Signal processing device

Abstract

A signal processing device (16) processes a signal used in a machine (12) capable of repeatedly executing a cycle including one or more predetermined operation steps. A signal processing device (16) is provided with: a counter unit (34); a counting condition setting unit (40) that sets a counting condition; a reset condition setting unit (42) that sets a reset condition; a signal output unit (36) that outputs a trigger signal to a predetermined output destination when the count number is equal to or greater than a predetermined count threshold value; and an output setting unit (38) that sets a count threshold value and an output destination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a signal processing device. Background Art

[0002] The machine can repeatedly execute a cycle including one or more predetermined action steps. In various machines, peripheral devices and the like arranged around the machine are sometimes operated in accordance with the action state of the machine. For example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-181514 discloses the following technology: a device operating in a certain action step is selected, and a value obtained by adding the values ​​of 2 to the power of n corresponding to the selected device is set, thereby causing the working device to operate. Summary of the invention

[0003] In Japanese Patent Publication No. 5-181514, it is possible to select the equipment that operates in each operation process, but it is not possible to obtain the desired timing signal, etc. Generally speaking, in order to obtain the desired timing signal, etc. through a system including a machine and its peripheral equipment, or according to the requirements of an operator using the system, it is sometimes necessary to change the program. In this case, it takes a relatively long time. Therefore, it is listed as a problem that the signal output to the peripheral equipment, etc. can be easily customized without changing the program.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] The present invention is a signal processing device that processes a signal used in a machine that can repeatedly execute a cycle, wherein the cycle includes more than one specified action steps, wherein the signal processing device has: a counter unit that counts the cycle; a counting condition setting unit that sets the counting condition selected from a plurality of counting conditions, and the plurality of counting conditions are defined as conditions for the counter unit to perform increment counting; a reset condition setting unit that sets the reset condition selected from a plurality of reset conditions, and the plurality of reset conditions are defined as conditions for resetting the number of counts counted by the counter unit; a signal output unit that outputs a trigger signal to a specified output destination when the number of counts is above a specified counting threshold; and an output setting unit that sets the counting threshold and the output destination.

[0006] According to the method of the present invention, the count quantity of the counter unit can be changed according to the counting condition and the reset condition. In addition, the output timing of the trigger signal can be changed according to the counting threshold. Furthermore, the output destination of the trigger signal can be changed. As a result, the signal output to the peripheral device can be easily customized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing the structure of a processor.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting count conditions and reset conditions.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen for selecting a selection signal.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of another selection screen for selecting a selection signal.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting an output destination of a trigger signal.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of another setting screen for setting an output destination of a trigger signal.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing an example of a circulation diagnosis screen.

[0015] Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing the flow of signal processing performed by a processor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system 10 according to an embodiment. The signal processing system 10 includes a machine 12, peripheral equipment 14, and a signal processing device 16. The peripheral equipment 14 is equipment provided around the machine 12.

[0017] The machine 12 is a device capable of repeatedly executing a cycle, wherein the cycle includes one or more predetermined action steps. The following description will be given by taking the case where the machine 12 is an injection molding machine as an example. The injection molding machine repeatedly executes a molding cycle. A molding cycle is a unit time from the start to the end of an injection molding process. In the molding cycle, each action step of mold closing, injection, pressure holding, measurement, mold opening, and molded product removal is executed.

[0018] Mold clamping is the process of closing the mold and applying a specified clamping force to the closed mold. The mold clamping process is performed by the mold clamping device of the injection molding machine. Injection is the process of injecting the molding material into the interior of the mold. Holding pressure is the process of applying pressure (holding pressure) to the molding material injected into the mold. Measurement is the process of measuring the molding material as a preparation for the next molding cycle. The injection device of the injection molding machine performs the injection, holding and measurement processes. Mold opening is the process of opening the mold. The mold opening process is performed by the mold clamping device of the injection molding machine. Molded product removal is the process of removing the molded product from the mold. The molded product removal process is performed by the ejector device of the injection molding machine.

[0019] The peripheral device 14 is a device provided around the machine 12. The peripheral device 14 includes: an alarm device 14_1, a display light 14_2, and a take-out device 14_3. The alarm device 14_1 is a device for warning of abnormalities of the machine 12, etc. The display light 14_2 is a device for displaying the state of the machine 12, etc. The take-out device 14_3 is a device for taking out a molded product molded by the injection molding machine to the outside of the housing covering the injection molding machine. In addition, the peripheral device 14 may also include: an opening and closing device for opening and closing a door provided in the housing covering the injection molding machine.

[0020] The signal processing device 16 is a computer responsible for controlling the machine 12 and the peripheral device 14. The signal processing device 16 may be a numerical control device. The signal processing device 16 includes an input terminal 20 and an output terminal 22. The input terminal 20 is connected to the machine 12. The output terminal 22 is connected to one or more peripheral devices 14. In this embodiment, the machine 12 connected to the input terminal 20 includes: a mold clamping device, an injection device, an ejection device, and a sensor of an injection molding machine.

[0021] The signal processing device 16 includes: a processor 24, a storage unit 26, an operation unit 28, and a display unit 30. The processor 24 can be composed of one or more CPUs. The processor 24 can include an MPU, a GPU, etc. as components. The storage unit 26 can be composed of a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory. As volatile memory, RAM, etc. can be listed. As non-volatile memory, for example, ROM, flash memory, etc. can be listed. The operation unit 28 is a device that accepts instructions from an operator to the processor 24. The operation unit 28 includes an operation panel, a touch panel, etc. The touch panel is set on the display screen of the display unit 30. The display unit 30 is a device that displays information. For example, a liquid crystal display device, etc. can be listed as the display unit 30.

[0022] Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the structure of the processor 24. The processor 24 includes a mechanical controller 32, a counter unit 34, a signal output unit 36, an output setting unit 38, a count condition setting unit 40, a reset condition setting unit 42, a name setting unit 44, and a display control unit 46. The mechanical controller 32, the counter unit 34, the signal output unit 36, the output setting unit 38, the count condition setting unit 40, the reset condition setting unit 42, the name setting unit 44, and the display control unit 46 are implemented by the processor 24 executing the signal processing program. At least a part of the mechanical controller 32, the counter unit 34, the signal output unit 36, the output setting unit 38, the count condition setting unit 40, the reset condition setting unit 42, the name setting unit 44, and the display control unit 46 may be implemented by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA. In addition, at least a part of the mechanical controller 32, the counter unit 34, the signal output unit 36, the output setting unit 38, the count condition setting unit 40, the reset condition setting unit 42, the name setting unit 44, and the display control unit 46 may be configured by an electronic circuit. Electronic circuits may also contain discrete devices.

[0023] The machine controller 32 controls the machine 12. In the present embodiment, the machine controller 32 causes the injection molding machine to repeatedly execute a molding cycle according to a molding program stored in the storage unit 26. In this case, the machine controller 32 appropriately controls the mold clamping device, the injection device, and the ejector device included in the injection molding machine.

[0024] A cycle signal indicating the cycle of the machine 12 is input to the counter unit 34. Based on the cycle signal, the counter unit 34 counts the cycle of the machine 12. In the present embodiment, the counter unit 34 counts the molding cycle of the injection molding machine.

[0025] The counter unit 34 counts the loop until the reset condition set by the reset condition setting unit 42 is satisfied. When the reset condition is satisfied, the counter unit 34 resets the counted number until the reset condition is satisfied, and then counts the loop again. The counter unit 34 counts the loop according to the count condition set by the count condition setting unit 40. The count condition is a selection signal selected from a predefined signal group.

[0026] At least one of the signal groups includes: a status signal indicating the status of the injection molding machine. As an example of the status signal, there is: a process signal indicating at least one of the start and end of each action process included in the molding cycle. In addition, as another example, there is: an always-on signal indicating that the power of the machine 12 is turned on. In addition, as another example, there is: an operation content signal indicating that it is in automatic operation or manual operation. In addition, as another example, there is: a good signal indicating that the molded product is a good product. In addition, as another example, there is: a defective signal indicating that the molded product is a defective product. In addition, as another example, there is: a sample signal indicating that the molded product is a sample.

[0027] At least one of the signal groups includes a status signal indicating a status that occurs independently of the molding cycle. Examples of the status signal include an emergency stop signal indicating an emergency stop of the injection molding machine. Other examples include an alarm signal indicating an abnormality of the injection molding machine.

[0028] At least one of the signal groups includes a calculation result of the calculation circuit. The calculation circuit is provided in the signal processing device 16. The calculation circuit may also be provided in the processor 24. The calculation circuit calculates one or more state signals. In this case, the calculation circuit calculates at least one of the logic inversion of the signal, the rise of the signal, the fall of the signal, the delay time of the signal, the output time of the signal, the logical sum of multiple signals, and the logical product of multiple signals.

[0029] During the operation of the injection molding machine, a signal group is generated based on the detection results of sensors installed in the injection molding machine, etc., and stored in the storage unit 26. The cycle signal is generated based on the sequence processing built into the injection molding machine. The counter unit 34 performs a logical operation of the selection signal stored in the storage unit 26 and the cycle signal, and counts the cycle.

[0030] The signal output unit 36 ​​compares the count number of the counter unit 34 with a predetermined count threshold value. When the count number of the counter unit 34 is equal to or greater than the count threshold value, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal to a predetermined output destination.

[0031] The output setting section 38 sets a count threshold value to be compared with the count number of the counter section 34 and an output destination of the trigger signal output from the signal output section 36. The count threshold value and the output destination can be specified by an operator.

[0032] The count condition setting section 40 sets a count condition selected from a plurality of count conditions defined as conditions for the counter section 34 to perform up-counting. The count condition can be selected by an operator.

[0033] The reset condition setting section 42 sets a reset condition selected from a plurality of reset conditions defined as conditions for resetting the count number counted by the counter section 34. The reset condition can be selected by an operator.

[0034] The name setting unit 44 sets a name for the selected combination of the count condition and the reset condition. The name can be arbitrarily input by the operator.

[0035] The display control unit 46 displays various screens on the display unit 30 in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 28 by the operator.

[0036] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen SC1 for setting the count condition and the reset condition. When receiving an instruction to set the count condition and the reset condition from the operation unit 28, the display control unit 46 displays the setting screen SC1.

[0037] The setting screen SC1 includes a count condition item IT1 , a reset condition item IT2 , a signal name item IT3 , a current value item IT4 , a set value item IT5 , and an on / off icon IT6 .

[0038] In the count condition item IT1, the signal name of the signal (first selection signal) selected as the count condition by the operator is displayed.

[0039] In the reset condition item IT2, the signal name of the signal (second selection signal) selected as the reset condition by the operator is displayed.

[0040] The signal name item IT3 displays a name (subject name) for a combination of a selection signal (first selection signal) selected as a counting condition and a selection signal (second selection signal) selected as a reset condition. This name is arbitrarily input by the operator.

[0041] The current count number counted by the counter unit 34 is displayed in the current value item IT4 .

[0042] The count threshold is displayed in the setting value item IT5. The count threshold is input by the operator. If the operator does not input a count value, a preset default value is input as the count threshold.

[0043] The on / off icon IT6 indicates whether the trigger signal is being output. Figure 3 In the example, the state of outputting the trigger signal is indicated by "■", and the state of not outputting the trigger signal is indicated by "□". The on / off icon IT6 may also be replaced by a check box, a radio button, or the like.

[0044] When there are plural counter units 34, a setting field corresponding to each of the plural counter units 34 is provided. Figure 3 , an example of setting fields "Cnt01", "Cnt02", "Cnt03", and "Cnt04" corresponding to four counter units 34 is shown. The above-mentioned count condition item IT1, reset condition item IT2, signal name item IT3, current value item IT4, set value item IT5, and on / off icon IT6 are set in each setting field. That is, the setting related to counting can be performed for each counter unit 34.

[0045] The signal name of "defective signal" is displayed in the counting condition item IT1 of "Cnt01". The defective signal is a signal indicating that the molded product is defective. In this case, the counting condition setting unit 40 sets the defective signal as the counting condition. With this setting, the defective signal in the signal group stored in the storage unit 26 is input from the storage unit 26 to the counter unit 34 as a counting condition. The signal name of "good signal" is displayed in the reset condition item IT2 of "Cnt01". The good signal is a signal indicating that the molded product is good. In this case, the reset condition setting unit 42 sets the good signal as the reset condition. With this setting, the good signal in the signal group stored in the storage unit 26 is input from the storage unit 26 to the counter unit 34 as a reset condition.

[0046] In the case of "Cnt01", the counter unit 34 calculates the logical product of the defective signal and the cycle signal, and resets the calculation result when a good signal is obtained. That is, in the counter unit 34, the number of defective products formed continuously is counted until a good product is formed. In order to intuitively grasp such counting content, the operator can arbitrarily input an easily understandable name (subject name) into the signal name item IT3. Figure 3 In the example of "Cnt01" of FIG. 1, a name such as "continuous defective number" is input into the signal name item IT3. When a name is input into the signal name item IT3, the name setting unit 44 associates the name "continuous defective number" with the defective signal and the good signal and stores them in the storage unit 26.

[0047] In addition, in the case of "Cnt01", the value "2035" is input to the setting value item IT5. In this case, the output setting unit 38 stores the value "2035" as the count threshold value to be compared with the count number of the counter unit 34 in the storage unit 26. When the count number of the counter unit 34 (the number of defective products in continuous molding) reaches 2035, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal to the output destination. In this case, the on / off icon IT6 is switched from "□" to "■" by the display control unit 46.

[0048] The signal name "Power is on" is displayed in the counting condition item IT1 of "Cnt02". Power is on means a signal that is always on. The signal that is always on is a signal indicating that the power of the machine 12 is on. In this case, the counting condition setting unit 40 sets the signal that is always on as the counting condition. With this setting, the signal that is always on in the signal group stored in the storage unit 26 is input from the storage unit 26 to the counter unit 34 as the counting condition. The signal name "Preparatory button" is displayed in the reset condition item IT2 of "Cnt02". Preparatory button means a preparatory button on signal. The preparatory button on signal is a signal indicating that the preparatory button included in the operating unit 28 is in a pressed state. In this case, the reset condition setting unit 42 sets the preparatory button on signal as the reset condition. With this setting, the preparatory button on signal in the signal group stored in the storage unit 26 is input from the storage unit 26 to the counter unit 34 as the reset condition.

[0049] In the case of "Cnt02", the counter unit 34 calculates the logical product of the always-on signal and the cycle signal, and resets the calculation result when the standby button is turned on. That is, in the counter unit 34, the number of cycles from the power supply is turned on until the standby button is pressed is counted. In order to intuitively grasp such counting content, the operator can arbitrarily input an easily understandable name (theme name) into the signal name item IT3. Figure 3 In the example of "Cnt02" of FIG. 1, a name such as "mold release agent" is input to the signal name item IT3. When a name is input to the signal name item IT3, the name setting unit 44 associates the name of "mold release agent" with the always-on signal and the standby button-on signal and stores them in the storage unit 26.

[0050] In addition, in the case of "Cnt02", the value "100" is input to the setting value item IT5. In this case, the output setting unit 38 stores the value "100" as the count threshold value to be compared with the count number of the counter unit 34 in the storage unit 26. When the count number of the counter unit 34 (the number of cycles since the power is turned on) reaches 100, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal to the output destination. In this case, the on / off icon IT6 is switched from "□" to "■" by the display control unit 46.

[0051] The signal name of "measurement on" is displayed in the counting condition item IT1 of "Cnt03". Measurement on means a measurement on signal. The measurement on signal is a signal indicating that the measuring action process in the molding cycle has been executed. In this case, the counting condition setting unit 40 sets the measurement on signal as the counting condition. Through this setting, the measurement on signal in the signal group stored in the storage unit 26 is input from the storage unit 26 to the counter unit 34 as a counting condition. "Not used" is displayed in the reset condition item IT2 of "Cnt03". In this case, the reset condition setting unit 42 does not set the reset condition. However, when the reset button BT is pressed, the count number of the counter unit 34 is reset. The reset button BT is used for the operator to reset the count number of the counter unit 34 at any timing regardless of the counting of the number of cycles. The reset button BT is set for each setting field. In the setting field of "Cnt03", the reset condition item IT2 is "Not used", so the count number of "Cnt03" is reset only by the reset button BT.

[0052] In the case of "Cnt03", the counter unit 34 calculates the logical product of the measurement start signal and the cycle signal. When the operator presses the reset button BT, the counter unit 34 resets the calculation result. In the counter unit 34, the number of molding cycles in which the measurement action process is performed is counted. In order to intuitively grasp such counting content, the operator can arbitrarily input an easily understandable name (subject name) into the signal name item IT3. Figure 3 In the example of "Cnt03" of FIG. 1, a name such as "screw check" is input to the signal name item IT3. When a name is input to the signal name item IT3, the name setting unit 44 associates the name "screw check" with the measurement start signal and unused and stores it in the storage unit 26.

[0053] In addition, in the case of "Cnt03", the value "10000" is input to the setting value item IT5. In this case, the output setting unit 38 stores the value "10000" as the count threshold value to be compared with the count number of the counter unit 34 in the storage unit 26. When the count number of the counter unit 34 (the number of molding cycles in which the measuring operation process is performed) reaches 10000, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal to the output destination. In this case, the on / off icon IT6 is switched from "□" to "■" by the display control unit 46.

[0054] The signal name "automatic operation" is displayed in the counting condition item IT1 of "Cnt04". Automatic operation means an automatic operation signal. The automatic operation signal is a signal indicating that the operation mode of the machine 12 is automatic. In this case, the counting condition setting unit 40 sets the automatic operation signal as the counting condition. Through this setting, the automatic operation signal in the signal group stored in the storage unit 26 is input from the storage unit 26 to the counter unit 34 as a counting condition. "Mold opening completed" is displayed in the reset condition item IT2 of "Cnt04". The end of mold opening means the mold opening completion signal. The mold opening completion signal is a signal indicating that the mold opening action process of the mold clamping device of the injection molding machine is completed. In this case, the reset condition setting unit 42 sets the mold opening completion signal as the reset condition. Through this setting, the mold opening completion signal in the signal group stored in the storage unit 26 is input from the storage unit 26 to the counter unit 34 as a reset condition.

[0055] In the case of "Cnt04", the counter unit 34 calculates the logical product of the automatic operation signal and the cycle signal. In the counter unit 34, the number of molding cycles in automatic operation is counted. In addition, in the case of "Cnt04", the value "2" is input to the setting value item IT5. In this case, the output setting unit 38 stores the value "2" as a counting threshold for comparison with the count number of the counter unit 34 in the storage unit 26. When the count number of the counter unit 34 (the number of molding cycles in automatic operation) reaches 2, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal to the output destination. That is, in "Cnt04", a trigger signal is output to the output destination from the start of mold opening to the completion of mold opening. In this case, the on-off icon IT6 is switched from "□" to "■" by the display control unit 46.

[0056] In order to intuitively grasp such count contents, the operator can arbitrarily input an easily understood name (subject name) into the signal name item IT3. Figure 3 In the example of "Cnt04" of FIG. 1, a name such as "cylinder start" is input to the signal name item IT3. When a name is input to the signal name item IT3, the name setting unit 44 associates the name "cylinder start" with the automatic operation signal and the mold opening completion signal and stores them in the storage unit 26.

[0057] Next, the case of selecting an arbitrary signal from a plurality of signal groups as a selection signal is described. In this embodiment, the signal group for selecting a selection signal (first selection signal) as a counting condition and the signal group for selecting a selection signal (second selection signal) as a reset condition are common. Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen SC2 for selecting a selection signal. Figure 3 ) or reset condition item IT2( Figure 3), the display control unit 46 displays the selection screen SC2.

[0058] The selection screen SC2 displays signal names corresponding to a plurality of predefined signal groups in a tree view format. The selection screen SC2 includes a hierarchy display portion 60 and a signal name display portion 62 .

[0059] A plurality of folders and folder names are displayed in the hierarchy display unit 60. One or more subordinate folders and folder names belonging to the selected folder among the plurality of folders are displayed in a state of branching from the selected folder. The signal name display unit 62 displays the signal names of one or more signals belonging to the lowest folder.

[0060] When a signal name displayed on the signal name display unit 62 is selected, the display control unit 46 displays the selected signal name in the count condition item IT1 ( Figure 3 ) or reset condition item IT2( Figure 3 ).

[0061] The display control unit 46 may display the signal names corresponding to a plurality of predefined signal groups in a format other than the tree view format. Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of another selection screen SC3 for selecting a selection signal.

[0062] The selection screen SC3 displays the signal names corresponding to a plurality of predefined signal groups in a button view format. The selection screen SC3 includes a button display portion 64 and a signal name display portion 66 .

[0063] A plurality of category buttons and category names are displayed in the button display portion 64. The signal name display portion 66 displays the signal names of one or more signals belonging to the selected category button. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , an example of setting 12 category buttons is shown. Figure 5 , which shows an example of a case where a category button “1. in loop, in operation” is selected and a signal name corresponding to the selected category button is displayed in the signal name display section 66 .

[0064] In addition, for example, when the selection is changed from the category button of "1. In loop, in operation" to the category button of "12. Others", in the signal name display unit 66, the signal name belonging to the category button of "1. In loop, in operation" is switched to the signal name belonging to the category button of "12. Others".

[0065] Next, the setting of the output destination of the trigger signal will be described. Figure 6 1 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen SC4 for setting an output destination of a trigger signal.

[0066] When receiving an instruction from the operation unit 28 to set the peripheral device 14 , which is an external device connected to the output terminal 22 , as an output destination of the trigger signal, the display control unit 46 displays the setting screen SC4 .

[0067] The setting screen SC4 includes a plurality of symbols IT10, a plurality of output condition items IT11, and a plurality of valid / invalid items IT12. The output condition items IT11 and the valid / invalid items IT12 are associated with each symbol IT10. Each symbol IT10 indicates an output terminal 22 provided in the signal processing device 16. For example, in Figure 6 In FIG. 1 , “Y20.0” indicates the output terminal 22 connected to the take-out device 14_3.

[0068] In the output condition item IT11, for example, the name (theme name) of the combination setting of the count condition and the reset condition is displayed in a pull-down form so that the operator can select the name by using the setting screen SC1 ( Figure 3 ) is input, and the name setting unit 44 ( Figure 2 )set up.

[0069] In the validity item IT12, for example, "ON" or "OFF" is displayed in a pull-down form. When "ON" is displayed in the validity item IT12, it means that the output of the trigger signal to the output destination is valid. On the other hand, when "OFF" is displayed in the validity item IT12, it means that the output of the trigger signal to the output destination is invalid.

[0070] exist Figure 6 In the output condition item IT11 corresponding to "Y20.0", "Cnt02: release agent" is displayed. In this case, the output setting unit 38 stores, for example, the removal device 14_3 connected to the output terminal 22 of "Y20.0" in the storage unit 26 as the output destination. Figure 6 In the example, "ON" is displayed in the valid / invalid item IT12 corresponding to "Y20.0". In this case, when the setting screen SC1 ( Figure 3 ) reaches the counting threshold value (100) set for “Cnt02”, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal to the take-out device 14_3 via the output terminal 22.

[0071] In the present embodiment, as the output destination of the trigger signal, in addition to the output destination device outside the signal processing device 16, an output destination device inside the signal processing device 16 can also be set. Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing an example of another setting screen SC5 for setting an output destination of a trigger signal.

[0072] When receiving an instruction from the operation unit 28 to set an alarm device provided in the signal processing device 16 as an output destination of a trigger signal, the display control unit 46 displays a setting screen SC5 .

[0073] The setting screen SC5 is a screen for setting the alarm device provided in the signal processing device 16 as the output destination of the trigger signal. The setting screen SC5 includes a valid / invalid item IT20, an output mode item IT21, an output time item IT22, a plurality of output condition items IT23, and a counter setting item IT24.

[0074] In the validity item IT20, for example, "ON" or "OFF" is displayed in a pull-down form. When "ON" is displayed in the validity item IT20, it means that the output of the trigger signal to the internal alarm device of the signal processing device 16 is valid. On the other hand, when "OFF" is displayed in the validity item IT20, it means that the output of the trigger signal to the internal alarm device of the signal processing device 16 is invalid.

[0075] In the output mode item IT21, a plurality of predefined output modes are displayed in a pull-down format, for example, and the output modes include "continuous" for continuously outputting a trigger signal and "intermittent" for intermittently outputting a trigger signal.

[0076] The operator inputs the time for outputting the trigger signal from the time point when the count number meets the count threshold value in the output time item IT22. When the output time item IT22 is "0", the output is continuous.

[0077] In each output condition item IT23, the selection screen SC2 ( Figure 4 ) or select screen SC3 ( Figure 5 ) to select the signal name.

[0078] In the counter setting item IT24, for example, the name (theme name) of the combination setting of the counting condition and the reset condition is displayed in a selectable manner in a pull-down form. When the name is displayed in the counter setting item IT24, the output setting unit 38 sets the alarm device provided in the signal processing device 16 as the output destination of the trigger signal.

[0079] exist Figure 7 In the example, "ON" is displayed in the validity item IT20, and "Cnt01: continuous defective product quantity" is displayed in the counter setting item IT24. In this case, the signal output unit 36 ​​is set according to the setting screen SC1 ( Figure 3) of the counting condition "Cnt01", a trigger signal is output to the alarm device provided in the signal processing device 16. That is, if the counted number (the number of defective products formed continuously) of the counter unit 34 reaches 2035, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal for starting the alarm device provided in the signal processing device 16.

[0080] exist Figure 7 In the output mode item IT21, "Continuous" is displayed, and "0" seconds is displayed in the output time item IT22. In this case, the signal output unit 36 ​​does not limit the output time of the trigger signal from the time point when the count number of the counter unit 34 reaches the count threshold, and continuously outputs the trigger signal from this time point. When a time other than "0" seconds is set, the time when the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs the trigger signal is the time from the time point when one of the conditions in the output condition item IT23 or the counter setting item IT24 is satisfied until the time set in the output time item IT22 has passed.

[0081] The above description takes the case where the output destination device in the signal processing device 16 that outputs the trigger signal is an alarm device as an example. However, the output destination device in the signal processing device 16 that outputs the trigger signal is not limited to the alarm device. For example, the output destination device in the signal processing device 16 that outputs the trigger signal may also be a mechanical controller 32 or a display lamp.

[0082] The setting screen for setting the mechanical controller 32 as the output destination of the trigger signal is Figure 7 . That is, the setting screen for the mechanical controller 32 includes: a valid / invalid item IT20, an output mode item IT21, an output time item IT22, a plurality of output condition items IT23, and a counter setting item IT24. When the name is displayed in the counter setting item IT24, the output setting unit 38 sets the mechanical controller 32 provided inside the signal processing device 16 as the output destination of the trigger signal. In this case, when the count number of the counter unit 34 reaches the count threshold, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal for starting a specific sequence to the mechanical controller 32.

[0083] The setting screen for setting the indicator light as the output destination of the trigger signal is also the same as Figure 7. That is, the setting screen for the display light includes: a valid / invalid item IT20, an output mode item IT21, an output time item IT22, a plurality of output condition items IT23, and a counter setting item IT24. When the name is displayed in the counter setting item IT24, the output setting unit 38 sets the display light provided inside the signal processing device 16 as the output destination of the trigger signal. In this case, when the count number of the counter unit 34 reaches the count threshold, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal for starting the display light to the display light.

[0084] Figure 8 1 is a diagram showing an example of the cycle diagnosis screen SC6. The cycle diagnosis screen SC6 is a screen showing the time of each of a plurality of operation steps executed in the cycle (molding cycle) of the machine 12. The cycle diagnosis screen SC6 has a bar graph section 68, a time display section 70, and a proportional display section 72.

[0085] In the bar graph section 68, the time of each operation process is displayed in a bar graph in a time series. In the time display section 70, the time of each operation process is displayed in a digital form. In the ratio display section 72, the ratio of the time of the operation process to the cycle time is displayed. Figure 8 In the display example, multiple action steps are arranged vertically along the display screen. Figure 8 In the display example, information related to the time of the action steps is displayed in the order of the bar graph portion 68, the time display portion 70, and the proportional display portion 72 from the action step toward the right of the display screen.

[0086] When receiving the display instruction of the circulation diagnosis screen SC6 from the operation unit 28, the display control unit 46 displays the circulation diagnosis screen SC6 on the display unit 30. In this case, the display control unit 46 displays the output time of the trigger signal on the circulation diagnosis screen SC6. Figure 8 In the display example, it can be confirmed that the trigger signal "Cnt04: Cylinder start" is output from the start of mold opening to the completion of mold opening.

[0087] Next, the signal processing method of the signal processing device 16 is described. Fig. 9 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of signal processing performed by the processor 24. This signal processing is performed after the count condition, reset condition, count threshold value, and output destination are set.

[0088] In step S1, the counter unit 34 determines whether the counting condition is satisfied based on the selection signal selected as the counter condition. If the counting condition is satisfied, the signal processing moves to step S2. If the counting condition is not satisfied, the signal processing moves to step S3.

[0089] In step S2, the counter unit 34 increases the count number of cycles based on the cycle signal by 1. When the count number increases, the signal processing moves to step S3.

[0090] In step S3, the counter unit 34 determines whether a reset condition is satisfied. If the reset condition is satisfied, the signal processing proceeds to step S4. If the reset condition is not satisfied, the signal processing proceeds to step S5.

[0091] In step S4, the counter unit 34 resets the current count number. When the current count number is reset, the signal processing returns to step S1.

[0092] In step S5, the counter unit 34 compares the current count number with the count threshold. If the current count number is less than the count threshold, the signal processing returns to step S1. On the other hand, if the current count number is greater than the count threshold, the signal processing moves to step S6.

[0093] In step S6, the signal output unit 36 ​​outputs a trigger signal to a predetermined output destination. When the output of the trigger signal is completed, the signal processing is completed.

[0094] The invention and effects that can be grasped from the above description are described below.

[0095] (1) The present invention is a signal processing device (16) that processes a signal used in a machine (12) that can repeatedly execute a cycle, wherein the cycle includes one or more specified action steps, and the signal processing device (16) has: a counter unit (34) that counts the cycle; a counting condition setting unit (40) that sets the counting condition selected from a plurality of counting conditions, wherein the plurality of counting conditions are defined as conditions for the counter unit to count up; a reset condition setting unit (42) that sets the reset condition selected from a plurality of reset conditions, wherein the plurality of reset conditions are defined as conditions for resetting the number of counts counted by the counter unit; a signal output unit (36) that outputs a trigger signal to a specified output destination when the number of counts is greater than a specified counting threshold; and an output setting unit (38) that sets the counting threshold and the output destination.

[0096] Thus, the number of counts of the counter unit can be changed according to the counting conditions and the reset conditions. In addition, the output timing of the trigger signal can be changed according to the counting threshold. Furthermore, the output destination of the trigger signal can be changed. As a result, the signal output to the peripheral device can be easily customized.

[0097] (2) The signal processing device of the present invention may also be such that the counting condition is a selection signal selected from a predefined signal group, and the counter unit performs a logical operation on the selection signal and a cycle signal representing the cycle. Thus, the number of items related to the selection signal selected from the signal group can be counted. For example, when the selection signal is a defective product signal, the number of defective products can be counted, wherein the defective product signal indicates that the molded product molded by the injection molding machine is a defective product. In addition, without changing the program, the number of cycles can be counted in response to the selection of the selection signal to be logically operated.

[0098] (3) The signal processing device of the present invention may include, in at least one of the signal groups, a result obtained by calculating at least one of the following: a logical inversion of a signal, a rise of a signal, a fall of a signal, a delay time of a signal, an output time of a signal, a logical sum of a plurality of signals, and a logical product of a plurality of signals. Thus, not only a signal commonly provided to the machine but also a signal obtained from a signal commonly provided to the machine can be selected as a selection signal. As a result, the count change of the cycle can be enriched, and it is easy to respond to the needs of the operator.

[0099] (4) The signal processing device of the present invention may include at least one of the following signals in the signal group: a signal indicating that the power of the machine is turned on, a good signal indicating that the molded product is a good product, a bad signal indicating that the molded product is a bad product, and a sample signal indicating that the molded product is a sample. This makes it easy to respond to the needs of the operator.

[0100] (5) The signal processing device of the present invention may be such that the output destination is an alarm device (14_1) or a display light (14_2), and the signal output unit outputs the trigger signal for activating the alarm device or the display light. Thus, when the number of counts satisfying the selected counting condition reaches a count threshold, the alarm device or the display light can be activated.

[0101] (6) The signal processing device of the present invention may be such that the output destination is a machine controller (32) for controlling the machine, and the signal output unit outputs the trigger signal for starting a specified sequence to the machine. Thus, when the number of counts satisfying the selected count condition is greater than a count threshold, a specific sequence can be started.

[0102] (7) The signal processing device of the present invention may include a display control unit (46) that displays a setting screen for setting the count condition and the reset condition, wherein the display control unit displays the plurality of count conditions in a manner that allows selection of one of the plurality of count conditions, and displays the plurality of reset conditions in a manner that allows selection of one of the plurality of reset conditions. Thus, an operator can arbitrarily select a count condition and a reset condition.

[0103] (8) In the signal processing device of the present invention, the display control unit may display the plurality of counting conditions or the plurality of reset conditions in a tree view. Thus, an operator can understand the system of the plurality of counting conditions or the plurality of reset conditions. As a result, the operator can easily search for any one of the plurality of counting conditions or the plurality of reset conditions.

[0104] (9) The signal processing device of the present invention may be configured such that the display control unit displays the time when the trigger signal is output on a cycle diagnosis screen (SC6), wherein the cycle diagnosis screen indicates the time of each of the plurality of action steps executed in the cycle. Thus, the operator can understand the relationship between the time of each of the plurality of action steps and the time when the trigger signal is output. In addition, the operator can confirm the setting status of the counting condition, the reset condition, the counting threshold, and the output destination based on the time when the trigger signal is output.

[0105] (10) The signal processing device of the present invention may include a name setting unit (44) for setting a name for the selected combination of the counting condition and the reset condition, so that an operator can easily understand the meaning and function of the number counted by the counter unit.

[0106] (11) The signal processing device of the present invention may be configured such that the output setting unit can independently set an output destination device provided inside the signal processing device and an output destination device provided outside the signal processing device as the output destination. This can enrich the operation changes of the system including the machine and peripheral devices and easily respond to the needs of the operator.

[0107] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various structures can be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0108] Explanation of symbols

[0109] 10…Signal processing system 12…Mechanical

[0110] 14…Peripheral equipment 16…Signal processing device

[0111] 24 ... processor 26 ... storage unit

[0112] 28 ... operation unit 30 ... display unit

[0113] 32... Mechanical controller 34... Counter unit

[0114] 36 ...Signal output unit 38 ...Output setting unit

[0115] 40 ...Counting condition setting unit 42 ...Reset condition setting unit

[0116] 44: Name setting unit 46: Display control unit.

Claims

1. A signal processing device (16) for processing a signal used in a machine (12) capable of repeatedly executing a cycle, wherein the cycle includes one or more predetermined action steps, characterized in that: The signal processing device (16) comprises: a counter section (34) for counting the cycles; a counting condition setting unit (40) for setting the counting condition selected from a plurality of counting conditions, the plurality of counting conditions being defined as conditions for the counter unit to perform count-up; a reset condition setting unit (42) for setting the reset condition selected from a plurality of reset conditions defined as conditions for resetting the count number counted by the counter unit; a signal output unit (36) which outputs a trigger signal to a specified output destination when the counted number is equal to or greater than a specified count threshold; as well as An output setting unit (38) sets the count threshold and the output destination.

2. The signal processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The counting condition is a selection signal selected from a predefined signal group, The counter section performs a logical operation of the selection signal and a cycle signal indicating the cycle.

3. The signal processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least one of the signal groups includes a result obtained by calculating at least one of the following: logic inversion of a signal, a rise of a signal, a fall of a signal, a delay time of a signal, an output time of a signal, a logical sum of multiple signals, and a logical product of multiple signals.

4. The signal processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The signal group includes at least one of the following signals: an always-on signal indicating that the power of the machine is on, a good signal indicating that the molded product is a good product, a bad signal indicating that the molded product is a bad product, and a sample signal indicating that the molded product is a sample.

5. The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The output destination is an alarm device (14_1) or a display light (14_2), The signal output unit outputs the trigger signal for activating the alarm device or the display light.

6. The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The output destination is a machine controller (32) for controlling the machine, The signal output unit outputs the trigger signal for starting a predetermined sequence to the machine.

7. The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The signal processing device comprises: a display control unit (46) which displays a setting screen for setting the counting condition and the reset condition, The display control unit displays the plurality of count conditions so that one of the plurality of count conditions can be selected, and displays the plurality of reset conditions so that one of the plurality of reset conditions can be selected.

8. The signal processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The display control section displays the plurality of count conditions or the plurality of reset conditions in a tree view format.

9. The signal processing device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The display control unit displays the time when the trigger signal is output on a cycle diagnosis screen (SC6) that indicates the time of each of the plurality of operation steps executed in the cycle.

10. The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The signal processing device includes a name setting unit (44) for setting a name for the selected combination of the count condition and the reset condition.

11. The signal processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that: The output setting unit can independently set an output destination device provided inside the signal processing device and an output destination device provided outside the signal processing device as the output destination.

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