Control device for injection molding machine, injection molding machine, and program

Abstract

The present application relates to a control device of an injection molding machine, an injection molding machine, and a program, which can appropriately grasp a situation of a range specified by a user in any process of the injection molding machine and can achieve detailed quality management. The control device of the injection molding machine has an output section that outputs waveform information indicating changes in respective items to a display device, the items being items that show actual values detected in a process of the injection molding machine, and a reception section that receives an operation that specifies a range of the waveform information, and the output section further outputs information indicating characteristics of each item included in the specified range to any one or more of the display device and a storage device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-139330, filed on August 27, 2021. The entire contents of that Japanese application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to a control device for an injection molding machine, an injection molding machine, and a program. Background Technology

[0003] Traditionally, various sensors have been installed in injection molding machines. Therefore, a technique has been proposed to display various steps in the injection molding process based on detection signals from sensors, or to display waveform data based on user settings, on a display device.

[0004] In recent years, various techniques have been proposed for displaying waveform data on the display device of injection molding machines. For example, Reference 1 proposes a technique that displays the waveform of the detected signal separately for multiple items, according to the scale of each item, thereby also functioning as a measuring instrument.

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-106272

[0006] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, anomaly detection is performed based on whether a preset range exceeds an allowable value. However, in most cases, the range that the user wants to monitor varies depending on the situation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a technique that allows for proper monitoring of the condition of a monitored area and enables detailed quality management by making the setting of the monitored area easy.

[0008] The control device for an injection molding machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an output unit that outputs waveform information representing the changes of each item to a display device, the item being an item showing the actual value detected in the process of the injection molding machine; and a receiving unit that receives an operation specifying a range of waveform information, the output unit also outputting information representing the characteristics of each item included in the specified range to one or more of the display device and the storage device.

[0009] The effects of the invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the condition of the scope can be properly grasped and detailed quality management can be achieved. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the state of the injection molding machine according to the first embodiment at the end of mold opening.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the state of the injection molding machine according to the first embodiment when the mold is closed.

[0013] Figure 3 This diagram uses function blocks to represent the structural components of the control device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the display screen output by the output unit of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the display screen output by the output unit of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control performed in the control device according to the first embodiment when receiving a specified range in the selection range display bar.

[0017] Figure 7 This is an illustration of the log information screen output by the output unit according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the display screen output by the output unit of the second embodiment.

[0019] Explanation of symbols

[0020] 10-Injection molding machine, 700-Control device, 711-Information storage unit, 712-Receiving unit, 713-Output unit. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same or corresponding structures are sometimes labeled with the same or corresponding symbols, and descriptions are omitted.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the state of the injection molding machine according to the first embodiment at the end of mold opening. Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the state of the injection molding machine according to the first embodiment during mold closing. In this specification, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually perpendicular directions. The X-axis and Y-axis represent horizontal directions, and the Z-axis represents vertical directions. When the mold closing device 100 is horizontal, the X-axis is the mold opening and closing direction, and the Y-axis is the width direction of the injection molding machine 10. The negative side of the Y-axis is referred to as the operating side, and the positive side of the Y-axis is referred to as the opposite side of the operating side.

[0023] like Figures 1-2As shown, the injection molding machine 10 includes: a mold clamping device 100, a mold opening and closing device 800; an ejection device 200 for ejecting the molded article formed by the mold device 800; an injection device 300 for injecting molding material into the mold device 800; a moving device 400 for moving the injection device 300 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800; a control device 700 for controlling each component of the injection molding machine 10; and a frame 900 for supporting each component of the injection molding machine 10. The frame 900 includes: a mold clamping device frame 910 for supporting the mold clamping device 100; and an injection device frame 920 for supporting the injection device 300. The mold clamping device frame 910 and the injection device frame 920 are respectively mounted on the base plate 2 via horizontal adjusting casters 930. The control device 700 is arranged in the internal space of the injection device frame 920. The components of the injection molding machine 10 will be described below.

[0024] (Mold closing device)

[0025] In the description of the mold closing device 100, the moving direction of the movable pressure plate 120 when the mold is closed (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is set to forward, and the moving direction of the movable pressure plate 120 when the mold is opened (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is set to rearward.

[0026] The mold closing device 100 performs mold closing, pressurization, mold closing, demolding, and mold opening of the mold assembly 800. The mold assembly 800 includes a fixed mold 810 and a movable mold 820. The mold closing device 100 is, for example, horizontal, and the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal. The mold closing device 100 has a fixed pressure plate 110 for mounting the fixed mold 810, a movable pressure plate 120 for mounting the movable mold 820, and a moving mechanism 102 for moving the movable pressure plate 120 relative to the fixed pressure plate 110 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0027] The fixed pressure plate 110 is fixed relative to the mold closing device frame 910. The fixed mold 810 is installed on the surface of the fixed pressure plate 110 opposite to the movable pressure plate 120.

[0028] The movable pressure plate 120 is configured to move freely relative to the mold clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction. A guide member 101 for guiding the movable pressure plate 120 is laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. A movable mold 820 is mounted on the surface of the movable pressure plate 120 opposite to the fixed pressure plate 110.

[0029] The moving mechanism 102 performs mold closing, pressurization, mold clamping, demolding, and mold opening of the mold device 800 by moving the movable pressure plate 120 forward and backward relative to the fixed pressure plate 110. The moving mechanism 102 includes an toggle seat 130 spaced apart from the fixed pressure plate 110, a connecting rod 140 connecting the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130, an toggle mechanism 150 that moves the movable pressure plate 120 relative to the toggle seat 130 in the mold opening and closing direction, a mold clamping motor 160 that operates the toggle mechanism 150, a motion conversion mechanism 170 that converts the rotational motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into linear motion, and a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 that adjusts the distance between the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130.

[0030] The toggle seat 130 is spaced apart from the fixed pressure plate 110 and is mounted on the mold clamping device frame 910 so as to move freely in the mold opening and closing direction. Furthermore, the toggle seat 130 can be configured to move freely along a guide member laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. The guide member of the toggle seat 130 can be the same as the guide member 101 of the movable pressure plate 120.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, the fixed pressure plate 110 is fixed relative to the mold clamping device frame 910, and the toggle seat 130 is configured to move freely relative to the mold clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction. However, it is also possible that the toggle seat 130 is fixed relative to the mold clamping device frame 910, and the fixed pressure plate 110 is configured to move freely relative to the mold clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0032] Connecting rods 140 connect the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130 at a distance L in the mold opening and closing direction. Multiple connecting rods 140 can be used (e.g., four). The multiple connecting rods 140 are configured parallel to the mold opening and closing direction and extend according to the clamping force. A connecting rod strain detector 141 for detecting the strain of the connecting rod 140 can be installed on at least one connecting rod 140. The connecting rod strain detector 141 sends a signal displaying its detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the connecting rod strain detector 141 is used for detecting the clamping force, etc.

[0033] In this embodiment, a connecting rod strain gauge 141 is used as the clamping force detector for detecting the clamping force, but the present invention is not limited to this. The clamping force detector is not limited to a strain gauge and may also be piezoelectric, capacitive, hydraulic, or electromagnetic, etc., and its installation position is not limited to the connecting rod 140.

[0034] A toggle mechanism 150 is disposed between a movable pressure plate 120 and a toggle seat 130, and allows the movable pressure plate 120 to move relative to the toggle seat 130 in the mold opening and closing direction. The toggle mechanism 150 has a crosshead 151 that moves in the mold opening and closing direction and a pair of linkages that extend and retract with the movement of the crosshead 151. Each linkage has a first linkage 152 and a second linkage 153 connected by pins or the like to allow free extension and retraction. The first linkage 152 is mounted by pins or the like to allow free swinging relative to the movable pressure plate 120. The second linkage 153 is mounted by pins or the like to allow free swinging relative to the toggle seat 130. The second linkage 153 is mounted to the crosshead 151 via a third linkage 154. When the crosshead 151 moves forward or backward relative to the toggle seat 130, the first linkage 152 and the second linkage 153 extend and retract, causing the movable pressure plate 120 to move forward or backward relative to the toggle seat 130.

[0035] Furthermore, the structure of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure shown. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this configuration, each link group has 5 nodes, but it can be 4, or it can be the node where one end of the third link 154 is connected to the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0036] The clamping motor 160 is mounted on the toggle seat 130 and operates the toggle mechanism 150. The clamping motor 160 moves the crosshead 151 forward and backward relative to the toggle seat 130, causing the first link 152 and the second link 153 to extend and retract, thereby moving the movable pressure plate 120 forward and backward relative to the toggle seat 130. The clamping motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but can also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt and pulleys.

[0037] The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotary motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into the linear motion of the crosshead 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 includes a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut screwed to the lead screw shaft. Balls or rollers may be located between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut.

[0038] Under the control of the control device 700, the mold closing device 100 performs the mold closing process, the pressure raising process, the mold closing process, the pressure release process, and the mold opening process.

[0039] In the mold closing process, the mold closing motor 160 is driven to advance the crosshead 151 to the mold closing end position at a set speed, causing the movable pressure plate 120 to advance so that the moving mold 820 contacts the fixed mold 810. For example, a mold closing motor encoder 161 is used to detect the position and speed of the crosshead 151. The mold closing motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the mold closing motor 160 and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700.

[0040] Furthermore, the crosshead position detector for detecting the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead movement speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the crosshead 151 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161; conventional detectors can be used. Similarly, the movable platen position detector for detecting the position of the movable platen 120 and the movable platen movement speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161; conventional detectors can be used.

[0041] In the pressurization process, the mold clamping motor 160 is further driven to advance the crosshead 151 from the mold closing end position to the mold closing position, thereby generating a mold clamping force.

[0042] During the mold closing process, the mold closing motor 160 is driven to maintain the position of the crosshead 151 in the mold closing position. During the mold closing process, the mold closing force generated during the pressurization process is maintained. During the mold closing process, a cavity space 801 (see reference) is formed between the moving mold 820 and the fixed mold 810. Figure 2 The injection unit 300 fills the cavity space 801 with liquid molding material. The filled molding material is then cured to obtain a molded product.

[0043] The number of cavity spaces 801 can be one or more. In the latter case, multiple molded articles can be obtained simultaneously. An insert can be configured in a part of the cavity space 801, and the other part of the cavity space 801 can be filled with molding material. A molded article in which the insert and the molding material are integrated can be obtained.

[0044] During the depressurization process, the crosshead 151 is retracted from the mold-closing position to the mold-opening start position by driving the mold-closing motor 160, thereby causing the movable pressure plate 120 to retract and reducing the mold-closing force. The mold-opening start position and the mold-closing end position can be the same position.

[0045] In the mold opening process, the crosshead 151 is retracted from the mold opening start position to the mold opening end position at a set moving speed by driving the mold closing motor 160, causing the movable pressure plate 120 to retract, so that the moving mold 820 separates from the fixed mold 810. Then, the ejector device 200 ejects the molded product from the moving mold 820.

[0046] The setting conditions in the mold closing process, the pressure raising process, and the mold closing process are set uniformly as a series of setting conditions. For example, the moving speed, position (including the mold closing start position, moving speed switching position, mold closing end position, and mold closing position) and mold closing force of the crosshead 151 in the mold closing process and the pressure raising process are set uniformly as a series of setting conditions. The mold closing start position, moving speed switching position, mold closing end position, and mold closing position are arranged sequentially from back to front, and represent the start and end points of the range for setting the moving speed. The moving speed is set for each range. There can be one or more moving speed switching positions. The moving speed switching position can be omitted. Only the mold closing position and the mold closing force can be set.

[0047] The settings for the depressurization and mold opening processes are also set in the same way. For example, the moving speed and position (mold opening start position, moving speed switching position, and mold opening end position) of the crosshead 151 in the depressurization and mold opening processes are set uniformly as a series of settings. The mold opening start position, moving speed switching position, and mold opening end position are arranged sequentially from front to back, and represent the start and end points of the range for setting the moving speed. The moving speed is set for each range. There can be one or more moving speed switching positions. A moving speed switching position may not be set. The mold opening start position and the mold closing end position can be the same position. Furthermore, the mold opening end position and the mold closing start position can be the same position.

[0048] In addition, the moving speed and position of the movable pressure plate 120 can be set instead of the moving speed and position of the crosshead 151. Furthermore, the clamping force can be set instead of the position of the crosshead (e.g., the mold closing position) and the position of the movable pressure plate.

[0049] However, the toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the clamping motor 160 and transmits it to the movable pressure plate 120. This amplification factor is also known as the toggle ratio. The toggle ratio varies depending on the angle θ (hereinafter also referred to as "link angle θ") formed by the first link 152 and the second link 153. The link angle θ is determined by the position of the crosshead 151. The toggle ratio reaches its maximum when the link angle θ is 180°.

[0050] When the thickness of the mold assembly 800 changes due to replacement of the mold assembly 800, temperature changes of the mold assembly 800, etc., mold thickness adjustment is performed to obtain the specified mold closing force during mold closing. In mold thickness adjustment, for example, the distance L between the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130 is adjusted so that the linkage angle θ of the toggle mechanism 150 becomes the specified angle at the moment when the moving mold 820 contacts the fixed mold 810.

[0051] The mold clamping device 100 includes a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the distance L between the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130, thereby adjusting the mold thickness. Furthermore, the timing of the mold thickness adjustment is performed, for example, during the period from the end of the molding cycle to the start of the next molding cycle. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 includes, for example: a lead screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end of the connecting rod 140; a lead screw nut 182 held in the toggle seat 130 for free rotation and immobility; and a mold thickness adjustment motor 183 that rotates the lead screw nut 182 screwed to the lead screw shaft 181.

[0052] Each connecting rod 140 is provided with a lead screw shaft 181 and a lead screw nut 182. The rotational driving force of the die thickness adjustment motor 183 can be transmitted to multiple lead screw nuts 182 via the rotational driving force transmission unit 185. Multiple lead screw nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously. In addition, by changing the transmission path of the rotational driving force transmission unit 185, multiple lead screw nuts 182 can also be rotated individually.

[0053] The rotary drive force transmission unit 185 is composed of, for example, gears. In this case, driven gears are formed on the outer periphery of each lead screw nut 182, drive gears are mounted on the output shaft of the die thickness adjustment motor 183, and intermediate gears that mesh with multiple driven gears and drive gears are kept rotatably in the center of the toggle seat 130. Alternatively, instead of gears, the rotary drive force transmission unit 185 may also be composed of belts and pulleys.

[0054] The operation of the die thickness adjustment mechanism 180 is controlled by the control device 700. The control device 700 drives the die thickness adjustment motor 183 to rotate the lead screw nut 182. As a result, the position of the toggle seat 130 relative to the connecting rod 140 is adjusted, and the distance L between the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130 is adjusted. Alternatively, multiple die thickness adjustment mechanisms can be used in combination.

[0055] The die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 is used to detect the interval L. The die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 detects the rotation amount and direction of the die thickness adjustment motor 183 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 is used for monitoring and controlling the position and interval L of the toggle seat 130. However, the toggle seat position detector for detecting the position of the toggle seat 130 and the interval detector for detecting the interval L are not limited to the die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184; conventional detectors can be used.

[0056] The mold clamping device 100 may have a mold temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature of the mold assembly 800. The mold assembly 800 has a flow path for a temperature regulating medium inside it. The mold temperature regulator adjusts the temperature of the temperature regulating medium supplied to the flow path of the mold assembly 800, thereby regulating the temperature of the mold assembly 800.

[0057] In addition, the mold closing device 100 in this embodiment is a horizontal type with the mold opening and closing direction in the horizontal direction, but it can also be a vertical type with the mold opening and closing direction in the vertical direction.

[0058] Furthermore, the mold clamping device 100 of this embodiment has a mold clamping motor 160 as a drive source, but a hydraulic cylinder may be used instead of the mold clamping motor 160. Also, the mold clamping device 100 may have a linear motor for mold opening and closing, or it may have an electromagnet for mold clamping.

[0059] (Ejection device)

[0060] In the description of the ejector device 200, similar to the description of the mold closing device 100, the moving direction of the movable pressure plate 120 when the mold is closed (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is set to forward, and the moving direction of the movable pressure plate 120 when the mold is opened (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is set to rearward.

[0061] Ejection device 200 is mounted on movable pressure plate 120 and moves forward and backward together with movable pressure plate 120. Ejection device 200 includes: ejection rod 210 for ejecting molded article from mold device 800; and drive mechanism 220 for moving ejection rod 210 along the moving direction (X-axis direction) of movable pressure plate 120.

[0062] Ejector rod 210 is configured to move freely in and out of the through hole in movable pressure plate 120. The front end of ejector rod 210 contacts ejector plate 826 of moving mold 820. The front end of ejector rod 210 may or may not be connected to ejector plate 826.

[0063] The drive mechanism 220 includes, for example, an ejector motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the ejector motor into the linear motion of the ejector rod 210. The motion conversion mechanism includes a lead screw and a lead screw nut screwed to the lead screw. Balls or rollers may be located between the lead screw and the lead screw nut.

[0064] The ejection device 200 performs the ejection process under the control of the control device 700. In the ejection process, the ejector rod 210 is moved forward from the standby position to the ejection position at a set speed, causing the ejector plate 826 to move forward and eject the molded product. Then, the ejection motor is driven to move the ejector rod 210 backward at a set speed, causing the ejector plate 826 to return to the original standby position.

[0065] For example, an ejector motor encoder is used to detect the position and speed of the ejector rod 210. The ejector motor encoder detects the rotation of the ejector motor and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. In addition, the ejector rod position detector for detecting the position of the ejector rod 210 and the ejector rod speed detector for detecting the speed of the ejector rod 210 are not limited to the ejector motor encoder, and conventional detectors can be used.

[0066] (Injection device)

[0067] In the description of the injection device 300, unlike the description of the mold clamping device 100 and the description of the ejection device 200, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is set to forward, and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is set to rearward.

[0068] An injection unit 300 is mounted on a sliding base 301, which is configured to move freely forward and backward relative to the injection unit frame 920. The injection unit 300 is also configured to move freely forward and backward relative to the mold assembly 800. The injection unit 300 contacts the mold assembly 800 and fills the cavity space 801 within the mold assembly 800 with molding material metered in the cylinder 310. The injection unit 300 includes, for example, a cylinder 310 for heating the molding material, a nozzle 320 located at the front end of the cylinder 310, a screw 330 configured to move freely forward and backward and rotate freely within the cylinder 310, a metering motor 340 for rotating the screw 330, an injection motor 350 for moving the screw 330 forward and backward, and a load detector 360 for detecting the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330.

[0069] 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.

[0070] The cylinder block 310 is divided into multiple regions along its axial direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are respectively installed in each of the multiple regions. A set temperature is set for each of the multiple regions, and the control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the temperature detected by the temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0071] The nozzle 320 is located at the front end of the cylinder 310 and presses against the mold assembly 800. A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 becomes the set temperature.

[0072] 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 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 retracts. 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 800.

[0073] The check ring 331 is installed at the front of the screw 330 so that it can move freely forward and backward. The check ring 331 acts as a check valve to prevent the molding material from flowing backward from the front of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is pushed forward.

[0074] When the screw 330 is advanced, the check ring 331 is pushed backward by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330, and retracts relative to the screw 330 to a closed position that blocks the flow path of the molding material (see reference). Figure 2 This prevents the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 from flowing backward.

[0075] On the other hand, when the screw 330 is rotated, the check ring 331 is pushed forward by the pressure of the molding material being conveyed forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330, and advances relative to the screw 330 to the open position where the flow path of the molding material is opened (see reference). Figure 1 Thus, the molding material is conveyed to the front of the screw 330.

[0076] The check ring 331 can be either a cotransformer that rotates with the screw 330 or a non-cotransformer that does not rotate with the screw 330.

[0077] Additionally, the injection device 300 may have a drive source that moves the check ring 331 back and forth relative to the screw 330 between an open position and a closed position.

[0078] The metering motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source for rotating the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340; for example, it could be a hydraulic pump.

[0079] The injection motor 350 moves the screw 330 forward and backward. A motion conversion mechanism is provided between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330 to convert the rotational motion of the injection motor 350 into the linear motion of the screw 330. This motion conversion mechanism may include, for example, a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut screwed to the lead screw shaft. Ball bearings, rollers, etc., may be provided between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut. The drive source for moving the screw 330 forward and backward is not limited to the injection motor 350; for example, it may be a hydraulic cylinder.

[0080] Load detector 360 detects the load transmitted between injection motor 350 and screw 330. The detected load is converted into pressure by control device 700. Load detector 360 is positioned along the load transmission path between injection motor 350 and screw 330, and detects the load acting on load detector 360.

[0081] The load detector 360 sends the detected load signal to the control device 700. The load detected by the load detector 360 is converted into the pressure acting between the screw 330 and the molding material, and is used for the control and monitoring of the pressure borne by the screw 330 from the molding material, the back pressure on the screw 330, and the pressure acting from the screw 330 on the molding material.

[0082] Furthermore, the pressure detector for detecting the pressure of the molding material is not limited to the load detector 360; conventional detectors can be used. For example, a nozzle pressure sensor or a mold pressure sensor can be used. The nozzle pressure sensor is located at the nozzle 320. The mold pressure sensor is located inside the mold assembly 800.

[0083] The injection unit 300 performs metering, filling, and pressure holding processes under the control of the control unit 700. The filling and pressure holding processes can be collectively referred to as the injection process.

[0084] In the metering process, the metering motor 340 drives the screw 330 to rotate at a set speed, conveying the molding material forward along the spiral grooves of the screw 330. As a result, the molding material is gradually melted. As the molten molding material is conveyed forward of the screw 330 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 retracts. For example, a metering motor encoder 341 is used to detect the rotational speed of the screw 330. The metering motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the metering motor 340 and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. However, the screw speed detector for detecting the rotational speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341; conventional detectors can be used.

[0085] In the metering process, to prevent the screw 330 from retracting too rapidly, the injection motor 350 can be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330. For example, a load detector 360 can be used to detect the back pressure on the screw 330. If the screw 330 retracts to the metering end position and a specified amount of molding material accumulates in front of the screw 330, the metering process ends.

[0086] The position and speed of the screw 330 in the metering process are uniformly set as a series of preset conditions. For example, the metering start position, speed switching position, and metering end position are set. These positions are arranged sequentially from front to back and represent the start and end points of the set speed interval. The speed is set for each interval. There can be one or more speed switching positions. Alternatively, no speed switching position can be set. Furthermore, the back pressure is set for each interval.

[0087] In the filling process, the injection motor 350 is driven to advance the screw 330 at a set speed, filling the cavity space 801 within the mold assembly 800 with the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330. For example, an injection motor encoder 351 is used to detect the position and speed of the screw 330. The injection motor encoder 351 detects the rotation of the injection motor 350 and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. If the screw 330 reaches the set position, a switch is made from the filling process to the holding pressure process (so-called V / P switching). The position where the V / P switching occurs is also called the V / P switching position. The set speed of the screw 330 can be changed according to the position of the screw 330, time, etc.

[0088] The position and moving speed of the screw 330 in the filling process are uniformly set as a series of preset conditions. For example, the filling start position (also called the "injection start position"), the moving speed switching position, and the V / P switching position are set. These positions are arranged sequentially from back to front and represent the start and end points of the set moving speed interval. The moving speed is set for each interval. There can be one or more moving speed switching positions. It is also possible not to set any moving speed switching positions.

[0089] The upper limit of the pressure of the screw 330 is set for each range of the screw 330's moving speed. The pressure of the screw 330 is detected by the load detector 360. When the pressure of the screw 330 is below the set pressure, the screw 330 moves forward at the set moving speed. On the other hand, when the pressure of the screw 330 exceeds the set pressure, in order to protect the mold, the screw 330 moves forward at a slower moving speed than the set moving speed, so that the pressure of the screw 330 falls below the set pressure.

[0090] Furthermore, during the filling process, after the screw 330 reaches the V / P switching position, it can be paused at the V / P switching position before the V / P switch is performed. Instead of stopping the screw 330 immediately before the V / P switch, the screw 330 can be moved forward or backward at a slight speed. Moreover, the screw position detector for detecting the position of the screw 330 and the screw speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351; conventional detectors can be used.

[0091] During the holding pressure process, the injection motor 350 pushes the screw 330 forward, maintaining 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 pushing the remaining molding material in the cylinder 310 towards the mold assembly 800. This replenishes any insufficient molding material in the mold assembly 800 due to cooling shrinkage. For example, a load detector 360 is used to detect the holding pressure. The set value of the holding pressure can be changed according to the elapsed time since the start of the holding pressure process. The holding pressure and the holding time for each of the multiple holding pressure processes can be set separately, or they can be set uniformly as a series of setting conditions.

[0092] During the holding pressure process, the molding material in the cavity space 801 within the mold assembly 800 is gradually cooled. At the end of the holding pressure process, the inlet of the cavity space 801 is blocked by the solidified molding material. This state is called gate sealing, which prevents the backflow of molding material from the cavity space 801. After the holding pressure process, the cooling process begins. During the cooling process, the molding material within the cavity space 801 solidifies. To shorten the molding cycle time, a metering process can be performed during the cooling process.

[0093] Furthermore, the injection device 300 in this embodiment is a coaxial screw type, but it can also be a pre-plasticizing type, etc. In a pre-plasticizing type injection device, molten molding material in a plasticizing cylinder is supplied to the injection cylinder, and the molding material is injected from the injection cylinder into the mold device. In the plasticizing cylinder, the screw is configured to rotate freely but not retract, or the screw is configured to rotate freely and retract freely. On the other hand, in the injection cylinder, the plunger is configured to retract freely.

[0094] Furthermore, the injection device 300 in this embodiment is horizontal with the cylinder 310's axis in the horizontal direction, but it can also be vertical with the cylinder 310's axis in the vertical direction. The mold clamping device combined with the vertical injection device 300 can be either vertical or horizontal. Similarly, the mold clamping device combined with the horizontal injection device 300 can be either horizontal or vertical.

[0095] (Mobile device)

[0096] In the description of the moving device 400, similarly to the description of the injection device 300, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is set to forward, and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is set to rearward.

[0097] The moving device 400 causes the injection device 300 to move forward and backward relative to the mold device 800. Furthermore, the moving device 400 presses the nozzle 320 relative to the mold device 800 to generate nozzle contact pressure. The moving device 400 includes a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, and a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator.

[0098] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a bidirectional rotating pump, generating hydraulic pressure by switching the rotation direction of the motor 420, drawing in working fluid (e.g., oil) from either the first port 411 or the second port 412 and discharging it from the other port. Alternatively, the hydraulic pump 410 can also draw working fluid from a tank and discharge working fluid from either the first port 411 or the second port 412.

[0099] Motor 420 operates hydraulic pump 410. Motor 420 drives hydraulic pump 410 by means of rotational direction and rotational torque corresponding to control signals from control device 700. Motor 420 can be an electric motor or an electric servo motor.

[0100] The hydraulic cylinder 430 has a cylinder body 431, a piston 432, and a piston rod 433. The cylinder body 431 is fixed relative to the injection device 300. The piston 432 divides the interior of the cylinder body 431 into a front chamber 435, which serves as a first chamber, and a rear chamber 436, which serves as a second chamber. The piston rod 433 is fixed relative to the fixed pressure plate 110.

[0101] The front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via a first flow path 401. Working fluid ejected from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first flow path 401, thereby propelling the injection device 300 forward. As the injection device 300 advances, the nozzle 320 is pressed against the fixed mold 810. The front chamber 435 functions as a pressure chamber, generating the nozzle contact pressure of the nozzle 320 through the pressure of the working fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 410.

[0102] 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 ejected from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second flow path 402, thereby pushing the injection device 300 backward. The injection device 300 retracts and the nozzle 320 separates from the fixed mold 810.

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the moving device 400 includes a hydraulic cylinder 430, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the hydraulic cylinder 430, an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into the linear motion of the injection device 300 may also be used.

[0104] (Control device)

[0105] The control device 700 is, for example, composed of a computer, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a storage medium 702 such as a memory, an input interface 703, an output interface 704, and a communication interface 705. The control device 700 performs various controls by causing the CPU 701 to execute programs stored in the storage medium 702. Furthermore, the control device 700 receives signals from external sources through the input interface 703 and sends signals to external sources through the output interface 704. Moreover, the control device 700 sends and receives information with an information processing device (e.g., a personal computer) connected via a network through the communication interface 705.

[0106] The control device 700 repeatedly manufactures molded products by repeatedly performing metering, mold closing, pressurizing, mold closing, filling, pressure holding, cooling, depressurizing, mold opening, and ejection processes. The series of actions used to obtain the molded product, such as the actions from the start of the metering process to the start of the next metering process, is also called "material injection" or "molding cycle." Furthermore, the time required for one material injection is also called "molding cycle time" or "cycle time."

[0107] A typical molding cycle may include, for example, the following steps in sequence: metering, mold closing, pressure increase, mold closing, filling, pressure holding, cooling, pressure release, mold opening, and ejection. This sequence refers to the order in which each step begins. The filling, pressure holding, and cooling steps occur during the mold closing step. Alternatively, the start of the mold closing step can coincide with the start of the filling step. The end of the pressure release step can coincide with the start of the mold opening step.

[0108] Furthermore, to shorten the molding cycle time, multiple processes can be performed simultaneously. For example, the metering process can be performed during the cooling process of the previous molding cycle or during the mold closing process. In this case, the mold closing process can be set to be performed at the very beginning of the molding cycle. The filling process can also begin during the mold closing process. The ejection process can begin during the mold opening process. When an on / off valve is provided for the flow path of the nozzle 320, the mold opening process can begin during the metering process. This is because even if the mold opening process begins during the metering process, as long as the on / off valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320, the molding material will not leak from the nozzle 320.

[0109] In addition, a single molding cycle can include processes other than metering, mold closing, pressurization, mold closing, filling, pressure holding, cooling, depressurization, mold opening, and ejection.

[0110] For example, a pre-metering back suction process can be performed after the pressure holding process ends and before the metering process begins, to retract the screw 330 to a pre-set metering start position. This reduces the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the metering process begins, and prevents the screw 330 from retracting abruptly when the metering process begins.

[0111] Furthermore, a post-metering back suction process can be performed after the metering process is completed and before the filling process begins, retracting the screw 330 to a pre-set filling start position (also known as the "injection start position"). This reduces the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the filling process begins, thus preventing leakage of the molding material from the nozzle 320 before the filling process begins.

[0112] The control device 700 is connected to the operation device 750, which receives user input, and the display device 760, which displays a screen. The operation device 750 and the display device 760 are, for example, composed of a touch panel 770, and can be integrated. The touch panel 770, as the display device 760, displays a screen under the control of the control device 700. Information such as the settings of the injection molding machine 10 and the current status of the injection molding machine 10 can be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 770. The touch panel 770 can receive operations in the displayed screen area. Furthermore, operation sections such as buttons and input fields for receiving user input can be displayed in the screen area of ​​the touch panel 770. The touch panel 770, as the operation device 750, detects user input on the screen and outputs a signal corresponding to the input operation to the control device 700. Thus, for example, the user can check the information displayed on the screen while operating the operation sections set on the screen to set the injection molding machine 10 (including inputting setting values). Furthermore, by operating the operation sections set on the screen, the user can cause the injection molding machine 10 corresponding to the operation sections to operate. Furthermore, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 can include, for example, the operation (including stopping) of the mold clamping device 100, the ejection device 200, the injection device 300, the moving device 400, etc. Also, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 can include switching the screen displayed on the touch panel 770, which is a display device 760.

[0113] Furthermore, while the operation device 750 and display device 760 of this embodiment are integrated into a touch panel 770, they can also be provided independently. Additionally, multiple operation devices 750 can be provided. The operation device 750 and display device 760 are disposed on the operation side (negative Y-axis direction) of the mold clamping device 100 (more specifically, the fixed pressure plate 110).

[0114] (First Embodiment)

[0115] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the components of a control device 700 according to one embodiment, represented by a function block diagram. Figure 3 The functional blocks illustrated are conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. All or part of each functional block can be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in any unit. All or any part of the processing functions performed in each functional block are implemented through a program executed by the CPU701. Alternatively, each functional block can be implemented as hardware based on wiring logic. Figure 3 As shown, the control device 700 includes a receiving unit 712 and an output unit 713. Furthermore, the control device 700 includes an information storage unit 711 in the storage medium 702.

[0116] The information storage unit 711 stores and displays setting information set by the user, actual values ​​based on various sensors, and log information based on monitoring results or statistical values ​​of the control device 700.

[0117] The receiving unit 712 receives user operations from the touch panel 770 via the input interface 703.

[0118] The output unit 713 outputs display screen and other data to the touch panel 770. In this embodiment, the output unit 713 outputs a display screen to the touch panel 770 for each step of the molding process performed by the injection molding machine 10. This display screen includes waveform data (an example of waveform information) representing the user-set setting information or the change of actual values ​​detected in that step. Furthermore, while this embodiment describes an example of outputting display screens to the touch panel 770, the destination of the data output is not limited to the touch panel 770. For example, the output unit 713 can output display screens and other data to an information processing device connected via a network.

[0119] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the display screen output by the output unit 713 in this embodiment. Figure 4 As shown, the display screen 1400 displays the X-axis unit bar 1401, Y-axis unit bar 1402, waveform recording monitoring setting 1403, monitoring range left 1404, monitoring range right 1405, single injection output bar 1406, X-axis bar 1407, and trigger (CH1-5) bar 1408. Furthermore, the display screen 1400 also displays five channel bars (channel bar 1411 to channel bar 1415), waveform data bar 1420, and selection range display bar 1430. In this embodiment, the channel bars are used to select the displayed item.

[0120] exist Figure 4The display screen shown shows the setting information for each injection of the injection molding machine 10 and the actual values ​​detected by various sensors. In this embodiment, the display screen can also display the current actual value of the injection in real time.

[0121] Figure 4 The receiving unit 712 shown receives selection or input operations for the aforementioned columns via the touch panel 770. Furthermore, the output unit 713 switches the display screen (e.g., waveform data column 1420, selection range display column 1430) on the touch panel 770 according to the received selection or input operation.

[0122] For example, the receiving unit 712 receives selection or input operations for the X-axis unit column 1401, Y-axis unit column 1402, single-fill output column 1406, and X-axis column 14070 via the touch panel 77. The output unit 713 switches the displayed waveform data column 1420 according to the received selection operation.

[0123] X-axis unit column 1401 is used to select the unit of the X-axis displayed in the waveform data column 1420. For example, "time" or "screw position" can be selected. Y-axis unit column 1402 is used to select the unit of the Y-axis displayed in the waveform data column 1420. For example, "ratio" or "mechanical units" can be selected in the Y-axis unit column 1402. Single injection output column 1406 is a button for storing injection-related information, including the process displayed in the waveform data column 1420. X-axis column 1407 is used to set the range of the X-axis (e.g., time) displayed in the waveform data column 1420.

[0124] The waveform recording monitoring setting 1403 is used to set whether to store information representing the processing result based on the injection molding machine 10 in the information storage unit 711. In this embodiment, when the waveform recording monitoring setting 1403 is pressed (displayed as "in"), the output unit 713 controls the information storage unit 711 to store information.

[0125] The monitoring range left 1404 is a bar that sets the left end (display start position) of the waveform data bar 1420 on the X-axis to set the range displayed in the selection range display bar 1430. In this embodiment, the monitoring range left 1404 is linked to the left slider 1426 displayed in the waveform data bar 1420. The left slider 1426 indicates the left end (display start position) on the X-axis for setting the range of the selection range display bar 1430. Furthermore, when a value is input into the monitoring range left 1404, the output unit 713 generates and outputs a display screen showing the operation of the left slider 1426 based on that value.

[0126] The right monitoring range 1405 is a bar that sets the right end (display end position) of the waveform data bar 1420 on the X-axis to set the range displayed in the selection range display bar 1430. In this embodiment, the right monitoring range 1405 is linked to the right slider 1427 displayed in the waveform data bar 1420. The right slider 1427 indicates the right end (display end position) of the range of the selection range display bar 1430 on the X-axis. Furthermore, when a value is input into the right monitoring range 1405, the output unit 713 generates and outputs a display screen showing the operation of the right slider 1427 based on that value.

[0127] The trigger (CH1-5) bar 1408 is used to select the operation to be displayed in the waveform data bar 1420. In this embodiment, the trigger (CH1-5) bar 1408 is configured as a menu. The user selects the desired operation from a menu displaying multiple operations via the touch panel 770. This updates the operation displayed in the trigger (CH1-5) bar 1408.

[0128] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the "Fill Start" operation is selected (set) in trigger (CH1-5) column 1408. Figure 4 In the example shown, during the process "fill start", the output unit 713 outputs waveform data of each item set in the five channel columns (channel column 1411 to channel column 515) on the display screen of the waveform data column 1420.

[0129] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the operation (setting) "Fill Start" is selected in the trigger (CH1-5) column 1408. In the process "Fill Start", the output unit 713 outputs a display screen of waveform data column 1420 that shows waveform data of each item set in the five channel columns (channel column 1411 to channel column 515).

[0130] The five channel columns (channel 1 1411 to channel 5 1415) are used to select the items that will be displayed as waveform data in the waveform data column 1420. That is, in this embodiment, five waveform data items related to the items assigned to each channel can be displayed in the waveform data column 1420.

[0131] Channel 1, column 1411, is used to set items in Ch-1. Item column 1411A sets the items to be displayed, maximum value column 1411B sets the maximum value of the waveform data of the items displayed as Ch-1 (an example of scale information), and minimum value column 1411C sets the minimum value of the waveform data of the items displayed as Ch-1 (an example of scale information).

[0132] When item bar 1411A is pressed via touch panel 770, output unit 713 outputs a menu screen displaying multiple items. Then, receiving unit 712 receives the selection of the item to be set in Ch-1 from the menu screen. The same applies to item bars 1412A to 1415A, so descriptions are omitted.

[0133] The maximum value field 1411B and the minimum value field 1411C are fields where numerical values ​​can be input. Furthermore, the receiving unit 712 receives the numerical values ​​set in the maximum value field 1411B or the minimum value field 1411C via the touch panel 770. The same applies to the maximum value fields 1412B to 1415B and the minimum value fields 1412C to 1415C, therefore, their description is omitted.

[0134] The display options in each channel column can be set to "In" or "Cut". "In" indicates that the waveform data for that item is displayed, while "Cut" indicates that the waveform data for that item is not displayed.

[0135] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, "Injection Speed ​​Detection" is set in item column 1411A, "100.00" is set in maximum value column 1411B, and "-100.00" is set in minimum value column 1411C. "Injection Speed ​​Detection" refers to the injection speed of the screw 330 detected by the injection motor encoder 351.

[0136] Channel 2 column 1412 is used to set the items in Ch-2. The items to be displayed are set in the item column 1412A, the maximum value of the waveform data of the items to be displayed in Ch-2 is set in the maximum value column 1412B (an example of scale information), and the minimum value of the waveform data of the items to be displayed in Ch-2 is set in the minimum value column 1412C (an example of scale information).

[0137] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, "Pressure Holding Detection" is set in item column 1412A, "100.00" is set in maximum value column 1412B, and "-100.00" is set in minimum value column 1412C. "Pressure Holding Detection" refers to the value of the holding pressure detected by load detector 360.

[0138] Channel 3, column 1413, is used to set items in Ch-3. Item column 1413A sets the items to be displayed, maximum value column 1413B sets the maximum value of the waveform data displayed as Ch-3 (an example of scale information), and minimum value column 1413C sets the minimum value of the waveform data displayed as Ch-3 (an example of scale information).

[0139] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, "Closing Force Detection" is set in item column 1413A, "200.00" is set in maximum value column 1413B, and "0.00" is set in minimum value column 1413C. "Closing Force Detection" refers to the clamping force detected by the connecting rod strain detector 141.

[0140] Channel 4, column 1414, is used to set items in Ch-4. Item column 1414A sets the items to be displayed, maximum value column 1414B sets the maximum value of the waveform data displayed as an item in Ch-4 (an example of scale information), and minimum value column 1414C sets the minimum value of the waveform data displayed as an item in Ch-4 (an example of scale information).

[0141] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, "Rotation Detection" is set in item column 1414A, "200.00" is set in maximum value column 1414B, and "0.00" is set in minimum value column 1414C. "Rotation Detection" refers to the rotational speed of the screw 330 detected by the metering motor encoder 341.

[0142] Channel 5, column 1415, is used to set items in Ch-5. Item column 1415A sets the items to be displayed, maximum value column 1415B sets the maximum value of the waveform data displayed as an item in Ch-5 (an example of scale information), and minimum value column 1415C sets the minimum value of the waveform data displayed as an item in Ch-5 (an example of scale information).

[0143] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, "Back Pressure Detection" is set in item column 1415A, "100.00" is set in maximum value column 1415B, and "0.00" is set in minimum value column 1415C. "Back Pressure Detection" refers to the back pressure of the screw 330 detected by load detector 360.

[0144] Figure 4 The waveform data column 1420 displays waveform data representing the values ​​(actual value changes or setting information changes) of each item set in the five channel columns (channel column 1411 to channel column 515) in the process selected by triggering (CH1-5) column 1408.

[0145] Waveform data 1421 in waveform data column 1420 indicates the change in the detection result (an example of the actual value) of "Injection Speed ​​Detection" set in channel 1 column 1411 (Ch-1).

[0146] The maximum value of the waveform data column 1420 used to display waveform data 1421 is set to the value in the maximum value column 1411B, and the minimum value of the waveform data column 1420 used to display waveform data 1421 is set to the value in the minimum value column 1411C. The maximum and minimum values ​​of the waveform data displayed in the waveform data column 1420 will remain the same thereafter, so further explanation is omitted.

[0147] Waveform data 1422 represents the change in the test result (an example of the actual value) of the "Pressure Holding Test" set in Channel 2 column 1412 (Ch-2).

[0148] Waveform data 1423 represents the change in the detection result (an example of the actual value) of "Closing Force Detection" set in Channel 3 column 1413.

[0149] Waveform data 1424 represents the change in the detection result (an example of the actual value) of "Select Detection" set in channel 4 column 1414.

[0150] Waveform data 1425 represents the change in the detection result (an example of the actual value) of "Back Pressure Detection" set in channel 5 column 1415.

[0151] The receiving unit 712 in this embodiment receives the selection of items in the item columns 1411A to 1415A of each channel column as display information for the process selected by triggering the (CH1-5) column 1408.

[0152] Furthermore, when the receiving unit 712 receives the selection of an item, the output unit 713 displays the waveform data indicating the change in the setting information or detection result of the selected item in the waveform data column 1420.

[0153] Furthermore, the output unit 713 displays a left slider 1426 (the start value on the left side of the X-axis of the waveform data bar 1420) and a right slider 1427 (the end value on the right side of the X-axis of the waveform data bar 1420) in the waveform data bar 1420.

[0154] When the receiving unit 712 receives a rightward or leftward sliding operation from the touch panel 770, the output unit 713 displays the movement of the left slider 1426 to the right or left within the waveform data bar 1420. The value displayed on the left side 1404 of the monitoring range changes according to the value indicated by the moved left slider 1426.

[0155] When the receiving unit 712 receives a rightward or leftward sliding operation from the touch panel 770, the output unit 713 displays the movement of the right slider 1427 to the right or left within the waveform data bar 1420. The value displayed on the right 1405 of the monitoring range changes according to the value indicated by the moved right slider 1427.

[0156] The selection range display bar 1430 displays the statistical values, start values, and end values ​​of each item set in each channel bar within the range set by the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427.

[0157] exist Figure 4 The selection range display bar 1430 shows statistical values ​​for items set in each channel (Ch-1 to Ch-5), such as the start value (Start) at the left, the maximum value (Max) within the range, the integral value (Int) within the range, the average value (Ave) within the range, the minimum value (Min) within the range, and the end value (End) at the right. Furthermore, the statistical values ​​for each item shown in the selection range display bar 1430 are examples; other statistical values ​​can be displayed.

[0158] Specifically, the selection range display bar 1430 displays the start value (Start), maximum value (Max), integral value (Int), average value (Ave), minimum value (Min), and end value (End) of the range set in "Ch-1" for "injection speed detection", from the start value of the X-axis indicated by the left slider 1426 to the end value of the X-axis indicated by the right slider 1427.

[0159] Additionally, the settings for "Pressure Holding Detection" ("Ch-2"), "Closing Force Detection" ("Ch-3"), "Rotation Detection" ("Ch-4"), and "Back Pressure Detection" ("Ch-5") displayed in the selection range display bar 1430 are the same as those for "Ch-1", so their descriptions are omitted.

[0160] Furthermore, by calculating the integral value (Int) of the "back pressure detection," the output unit 713 can display the total pressure applied to the resin, etc., within a specified range. Therefore, the control device 700 according to this embodiment can determine whether the test is successful based on the total pressure applied to the resin (for example, whether the integral value is greater than or equal to a predetermined reference value Pth).

[0161] In this embodiment, the output unit 713 displays the changes in actual values ​​and other parameters during the set process over time in the waveform data bar 1420. The user visually identifies the waveform data bar 1420 and specifies the range (e.g., time period) of the X-axis to be confirmed via the touch panel 770 using the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427 (monitoring range left 1404 and monitoring range right 1405).

[0162] That is, the range (e.g., time period) that the user wishes to monitor in any process is sometimes limited. For example, in the resin injection process "injection start", it is sometimes desirable to detect the pressure applied to the resin as it passes through the gate of the mold device 800. In this case, the time period for the resin to pass through the gate is specified by the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427, based on the position of the screw 330 displayed in the waveform data column 1420. Then, the item "back pressure detection" is set to any channel. As a result, the output unit 713 can display statistical values, etc., of the resin passing through the gate in the selection range display column 1430. Then, the user can visually identify the selection range display column 1430 to determine whether the molded product is appropriate. This setting varies depending on the mold device 800, so it needs to be specified by the user. In contrast, the control device 700 according to this embodiment, based on the above structure, can display statistical values, etc., within any range for the items desired by the user.

[0163] Furthermore, even when it is desired to monitor the minimum, maximum, or total (integral) pressure applied to the resin for any item within a restricted range, as described above, this range can be specified using the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427, thereby enabling monitoring of the minimum, maximum, or total (integral) pressure applied to the resin. Moreover, by setting a judgment criterion for the statistical values ​​within this range, it is possible to determine whether the molded product is acceptable. For example, if the total pressure after a 2-second injection does not exceed a specified criterion, it can be considered a defective product. Additionally, regarding the method for setting the judgment... Figure 7 This will be discussed later.

[0164] In this embodiment, the user slides the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427 displayed on the touch panel 770. The receiving unit 712 then receives the movement of one or more of the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427. In this embodiment, the range of calculated statistical values ​​can be specified by moving the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427 displayed on the touch panel 770. That is, this embodiment allows the user to specify the range through intuitive operation, thus reducing the operational burden.

[0165] The trigger (CH1-5) bar 1408 is used to select the process to be displayed in the waveform data bar 1420. In this embodiment, the trigger (CH1-5) bar 1408 is configured as a menu. The receiving unit 712 receives the operation of selecting the desired process from the multiple processes shown in the menu screen via the touch panel 770.

[0166] When a process selection operation is received, the output unit 713 of this embodiment outputs waveform data of the selected item in the item column 1411A to 1415A of the process set in the trigger (CH1-5) column 1408 on the display screen of the waveform data column 1420.

[0167] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the range of the X-axis direction (time) is specified using the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427. However, this embodiment is not limited to specifying the range of the X-axis direction (time); the range of the Y-axis direction (actual value or setting information) can also be specified using multiple sliders (e.g., upper slider and lower slider). For example, the value (actual value or setting information) of the Y-axis direction can be specified by sliders, and the output unit 713 can output a list showing the X-axis value (e.g., time) when the specified value is achieved for each item. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an example is described where time is shown as the value of the X-axis direction and actual value or setting value is shown as the value of the Y-axis direction. However, this embodiment shows an example of specifying a range of waveform data in any axis, rather than limiting the parameters assigned to each axis to time, actual value, and setting value. For example, the X-axis is the amount of movement of the movable pressure plate 120, etc., and a range of this movement can be specified. Thus, when waveform data is displayed in the waveform data column where any parameter is assigned to each axis, it can be applied to situations where a range is specified for the waveform data in any axis (e.g., the range in the X-axis direction or the range in the Y-axis direction).

[0168] Figure 4 The example shown illustrates the display screen during the "fill start" process. This embodiment can also be applied to processes other than "fill start". Furthermore, Figure 4 This example shows items assigned to Ch-1 through Ch-5, but items can also be assigned to other channels (e.g., Ch-6 through Ch-10). Thus, during the molding of the finished product, it is possible to monitor 10 items.

[0169] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the display screen output by the output unit 713 in this embodiment. Figure 5As shown, the display screen 1500 displays the X-axis unit bar 1501, Y-axis unit bar 1502, waveform recording monitoring setting 1503, monitoring range left 1504, monitoring range right 1505, single injection output bar 1506, X-axis bar 1507, and trigger (CH6-10) bar 1508. Furthermore, the display screen 1500 also displays five channel bars (channel bar 6 1511 to channel bar 10 1515), waveform data bar 1520, and selection range display bar 1530. In this embodiment, the channel bars are used to select the displayed item.

[0170] Additionally, the X-axis unit column 1501, Y-axis unit column 1502, waveform recording monitoring setting 1503, single injection output column 1506, X-axis column 1507, and trigger (CH6-10) column 1508 are... Figure 4 The X-axis unit column 1401, Y-axis unit column 1402, waveform recording monitoring setting 1403, single injection output column 1406, X-axis column 1407, and trigger (CH1-5) column 1408 shown are the same, therefore descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the monitoring range left 1504 and monitoring range right 1505 are also the same as... Figure 4 The monitoring ranges 1404 on the left and 1405 on the right are the same, so the description is omitted.

[0171] Here's an example where "Rotation Setting" is set in item column 1511A, "100.00" is set in maximum value column 1511B, and "-100.00" is set in minimum value column 1511C. "Rotation Setting" indicates the setting of the rotational speed of screw 330.

[0172] Here's an example where "Rotation Detection" is set in item column 1512A, "100.00" is set in maximum value column 1512B, and "-100.00" is set in minimum value column 1512C. "Rotation Detection" refers to the rotational speed of the screw 330 detected by the metering motor encoder 341.

[0173] Here's an example where "Back Pressure Setting" is set in item column 1513A, "25.00" is set in maximum value column 1513B, and "0.00" is set in minimum value column 1513C. "Back Pressure Setting" refers to the setting of the back pressure relative to screw 330.

[0174] Here's an example where "Back Pressure Detection" is set in Project 1514A, "25.00" is set in Maximum Value 1514B, and "0.00" is set in Minimum Value 1514C. "Back Pressure Detection" refers to the back pressure relative to the screw 330 detected by the load detector 360.

[0175] Here's an example where "Screw Position Detection" is set in Project 1515A, "100.00" is set in Maximum Value 1515B, and "0.00" is set in Minimum Value 1515C. "Screw Position Detection" refers to the position of the screw 330 detected by the injection motor encoder 351.

[0176] Figure 5 The waveform data column 1520 displays waveform data representing the values ​​(actual value changes or setting information changes) of each item set in the "Metering Start" process set in the trigger (CH6-10) column 1508.

[0177] Waveform data 1521 in waveform data column 1520 represents the setting information for "Rotation Setting" set in channel 6 column 1511 (Ch-6). Waveform data 1522 represents the change in the detection result (an example of the actual value) of "Rotation Detection" set in channel 7 column 1512 (Ch-7).

[0178] Waveform data 1523 represents the setting information for "Back Pressure Setting" in channel 8, column 1513 (Ch-8). Waveform data 1524 represents the change in the detection result (an example of the actual value) of "Back Pressure Detection" in channel 9, column 1514 (Ch-9).

[0179] Waveform data 1525 represents the change in the detection result (an example of the actual value) of "Screw Position Detection" set in channel 10 column 1515 (Ch-10).

[0180] The selection range display bar 1530 displays the left-hand value (Start), maximum value (Max), integral value (Int), average value (Ave), minimum value (Min), and right-hand value (End) of the items set for each channel (Ch-6~Ch-10).

[0181] When the receiving unit 712 receives a rightward or leftward operation from the touch panel 770, the output unit 713 displays the movement of the left slider 1526 to the right or left within the waveform data bar 1520.

[0182] When the receiving unit 712 receives a rightward or leftward operation from the touch panel 770, the output unit 713 displays the movement of the right slider 1527 to the right or left within the waveform data bar 1520.

[0183] The selection range display bar 1530 is a bar that displays the statistical values, start values, and end values ​​of each item set in each channel bar within the range set by the left slider 1526 and the right slider 1527.

[0184] Next, the control sequence performed in the control device 700 according to the first embodiment when receiving the specified range of the selection range display bar will be described. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the control performed in the control device 700 according to the first embodiment when receiving the specification of the range specified in the selection range display bar.

[0185] First, the output unit 713 of the control device 700 outputs (displays) a display screen that displays waveform data including waveform data of each item and two sliders and a selection range display screen in any process to the touch panel 770 (step S1601).

[0186] The receiving unit 712 receives one or more movement operations of the left and right sliders shown in the waveform data column (step S1602). In addition, the receiving unit 712 can receive input of one or more values ​​of the left and right sides of the monitoring range.

[0187] When a movement operation is received (step S1602: "Yes"), the output unit 713 outputs (displays) a display screen that includes a selection range display bar showing setting information and statistical values ​​for each item within the range specified in step S1602 (step S1603). Then, processing begins from step S1602.

[0188] On the other hand, when the receiving unit 712 does not receive any or more movement operations of the left slider and the right slider shown in the waveform data column (when there is no movement operation) (step S1602: "No"), the process ends.

[0189] In this embodiment, the output unit 713 stores the actual values ​​during molding, setting information, and statistical values ​​as log information in the information storage unit 711. The settings used to save as log information are displayed on the log information screen.

[0190] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates the log information screen output by the output unit 713 according to this embodiment. The output unit 713 according to this embodiment stores actual values ​​from various sensors in the information storage unit 711 according to the settings of the log information screen.

[0191] exist Figure 7In the log information screen 1700 shown, the total quantity 1701, the quantity of qualified products 1702, the quantity of unqualified products 1703, the quantity of waste products 1704, the data save button 1705, the monitoring setting button 1706, the statistics overview 1710, and the actual result overview 1720 are shown.

[0192] The statistics overview 1710 shows the statistical values (e.g., average, range, maximum, minimum, standard deviation) of each setting column 1711 to 1717. The content displayed in the setting columns 1711 to 1717 can be set by the user. In this embodiment, regarding the items displayed in the setting columns 1711 to 1717, display, monitoring, and saving of log information can be performed. In addition, the monitoring in this embodiment determines whether it is a qualified product according to a specified criterion.

[0193] "Monitoring", "monitoring value", and "range" in the statistics overview 1710 are set as information for determining whether the molded product in this setting column is unqualified.

[0194] When the monitoring is "cut", the output unit 713 does not perform monitoring. When the monitoring is "in", the output unit 713 performs monitoring. When the monitoring is "in", the output unit 713 determines whether the measured actual value in the item shown in this setting column satisfies the criteria shown in the "monitoring value" and "range".

[0195] "Unqualified" in the statistics overview 1710 indicates the number of molded products that do not satisfy the criteria shown in the "monitoring value" and "range".

[0196] "Cycle time" in the setting column 1711, "filling time" in the setting column 1712, and "metering time" in the setting column 1713 are pre-set items and are set as items for the time required for the monitoring cycle, filling, and metering.

[0197] The receiving unit 712 receives changes to the items represented by the selection range display columns 1430 and 1530 shown in the setting columns 1711 to 1717 Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown in.

[0198] "Filling start Ch-1 Ave" in the setting column 1714, "filling start Ch-5Int" in the setting column 1715, "metering start Ch-9 Int" in the setting column 1716, and "metering start Ch-10Start" in the setting column 1716 are examples of receiving changes to the items represented by the selection range display columns 1430 and 1530.

[0199] For example, "Fill Start Ch-1 Ave" sets the "Ave (average value)" of the range specified in the selection range display bar 1430 to the monitored item. Similarly, "Fill Start Ch-5 Int" sets the "Int (integral value)" of the range specified in the selection range display bar 1430 to the monitored item. The same applies to "Measurement Start Ch-9 Int" and "Measurement Start Ch-10 Start," which set the parameter of the range specified in the selection range display bar 1530 to the monitored item.

[0200] The data save button 1705 is configured to receive whether to save the statistical values ​​(e.g., average, range, maximum, minimum, standard deviation) of each setting field 1711 to 1717. When the data save button 1705 is pressed (displayed as "Data Save ON"), the output unit 713 saves the statistical values ​​of each setting field 1711 to 1717 at the time of molding to the information storage unit 711.

[0201] As an example, the saving related to setting fields 1714-1717 will be explained. The output unit 713 outputs (saves) the statistical values ​​(information representing the characteristics of the item) of each setting field 1714-1717 within the range specified by the selection range display fields 1430 and 1530 to the information storage unit 711 (an example of a storage device). In this embodiment, saving statistical values ​​within a range arbitrarily set by the user becomes easy, thus simplifying quality management.

[0202] The monitoring setting button 1706 is configured to receive whether to monitor the items monitored according to the setting column 1711. When the monitoring setting button 1706 is pressed (displayed as "monitoring input"), the output unit 713 saves the statistical values ​​of each setting column 1711 to 1717 as log information in the information storage unit 711.

[0203] Total Quantity 1701 indicates the number of molded articles formed in injection molding machine 10. Acceptable Quantity 1702 indicates the number of molded articles judged as acceptable based on "monitoring," "monitoring value," and "range." Unacceptable Quantity 1703 indicates the number of molded articles judged as unacceptable based on "monitoring," "monitoring value," and "range." Scrap Quantity 1704 indicates the number of molded articles designated as scrap.

[0204] The performance overview 1720 represents a summary of the setting information in channels "Ch-1" to "Ch-10" or the actual values ​​measured by various sensors during each material injection. The output unit 713 also saves the information shown in the performance overview 1720 to the information storage unit 711.

[0205] The control device 700 according to this embodiment, by having the above-described structure, makes it easy for a user to select any range of waveform data displayed in the waveform data bar when the user wants to confirm detailed information of any range of waveform data displayed in the waveform data bar by operating the left and right sliders displayed in the waveform data bar via the touch panel. Therefore, it can reduce the user's operational burden when displaying detailed information of any range.

[0206] (Second Implementation)

[0207] In the above embodiments, an example of displaying waveform data related to one process on a display screen was described. However, the control device 700 is not limited to the above display method. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example of displaying waveform data columns in different areas for each of the multiple processes is described. In addition, the structure of the control device 700 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted.

[0208] When the receiving unit 712 receives an operation to display two processes, the output unit 713 according to this embodiment displays a display screen including waveform data columns for the two processes.

[0209] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates the display screen output by the output unit 713 in this embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the display screen 1800 shows the waveform data column 1820 for the "Fill Start" process and the waveform data column 1870 for the "Metering Start" process. Figure 8 As shown, the output unit 713 in this embodiment displays multiple waveform data columns 1820 and 1870 (an example of multiple areas) on the screen output to the touch panel 770. The waveform data of the items set in the process are displayed in the waveform data columns 1820 and 1870 respectively. This embodiment describes an example in which waveform data of multiple different processes (the first process and the second process) are respectively assigned to the waveform data columns 1820 and 1870, but the waveform data of the same process can also be assigned to multiple waveform data columns and displayed.

[0210] In display screen 1800, the X-axis unit bar 1801, Y-axis unit bar 1802, left monitoring range 1803, right monitoring range 1804, trigger (CH1-5) bar 1806, and X-axis bar 1805 of the first process (e.g., "fill start") are shown. These items are the same as in the first embodiment, so descriptions are omitted.

[0211] The first step (e.g., "Fill Start") is shown using five channel bars (channel 1 bar 1811 to channel 5 bar 1815), waveform data bar 1820, and selection range display bar 1830.

[0212] The 5 channel bars (channel 1 bar 1811 to channel 5 bar 1815) are the same as those in the first embodiment. Figure 4 The channel bars shown (Channel 1 bar 1411 to Channel 5 bar 1415) are the same, so the description is omitted.

[0213] The waveform data 1821 to 1825 displayed in waveform data column 1820 represent the changes in the setting information or actual values ​​of each item shown in channel 1 column 1811 to channel 5 column 1815.

[0214] Furthermore, the output unit 713 displays a left slider 1826 and a right slider 1827 in the waveform data column 1820.

[0215] When the receiving unit 712 receives a rightward or leftward sliding operation from the touch panel 770, the output unit 713 displays the movement of the left slider 1826 to the right or left within the waveform data bar 1820. The value displayed on the left side 1803 of the monitoring range changes according to the value indicated by the moved left slider 1826.

[0216] When the receiving unit 712 receives a rightward or leftward sliding operation from the touch panel 770, the output unit 713 displays the movement of the right slider 1827 to the right or left within the waveform data bar 1820. The value displayed on the right side 1804 of the monitoring range changes according to the value indicated by the moved right slider 1827.

[0217] The selection range display bar 1830 is a bar that displays the statistical values, start values, and end values ​​of each item set in each channel bar within the range set by the left slider 1826 and the right slider 1827.

[0218] In display screen 1800, the X-axis unit column 1851, Y-axis unit column 1852, monitoring range left 1853, monitoring range right 1854, trigger (CH6-10) column 1856, and X-axis column 1855 of the second process (e.g., "measurement start") are shown. These items are the same as in the first embodiment, so descriptions are omitted.

[0219] The second step (e.g., "Metering Start") is shown using five channel bars (channel 6 1861 to channel 10 1865), waveform data bar 1870, and selection range display bar 1880.

[0220] The 5 channel bars (channel 6, 1861 to channel 10, 1865) are the same as those in the first embodiment. Figure 5 The channel bars shown (channel 6 bar 1511 to channel 10 bar 1515) are the same, so the description is omitted.

[0221] The waveform data 1871 to 1875 displayed in waveform data column 1870 represent the changes in the setting information or actual values ​​of each item shown in channel 6 column 1861 to channel 10 column 1865.

[0222] Furthermore, the output unit 713 displays a left slider 1876 and a right slider 1877 in the waveform data column 1870.

[0223] When the receiving unit 712 receives a rightward or leftward sliding operation from the touch panel 770, the output unit 713 displays the movement of the left slider 1876 to the right or left within the waveform data bar 1870. The value displayed on the left side of the monitoring range 1853 changes according to the value indicated by the moved left slider 1876.

[0224] When the receiving unit 712 receives a rightward or leftward sliding operation from the touch panel 770, the output unit 713 displays the movement of the right slider 1877 to the right or left within the waveform data bar 1870. The value displayed on the right side 1854 of the monitoring range changes according to the value indicated by the moved right slider 1877.

[0225] The selection range display bar 1880 is a bar that displays the statistical values, start values, and end values ​​of each item set in each channel bar within the range set by the left slider 1876 and the right slider 1877.

[0226] In this embodiment, ranges can be set for the waveform data field 1820 of the first process (e.g., "fill start") and the waveform data field 1870 of the second process (e.g., "measurement start"). This allows the user to specify ranges while simultaneously verifying the associated processes, thus reducing operational burden.

[0227] For example, by referring to the integral value of the "back pressure detection" within the range specified in "Metering Start" and confirming the statistical value of the "back pressure detection" measured at "Filling Start", users can identify the correspondence between the back pressure during metering and the pressure during filling.

[0228] Furthermore, the output unit 713 according to this embodiment can display one process in multiple waveform data columns. At this time, multiple ranges (e.g., 0 to 2 seconds and 0 to 5 seconds) can be specified for one process. As a result, statistical values ​​can be displayed under various conditions, thereby improving quality management.

[0229] The output unit 713 of the control device 700 according to the above embodiment outputs a display screen showing a selection range display bar that includes setting information and statistical values ​​for each item, within a range specified by the left and right sliders. The information displayed in the selection range display bar can be saved as log information.

[0230] The control device 700 described above, by using the left and right sliders of the waveform data bar, can receive range settings while referring to the waveform data displayed in the waveform data bar, thus easily setting the range to be monitored as desired by the user. By displaying the set range information in the selection range display bar, the user of the control device 700 can properly grasp the status of that range, thereby achieving more detailed quality management of the molded product. Through detailed quality management, the control device 700 suppresses fluctuations in the quality of the molded product, thereby improving the reliability of the molded product.

[0231] The control device 700 described above receives operations on the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427 via a touch panel 770. In the control device 700, the touch panel 770 receives operations on the left slider 1426 and the right slider 1427 displayed on the touch panel 770. Therefore, compared to directly inputting values ​​in a text field, it is easier to specify a range of intuitive statistical values, thus reducing the operational burden.

[0232] The control device 700 described above, by specifying a monitored range, suppresses the display of setting information and statistical values ​​outside the specified range when a selection range display bar containing setting information and statistical values ​​is displayed within the specified range, thereby reducing memory capacity. Furthermore, the control device 700 can save information included within the specified monitoring range as log information, while not saving information outside the monitored range, thus suppressing the saving of unnecessary information and reducing the capacity of the information storage unit 711.

[0233] In the above embodiment, an example using a touch panel 770 was described as a display input device that integrates a display device and an input device, capable of receiving operations on the screen area displayed by the display device, and connected to the injection molding machine 10. However, the above embodiment is not limited to the touch panel 770 as the display input device; any display input device connected to the injection molding machine 10 and capable of receiving operations on the screen area is acceptable. Examples of display input devices include smartphones, tablets, etc., that can be connected to the injection molding machine 10 via wireless communication.

[0234] Furthermore, the display input device is not limited to the display area of ​​the touch panel 770 described above. The display input device can be any device capable of receiving operations on the displayed screen, for example, it can also receive operations on areas (an example of a screen area) that display virtual extended visual information using XR technologies such as VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), and MR (Mixed Reality).

[0235] The embodiments of the injection molding machine according to the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations can be made within the scope described in the technical solution. These, of course, also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control device for an injection molding machine, comprising: The output unit outputs waveform information, representing the changes of each item, to a display device. This item displays the actual value detected during the injection molding process. The receiving unit receives waveform information representing waveform changes within a first range and performs a specified operation on a second range that is different from the first range used to display the waveform changes. The output section is, The waveform information, which displays information related to the injection process, is saved to a storage device. While maintaining the waveform information as log information, the information included in the second range specified in the first range is saved to the storage device.

2. The control device for the injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein, The output unit is used to save information related to the injection to the storage device and output the display information to the screen representing the waveform information.

3. The control device for the injection molding machine according to claim 2, wherein, When the receiving unit receives an operation for the display information, the output unit saves the information related to the injection process, which is displayed by the waveform information, to the storage device.

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