plurality of lead screw nuts 182 can be individually rotated.

[0072] The rotation transmission portion 185 is constituted by, for example, a gear. At this time, a driven gear is formed on the outer periphery of each of the screw nuts 182, and a driving gear is attached to the output shaft of the die thickness adjustment motor 183. An intermediate gear that engages with the plurality of driven gears and the driving gear is rotatably held in the central portion of the toggle base 130.

[0073] Alternatively, the rotation transmission portion 185 can be constituted by a belt and a pulley, instead of a gear.

[0074] The operation of the die thickness adjustment mechanism 180 is controlled by the controller 700. The controller 700 adjusts the position of the toggle base 130, on which the screw nuts 182 are rotatably held, relative to the fixed platen 110 by rotating the screw nuts 182 by driving the die thickness adjustment motor 183, thereby adjusting the interval L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle base 130.

[0075] The interval L is detected using the die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184. The die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 detects the amount of rotation and the direction of rotation of the die thickness adjustment motor 183, and transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 700. The detection result of the die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 is used to monitor and control the position of the toggle base 130 and the interval L.

[0076] Alternatively, the toggle base position detector that detects the position of the toggle base 130 and the interval detector that detects the interval L are not limited to the die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184, and a conventional detector can be used.

[0077] The die thickness adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the interval L by rotating one of the screw shaft 181 and the screw nut 182 that are screwed to each other. A plurality of die thickness adjustment mechanisms 180 can be used, and a plurality of die thickness adjustment motors 183 can be used.

[0078] Alternatively, the mold clamping apparatus 100 of the present embodiment is a horizontal type in which the mold opening and closing direction is the horizontal direction, but can be a vertical type in which the mold opening and closing direction is the vertical direction.

[0079] Furthermore, the mold clamping apparatus 100 of the present embodiment has the mold clamping motor 160 as a drive source, but can have a hydraulic cylinder instead of the mold clamping motor 160. Furthermore, the mold clamping apparatus 100 can have a linear motor for mold opening and closing, and can have an electromagnet for mold clamping.

[0080] <<Ejection Apparatus>>

[0081] The ejection apparatus 200 ejects a molded product from the mold apparatus 10. The ejection apparatus 200 has an ejection motor 210, a motion conversion mechanism 220, an ejection rod 230, and the like.

[0082] In the following description of the ejector device 200, similarly to the description of the mold closing device 100, the direction of movement of the movable pressure plate 120 during mold closing will be described. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The direction of movement of the movable pressure plate 120 during mold opening is set as the front (center right direction). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The left-middle direction is used as the rear direction for explanation.

[0083] The ejector motor 210 is mounted on the movable pressure plate 120. The ejector motor 210 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 220, but it can also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 220 via a belt and pulleys.

[0084] The motion conversion mechanism 220 converts the rotary motion of the ejector motor 210 into the linear motion of the ejector rod 230. The motion conversion mechanism 220 includes a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut screwed to the lead screw shaft. Ball bearings or rollers may be located between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut.

[0085] The ejector rod 230 is configured to move freely in and out of the through hole in the movable pressure plate 120. The front end of the ejector rod 230 contacts the movable component 15, which is configured to move freely in and out of the movable mold 12. The front end of the ejector rod 230 may or may not be connected to the movable component 15.

[0086] The ejection device 200 performs the ejection process under the control of the controller 700.

[0087] In the ejection process, the ejector rod 230 is advanced from the standby position to the ejection position at a set speed by driving the ejector motor 210, causing the movable part 15 to advance and eject the molded part. Then, the ejector motor 210 is driven to retract the ejector rod 230 at a set speed, causing the movable part 15 to retract to its original standby position. For example, the position and speed of the ejector rod 230 are detected using an ejector motor encoder 211. The ejector motor encoder 211 detects the rotation of the ejector motor 210 and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the controller 700.

[0088] In addition, the ejector rod position detector for detecting the position of the ejector rod 230 and the ejector rod speed detector for detecting the speed of the ejector rod 230 are not limited to the ejector motor encoder 211, and conventional detectors can be used.

[0089] <<Injection Device>>

[0090] The injection unit 300 is mounted on a sliding base 301 that moves freely forward and backward relative to the frame Fr, and is configured to move freely forward and backward relative to the mold assembly 10. The injection unit 300 contacts the mold assembly 10 and fills the cavity space 14 within the mold assembly 10 with molding material. The injection unit 300 includes, for example, a cylinder 310, a nozzle 320, a screw 330, a metering motor 340, an injection motor 350, and a pressure detector 360.

[0091] In the following description of the injection device 300, the direction in which the injection device 300 approaches the mold assembly 10 will be described. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The left-center direction is set to the front, which will separate the injection device 300 from the mold device 10. Figure 1A and Figure 1B The right-center direction is used as the rear direction for explanation.

[0092] The cylinder body 310 heats the molding material supplied to it from the supply port 311. The molding material includes, for example, resin. The molding material is formed in granular form and supplied to the supply port 311 in a solid state. The supply port 311 is formed at the rear of the cylinder body 310. A cooler 312, such as a water-cooled cylinder, is provided on the outer periphery of the rear of the cylinder body 310. A heater 313, such as a belt heater, and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder body 310 further forward than the cooler 312.

[0093] In the axial direction of cylinder block 310 ( Figure 1B and Figure 1A The system is divided into multiple zones (left and right). A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are installed in each zone. For each zone, the controller 700 controls the heater 313 so that the temperature detected by the temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0094] The nozzle 320 is located at the front end of the cylinder 310 and presses against the mold assembly 10. A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are arranged on the outer periphery of the nozzle 320. The controller 700 controls the heater 313 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 becomes the set temperature.

[0095] The screw 330 is configured to rotate freely and move forward and backward within the cylinder 310. When the screw 330 is rotated, the molding material is conveyed forward along the spiral grooves of the screw 330. As the molding material is conveyed forward, it is gradually melted by heat from the cylinder 310. As the liquid molding material is conveyed forward of the screw 330 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. Then, when the screw 330 is moved forward, the liquid molding material accumulated at the front of the screw 330 is injected from the nozzle 320 and fills the mold assembly 10.

[0096] A check ring 331 is attached to the front of the screw 330 so as to be able to advance and retreat. The check ring 331 functions as a check valve to prevent the backflow of the molding material from the front of the screw 330 to the rear when the screw 330 is advanced.

[0097] When the screw 330 is advanced, the check ring 331 is pushed to the rear by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330, and retreats relatively to the screw 330 to a closed position that blocks the flow path of the molding material (see FIG. 2). Thus, the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is prevented from flowing backward. Figure 1A ). Thus, the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is prevented from flowing backward.

[0098] On the other hand, when the screw 330 is rotated, the check ring 331 is pushed to the front by the pressure of the molding material transported to the front along the helical groove of the screw 330, and advances relatively to the screw 330 to an open position that opens the flow path of the molding material (see FIG. 2). Thus, the molding material is transported to the front of the screw 330. Figure 1B ). Thus, the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is prevented from flowing backward.

[0099] The check ring 331 can be either of a co-rotating type that rotates together with the screw 330 and a non-co-rotating type that does not rotate together with the screw 330.

[0100] In addition, the injection device 300 can have a drive source that advances and retreats the check ring 331 relative to the screw 330 between the open position and the closed position.

[0101] The metering motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source that rotates the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340, and can be, for example, a hydraulic pump or the like.

[0102] The injection motor 350 advances and retreats the screw 330. A motion conversion mechanism or the like that converts the rotational motion of the injection motor 350 to the linear motion of the screw 330 is provided between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The motion conversion mechanism has, for example, a screw shaft and a screw nut that is screwed with the screw shaft. A ball, a roller, or the like can be provided between the screw shaft and the screw nut. The drive source that advances and retreats the screw 330 is not limited to the injection motor 350, and can be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or the like.

[0103] The pressure detector 360 detects the pressure transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The pressure detector 360 is provided in the force transmission path between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330, and detects the pressure acting on the pressure detector 360.

[0104] The pressure detector 360 transmits a signal indicating the result of the detection to the controller 700. The result of the detection of the pressure detector 360 is used to control and monitor the pressure borne by the screw 330 from the molding material, the back pressure relative to the screw 330, and the pressure acting on the molding material from the screw 330, and the like.

[0105] The injection device 300 performs a metering process, a filling process, a holding process, and the like under the control of the controller 700.

[0106] In the metering process, the screw 330 is rotated at a set rotational speed by driving the metering motor 340, and the molding material is conveyed along the helical groove of the screw 330 to the front. Along with this, the molding material is gradually melted. As the liquid molding material is conveyed to the front of the screw 330 and accumulated in the front portion of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. For example, the rotational speed of the screw 330 is detected using a metering motor encoder 341. The metering motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the metering motor 340 and transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 700.

[0107] In addition, the screw rotational speed detector that detects the rotational speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341, and a conventional detector can be used.

[0108] In the metering process, in order to limit the screw 330 from sharply retracting, the injection motor 350 can be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330. For example, the back pressure to the screw 330 is detected using a pressure detector 360. The pressure detector 360 transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 700. If the screw 330 retracts to a metering completion position and a prescribed amount of molding material is accumulated in front of the screw 330, the metering process is completed.

[0109] In the filling process, the screw 330 is advanced at a set speed by driving the injection motor 350, and the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is filled in the cavity space 14 in the mold device 10. For example, the position and speed of the screw 330 are detected using an injection motor encoder 351. The injection motor encoder 351 detects the rotation of the injection motor 350 and transmits a signal indicating the detection result to the controller 700. If the position of the screw 330 reaches a set position, switching from the filling process to the holding process (so-called V / P switching) is performed. The position at which V / P switching is performed is also referred to as a V / P switching position. The set speed of the screw 330 can be changed according to the position, time, and the like of the screw 330.

[0110] In addition, in the filling process, after the position of the screw 330 reaches the set position, the screw 330 can be stopped at the set position, and then V / P switching can be performed. Before V / P switching is performed, instead of stopping the screw 330, micro-speed advancement or micro-speed retraction of the screw 330 can be performed. Furthermore, the screw position detector that detects the position of the screw 330 and the screw speed detector that detects the speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351, and a conventional detector can be used.

[0111] In the holding pressure process, the injection motor 350 is driven to push the screw 330 forward, and to hold the pressure of the molding material at the front end of the screw 330 (hereinafter, also referred to as "holding pressure") at a set pressure, and to push the molding material remaining in the cylinder 310 toward the mold device 10. It is possible to replenish the molding material in the mold device 10 that has been insufficient due to cooling shrinkage. For example, the holding pressure is detected using a pressure detector 360. The pressure detector 360 sends a signal indicating the result of the detection to the controller 700. The set value of the holding pressure can be changed according to the elapsed time from the start of the holding pressure process, or the like.

[0112] In the holding pressure process, the molding material in the cavity space 14 in the mold device 10 is gradually cooled, and at the time of completion of the holding pressure process, the entrance of the cavity space 14 is blocked by the solidified molding material. This state is referred to as gate sealing, and it is possible to prevent backflow of the molding material from the cavity space 14. After the holding pressure process, the cooling process is started. In the cooling process, solidification of the molding material in the cavity space 14 is performed. In order to shorten the molding cycle time, it is possible to perform the metering process in the cooling process.

[0113] In addition, the injection device 300 of the present embodiment is of the coaxial screw type, but can also be of the pre-plasticizing type or the like. The injection device of the pre-plasticizing type supplies the molding material melted in a plasticizing cylinder to an injection cylinder, and injects the molding material into the mold device from the injection cylinder. In the plasticizing cylinder, a screw is provided so as to be rotatable or rotatable and advanceable / retractable, and in the injection cylinder, a plunger is provided so as to be advanceable / retractable.

[0114] Furthermore, the injection device 300 of the present embodiment is of the horizontal type in which the axial direction of the cylinder 310 is the horizontal direction, but can also be of the vertical type in which the axial direction of the cylinder 310 is the vertical direction. The mold clamping device combined with the injection device 300 of the vertical type can be of the vertical type or of the horizontal type. Similarly, the mold clamping device combined with the injection device 300 of the horizontal type can be of the horizontal type or of the vertical type.

[0115] << Moving Device >>

[0116] The moving device 400 advances / retracts the injection device 300 with respect to the mold device 10. Furthermore, the moving device 400 presses the nozzle 320 with respect to the mold device 10 to generate the nozzle contact pressure. The moving device 400 has a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator, and the like.

[0117] Hereinafter, in the description of the moving device 400, as with the description of the injection device 300, the direction in which the injection device 300 is caused to approach the mold device 10 (the left direction in FIG. 4) is set as the front direction, and the direction in which the injection device 300 is caused to separate from the mold device 10 (the right direction in FIG. 4) is set as the rear direction. Figure 1A and Figure 1B the left direction in FIG. 4) is set as the front direction, and the direction in which the injection device 300 is caused to separate from the mold device 10 (the right direction in FIG. 4) is set as the rear direction.Figure 1A and Figure 2 The description will be made assuming that the right direction is the rear direction.

[0118] In addition, the moving device 400 is disposed on one side of the cylinder 310 of the injection device 300, but can be disposed on both sides of the cylinder 310, or can be symmetrically disposed with the cylinder 310 as the center. Figure 2 , 1B The moving device 400 is disposed on one side of the cylinder 310 of the injection device 300, but can be disposed on both sides of the cylinder 310, or can be symmetrically disposed with the cylinder 310 as the center.

[0119] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a pump that can rotate in both directions, and generates hydraulic pressure by sucking working fluid (for example, oil) from either of the first port 411 and the second port 412 and discharging the working fluid from the other port by switching the rotation direction of the motor 420. Also, the hydraulic pump 410 can also suck working fluid from the tank and discharge the working fluid from either of the first port 411 and the second port 412.

[0120] The motor 420 operates the hydraulic pump 410. The motor 420 drives the hydraulic pump 410 by the rotation direction and the torque corresponding to the control signal from the controller 700. The motor 420 can be an electric motor, or can be an electric servo motor.

[0121] The hydraulic cylinder 430 has a cylinder main body 431, a piston 432, and a piston rod 433. The cylinder main body 431 is fixed with respect to the injection device 300. The piston 432 divides the inside of the cylinder main body 431 into a front chamber 435 as a first chamber and a rear chamber 436 as a second chamber. The piston rod 433 is fixed with respect to the fixed platen 110.

[0122] The front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the first flow path 401. The working fluid discharged from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first flow path 401, whereby the injection device 300 is pushed in the front direction. The injection device 300 advances and the nozzle 320 is pressed against the fixed mold 11. The front chamber 435 functions as a pressure chamber that generates the nozzle contact pressure of the nozzle 320 by the pressure of the working fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 410.

[0123] On the other hand, the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the second port 412 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the second flow path 402. The working fluid discharged from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second flow path 402, whereby the injection device 300 is pushed in the rear direction. The injection device 300 retreats and the nozzle 320 is separated from the fixed mold 11.

[0124] Further, the moving device 400 is not limited to the structure including the hydraulic cylinder 430. For example, instead of the hydraulic cylinder 430, an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts rotational motion of the electric motor into linear motion of the injection device 300 can be used.

[0125] << Controller >>

[0126] The controller 700 sends a control signal directly to the clamping device 100, the ejection device 200, the injection device 300, the moving device 400, and the like, and performs various controls related to the injection molding machine 1.

[0127] The controller 700 can be realized by any hardware, or a combination of any hardware and software. The controller 700 is, for example, configured with a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a storage device 702, an auxiliary storage device 703, and an input / output interface device 704. The controller 700 performs various controls by causing the CPU 701 to execute a program installed in the auxiliary storage device 703. Also, the controller 700 receives an external signal or outputs a signal to the outside through the interface device 704. For example, the controller 700 is communicably connected to the management device 2 on the basis of the interface device 704 and through a communication line NW. Also, the controller 700 can be communicably connected to another injection molding machine 1 (of the controller 700) on the basis of the interface device 704 and through the communication line NW.

[0128] The functions of the controller 700 can be realized by only one controller 700, or can be shared by a plurality of controllers (for example, an upper controller 700A and a lower controller 700B, and the like) as described later (see Figure 2 ).

[0129] The controller 700 repeatedly produces a molded product by causing the injection molding machine 1 to repeatedly perform a mold closing process, a mold clamping process, a mold opening process, and the like. Also, the controller 700 causes the injection device 300 to perform a metering process, a filling process, a holding process, and the like during the mold clamping process.

[0130] A series of actions for obtaining a molded product, for example, from the start of the metering process based on the injection device 300 to the start of the next metering process based on the injection device 300 is also referred to as "injection" or "molding cycle". Also, the time required for one injection is also referred to as "molding cycle time".

[0131] The one-shot molding cycle is composed of, for example, in this order, a metering process, a closing process, a clamping process, a filling process, a pressure-holding process, a cooling process, an opening process, and an ejection process. This order is the order in which the processes are started. Also, the filling process, the pressure-holding process, and the cooling process are performed during the period from the start of the clamping process to the end of the clamping process. Also, the end of the clamping process coincides with the start of the opening process.

[0132] In addition, in order to shorten the molding cycle time, a plurality of processes can be performed simultaneously. For example, the metering process can be performed during the cooling process of the previous molding cycle, in which case, the closing process can be performed at the beginning of the molding cycle. Also, the filling process can be started during the closing process. Also, the ejection process can be started during the opening process. Also, in the case where a switching valve that switches the flow path of the nozzle 320 of the injection device 300 is provided, the opening process can be started during the metering process. Because even if the opening process is started during the metering process, as long as the switching valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320, the molding material does not leak from the nozzle 320.

[0133] The controller 700 is connected to the operation device 750, the display device 760, and the like.

[0134] The operation device 750 accepts an operation input from a user related to the injection molding machine 1, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation input to the controller 700.

[0135] The display device 760 displays various images under the control of the controller 700.

[0136] The display device 760, for example, displays an operation screen related to the injection molding machine 1 corresponding to an operation input in the operation device 750.

[0137] The operation screen displayed on the display device 760 is used for settings and the like related to the injection molding machine 1. The settings related to the injection molding machine 1 include, for example, settings (specifically, input of a set value) of molding conditions related to the injection molding machine 1. Also, the settings include, for example, settings related to selection of the type of a detected value of various sensors and the like related to the injection molding machine 1 recorded as storage data at the time of a molding operation. Also, the settings include, for example, settings of display specifications (for example, the type of an actual value displayed or the method of display, and the like) of a detected value (an actual value) of various sensors and the like related to the injection molding machine 1 at the time of a molding operation to the display device 760. A plurality of operation screens are prepared, and are displayed or superimposed on the display device 760. The user can perform settings (including input of a set value) and the like related to the injection molding machine 1 while observing the operation screen displayed on the display device 760 by operating the operation device 750.

[0138] Further, the display device 760 displays, for example, an information screen that provides the user with various information corresponding to the operation on the operation screen, under the control of the controller 700. A plurality of information screens are prepared, and are switched to be displayed on the display device 760 or are displayed in superposition. For example, the display device 760 displays the contents of the settings related to the injection molding machine 1 (for example, the contents of the settings related to the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 1). Further, for example, the display device 760 displays management information (for example, information related to the operation performance of the injection molding machine 1, and the like).

[0139] The operation device 750 and the display device 760 are, for example, configured as a touch panel type display, and can be integrated.

[0140] Further, the operation device 750 and the display device 760 of the present embodiment are integrated, but can be provided independently. Further, a plurality of operation devices 750 can be provided.

[0141] <Management Device>

[0142] The management device 2 is communicably connected to the injection molding machine 1 through a communication line NW.

[0143] The management device 2 is, for example, a cloud server of a remote place such as a management center provided outside a factory in which the injection molding machine 1 is provided. Further, the management device 2 can also be, for example, an edge server provided in a place (for example, a wireless base station or an office in the vicinity of the factory, or the like) inside or relatively close to the factory in which the injection molding machine 1 is provided. Further, the management device 2 can be a desktop computer terminal inside the factory in which the injection molding machine 1 is provided. Further, the management device 2 can also be a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a notebook type computer terminal, or the like) that a manager of the injection molding machine 1 or the like can carry.

[0144] The management device 2 can, for example, grasp the operation state of the injection molding machine 1 and manage the operation state of the injection molding machine 1 on the basis of the data transmitted (uploaded) from the injection molding machine 1. Further, the management device 2 can perform various diagnoses such as abnormality diagnosis of the injection molding machine 1 on the basis of the grasped operation state of the injection molding machine 1.

[0145] Further, the management device 2 can transmit control information (for example, information related to various setting conditions) for the injection molding machine 1 through the communication line NW, for example. Thus, the management device 2 can control the operation of the injection molding machine 1.

[0146] [Structure Related to Internal Communication of Injection Molding Machine]

[0147] Next, a structure related to internal communication of the injection molding machine 1 will be described with reference to Figure 3A

[0148] ​Figure 3B is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the controller 700.

[0149] The controller 700 includes an upper controller 700A and a lower controller 700B.

[0150] The upper controller 700A, for example, manages various actions (e.g., molding actions) of the injection molding machine 1 and performs sequence control related to the work steps of the whole of the injection molding machine 1. Specifically, the upper controller 700A can monitor the operation state of the injection molding machine 1 on the basis of the detection data of various sensors of the injection molding machine 1 and transmit instruction data related to the actions of the injection molding machine 1 (hereinafter, "action instruction data") to the lower controller 700B. The various sensors include, for example, the clamp motor encoder 161, the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184, the ejection motor encoder 211, the temperature detector 314, the metering motor encoder 341, the injection motor encoder 351, the pressure detector 360, and the like.

[0151] Also, the upper controller 700A can perform control related to the collection of various data related to the injection molding machine 1. The various data include, for example, the detection data of the various sensors, control data such as data of control instructions output from the lower controller 700B and the like, and data corresponding to production information such as the injection number managed by the upper controller 700A.

[0152] The upper controller 700A includes a CPU 701A and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) 704A.

[0153] The CPU 701A executes various programs installed in an auxiliary storage device 703 of the upper controller 700A and realizes various functions of the upper controller 700A. The CPU 701A, for example, generates the action instruction data and outputs it to the FPGA 704A in each prescribed control period T_CTL1. The output action instruction data is stored in the memory of the FPGA 704A. Also, the CPU 701A can access the memory of the FPGA 704A and acquire data (e.g., the detection data of the various sensors) received from the lower controller 700B, for example, in each control period T_CTL1.

[0154] The FPGA 704A communicates between the upper controller 700A and an external device. The FPGA 704A, for example, reads the latest motion instruction data in the memory at every prescribed communication cycle T_COM, and transmits it to the FPGA 704B of the lower controller 700B through a prescribed communication path. The communication path between the upper controller 700A (FPGA 704A) and the lower controller 700B (FPGA 704B) can be realized by, for example, a dual-port memory or the like that can be accessed by each other. Also, the communication path can be realized by, for example, a local area network or the like within the injection molding machine 1 through Ethernet (registered trademark) or the like. Also, the FPGA 704B can receive data (e.g., detection data) transmitted from the lower controller 700B at every communication cycle T_COM, for example. The received data is stored in the memory of the FPGA 704A.

[0155] The lower controller 700B, for example, performs motion control that specifically realizes various motions (e.g., molding motions) of the injection molding machine 1 under the control of the upper controller 700A. Specifically, the lower controller 700B controls various actuators that drive the driven portions of the injection molding machine 1 in such a manner that the molding motions of the injection molding machine 1 corresponding to the motion instruction data are realized based on the motion instruction data. The driven portions of the injection molding machine 1 include the clamping device 100, the ejection device 200, the injection device 300, the moving device 400, and the like. The various actuators include, for example, the clamping motor 160, the mold thickness adjustment motor 183, the ejection motor 210, the metering motor 340, the injection motor 350, the hydraulic cylinder 430, and the like.

[0156] Also, the controller 700 can include a plurality of lower controllers 700B. For example, the lower controller 700B can be provided on each of a plurality of driven portions. Also, it can be a manner in which each of a plurality of driven portions is mounted on a CPU 701B in one lower controller 700B.

[0157] Also, the lower controller 700B can perform motion control of various actuators via a driver that performs drive control of the various actuators. At this time, the lower controller 700B outputs a control instruction to the driver, and the driver performs drive control of the actuator of the control target based on the control instruction received from the lower controller 700B.

[0158] Also, the lower controller 700B can control, for example, a device that changes the state of a prescribed portion of the injection molding machine 1 to adjust the state of the prescribed portion. Specifically, the lower controller 700B can output a control instruction to the heater 313 based on the detection data of the temperature detector 314 to adjust the temperature of each region of the cylinder block 310.

[0159] Also, the lower controller 700B can also, for example, take in (acquire) detection data of various sensors and transmit to the upper controller 700A.

[0160] The lower controller 700B includes a CPU 701B and an FPGA 704B.

[0161] The CPU 701B executes various programs installed in the auxiliary storage 703 of the lower controller 700B and realizes various functions of the lower controller 700B. The CPU 701B, for example, accesses the memory of the FPGA 704B in each prescribed control period T_CTL2 and acquires the action instruction data received from the upper controller 700A. Then, the CPU 701B can generate control instructions for various actuators using the acquired action instruction data and output to the various actuators.

[0162] The FPGA 704B communicates between the lower controller 700B and an external machine. The FPGA 704B, for example, receives the action instruction data transmitted from the upper controller 700A (FPGA 704A) in each communication period T_COM and stores in the memory. Also, the FPGA 704B can also, for example, receive the detection data transmitted from various sensors while transmitting a transmission request for detection data to the various sensors in each communication period T_COM and store in the memory. Between the FPGA 704B and the various sensors, for example, serial communication is performed. Also, the FPGA 704B can also, for example, read the latest detection data in the memory in each communication period T_COM and transmit the detection data to the FPGA 704A of the upper controller 700A through a prescribed communication path.

[0163] In the present example, the CPU 701 of the controller 700 includes the CPU 701A of the upper controller 700A and the CPU 701B of the lower controller 700B. Also, the interface device 704 of the controller 700 includes the FPGA 704A of the upper controller 700A and the FPGA 704B of the lower controller 700B.

[0164] In the controller 700, the communication timing of data and the use timing of data (i.e., the execution timing of prescribed control in which data is used) are synchronized so that the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B can each use the latest data received from the other.

[0165] Also, the communication cycle T_COM is set to be shorter than the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2. For example, the communication cycle T_COM is set to be 1 / 2 or less of the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2. Thus, the injection molding machine 1 can perform communication twice or more between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B or between the lower controller 700B and various sensors during the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2. Therefore, for example, in the case where a communication failure or the like occurs in one of the communication twice or more performed during the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2, and data reception cannot be completed on the receiving side, an opportunity to receive the same data again can be obtained.

[0166] The size relationship between the communication cycle T_COM and the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 can be achieved, for example, by the high speed of the communication speed (for example, Gigabit Ethernet). Also, the size relationship between the communication cycle T_COM and the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 can be achieved, for example, by relatively lengthening the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2, that is, lengthening the data acquisition interval. Thus, the frequency of hardware access to the memory of the FPGA 704A, 704B of the CPU 701A, 701B can be reduced, and thus the load of the CPU 701A, 701B can be reduced.

[0167] At least one of the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 can be configured so that a user can refer to (confirm) by the display device 760. Also, the same can be applied to the communication cycle T_COM. For example, the controller 700 can display a screen (hereinafter, "cycle confirmation screen") in which at least one of the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 and the communication cycle T_COM can be confirmed, in accordance with a prescribed operation input by the user through the operation device 750. Thus, the user of the injection molding machine 1 can confirm the current communication cycle T_COM or the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2, or the relationship between the communication cycle T_COM and the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2, by the cycle confirmation screen.

[0168] Also, the same screen as the cycle confirmation screen can be displayed on the display device provided to an external device (for example, the management device 2) communicable with the injection molding machine 1. Thus, for example, a manager or the like of the management device 2 can externally confirm the communication cycle T_COM, the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2, or the relationship between the communication cycle T_COM and the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 in the injection molding machine 1 which is the management object.

[0169] Also, at least one of the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 can be configured so that the user can change the setting content. The same can be said of the communication period T_COM. For example, the controller 700 can display an operation screen (hereinafter, "period confirmation screen") in which the setting content of at least one of the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2, the communication period T_COM can be changed, in accordance with a prescribed operation input by the user operating the operation device 750. The period confirmation screen can be the same as the period setting screen. That is, the period confirmation screen can be configured so that the user can confirm the setting content of the current control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM in the period confirmation screen, and can directly perform an operation to change the setting content thereof on the period confirmation screen. Then, the controller 700 can change the setting content of the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM in accordance with an operation input on the period setting screen using the operation device 750. Thus, the user can intentionally change the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM through the period setting screen.

[0170] Also, the controller 700 can change the setting content of the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM in accordance with a request signal from the outside (for example, the management device 2). Thus, for example, the manager of the management device 2 or the like can change the setting content of the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM in the injection molding machine 1 which is the management target from the outside. At this time, the same setting screen as the period setting screen can be displayed on a display device provided in the external device such as the management device 2. Thus, for example, the manager of the management device 2 or the like can change the setting content of the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM in the injection molding machine 1 which is the management target through the setting screen.

[0171] Also, the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 can be changed to be set in the direction close to the communication period T_COM, that is, the short direction. For example, during the CPUs 701A, 701B, a communication specification having a very high communication speed such as Gigabit Ethernet is sometimes adopted. At this time, the user of the injection molding machine 1 or the manager of the management device 2 or the like can set the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 to be shorter than the default setting or the like, for example, in correspondence with the very short communication period T_COM.

[0172] [Specific example of the operation related to the internal communication of the injection molding machine]

[0173] Next, referring to FIG. 3( Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B ), FIG. 4( Figure 3A ,Figure 3B ), a specific example of an action related to internal communication with the injection molding machine 1 will be described.

[0174] <An example of the action of the controller>

[0175] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B is a diagram showing an example of the action of the controller 700. The blacked-out boxes in the diagram represent the processes of the controller 700, and the white boxes represent data. Hereinafter, the same will apply to the other column ( Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B ) to be described later.

[0176] In addition, in the above-described example ( Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B ), the communication delay between the upper controller 700A (FPGA 704A) and the lower controller 700B (FPGA 704B) is ignored. Hereinafter, the same will apply to the case of the other column ( Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B ) to be described later.

[0177] As shown in Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B , in this example, in the controller 700, the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 are set to be the same, and the communication period T_COM is set to be 1 / 2 (half) of the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2.

[0178] The CPU 701A generates data D at each control period T_CTL1. The data D is, for example, action instruction data. In Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B , the data D generated at different times in the time order will be distinguished as data D1, D2, D3, D4,.... Hereinafter, the same will apply to the case of the other column ( Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B ) to be described later.

[0179] The FPGA 704A transmits the latest data D output by the CPU 701A to the lower controller 700B (FPGA 704B) at the communication period T_COM. Specifically, the FPGA 704A transmits the latest data D at the time immediately after the data D is output by the CPU 701A, and transmits the same data D once again before the next data D is output. Thus, the FPGA 704A can transmit the latest data D output from the CPU 701A at each control period T_CTL1 twice to the lower controller 700B.

[0180] The FPGA 704B receives the data D transmitted from the upper-level controller 700A (FPGA 704A) in each communication period T_COM. Specifically, the FPGA 704B can receive the latest data D output from the upper-level controller 700A (CPU 701A) twice during the control period T_CTL2.

[0181] The CPU 701B accesses the memory of the FPGA 704B in each control period T_CTL2, and acquires the data D most recently received by the FPGA 704B.

[0182] In the case of Figure 3A , the CPU 701B accesses the FPGA 704B immediately after the time of the first of the two times when the latest data D is received by the FPGA 704B, and acquires the data D most recently received by the FPGA 704B. Also, in the case of Figure 3B , the CPU 701B accesses the FPGA 704B immediately after the time of the second of the two times when the latest data D is received by the FPGA 704B, and acquires the data D most recently received by the FPGA 704B.

[0183] Here, in the case of Figure 4A , the communication failure CF1 occurs at the time of the second of the two times when the data D2 is transmitted from the FPGA 704A to the FPGA 704B. Therefore, the FPGA 704B cannot receive the data D2 of the second time.

[0184] However, as described above, the CPU 701B acquires the data D of the memory of the FPGA 704B immediately after the time of the first of the two times when the latest data D is received by the FPGA 704B. Therefore, even if the reception fails at the time of the second of the two times when the data D2 is received by the FPGA 704B, the CPU 701B can acquire the latest data D3 without any problem by the FPGA 704B receiving the updated data D3 at the time of the next reception thereof.

[0185] Also, in the case of Figure 4B , the communication failure CF2 occurs at the time of the second of the two times when the data D3 is transmitted from the FPGA 704A to the FPGA 704B. Therefore, the FPGA 704B cannot receive the data D3 of the second time.

[0186] However, the FPGA 704B has already received the data D3 of the first time, and has the latest data D3 stored in the memory as the data D most recently received. Therefore, the CPU 701B can acquire the latest data D3 received at the time of the first time without any problem even if the FPGA 704B is accessed immediately after the time of the second of the two times when the latest data D3 is received by the FPGA 704B.

[0187] Thus, in this example, the communication period T_COM is set to be shorter than the control period T_CTL2. Due to this, in the event of a communication failure CF1, CF2, or the like, the lower controller 700B is also able to perform the prescribed control using the latest data D (for example, the operation control of the driven portion based on the operation command data or the drive control of the actuator that drives the driven portion).

[0188] Also, instead of or in addition to transmitting the data D from the upper controller 700A to the lower controller 700B, it is also possible to transmit data (for example, detection data of various sensors) from the lower controller 700B to the upper controller 700A. At this time, likewise, the communication period T_COM is set to be shorter than the control period T_CTL1. Due to this, in the event of a communication failure or the like, the upper controller 700A is also able to perform the prescribed control using the latest detection data or the like (for example, the sequence control that generates the operation command data in accordance with the work steps or the control related to the collection of various data of the injection molding machine 1).

[0189] <Another Column of the Action of the Controller>

[0190] Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B is a diagram that shows another column of the action of the controller 700. Hereinafter, the explanation will be made focusing on the different parts from the above-described one example.

[0191] As Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B shown in this example, in the controller 700, as in the case of the above-described one example, the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 are set to be the same, and the communication period T_COM is set to be 1 / 2 (half) of the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2.

[0192] The CPU 701A generates the data D at every control period T_CTL1. At this time, the CPU 701A attaches a counter that indicates that the data D is updated in the data D (the numbers "1", "2", "3", "4" in the white boxes of the data D1, D2, D3, D4 in the diagram). The value of the counter is incremented by one every time the data D is updated. In this example, the counter "1" is attached in the data D1, the counter "2" is attached in the data D2, the counter "3" is attached in the data D3, and the counter "4" is attached in the data D4.

[0193] In addition, instead of the CPU 701A, the FPGA 704A can attach the counter.

[0194] In Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B , the actions of the FPGA 704A and the FPGA 704B are respectively the same as Figure 4B 、 Figure 3BThe same applies to the case of the CPU 701B, and the description is omitted.

[0195] In the above-described example case, the CPU 701B accesses the memory of the FPGA 704B in each control period T_CTL2 and acquires the data D that the FPGA 704B has most recently received.

[0196] When the CPU 701B acquires the data D, the value of the counter of the data D that was acquired from the memory of the FPGA 704B and used the last time is compared with the value of the counter of the data D that was acquired from the memory of the FPGA 704B this time. Also, in the case where the FPGA 704B has failed to receive the most recent data D or there is a situation where the FPGA 704B cannot receive the data D (for example, a communication failure has occurred), the CPU 701B can compare the values of the counters of the two data D. When the value of the counter of the data D this time has not increased with respect to the value of the counter of the data D the last time, the CPU 701B determines, for example, that the data D stored in the memory of the FPGA 704B has not been updated to the latest data D transmitted from the upper-level controller 700A due to some cause such as a communication failure. That is, the CPU 701B determines that the data D acquired this time is not the latest data D. On the other hand, when the value of the counter of the data D this time has increased with respect to the value of the counter of the data D the last time, the CPU 701B determines, for example, that the data D stored in the memory of the FPGA 704B has been updated to the latest data D transmitted from the upper-level controller 700A. That is, the CPU 701B determines that the data D acquired this time is the latest data D.

[0197] When the data D acquired this time is the updated latest data D, the CPU 701B uses the latest data D.

[0198] For example, in the case where the communication failure CF4 occurs at the same time as the time when the data D3 is received by the FPGA 704B the second time, the FPGA 704B cannot receive the data D3 the second time. However, as described above, the FPGA 704B has received the data D3 the first time and has stored the updated latest data D3 as the most recently received data D in the memory. Therefore, even if the CPU 701B accesses the FPGA 704B immediately after the time when the latest data D3 is received by the FPGA 704B the second time, the CPU 701B can acquire the latest data D3 received the first time without any problem. Then, the CPU 701B can confirm that the latest data D3 has been acquired by comparing the counter "3" of the data D3 acquired and the counter "2" of the data D2 used the last time, and perform the prescribed control using the latest data D3. Figure 4A Figure 5 For example, in the case where the communication failure CF4 occurs at the same time as the time when the data D3 is received by the FPGA 704B the second time, the FPGA 704B cannot receive the data D3 the second time. However, as described above, the FPGA 704B has received the data D3 the first time and has stored the updated latest data D3 as the most recently received data D in the memory. Therefore, even if the CPU 701B accesses the FPGA 704B immediately after the time when the latest data D3 is received by the FPGA 704B the second time, the CPU 701B can acquire the latest data D3 received the first time without any problem. Then, the CPU 701B can confirm that the latest data D3 has been acquired by comparing the counter "3" of the data D3 acquired and the counter "2" of the data D2 used the last time, and perform the prescribed control using the latest data D3.

[0199] ​On the other hand, when the data D acquired this time is not the latest data D, the CPU 701B extrapolates data equivalent to the latest data D based on the data D used in the past, and uses the extrapolated data.

[0200] For example, in the case of the data D3, the communication failure CF3 occurs at the time of the first of the two times when the data D3 is transmitted from the FPGA 704A to the FPGA 704B. Therefore, the FPGA 704B cannot receive the first data D3. Therefore, the CPU 701B accesses the memory of the FPGA 704B immediately after the time of the reception of the first of the latest data D3 of the FPGA 704B, and acquires the data D2 received before that. Figure 5

[0201] The CPU 701B determines that the data D2 acquired this time is not the latest data D3 by comparing the counter "2" of the data D2 acquired this time and the counter "2" of the data D2 used in the past. Then, the CPU 701B extrapolates the latest data D3 using the data D used in the past. For example, the CPU 701B can calculate the extrapolated value D3_EP of the latest data D3 using the following equation (1) equivalent to one compensation.

[0202] D3_EP = 2 x (D2 - D1)... (1)

[0203] Thus, the lower-level controller 700B can compensate for the latest data D from the data D used in the past even when the latest data D is not used. Therefore, the lower-level controller 700B can improve the control performance of the injection molding machine 1 based on the data D.

[0204] Thus, in the present example, the data D transmitted from the upper-level controller 700A to the lower-level controller 700B includes the counter indicating the presence or absence of update of the data D. Therefore, when the data D received most recently is used, the lower-level controller 700B can determine whether the data D is the latest data D. Then, when the data D is not the latest data D, the lower-level controller 700B can extrapolate the latest data D using the data D used in the past.

[0205] Also, instead of or in addition to the transmission of the data D from the upper-level controller 700A to the lower-level controller 700B, the data (for example, detection data of various sensors) can be transmitted from the lower-level controller 700B to the upper-level controller 700A. At this time, similarly, by attaching the counter indicating the presence or absence of update to the transmitted data, when the data received most recently is used, the upper-level controller 700A can determine whether the data is the latest data. Then, when the data is not the latest data, the upper-level controller 700A can extrapolate data equivalent to the latest data using the data used in the past. ​

[0206] In addition, as for the information indicating the presence or absence of update added to the data, as long as it is changed to different contents between before the update and after the update, it can be information other than the counter.

[0207] [Specific example of cycle setting screen]

[0208] Next, a specific example of the cycle setting screen will be described with reference to Figure 5

[0209] Figure 3A is a diagram showing an example of the cycle setting screen (cycle setting screen 5000) displayed on the display device 760.

[0210] In addition, the same cycle setting screen as the cycle setting screen 5000 can be displayed on a display device provided in an external device such as the management device 2.

[0211] As shown in Figure 4A , the cycle setting screen 5000 includes a schematic diagram display section 5100 and a setting state display section 5200.

[0212] The schematic diagram display section 5100 is arranged in the range from the upper end portion to the central portion in the up-down direction of the cycle setting screen 5000. On the schematic diagram display section 5100, a schematic diagram (timing chart) schematically showing the processing related to the data communication between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B is displayed. In this example, in the schematic diagram display section 5100, the processing related to the data communication between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B corresponding to the control cycle T_CTL1 and the communication cycle T_COM is schematically displayed. ​ , ​

[0213] In the schematic diagram (timing chart) of the schematic diagram display section 5100, the intervals 5110, 5120, 5130 corresponding to the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 and the communication cycle T_COM of each of the setting objects are displayed.

[0214] The setting state display section 5200 displays the current setting state of each of the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 and the communication cycle T_COM of the setting objects. The setting state display section 5200 includes the setting state display sections 5210, 5220, 5230 corresponding to the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 and the communication cycle T_COM of each of the setting objects.

[0215] In this example, the setting state display section 5230 displays the state selected by the cursor (thick line frame in the drawing). In this state, the user can input the desired numerical value by operating the device 750 and make a determination, whereby the communication cycle T_COM is set (changed). ​​

[0216] Likewise, the user can move the cursor by operating the device 750 and transition the setting state display section 5200 to a state selected by the setting state display section 5210 or the setting state display section 5220. Then, the user can input a desired value by operating the device 750 and make a determination, whereby the control period T_CTL1 or the control period T_CTL2 is set (changed).

[0217] Also, when the setting content of the communication period T_COM is changed by the setting state display section 5230, the content of the schematic diagram display section 5100 including the section 5110 can be changed according to the changed content. Likewise, when the setting content of the control period T_CTL1 is changed by the setting state display section 5220, the content of the schematic diagram display section 5100 including the section 5110 can be changed according to the changed content.

[0218] Thus, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700) can display the period setting screen 5000 on the display device 760 and enable the user to confirm the setting state of the control period T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM by the period setting screen 5000. Also, the injection molding machine 1 can receive a request for a change of the control period T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM from the user by the period setting screen 5000 and change the setting content of the control period T_CTL1, T_CTL2 or the communication period T_COM. Thus, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0219] In addition, the same screen as the period setting screen 5000 can be displayed as a period confirmation screen on the display device 760 or a display device of the management device 2 or the like.

[0220] [Effects]

[0221] Next, the effects of the injection molding machine 1 or the controller 700 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0222] In the present embodiment, the communication period T_COM in which data exchange between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B (both are examples of internal devices) is performed is shorter than the control period T_CTL1, T_CTL2 in which the received data is used to perform a prescribed control. As described above, the prescribed control is, for example, sequence control related to the work steps of the entire injection molding machine 1, action control of the driven part of the injection molding machine 1, drive control of the actuator that drives the driven part of the injection molding machine 1, or control related to the collection of various data of the injection molding machine.

[0223] Thus, for example, the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B can obtain an opportunity to receive data twice or more during the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2. Thus, the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B can acquire the latest data through another opportunity even if the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B fails to receive the latest data once due to a communication obstacle or the like. That is, in the present embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 is configured to exchange data between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B, and in a case where the data is used on the receiving side, even if the data reception fails, the latest data that has been received most recently can be used.

[0224] For example, in the injection molding machine 1, various controllers including the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B in the controller 700, and various drivers, various sensors, and the like are sometimes communicably connected in a physically serial manner. For example, this is because, if all one-to-one connections are made between the various controllers, the various drivers, or the various sensors, and the like, the number of wirings and the wiring distance, and the like become large. At this time, for example, the lower controller 700B needs to transmit output data of various sensors or various drivers required for a prescribed control through a serial communication path. Thus, compared to a time required for the lower controller 700B to acquire output data from a sensor or a driver, and the like that is relatively close in the communication path, a time required for the lower controller 700B to acquire output data at the same acquisition time from a sensor or a driver, and the like that is relatively far becomes long. That is, the lower controller 700B or the upper controller 700A that transmits data from the lower controller 700B relatively becomes long in time required for the various sensors or the various drivers, and the like to output data corresponding to the same acquisition time. Thus, in a situation like the present example, the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 need to be set to be relatively long.

[0225] In such a situation, in the present embodiment, the communication period T_COM is set to be relatively short with respect to the control periods T_CTL1, T_CTL2 that are set to be long. Thus, when the control period needs to be physically set to be relatively long, the injection molding machine 1 can utilize the relatively long control period to set an opportunity to exchange data twice or more in the control period.

[0226] Also, for example, the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B can be communicably connected through a wireless line. At this time, due to an influence of an interference or the like from the outside on the wireless line, a frequency at which data cannot be properly exchanged can be relatively high compared to a case of a wired line or the like.

[0227] In the present embodiment, the controller 700 can relatively increase the possibility of enabling the receiving side to acquire data in the two or more exchanges by providing an opportunity for the two or more exchanges of data in the control cycle. Thus, in a state in which the frequency of failure to properly exchange data due to an influence such as interference with the wireless line from the outside is relatively high, the controller 700 can increase the frequency of enabling the receiving side to use the latest data to perform the prescribed control in each control cycle.

[0228] Also, in the present embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 can perform communication of periodically updated data between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B a plurality of times within the update period of the data. Then, the injection molding machine 1 can perform the prescribed control using data received at one of the plurality of times.

[0229] Thus, the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B can perform the exchange of the latest data a plurality of times, read the data at one of the times, and perform the prescribed control using the data. Thus, even if the reception of the latest data fails once due to a communication obstacle or the like, the injection molding machine 1 can acquire the latest data through another opportunity, and can suppress the opportunity of the CPU 701 accessing the received data and reduce the load.

[0230] Also, in the present embodiment, the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B acquires data that is not used for the prescribed control and whose content is updated from the received data, and performs the prescribed control.

[0231] Thus, the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B can acquire the latest data that is updated from the received data.

[0232] Also, in the present embodiment, the timing of communication of data and the timing of use of data by the receiving side are synchronized to enable the use of the latest data by the receiving side in the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B. Then, the data transmitted from at least one of the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B to the other can include information indicating whether or not there is an update.

[0233] Thus, the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B can confirm whether or not the most recently received data is updated from the data used the previous time.

[0234] Also, in the present embodiment, the information related to whether or not there is an update of data can be a counter that counts each time there is an update of data.

[0235] For example, when using a time stamp or the like, a structure for implementing the same needs to be prepared. Also, the amount of data transmitted becomes relatively large, and there is a possibility that the communication load will increase. In contrast, in the present embodiment, information related to the presence or absence of an update of data can be implemented with a simple structure and with a minimum amount of data.

[0236] In addition, the counter can be in a manner of counting down each time data is updated.

[0237] Also, in the present embodiment, at least one of the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B can compare information indicating the presence or absence of an update of each of the received data and the data used last time when data is used. Then, at least one of the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B can determine whether the received most recent data is the latest data based on the information indicating the presence or absence of an update of each of the received most recent data and the data used last time.

[0238] Thus, when a prescribed control is performed using data, the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B can confirm whether the received data is the most recent data using the information indicating the presence or absence of an update included in the data. This is because, for example, when there are two or more times of receiving the latest data, even if the data reception fails once, the received most recent data is sometimes the latest data. Therefore, in a situation where the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B cannot receive data at the time of receiving the most recent data, the control of the injection molding machine 1 is performed based on whether the data received at the previous time is the latest data.

[0239] Also, in the present embodiment, when the received most recent data is not the updated latest data, at least one of the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B can extrapolate data equivalent to the updated latest data based on the received data.

[0240] Thus, when the most recent received data is not the latest data, the upper controller 700A or the lower controller 700B can perform the control of the injection molding machine 1 while extrapolating the latest data from the received past data. Therefore, the control performance of the injection molding machine 1 can be improved.

[0241] Also, in the present embodiment, the display device 760 can display at least one of the communication period T_COM in which data is exchanged between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B, and the control period T_CTL1, T_CTL2 in which a prescribed control is performed.

[0242] Thus, the user of the injection molding machine 1 can confirm the setting contents of the communication cycle T_COM or the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2. Also, when both the communication cycle T_COM and the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 are displayed, the user can confirm the relationship between the communication cycle T_COM and the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2. Thus, the convenience of the user can be improved.

[0243] Also, in the present embodiment, the controller 700 can change at least one of the communication cycle T_COM for data exchange and the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 for performing the prescribed control, according to an operation input to the injection molding machine 1 or a required signal received from the outside. Thus, the user of the injection molding machine 1 or the manager of the management device 2 or the like can intentionally change the setting contents of the communication cycle T_COM or the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2. Thus, the convenience of the user or the like can be further improved.

[0244] Also, in the present embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 can be configured to be able to change the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 in the direction of approaching the communication cycle T_COM.

[0245] Thus, the user of the injection molding machine 1 or the manager of the management device 2 or the like can set the control cycles T_CTL1, T_CTL2 to be shorter than the default setting, for example, according to a very short communication cycle T_COM. Thus, the convenience of the user or the like can be further improved.

[0246] Also, in the present embodiment, the structure related to the data exchange between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B can also be applied to the data exchange between the controller 700 and other devices mounted on the injection molding machine 1. The other devices are, for example, various sensors such as an encoder, a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, and the like (examples of internal devices). Also, the other devices can be drivers that perform drive control of actuators that drive driven portions of the injection molding machine 1 (examples of internal devices). Also, the structure related to the data exchange between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B can also be applied to the data exchange between the two CPUs 701 built in the controller 700 (examples of internal devices).

[0247] Also, in the present embodiment, the structure related to the exchange of data between the upper controller 700A and the lower controller 700B can also be applied to the exchange of data between the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700) and an external device. At this time, the communication path (communication line NW) in which the exchange of data between the injection molding machine 1 and the external device is performed can include a communication line (mobile communication network) corresponding to 5G or an Ethernet communication line of a communication specification of gigabit, as described above. Thereby, a very short communication cycle can be achieved. The external device can be, for example, another injection molding machine 1. For example, as described above, one of a plurality of injection molding machines 1 is divided into a master device, and the other injection molding machines 1 other than this are divided into slave devices, one injection molding machine 1 controls the operation state of all the injection molding machines 1 including the own machine, and the molding operation of the plurality of injection molding machines 1 can also be synchronized. At this time, control data can be transmitted from one injection molding machine 1 to the other injection molding machines 1, and detection data of various sensors corresponding to the operation state data of the other injection molding machines 1 and the like can be transmitted from the other injection molding machines 1 to one injection molding machine 1. Also, the external device can be, for example, the management device 2. For example, a plurality of injection molding machines 1 can be controlled by the management device 2, and the molding operation thereof can be synchronized. At this time, control data can be transmitted from the management device 2 to each of the plurality of injection molding machines 1, and detection data of various sensors corresponding to the operation state data thereof and the like can be transmitted from each of the plurality of injection molding machines 1 to the management device 2.

[0248] [Modifications, Changes]

[0249] The above describes the embodiments of the injection molding machine 1 and the like, but the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist described in the technical solution.

[0250] For example, in the above-described embodiments, the structure related to the exchange of data between the internal devices of the injection molding machine 1 or between the injection molding machine 1 and the external device is described, but the same content can also be applied to the exchange of data between the internal devices of other machines or between the machine and the external device. The other machine is, for example, an industrial machine or an industrial robot used on a construction site. Also, the other machine can also be a work machine (for example, a shovel, a bulldozer, a crane, and the like) used in a work site. That is, the structure related to the exchange of data between the internal devices of the injection molding machine 1 or between the injection molding machine 1 and the external device can also be applied to any control system including a transmission unit and a reception unit that perform the exchange of data and a control unit that uses data received by the reception unit.

[0251] Finally, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-207924 filed on November 18, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0252] Symbol explanation

[0253] 1 - injection molding machine, 2 - management device (external device), 100 - clamping device, 200 - ejection device, 300 - injection device, 400 - moving device, 700 - controller, 700A - upper controller, 700B - lower controller, 701 - CPU, 701A - CPU, 701B - CPU, 702 - storage device, 703 - auxiliary storage device, 704 - interface device, 704A - FPGA, 704B - FPGA, 750 - operation device, 760 - display device, SYS - injection molding machine management system.

Claims

1. An injection molding machine comprising: a clamping device that clamps a mold device; an injection device that fills a molding material to the mold device clamped by the clamping device; an ejection device that takes out a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device is cooled and solidified; and a CPU that is a central processing unit, the CPU generating an action instruction data and outputting the same to an FPGA in each control cycle, the outputted action instruction data being stored in a memory of the FPGA, and the CPU accessing the memory of the FPGA and acquiring the received data in each control cycle, a communication cycle in which data is exchanged between two internal devices and at least one of a native device and an external device being shorter than the control cycle in which the received data is used to perform a prescribed control, the communication cycle being set to be 1 / 2 or less of the control cycle.

2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the prescribed control is a sequence control related to a work step of the entire injection molding machine, an action control of a driven portion of the injection molding machine, a drive control of an actuator that drives the driven portion of the injection molding machine, or a control related to collection of various data of the injection molding machine.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of communications of periodically updated data are performed between the at least one in an update cycle of the data, and the prescribed control is performed using the data received in one of the plurality of times.

4. The injection molding machine according to claim 3, wherein from the received data, the data that is not used for the prescribed control and whose content is updated is acquired, and the prescribed control is performed.

5. The injection molding machine according to claim 4, wherein at the at least one, a communication time of the data and a use time of the data at a receiving side are synchronized so that the latest data can be used at the receiving side, and information indicating whether or not there is an update is included in the data.

6. The injection molding machine according to claim 5, wherein the information is a counter that is counted or counted each time the data is updated.

7. The injection molding machine according to claim 6, wherein when the data is used, based on the information of the most recently received data and the data used last time, it is determined whether or not the most recently received data is the latest data that is updated.

8. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein at the at least one, the data exchange is performed through a wireless line, and the communication cycle is set so that in a state in which a frequency at which the data exchange fails due to an influence on the wireless line from the outside is relatively high, a frequency at which a receiving side of the at least one can perform the prescribed control using the latest data in each control cycle is relatively increased.

9. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The internal devices include at least one of a combination of an upper controller that manages overall actions of the injection molding machine and a lower controller that performs action control of a driven portion of the injection molding machine based on an instruction from the upper controller; a combination of the lower controller and a driver that performs drive control of an actuator that drives the driven portion based on an instruction from the lower controller; and a combination of two CPUs built into a controller that controls the injection molding machine. A combination of a sensor that outputs detection data and the controller that receives the detection data from the sensor.

10. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein The external device includes at least one of other injection molding machines, terminal devices, edge servers, and cloud servers.

11. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, comprising: a display device that displays at least one of the communication period in which the data is exchanged and the control period in which the prescribed control is performed.

12. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein At least one of the communication period in which data is exchanged and the control period in which prescribed control is performed is changed in accordance with an operation input to the machine or a request signal received from the outside.

13. A controller comprising a CPU as a central processing unit; the CPU generates action instruction data and outputs it to an FPGA every control period, the outputted action instruction data is stored in a memory of the FPGA, and the CPU accesses the memory of the FPGA every control period and acquires received data; a communication period in which data is exchanged between internal CPUs and at least one of the machine and other devices is shorter than a control period in which prescribed control is performed using the received data, the communication period is set to be 1 / 2 or less of the control period.

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