Control device of injection molding machine

Abstract

A control device (10) for an injection molding machine is provided with: a numerical value setting unit (20) that sets numerical values for a plurality of items included in molding conditions of the injection molding machine; and a range setting unit (24) that sets an input limit range, which is a range for limiting the input of the numerical value. A range setting unit (24) calculates an input limit range of a numerical value set in at least one item using the numerical value and a coefficient common to each item.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for an injection molding machine. Background Art

[0002] The injection molding machine repeatedly executes the molding cycle. In the molding cycle, the mold closing process, injection process, pressure holding process, metering process, mold opening process and molded product removal process are performed.

[0003] The mold clamping process is a process of closing the metal mold and applying a predetermined mold clamping force to the closed metal mold. The injection process is a process of injecting the molding material into the interior of the metal mold. The pressure holding process is a process of applying pressure (holding pressure) to the molding material injected into the metal mold. The metering process is a process of metering the molding material as a preparation for the next molding cycle. The mold opening process is a process of opening the metal mold. The molded product removal process is a process of removing the molded product from the metal mold. The injection process, the pressure holding process, and the metering process are performed by an injection device having a cylinder and a screw that can move forward and backward inside the cylinder. The molding material is injected when the screw moves forward, and the molding material is metered when the screw moves backward.

[0004] In order to obtain the best molded product without burrs or warpage, it is necessary to determine various molding conditions such as position, speed, and pressure in each of the above processes performed in the molding cycle. However, in order to cope with external factors such as temperature and humidity or individual differences in machinery, the values ​​set for the multiple items included in the molding conditions always need to be adjusted.

[0005] On the other hand, in the medical field, automobile field and other fields, in order to avoid defective products, sometimes no major changes are allowed from the molding conditions or mass production conditions that have been approved through verification. Therefore, there is a tendency to limit the freedom of adjustment of numerical values. In addition, in countries where the operator's proficiency is low, there is a tendency for metal molds, clamping devices, injection devices and other machines to be damaged due to incorrect input settings. In order to prevent this, it is required to limit the range of numerical values ​​that can be set in the items of the molding conditions. Therefore, it is effective to set a range for limiting the input of numerical values ​​set for multiple items included in the molding conditions, that is, an input limit range.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-124829 discloses a molding condition setting value input device that displays an allowable range (input limit range) of a setting value in a molding condition setting item. In this molding condition setting value input device, the input operator of the allowable range (input limit range) of the setting value is limited. Summary of the invention

[0007] However, when the input operator inputs the input limit range, it is necessary to determine to what extent the input limit range is set, and this determination requires experience, etc. In addition, when the input operator inputs the input limit range by mistake, damage to the equipment may occur.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] The present invention is a control device for an injection molding machine, comprising: a numerical setting unit, which sets numerical values ​​for multiple items included in the molding conditions of the injection molding machine; and a range setting unit, which sets a range for limiting the input of the numerical values, i.e., an input limit range, wherein the range setting unit uses the numerical values ​​and a common coefficient in each of the items to calculate the input limit range of the numerical values ​​set in at least one of the items.

[0010] According to the method of the present invention, the input limit range can be set without requiring the operator to input the input limit range. Therefore, the input limit range can be set without requiring the operator to determine to what extent the input limit range is set. As a result, damage to the equipment caused by the numerical value set in the item of the molding condition can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a control device for an injection molding machine.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for an input limit range. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the control device 10 of the injection molding machine. The control device 10 of the injection molding machine includes an information processing unit 12 , a storage unit 14 , a display unit 16 , and an input unit 18 .

[0014] The information processing unit 12 processes information. The information processing unit 12 may also be a processor including a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, etc. The storage unit 14 stores information. The storage unit 14 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. A part of the storage unit 14 may also be provided in the information processing unit 12. The display unit 16 displays information. The display unit 16 may also be a liquid crystal display, etc. The input unit 18 inputs information. The input unit 18 is used for operator operation. The input unit 18 may be a mouse, a keyboard, etc., or a touch panel configured on the display screen of the display unit 16.

[0015] The information processing unit 12 includes a numerical value setting unit 20, a numerical value acquisition unit 22, a range setting unit 24, a display control unit 26, and a warning unit 28. The numerical value setting unit 20, the numerical value acquisition unit 22, the range setting unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the warning unit 28 are obtained by the information processing unit 12 executing a program stored in the storage unit 14. In addition, at least one of the numerical value setting unit 20, the numerical value acquisition unit 22, the range setting unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the warning unit 28 may also be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. In addition, at least one of the numerical value setting unit 20, the numerical value acquisition unit 22, the range setting unit 24, the display control unit 26, and the warning unit 28 may also be composed of an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0016] The storage unit 14 includes a numerical storage unit 30, a coefficient storage unit 32, a range storage unit 34, and a rated range storage unit 36. Specific information is stored in each of the numerical storage unit 30, the coefficient storage unit 32, the range storage unit 34, and the rated range storage unit 36. The numerical storage unit 30, the coefficient storage unit 32, the range storage unit 34, and the rated range storage unit 36 ​​may be provided in one storage device or in independent storage devices.

[0017] The numerical setting unit 20 sets numerical values ​​for a plurality of items included in the molding conditions of the injection molding machine, including at least two of the injection stage, injection speed, VP switching position, holding stage, holding pressure, holding time, pre-metering pressure, and pre-metering holding time.

[0018] The injection stage is the stage at which the injection speed is switched in stages. The injection speed is the speed at which the molding material is filled into the cavity of the metal mold, and is set according to the injection stage. The VP switching position is the position at which the speed control (V) is switched to the pressure control (P). The holding pressure stage is the stage at which the holding pressure is switched in stages. The holding pressure is the pressure applied to suppress the backflow of the molding material injected into the metal mold, and is set according to the holding pressure stage. The holding pressure time is the time during which the holding pressure is applied continuously, and is set according to the holding pressure stage. The pre-metering pressure is the holding pressure immediately before the metering process is performed, and the pre-metering holding pressure time is the time during which the pre-metering pressure is applied continuously.

[0019] The numerical value setting unit 20 sets the numerical value input by the operator through the input operation using the input unit 18 to the item. If there is an item for which the operator has not input a numerical value, the numerical value setting unit 20 sets a preset default value to the item. When the numerical value setting unit 20 sets a numerical value to each item, it stores the numerical value set to each item in the numerical value storage unit 30 of the storage unit 14.

[0020] The numerical acquisition unit 22 acquires numerical values ​​set for a plurality of items included in the molding conditions. In this case, the numerical acquisition unit 22 reads the numerical value of each item stored in the numerical storage unit 30 of the storage unit 14 as the current numerical value (current value) set for the item.

[0021] The range setting unit 24 sets an input restriction range. The input restriction range is a range for restricting the input of a numerical value set for an item. The input of the numerical value is input by an operator. The input restriction range has an upper limit value and a lower limit value. The range setting unit 24 calculates the input restriction range of the numerical value set for at least one of the plurality of items. In this case, the range setting unit 24 uses a numerical value and a coefficient. The range setting unit 24 changes the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the input restriction range according to the coefficient based on the current value obtained by the numerical value obtaining unit 22.

[0022] The numerical value is a current value acquired by the numerical value acquisition unit 22. The coefficient is a coefficient common to a plurality of items included in the molding conditions of the injection molding machine, and includes a first coefficient and a second coefficient. The first coefficient and the second coefficient are stored in the coefficient storage unit 32 of the storage unit 14. The first coefficient and the second coefficient may be pre-prepared default values, or values ​​input by an operator using an input operation of the input unit 18.

[0023] The first coefficient is a coefficient for calculating the upper limit value of the input limit range. The second coefficient is a coefficient for calculating the lower limit value of the input limit range. In the present embodiment, the range setting unit 24 adds the first coefficient to "1" and multiplies the current value by the addition result to calculate the upper limit value of the input limit range. In addition, the range setting unit 24 calculates the lower limit value of the input limit range by subtracting the second coefficient from "1" and multiplying the current value by the subtraction result.

[0024] The range setting unit 24 calculates the upper limit and lower limit of the input limit range of the numerical value set for the item selected by the operator among the multiple items included in the molding conditions. When the number of items selected by the operator is multiple, the range setting unit 24 calculates the upper limit and lower limit of the input limit range of the numerical value set for each item.

[0025] When the range setting unit 24 calculates the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the input limit range, it compares the input limit range with the rated range. The range setting unit 24 sets the narrower one of the input limit range and the rated range. The rated range is a range of input of numerical values ​​according to the specifications of the injection molding machine, and has an upper limit value and a lower limit value. The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the rated range are stored in the rated range storage unit 36 ​​of the storage unit 14. When the range setting unit 24 sets the input limit range, it stores the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the input limit range in the range storage unit 34 of the storage unit 14.

[0026] When receiving a setting request for the input limit range from the input unit 18 , the display control unit 26 displays a setting screen for setting the input limit range on the display unit 16 . Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for an input limit range.

[0027] The setting screen displays the current value, the maximum value, and the minimum value for each item included in the molding conditions. The setting screen includes an item display column 40 , a current value display column 42 , a maximum value display column 44 , and a minimum value display column 46 .

[0028] The item display column 40 , the current value display column 42 , the maximum value display column 44 , and the minimum value display column 46 are arranged at intervals in the first direction. Figure 2 A plurality of item display fields 40 , current value display fields 42 , maximum value display fields 44 , and minimum value display fields 46 are arranged at intervals in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Figure 2 An example of arrangement along the vertical direction of the setting screen is shown.

[0029] The item is displayed in the item display column 40. The current numerical value set for the item is displayed in the current value display column 42. The numerical value displayed in the current value display column 42 is set by the numerical value setting unit 20 and acquired by the numerical value acquisition unit 22. The current upper limit value of the input limit range is displayed in the maximum value display column 44. The current lower limit value of the input limit range is displayed in the minimum value display column 46. The upper limit value of the input limit range displayed in the maximum value display column 44 and the lower limit value of the input limit range displayed in the minimum value display column 46 are default values ​​or values ​​input by the operator.

[0030] In addition, the setting screen also includes a check box 48, a select all button 50, and a cancel all button 52. The check box 48 is associated with the plurality of item display columns 40 one-to-one, and is arranged near each item display column 40. The select all button 50 is a button for selecting all items displayed in the item display column 40 at once. The cancel all button 52 is a button for selecting and canceling all items displayed in the item display column 40 at once. In addition, the selection of any item is performed by the selection operation of the operator using the input unit 18. When an item displayed in the item display column 40 is selected, a check mark is displayed in the check box 48. Therefore, the operator can select the item for which the input limit range is desired to be set while confirming the current numerical value set for each item of the molding condition and the input limit range of the numerical value.

[0031] The setting screen further includes a first coefficient display column 54, a second coefficient display column 56, and an execution button 58. The first coefficient is displayed in the first coefficient display column 54, and the second coefficient is displayed in the second coefficient display column 56. The first coefficient displayed in the first coefficient display column 54 and the second coefficient displayed in the second coefficient display column 56 are stored in the coefficient storage unit 32.

[0032] The execution button 58 is a button for executing the setting of the input limit range. When the execution button 58 is operated using the input unit 18, the input limit range of the numerical value set for the item corresponding to the check box 48 displayed with a check mark starts to be set. In this case, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the input limit range are set by the range setting unit 24 using the numerical value displayed in the current value display column 42, the first coefficient displayed in the first coefficient display column 54, and the second coefficient displayed in the second coefficient display column 56. Therefore, the operator can set the input limit range without having to determine to what extent the input limit range is set.

[0033] When the upper limit and lower limit of the input limit range are set by the range setting unit 24, the display control unit 26 displays the upper limit in the maximum value display column 44 and displays the lower limit in the minimum value display column 46. Therefore, the operator can confirm while comparing the numerical value set in the item and the input limit range of the numerical value. In addition, the operator can also reset the input limit range by changing the first coefficient and the second coefficient as needed. In addition, when the range setting unit 24 sets the input limit range or the rated range, whichever is narrower, even if the coefficient is input by mistake, it is possible to suppress damage to the machine.

[0034] The setting screen also includes a valid / invalid display field 60. The input limit range is displayed in a pull-down format in which validity or invalidity can be selected. The selection of valid or invalid input limit range is performed by the operator's selection operation using the input unit 18.

[0035] When the input restriction range is valid, the input of the numerical value set for the item is restricted to the input restriction range set by the range setting unit 24. In this case, when there is a request to change the numerical value to a value outside the input restriction range, the numerical value setting unit 20 discards the value outside the input restriction range and maintains the current numerical value.

[0036] When the input restriction range is invalid, the restriction on the input of the numerical value set in the item is lifted even if the input restriction range is set by the range setting unit 24. In this case, when there is a request to change the numerical value to a value outside the input restriction range, the numerical value setting unit 20 changes the numerical value to a value outside the input restriction range.

[0037] The warning unit 28 issues a warning when the input limit range is valid and there is a request to change the numerical value to a value outside the input limit range. In this case, the warning unit 28 may display a warning message on the display unit 16, output a warning message from a speaker, or light up or flash a warning light emitting unit.

[0038] The above-mentioned embodiment may be modified as follows.

[0039] (Variant 1)

[0040] A stop unit may also be provided which stops the injection molding machine urgently when the input limit range is valid and there is a request to change the numerical value to a value outside the input limit range. In this case, the warning unit 28 may be removed or may be issued without being removed.

[0041] (Variant 2)

[0042] It is also possible to set a range in which the first coefficient can be input, that is, a first coefficient input range. In this case, when there is a request to change the first coefficient to a value outside the first coefficient input range, the range setting unit 24 can use the default value as the first coefficient to calculate the upper limit value of the input limit range. In addition, the display control unit 26 can display on the setting screen that the value input as the first coefficient is inappropriate, and can also display on the setting screen that the input limit range is calculated using the default value.

[0043] Similarly, the range in which the second coefficient can be input, i.e., the second coefficient input range, may be set. In this case, when there is a request to change the second coefficient to a value outside the second coefficient input range, the range setting unit 24 may calculate the lower limit value of the input limit range using the default value as the second coefficient. In addition, the display control unit 26 may display on the setting screen that the value input as the second coefficient is inappropriate, or may display on the setting screen that the input limit range is calculated using the default value.

[0044] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0045] 〔invention〕

[0046] The invention that can be grasped from the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples will be described below.

[0047] (1) The present invention is a control device (10) for an injection molding machine, comprising: a numerical setting unit (20) for setting numerical values ​​for a plurality of items included in molding conditions of the injection molding machine; and a range setting unit (24) for setting a range for limiting the input of the numerical values, i.e., an input limit range, wherein the range setting unit uses the numerical values ​​and a common coefficient in each of the items to calculate the input limit range of the numerical values ​​set in at least one of the items.

[0048] Thus, the input limit range can be set without requiring the operator to input the input limit range. Therefore, the input limit range can be set without requiring the operator to determine to what extent the input limit range is set. As a result, equipment damage or molding defects caused by the numerical values ​​set in the molding condition items can be prevented.

[0049] (2) The present invention is a control device for an injection molding machine, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input limit range of the numerical value set for each of the items at once. Thus, each input limit range can be set in advance compared to a case where the numerical value set for each item is calculated separately. In addition, the operator's operation required for calculating each input limit range can be omitted.

[0050] (3) The present invention is a control device for an injection molding machine, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input limit range of the numerical value set for the item selected by the operator among the plurality of items, thereby enabling setting of the input limit range of only the item desired by the operator.

[0051] (4) The present invention is a control device for an injection molding machine, comprising: a numerical value acquisition unit (22) for acquiring the numerical value set for each of the items; and a display control unit (26) for causing a display unit (16) to display the numerical value, the upper limit value of the input limit range, and the lower limit value of the input limit range for each of the items, wherein the range setting unit calculates the upper limit value and the lower limit value. Thus, the input limit range can be set while the operator is allowed to confirm the current numerical value set for each item of the molding condition and the input limit range of the numerical value. In addition, the operator can be given an opportunity to reset the input limit range.

[0052] (5) The present invention is a control device for an injection molding machine, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input limit range using a first coefficient and a second coefficient, wherein the first coefficient is the coefficient for calculating an upper limit value of the input limit range, and the second coefficient is the coefficient for calculating a lower limit value of the input limit range. Thus, the input limit range can be appropriately set.

[0053] (6) The present invention is a control device for an injection molding machine, comprising: a coefficient storage unit (32) storing the coefficients input by an operator, wherein the range setting unit calculates the input limit range using the coefficients stored in the coefficient storage unit, thereby being able to calculate the input limit range in consideration of the operator's request.

[0054] (7) The present invention is a control device for an injection molding machine, comprising: a rated range storage unit (36) storing a rated range for limiting the input of the numerical value according to the specification of the injection molding machine, and a range setting unit setting the narrower of the input limit range and the rated range. Thus, the range for limiting the input of the numerical value set for the item of the molding condition can be appropriately set. In addition, even if the operator mistakenly inputs a coefficient for calculating the input limit range, damage to the machine or poor molding can be suppressed.

[0055] (8) The present invention is a control device for an injection molding machine, wherein when there is a request to change the numerical value to a value outside the input limit range, the numerical value setting unit discards the value outside the input limit range and maintains the current numerical value, thereby reliably preventing damage to the equipment or defective molding.

[0056] Explanation of symbols

[0057] 10…control device; 12…information processing unit;

[0058] 14 ... storage unit; 16 ... display unit;

[0059] 18…input unit; 20…numerical value setting unit;

[0060] 22 ... a numerical value acquisition unit; 24 ... a range setting unit;

[0061] 26 ...display control unit; 28 ...warning unit;

[0062] 30 ... a numerical value storage unit; 32 ... a coefficient storage unit;

[0063] 34 ...range storage unit; 36 ...rated range storage unit.

Claims

1. A control device (10) for an injection molding machine, characterized in that: The control device comprises: a numerical value setting unit (20) for setting numerical values ​​for a plurality of items included in the molding conditions of the injection molding machine; and A range setting unit (24) is configured to set a range for limiting the input of the numerical value, i.e., an input limit range, The range setting unit calculates the input restriction range of the numerical value set in at least one of the items using the numerical value and a coefficient common to each of the items.

2. The control device for an injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The range setting unit collectively calculates the input restriction range of the numerical value set for each of the items.

3. The control device for an injection molding machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The range setting unit calculates the input restriction range of the numerical value set for the item selected by the operator among the plurality of items.

4. The control device for an injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The control device comprises: a numerical value acquisition unit (22) for acquiring the numerical value set for each of the items; and a display control unit (26) for causing the display unit (16) to display the numerical value, the upper limit value of the input limit range, and the lower limit value of the input limit range for each of the items; The range setting unit calculates the upper limit value and the lower limit value.

5. The control device for an injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The range setting unit calculates the input limit range using a first coefficient for calculating an upper limit value of the input limit range and a second coefficient for calculating a lower limit value of the input limit range.

6. The control device for an injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The control device comprises: a coefficient storage unit (32) for storing the coefficient input by an operator, The range setting unit calculates the input limit range using the coefficient stored in the coefficient storage unit.

7. The control device for an injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The control device comprises: a rated range storage unit (36) for storing a rated range for limiting the input of the numerical value according to the specification of the injection molding machine, The range setting unit sets a narrower one of the input limit range and the rated range.

8. The control device for an injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: When there is a request to change the numerical value to a value outside the input limit range, the numerical value setting unit discards the value outside the input limit range and maintains the current numerical value.

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