Forming machine

Abstract

In a die casting machine, a control unit receives a detection signal from a sensor and outputs a control signal to a drive unit. In the control unit, the PLC has a register. The memory holds time-series data updated by storing new information in real time and deleting old information in accordance with the progress of the shaping cycle with respect to the state of one or more objects including a first object, which is one of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register. The control unit stops the update of the time-series data on the condition that a predetermined stop condition is satisfied. The display displays a state of the first object based on the time-series data in which the update has been stopped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding machine, which is, for example, a die casting machine for molding metal or an injection molding machine for molding resin. Background Art

[0002] Various techniques for collecting data related to the operation of industrial equipment are known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). In addition, techniques for displaying the time-dependent changes in the state of a molding machine using waveforms are known (for example, Patent Documents 5 to 8).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-211555

[0006] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-123230

[0007] Patent Document 3: International Publication No. 2020 / 44908

[0008] Patent Document 4: International Publication No. 2020 / 44909

[0009] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-155065

[0010] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-142977

[0011] Patent Document 7: International Publication No. 2014 / 76752

[0012] Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-13933

[0013] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0014] For example, a molding machine in which the cause of occurrence of abnormality or the like can be easily identified is desired. Summary of the invention

[0015] A molding machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a machine body, a control unit and a display. The machine body comprises a sensor and a drive unit. The control unit inputs a detection signal from the sensor and outputs a control signal to the drive unit. The display is controlled by the control unit. The control unit comprises a PLC and a memory. The PLC comprises a register. In the memory, for the state of one or more objects including the detection signal, the control signal and one of the registers, i.e., the first object, new information is stored in real time and old information is deleted as the molding cycle progresses. Thus, the time series data maintained in the memory is updated. The control unit stops updating the time series data on the condition that a prescribed stop condition is satisfied. The display displays the state of the first object based on the time series data whose update has been stopped.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] According to the above configuration, it is easy to identify the main cause of occurrence of abnormality or the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a side view showing the structure of the die casting machine according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 Block diagram of the structure of the signal processing system of a die casting machine.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An example of a screen showing waveform display in a die casting machine.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another example of a screen showing waveform display in a die casting machine.

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Still another example of a screen showing a waveform display in a die casting machine.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 An example of the setting screen for a die casting machine.

[0024] Figure 7 Yes Description Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example of a recording object in a die casting machine.

[0025] Figure 8 Yes Description Figure 1 Schematic diagram of other examples of recording objects in a die casting machine.

[0026] Fig. 9 Yes Description Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an example of a recording mode in a die casting machine.

[0027] Fig.10 It means that in order to Figure 1 A flowchart outlining the processing steps executed by a control unit to implement recording-related actions in a die-casting machine.

[0028] Fig.11 Yes means Figure 1 A block diagram showing an overview of a structure for maintaining settings in a die casting machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, multiple embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, among the multiple embodiments, the embodiments described later will basically only describe the differences from the previously described embodiments. Matters not specifically mentioned may be the same as the previously described embodiments, or may be inferred from the previously described embodiments. In addition, for the sake of convenience, even if there are differences in the structures corresponding to each other in the multiple embodiments, the same symbols are sometimes used to mark each other.

[0030] (Overview of Molding Machine of Embodiment)

[0031] Figure 1 This is a side view (partially a cross-sectional view or a block diagram) showing the structure of a die casting machine 1 (an example of a molding machine) according to the embodiment. The up-down direction of the figure is the vertical direction.

[0032] The die casting machine 1 produces a die casting product (a molded product in a higher concept) by filling a molten liquid (metal in a molten state) not shown in the figure into a metal mold 101 (space 107). The die casting machine 1 has: a machine body 3 that performs mechanical actions and a control unit 5 that controls the machine body 3. In addition, the die casting machine 1 has an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 13 that mediates between the control unit 5 and the operator (a user in a higher concept). The HMI 13 has, for example, an input device 15 that receives an operation of the operator and a display 17 that displays an arbitrary image.

[0033] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a signal processing system of the die casting machine 1 .

[0034] The device body 3 has a plurality of sensors 31 (in Figure 2 Only one is shown in the figure) and a plurality of drive units 33 (in Figure 2Only one is shown in the example). In addition, in the following description, for convenience, unless otherwise specified, one sensor 31 and one drive unit 33 are used as an example. The control unit 5 includes, for example, a controller 19 that directly controls the machine body 3, and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) that realizes sequence control by controlling the machine body 3 via the controller 19.

[0035] The controller 19 receives a detection signal SG1 from the sensor 31 and outputs a control signal SG2 to the drive unit 33. The PLC 21 receives an input signal SG3 from the controller 19 and outputs an output signal SG4 to the controller 19. The input signal SG3 includes, for example, information for determining whether to execute each stage of control in the PLC 21. The output signal SG4 includes, for example, instructions for executing each stage of control. The controller 19 generates a control signal SG2 based on the detection signal SG1 and the output signal SG4.

[0036] The PLC 21 has a plurality of registers 35. With respect to the PLC, the plurality of terms including registers may differ depending on the manufacturer of the PLC. As will be described in detail later, each register 35 is, for example, a memory corresponding to a function called a device by the manufacturer. The information stored in the register 35 is used, for example, to determine whether each stage of control is executed.

[0037] In the description of the embodiment, for convenience, various signals (SG1 to SG4) and register 35 are sometimes referred to as "objects" or the like. The controller 19 has a memory (e.g., a ring buffer 37) that always (in other words, continuously) stores information on the "state of the object" of at least one of the various objects mentioned above. The state of the object is, for example, the potential, voltage, or current of the object, and generally corresponds to the information held by the object. The information stored in the ring buffer 37 may be information on its state itself (e.g., potential, voltage, or current), or information held by the object according to its state (e.g., speed or pressure). The state of the object may also be a broader concept including a state in which a signal (object) is not output and a state in which the object does not hold information.

[0038] In more detail, for example, the ring buffer 37 holds the latest time series data for the state of the object. Specifically, the ring buffer 37 stores new information about the state of the object in real time as the shaping cycle proceeds, and deletes old information. Thus, the time series data held by the ring buffer 37 is updated in real time and maintained as the latest content.

[0039] The controller 19 stops updating the time series data when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied. The stop condition may be various as described below, and here, the method of stopping updating the time series data when an abnormality occurs is simply used as an example. Moreover, the controller 19 displays information on the state of the object on the display 17 based on the time series data whose update is stopped.

[0040] Thus, for example, it is possible to grasp the condition of the die-casting machine 1 from the time when an abnormality occurs until the abnormality occurs. Therefore, the necessity of performing a test to reproduce the condition in which the abnormality occurs to grasp the condition of the die-casting machine 1 is reduced. As a result, it becomes easy to determine the main cause of the abnormality. In addition, even if a reproduction test is performed, the same abnormality may not necessarily occur, so it sometimes takes a long time to determine the main cause of the abnormality. Therefore, in the present embodiment, early determination of the main cause of the abnormality is also achieved. In addition, for example, since the state of the object is recorded while deleting the old information, it is possible to save storage capacity while recording the state of multiple objects when the abnormality occurs. When the main cause of the abnormality is unexpected, it is difficult to determine the above main cause. However, by grasping the time changes of multiple objects, it is possible to facilitate and / or early determination of the main cause of the abnormality.

[0041] The above is an overview of the die casting machine 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the die casting machine 1 will be roughly described in the following order.

[0042] 1. Machine body ( Figure 1 )

[0043] 1.1. Overall machine body

[0044] 1.2.Sensor and drive unit

[0045] 2. Control unit ( Figure 2 )

[0046] 2.1. Control unit as a whole

[0047] 2.2. Ring buffer and registers

[0048] 3.HMI( Figure 2 )

[0049] 4. Screen example ( Figure 3 to Figure 6 )

[0050] 4.1. Overall picture

[0051] 4.2. Waveform display

[0052] 4.2.1. Overall waveform display

[0053] 4.2.2. The first waveform image ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 )

[0054] 4.2.3. Second waveform image ( Figure 5 )

[0055] 4.3. Digital image (cursor value display, Figure 3 )

[0056] 5. Objects of Records ( Figure 7 and Figure 8 )

[0057] 5.1. Overall Recording

[0058] 5.2. How to select objects to be recorded ( Figure 8 )

[0059] 6. Recording stop conditions

[0060] 6.1. Recording Mode ( Fig. 9 )

[0061] 6.2. Example of stop condition

[0062] 6.3. Example of the stop condition setting screen ( Figure 4 and Figure 6 )

[0063] 6.3.1. Stop condition overall setting screen

[0064] 6.3.2. Register-based trigger setting screen

[0065] 7. Example of recorded action sequence ( Fig.10 )

[0066] 8. Use of past settings ( Fig.11 )

[0067] 9. Export function ( Figure 2 )

[0068] 10. Summary of implementation methods

[0069] (1. Machine body)

[0070] (1.1. Overall machine body)

[0071] Figure 1 The machine body 3 shown holds the above-mentioned metal mold 101. The metal mold 101 is replaced according to the product. Therefore, the machine body 3 (die casting machine 1 in other viewpoints) can be defined by removing the metal mold 101 or including the metal mold 101. In the description of the embodiment, the former is taken as an example unless otherwise specified.

[0072] Similarly, the sensor 31 and the driving unit 33 attached to the metal mold 101 may not be regarded as (configured as) or regarded as the constituent elements of the machine body 3. In the description of the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, the former is taken as an example. As the sensor 31 attached to the metal mold 101, for example, a sensor for detecting that the molten liquid has reached a predetermined position and a sensor for detecting the temperature of the metal mold 101 can be listed. In addition, as the driving unit 33 attached to the metal mold 101, for example, a driving unit for driving the core and a driving unit for performing local pressurization can be listed.

[0073] The metal mold 101 includes, for example, a fixed mold 103 and a movable mold 105. Figure 1 As shown by the two-dot chain line, the die casting machine 1 brings the movable die 105 close to and abuts against the fixed die 103 (closes the die). Thus, a space 107 having the same shape as the molded product is formed between the fixed die 103 and the movable die 105.

[0074] As described above, the machine body 3 fills the space 107 with molten liquid (performs injection). The molten liquid filled in the space 107 is solidified after being heat-sucked by the metal mold 101. Thus, a molded product is produced. Afterwards, the machine body 3 separates the movable mold 105 from the fixed mold 103 (performs mold opening) in order to remove the molded product.

[0075] The machine body 3 repeats the molding cycle of mold closing, injection, and mold opening, which are performed sequentially as described above. The molding cycle is realized by controlling the various drive units 33 of the machine body 3 by the control unit 5. From a high-level concept, the molten liquid is a molding material in an unsolidified state. The unsolidified state includes a solid-liquid coexistence state in addition to the liquid state.

[0076] In order to realize the above-mentioned operation, the machine body 3 includes, for example, a mold clamping device 7 for opening, closing and clamping the metal mold 101, an injection device 9 for injecting molten liquid into the metal mold 101, and a die casting product from a fixed mold 103 or a movable mold 105 ( Figure 1 The extrusion device 11 that is extruded by the movable mold 105 is shown in the figure. The structures thereof can be various and can also adopt known structures.

[0077] For example, the mold clamping device 7 may be a structure that uses a connecting rod mechanism to open and close the mold and clamp the mold (the example shown in the figure), or a structure that does not have a connecting rod mechanism. In the latter method, the mold opening and closing and clamping of the mold can also be performed by different drive sources. Moreover, for example, the driving method of the mold clamping device 7 may be electric, hydraulic (oil pressure), or a hybrid power type combining them.

[0078] The injection device 9 may be, for example, a device for a cold chamber die casting machine ( Figure 1), it can also be a device for hot chamber die casting machine, or it can be a hybrid power type after combining the two. In addition, for example, the driving method of the injection device 9 can be electric, hydraulic (oil pressure) or a hybrid power type combining them.

[0079] The extrusion device 11 may be a structure that extrudes the molded product from the movable mold 105, for example. Figure 1 ), or a structure in which a molded product is pressed out from a fixed mold 103. In addition, for example, the extrusion device 11 may have an electric or hydraulic (oil pressure) drive source, or may be a device that uses a mold clamping device 7 to open the mold (a device that does not have a drive source).

[0080] (1.2. Sensor and drive unit)

[0081] Sensor 31( Figure 2 ) For example, the physical quantity in the forming cycle is measured. In other words, the physical quantity is, for example, a physical quantity whose value changes as the forming cycle progresses, and / or a physical quantity whose value is different between forming cycles. The multiple sensors 31 can be various sensors, for example, they can be well-known sensors.

[0082] Specific examples of the sensor 31 are listed below. A sensor for detecting injection speed, a sensor for detecting injection pressure, a sensor for detecting mold clamping force, a sensor for detecting pressure or flow at an appropriate position of a hydraulic circuit constituting the drive unit 33, a sensor for detecting torque of a motor constituting the drive unit 33, a limit switch for detecting that a specified component has reached a specified position

[0083] As described above, it can be understood that the sensor 31 (such as a position sensor or a pressure sensor) can, for example, continuously detect a physical quantity at a predetermined sampling period, and output a detection signal SG1 of a state corresponding to the value of the detected physical quantity. In addition, the sensor 31 (such as a limit switch) can output the detection signal SG1 only when it is turned on or off (ON or OFF), or can output detection signals SG1 of different states when turned on and off.

[0084] The sensor 31 may have only a transducer that converts a physical quantity into an electrical signal, or may have a processing unit that amplifies and / or calculates the electrical signal in addition to the transducer. The transducer and the processing unit may be fixed to each other and configured together at a specific position of the machine body 3, or only the transducer may be configured at the above-mentioned specific position. In either configuration, unlike the above description, the processor may be regarded as a part of the control unit 5 rather than a part of the sensor 31. In other words, if the sensor 31 includes a transducer, the boundary between the sensor 31 and the control unit 5 (or the controller 19) may be appropriately defined regardless of their hardware structure, etc.

[0085] As can be understood from the above description, the control signal SG1 input from the sensor 31 to the control unit 5 can be an analog signal or a digital signal. A digital signal can be a binary signal or a multi-value signal. In addition, the control signal SG1 can contain 1-bit information (e.g., on and off) or more than 2-bit information (e.g., a numerical value). The description of this paragraph can also be applied to other signals (e.g., SG2 to SG8) as long as there is no contradiction.

[0086] Driving unit 33 ( Figure 2 ) generates a driving force related to the forming cycle. Specific examples of the driving unit 33 are listed below. One or more driving units provided on the clamping device 7 and related to the movement of the moving die plate that holds the moving mold 105. One or more driving units provided on the injection device 9 and related to the movement of the plunger that pushes the molten liquid into the space 107. One or more driving units provided on the extrusion device 11 and related to the movement of the extrusion pin that pushes the product out of the mold. More specifically, the one or more driving units of each of the above-mentioned devices are, for example, a motor that directly moves a moving object (such as a moving die plate, a plunger or an extrusion pin), a motor that drives a pump, and a valve that controls the flow of a working fluid (such as working oil).

[0087] The drive unit 33 includes, for example, an element that directly generates a driving force (e.g., a motor and a valve) and a driver that supplies power to the above-mentioned element. The control signal SG2 output from the control unit 5 (or the controller 19) to the drive unit 33 is input to the driver, for example. Of course, the control unit 5 can also be defined to include a driver.

[0088] (2. Control unit)

[0089] (2.1. Control unit as a whole)

[0090] As described above, the control unit 5 ( Figure 2 ) For example, it has a controller 19 and a PLC 21. However, unlike the illustrated method, the control unit 5 can also be configured to include a controller having a PLC function (including a method in which the control unit 5 is a controller itself having a PLC function). When the control unit has a PLC, the PLC can be a controller having a PLC function as described above, or it can be the PLC function therein. In the description of this embodiment, for convenience, the illustrated method (a method in which a controller 19 and a PLC 21 are provided) is basically taken as an example.

[0091] The controller 19 may be constituted by a computer, for example. Although not particularly illustrated, the computer may include, for example, a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM (read only memory), a RAM (random access memory), and an auxiliary storage device. Various functional units that perform various operations are constructed by causing the CPU to execute programs stored in the ROM and / or the auxiliary storage device. For example, a storage control unit that controls the state of recording an object in the ring buffer 37 and a display control unit that controls the display 17 are constructed. The controller 19 may also include a logic circuit that performs only certain processing.

[0092] PLC21 is composed of a computer, for example, like the controller 19. The computer of PLC21 is also composed of, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an auxiliary storage device. Then, various functional units that perform various operations are constructed by causing the CPU to execute programs stored in the ROM and / or the auxiliary storage device. PLC21 may also include a logic circuit that only performs certain processing. However, in more detail, the computer of PLC21 is sometimes different from the computer of the controller 19 in terms of the durability required of PLC21, the composition of the memory used, etc. In addition, PLC21 uses a program (ladder diagram program, etc.) constructed using a programming language for sequence control.

[0093] The controller 19 and the PLC 21 may be appropriately dispersed. In other viewpoints, the controller 19 in the description of the embodiment may conceptualize multiple controllers as one controller. The same is true for the PLC 21. For example, the controller 19 may include multiple controllers corresponding to the mold clamping device 7, the injection device 9, and the extrusion device 11, respectively. The multiple controllers are synchronized by, for example, operating according to the output signal SG4 from the PLC 21. The controller 19 including multiple controllers may have a function for achieving more precise synchronization. The function sharing of the controller 19 and the PLC 21 may be appropriately set.

[0094] The control unit 5 is provided on, for example, a control panel (not shown). A part of the control unit 5 may be combined with the HMI 15 in terms of hardware. A part of the control unit 5 may also be arranged at another appropriate position away from the control panel.

[0095] (2.2. Ring Buffer and Registers)

[0096] Ring buffer 37 ( Figure 2 ) is as known, as described below Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , a buffer (storage area) is formed by conceptually connecting a plurality of unit buffers 37a in a ring shape. For example, the plurality of unit buffers 37a each have a predetermined capacity, and are physically arranged from the unit buffer 37a at the front end to the unit buffer 37a at the terminal end. In addition, the front end and the terminal end are logically connected. Furthermore, information is stored in the unit buffer 37a in sequence from the front end side to the terminal side, and when it reaches the terminal end, it returns to the front end to continue storing information.

[0097] Each time a predetermined sampling period has passed, the control unit 5 records all information about the state of the object to be recorded in a unit buffer 37a. Thus, the time series data is kept in the ring buffer 37. In addition, once the order of information recording reaches the unit buffer 37a of the terminal, the old information is rewritten with the new information. Thus, the time series data is updated. As can be understood from the above description, Figure 7 A graph of the ring buffer 37 (a plurality of unit buffers 37 a ) may be a graph schematically representing the time series data D5 .

[0098] In addition, regarding the state of the object (SG1 to SG4 and 35, etc.), the memory that stores new information in real time and deletes old information may be realized by a memory other than the ring buffer 37. In addition, in the description of this embodiment, for convenience, the so-called remaining part of the storage area used in the ring buffer 37 is sometimes expressed as being ignored. The unit buffer 37a when recording to the ring buffer 37 is started may not be the starting unit buffer 37a. However, for convenience, unless otherwise specified, the expression is based on the premise that the two are the same.

[0099] As described above, in one unit buffer 37a, information on the status of all objects intended to be recorded at each specified sampling period (sometimes a time point for convenience). In other words, one circular buffer 37 corresponds to all objects intended to be recorded. Of course, it is also possible to prepare one circular buffer 37 for each object, or to prepare one circular buffer 37 for each specified number of objects to set up multiple circular buffers 37. However, multiple circular buffers can also be regarded as one circular buffer. In addition, in the description of this embodiment, for convenience, unless otherwise specified, it is sometimes expressed as a premise of setting one circular buffer 37.

[0100] The capacity of the ring buffer 37 may be set by the manufacturer of the control unit 5, may be set by the user's operation of the input device 15, etc., or may be set by the control unit 5 based on various information. In the case where the capacity can be set by the user and / or the control unit 5, its maximum value (in other words, the capacity of the storage area prepared for the ring buffer 37) is set by the manufacturer, for example. In the description of this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, it is expressed on the premise that the capacity of the ring buffer 37 is the maximum value.

[0101] The capacity of the circular buffer 37 and / or its maximum value may be of any size. For example, the capacity of the circular buffer 37 and / or its maximum value may be a capacity capable of storing time series data of more than one shaping cycle (in other words, one or more times). As described below, the stored objects may be user-selectable. In this case, for example, when all selectable objects are selected, the maximum value of the capacity of the circular buffer 37 may or may not store time series data of more than one shaping cycle (in other words, one or more times). In addition, even in a case where the user cannot select the stored object, the maximum value of the capacity of the circular buffer 37 may only store time series data of less than one shaping cycle.

[0102] As described above, the state of each object in one sampling cycle is recorded in one unit buffer 37a. However, information of two or more consecutive sampling cycles may be recorded in one unit buffer 37a. In addition, for example, in a mode in which the detection cycle in which the control unit 5 obtains information from the detection signal SG1 of the sensor 31 is less than half of the above-mentioned sampling cycle, the information recorded in one unit buffer 37a is two or more pieces of information obtained from two or more detection cycles included in one sampling cycle, or may be one piece of information appropriately selected from the above-mentioned two or more pieces of information. The detection signal SG1 is used as an example, but the same is true for other objects.

[0103] The sampling period may be the same as or different from the control period. In the latter case, the subject who sets the sampling period is arbitrary. For example, the sampling period may be set by the manufacturer of the control unit 5, by the user's operation on the input device 15, or by the control unit 5 according to the casting conditions.

[0104] As described below, the object whose state is recorded in the ring buffer 37 may be selectable (in other words, changeable) by operating the input device 15. In this case, the capacity of the unit buffer 37a may be changed according to the selection result, or may be constant regardless of the selection result. In another viewpoint, the unit buffer 37a may or may not have an unused storage area.

[0105] As mentioned above, register 35 ( Figure 2 ) is a memory corresponding to the function of the device which is called a device according to different manufacturers of PLC. As such a device, for example, a bit device having a storage capacity of one bit, or a byte device or word device having a storage capacity of multiple bits (for example, 8 bits or 16 bits) can be listed. As a bit device, for example, an internal relay (sometimes also called an auxiliary relay or a virtual relay) can be listed. As a byte device or word device, for example, a timer, a counter, a memory storing an arbitrary numerical value (for example, the number of revolutions of a motor, etc.) can be listed (depending on the manufacturer, the memory is sometimes also called a register such as a data register).

[0106] As described above, the information stored in the register 35 is used, for example, to determine whether to perform each stage of control. Therefore, the register 35 may be, for example, a memory that realizes the elements within the horizontal line in the ladder diagram.

[0107] In PLC21, the input relay to which the input signal SG3 is input and the output relay to which the output signal SG4 is output are not functional parts realized by a program, but physical devices, and therefore are usually distinguished from the above-mentioned register 35 (device). However, the information held by the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 is temporarily stored in the memory of PLC21 for processing. The concept of register 35 can be extended to the memory. In other words, it can be regarded as having a register 35 corresponding to the input relay and the output relay. In the description of this embodiment, as long as no contradiction is generated, the state of the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 and the state of the register 35 corresponding to the input relay and the output relay can be regarded as equivalent.

[0108] As described above, the control unit 5 can be configured to have a controller having a PLC function. In this case, the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 are not generated, and the input relays and output relays for these signals are not provided. However, the information corresponding to the information held by the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 is temporarily stored in the memory for processing. Therefore, as in the previous paragraph, it can be regarded as being provided with a register 35 corresponding to the input relay and the output relay. Moreover, as in the manner in which the controller 19 and the PLC21 are separated, an action equivalent to the storage and display of the state of the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 is realized by storing and displaying the state of the register 35.

[0109] The physical structure of the register 35 (and the components attached to the register 35) is arbitrary. For example, the register 35 may be able to retain information even if a power outage occurs, or may not retain information, and the above-mentioned ability may be selected according to the user's setting. In addition, whether or not the information can be retained during a power outage as described above can be different for multiple registers 35.

[0110] (3.HMI)

[0111] HMI13( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ) can be various structures, for example, it can be a well-known structure. In addition, the term HMI here can be interpreted broadly. For example, HMI includes not only a structure that is configured as a dedicated structure according to the structure of the machine body 3, but also a structure composed of a touch panel PC (Personal Computer) and a PC of a normal structure (including a keyboard and a display). Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , a structure dedicated to the die casting machine 1 is exemplified.

[0112] As described above, HMI 13 includes input device 15 and display 17. Although not particularly shown, HMI 13 may include a lamp (eg, LED) that presents information by lighting state, and a device (eg, speaker) that presents information audibly, in addition to the above.

[0113] The configuration of the input device 15 and the display 17 is also arbitrary. For example, the input device 15 may be configured to include a touch panel and a mechanical switch. In addition, for example, the display 17 may include a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display 17 may constitute the display portion of the above-mentioned touch panel.

[0114] The input device 15 generates, for example, a signal SG5 corresponding to an operation by an operator and outputs the signal to the controller 19. In addition, the display 17 displays an image based on a signal SG6 input from the controller 19, for example.

[0115] The location of HMI13 is arbitrary. Figure 1 In the embodiment, HMI 13 is fixed to the immovable part (fixed die plate) of the mold clamping device 7. Alternatively, HMI 13 may be located on a control panel not shown in the figure, or may be separated from the control panel and located away from the machine body 3.

[0116] The function sharing between HMI13 and controller 19 can be set appropriately. For example, controller 19 can generate image data based on information about the state of the object (SG1 to SG4 and 35), and output signal SG6 containing information about the image data to HMI13. Alternatively, controller 19 can output signal SG6 containing information about the state of the object, and HMI13 can generate the above-mentioned image data based on signal SG6.

[0117] Unlike the description in the previous paragraph, the boundary between the controller 19 and the HMI 13 may be appropriately defined regardless of the hardware configuration. For example, whether the CPU that generates the above-mentioned image data is located in a control panel that clearly includes at least a part of the controller 19 and a touch panel PC having a display 17 (with Figure 1 In any of the examples of different ways), the controller 19 is defined as a part until the generation of image data is performed.

[0118] (4. Screen example)

[0119] (4.1. Overall picture)

[0120] Figure 3 to Figure 6 1 and 10 show examples of screens displayed on the display 17. In the description of the screens illustrated in these figures, unless otherwise specified, the display 17 is an example of a display unit of a touch panel. In addition, the term "touch panel" in the following description can be replaced with the term "input device 15" for input and the term "display" can be replaced with the term "display 17" for display, unless there is a contradiction.

[0121] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Screens 201A, 201B and 201C respectively show the state of the object after recording of the object (SG1 to SG4 and 35) is stopped, based on the information (time series data) on the state of the object recorded in the ring buffer 37. Figure 6 A screen 201D is shown for setting a condition for stopping recording in the ring buffer 37. Here, screens 201A to 201C are mainly described. Screen 201D will be described in the description of the recording stop condition in Section 6 described later.

[0122] The screens 201A to 201C (images) are displayed, for example, on the entire screen (surface displaying images) of the display 17. Then, they are selectively displayed on the display 17 by operating the input device 15. For example, by operating any one of the plurality of buttons BT1 at the lower right of each screen (image), it is possible to switch to another arbitrary screen (image).

[0123] Screens 201A to 201C all include images that represent the time-dependent changes in the state of the object through waveforms (lines Ln1 or Ln3). Screens 201A and 201B, for example, include a first waveform image 203A that represents the state of the detection signal SG1 and / or the control signal SG2 through one or more (three are illustrated in the figure) lines Ln1. Screen 201C, for example, includes a second waveform image 203C that represents the state of the register 35 (which may include the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4) through one or more (four are illustrated in the figure) lines Ln3 (including Ln3a and 3b).

[0124] The first waveform image 203A of the screens 201A and 201B is common. Furthermore, the area other than the first waveform image 203A (in other words, a part of the screen) includes different images. Specifically, for example, the screen 201A includes a digital image 205A that indicates the state of an object using numbers (characters in the superordinate concept), whereas the screen 201B includes a setting image 205B that indicates the settings related to the recording of the ring buffer 37. The details of the setting image 205B will be described in the description of the recording stop conditions in Section 6 described later, and will not be described here (Section 4).

[0125] When displaying various screens (201A to 201D), various known methods related to image display can be applied. For example, the range of the displayed waveform can be changed by a scroll bar (not shown). Thus, for example, an arbitrary and partial range of the vertical axis or horizontal axis of the image representing the waveform can be displayed, or a part of the waveform among a plurality of waveforms displayed in different areas (see screen 201C) can be displayed.

[0126] In the description of the present invention, sometimes the display 17 is used to express the display based on the information (time series data D5) stored in the ring buffer 37. In this case, as can be seen from the fact that the HMI 13 does not have the ring buffer 37, the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 does not need to be directly used for display. The display may be performed based on another memory that holds the signal SG6 sent from the controller 19 to the HMI 13 and / or the information copied from the ring buffer 37. Even if the display is performed based on the time series data D5 copied to another memory, the display is performed based on the time series data D5 in the ring buffer 37, and this point does not change.

[0127] (4.2. Waveform display)

[0128] (4.2.1. Overall waveform display)

[0129] In the first waveform image 203A and the second waveform image 203C, the horizontal axis represents time t. The vertical axis represents the value corresponding to the state of the displayed object. The value of the vertical axis can be the state of the object itself (such as the potential, voltage or current of the signal), or it can be information corresponding to the state (such as speed or pressure). The specific graphics (display method) of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis are arbitrary. For example, the example shown in the figure can be an axis shape, or it can be the edge of the outer edge of the area where the waveform is displayed.

[0130] The starting point, end point and / or scale of the horizontal axis and the vertical axis (the relative relationship between the range of values ​​shown on the axis and the length (number of pixels) of the axis on the screen) can be changed as appropriate. For example, by operating any one of the plurality of buttons BT1, an image for changing the starting point, end point and / or scale can be displayed instead of the digital image 205A. In other words, a screen different from the screens 201A to 201C can be switched. Furthermore, the starting point, end point and / or scale can be specified on this screen.

[0131] The sampling period for recording in sequence to the plurality of unit buffers 37a is, for example, constant. Therefore, the order of the unit buffers 37a and the elapsed time are linearly related, and the plurality of unit buffers 37a (states of the object) and time t (horizontal axis) are easily associated. The controller 19 appropriately associates a predetermined time point (for example, a recording start time point) with the order of the unit buffers 37a, for example, by acquiring information (for example, an address, an index, or a pointer) that specifies the unit buffer 37a to be recorded at the start of recording to the ring buffer 37.

[0132] The recording start time point may be zero of the horizontal axis (time t) when the waveform is displayed, or it may not be. In addition, on the horizontal axis, in addition to time t or instead of time t, other information (for example, information indicating the stage of sequence control such as "injection start"). In the method of displaying the above other information instead of time t, the position on the horizontal axis and the elapsed time may not be linearly related. Even in such a method, it can be regarded as displaying a waveform representing the time-dependent change of the state of the object.

[0133] When waveform display is performed, various known methods for waveform display may be appropriately applied. For example, points and / or lines may be drawn using only raw data, or interpolation may be performed between data, or conversely, data interpolation may be performed to draw points and / or lines.

[0134] (4.2.2. First waveform image)

[0135] As described above, the first waveform image 203A ( Figure 3 and Figure 4), for example, indicating the state of the detection signal SG1 and / or the control signal SG2. In addition, in another viewpoint, the first waveform image 203A, as shown in the example shown in the figure, indicates the time-dependent change of the state that can obtain various values ​​in an analog or digital manner, rather than a binary state. Of course, the first waveform image 203A may also indicate the time-dependent change of the binary state. For example, a plurality of waveforms may be displayed in the same area by sharing the horizontal and vertical axes. However, as in the second waveform image 203C described later, a plurality of waveforms may also be displayed in mutually different areas.

[0136] The object to be displayed on the first waveform image 203A can be selected from the objects whose states are recorded in the ring buffer 37. For example, by operating a plurality of (four in this example) buttons BT3 arranged just below the first waveform image 203A on the screen 201A, any object can be selected from the plurality of objects whose states are recorded, and only the selected object can be displayed.

[0137] (4.2.3. Second waveform image)

[0138] As described above, the second waveform image 203C ( Figure 5 ) For example, it represents the state of register 35. As described above, register 35 holds 1 bit of information or more than 2 bits of information. Therefore, in another viewpoint, the second waveform image 203C can represent the time-dependent change of a binary state (line Ln3a), or it can represent the time-dependent change of a state of various values ​​obtained digitally (line Ln3b). For example, although the starting point and the end point of the horizontal axis of a plurality of waveforms are in the same position in the horizontal direction of the screen, they are displayed in different areas. As a result, visual recognition of a plurality of waveforms representing binary states becomes easy. However, as in the first waveform image 203A, a plurality of waveforms can be displayed in a mutually shared area.

[0139] The object displayed in the second waveform image 203C may be an object that can be selected from the objects whose states are recorded in the ring buffer 37 by appropriately operating the input device 15. For example, in the screen 201C, information (e.g., called a label or an address) for specifying a register 35 is input in a plurality of input fields IF1 arranged on the left side of the second waveform image 203C, thereby enabling the register 35 for which the waveform is to be displayed to be selected.

[0140] In the example shown in the figure, the input field IF1 for inputting information specifying the register 35 and the waveform of the state of the specified register 35 are displayed at the same height on the screen. In another viewpoint, the two are adjacent. No waveform is displayed next to the blank input field IF1.

[0141] (4.3. Digital image (cursor value display)

[0142] Digital Image 205A( Figure 3 ) For example, by number (in Figure 3 In the figure, for convenience, a circle is drawn instead of a number to display a value (e.g., speed or pressure) indicating the state of the object at the time point indicated by the cursor 207 on the first waveform image 203A. The objects whose values ​​are displayed by numbers are, for example, all (or part) of the objects whose waveforms are displayed in the digital image 205A. The digital image 205A may not display the state of the object, but may display a value calculated based on the states of two or more objects (e.g., the difference between the detection values ​​of two pressure sensors).

[0143] The specific shape and operation method of the cursor 207 can be various. In the illustrated example, the cursor 207 is composed of a line parallel to the vertical axis and having a length extending over the length of the vertical axis. In addition, for example, by appropriately operating the input device 15 (for example, sliding the touch panel), the cursor 207 can be movable along the time axis (horizontal axis). It can also be different from the illustrated example, for example, the cursor 207 is composed of an arrow, and any one waveform can be selected from a plurality of waveforms. In this case, the selected time point of the selected waveform can also be displayed digitally on the digital image 205A.

[0144] (5. Objects of Record)

[0145] (5.1. Overall objects of record)

[0146] Figure 7 and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram for explaining an object whose state is recorded in the ring buffer 37, and is also a block diagram of the control unit 5. Figure 7 The control unit 5 shown is referred to as control unit 5A. Figure 8 The control unit 5 shown is referred to as control unit 5B.

[0147] Figure 7 The method of recording all signal states for various signals SG (SG1 to SG4) is exemplified. Figure 8 The method of recording the status of a part of the various signals SG is illustrated. In addition, as described above, in the method in which the control unit 5 includes a controller having a PLC function (or in the method in which the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 are generated), the status of the register 35 corresponding to the input relay and the output relay may be recorded instead of recording the status of the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4.

[0148] The types of the signal SG herein, unless otherwise specified, include differences based on the major categories of detection signal SG1, control signal SG2, input signal SG3, and output signal SG4, as well as differences based on the minor categories within the above four types of signals. Specifically, the types of detection signals SG1 of sensors 31 that are different from each other at the output source are different from each other. The types of control signals SG2 of drive units 33 that are different from each other at the output target are different from each other. The types of input signals SG3 of input relays that are different from each other at PLC21 are different from each other. The types of output signals SG4 of output relays that are different from each other at PLC21 are different from each other.

[0149] about Figure 7 In this way, it is definitely recorded that the states of all types of detection signals SG1, all types of control signals SG2, all types of input signals SG3 and all types of output signals SG4 are recorded in the control unit 5A.

[0150] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In any of the above embodiments, in addition to the signals SG (SG1 to SG4), the state of the register 35 may also be recorded in the ring buffer 37. In this case, Figure 7 and Figure 8 In any of the methods, the states of all the registers 35 may be recorded, or the states of a part of the registers 35 may be recorded.

[0151] All of the one or more objects whose states are recorded by the ring buffer 37 can be displayed on the display 17 by one or more screens (images). Therefore, in the description of the embodiment, the term of the recorded object can be replaced with the term of the displayable object as long as there is no contradiction. However, unlike the description of this embodiment, there may be an object that cannot be displayed although it is recorded in the ring buffer 37. The information on the state of such an object can be used by, for example, an external auxiliary device that can communicate with the control unit 5.

[0152] (5.2. How to select objects to be recorded)

[0153] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, the signal SG recording the status in the ring buffer 37 may be an appropriate signal. For example, the signal SG to be recorded may be a signal highly associated with an abnormality. More specifically, for example, the control unit 5B has a Figure 8 The abnormality detection unit 41 is illustrated as an example of a signal SGa) to detect abnormality. The signal SG to be recorded may be a signal SGa for detecting abnormality and / or a signal SG highly correlated with the signal SGa.

[0154] The abnormality detection unit 41 can be a component that realizes functions from various viewpoints. As such functions, for example, the following functions can be listed. An alarm function that is provided as a basic function in the control unit 5B (controller 19 and / or PLC21 in other viewpoints, and the same applies to this paragraph). Functions added to the control unit 5B in consideration of the inherent conditions of the die casting machine 1. Production management function and / or quality management function.

[0155] A specific example of the operation of the abnormality detection unit 41 is listed. For example, when the detection value of the injection speed and / or injection pressure (the state of the detection signal SG1 in other viewpoints) becomes outside the prescribed range, the abnormality detection unit 41 determines that an abnormality has occurred. In addition, for example, when the number of productions per unit time grasped from an appropriate signal (such as the input signal SG3) becomes outside the prescribed range, the abnormality detection unit 41 determines that an abnormality has occurred. In addition, in various abnormality judgments, the above-mentioned prescribed range (the threshold value in other viewpoints) can be set by the manufacturer, can be set by the user via the input device 15, and can be set by the control unit 5B (or an external auxiliary device that can communicate with the control unit 5B) according to the casting conditions, etc.

[0156] exist Figure 8 In the method, the subject of selecting the signal SG to be recorded is arbitrary. For example, the signal SG to be recorded may be selected by the manufacturer of the control unit 5B (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first method"), or may be selected by the operator through the operation of the input device 15 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second method"), or may be selected by the control unit 5B (or an external auxiliary device that can communicate with the control unit 5B) using AI (artificial intelligence) technology based on past abnormalities, etc.

[0157] Figure 8 An example of the first embodiment and an example of the second embodiment are schematically shown in FIG.

[0158] First, an example of the first method is described. The abnormality detection unit 41 determines whether there is an abnormality based on the signal SGa, so of course it maintains (stores) information for determining the signal SGa (utilization information D1). Then, the storage control unit 43 of the control unit 5B selects the signal SGa as the signal SG for recording the status in the ring buffer 37 based on the utilization information D1 maintained by the abnormality detection unit 41. The signal SG based on which the abnormality detection unit 41 determines the abnormality is usually set by the manufacturer of the control unit 5B. Therefore, this method can be regarded as an example of the first method. In addition, the storage controller 43 can refer to the utilization information D1 stored in other storage areas that are different from the storage area referenced by the abnormality detection unit 41.

[0159] Next, an example of the second method is described. The input device 15 receives an operation for selecting the signal SG whose status is recorded in the ring buffer 37. The control unit 5B stores selection information D3 for determining the signal SG selected by the operation. Then, the storage control unit 43 selects the signal SG whose status is recorded in the ring buffer 37 based on the selection information D3. Different from the illustrated example (different from the description in the above paragraph), the storage control unit 43 may not refer to the utilization information D1. Then, based on the operation of the input device 15, the signal SGa used for abnormality determination of the abnormality detection unit 41 can be selected, and the status of the signal SGa can be recorded in the ring buffer 37 by referring to the selection information D3.

[0160] In the above description, Figure 8 Although the state of a part of various signals SG is described in the above description, it is also possible to record the states of a part of various signals SG and various registers 35. In this case, for example, instead of recording all signals SG, it is possible to record the states of a part or all of the registers 35. In addition, in the above description (Section 5.2), the term "signal SG" may be replaced by the term "signal SG and register 35" or the term "register 35" as long as there is no contradiction.

[0161] (6. Recording stop condition)

[0162] (6.1. Recording Mode)

[0163] Fig. 9 The diagram is a schematic diagram illustrating a mode when the state of the objects (SG1 to SG4 and 35) is recorded in the ring buffer 37. Each mode diagram is a conceptual diagram of the passage of time from left to right. The range with an arrow indicates the period of recording.

[0164] The first mode is a mode that includes the method described in the general description of this embodiment. In this mode, recording can be started at any time. For example, recording can be started with the start of the forming cycle. Then, when a predetermined trigger occurs (in Fig. 9 In other words, recording is performed "before" the trigger. Thus, until the trigger occurs, information on the state of the object is stored in a capacity corresponding to the capacity of the ring buffer 37. In this mode, the occurrence of the trigger and the stop condition for stopping recording can be considered to be the same.

[0165] The second mode is the opposite mode to the first mode. Specifically, when a trigger occurs (in Fig. 9In this mode, when the trigger is triggered (for example, "injection started"), recording to the circular buffer 37 starts. Then, when a predetermined capacity (for example, the capacity of the circular buffer 37) is recorded, recording stops. That is, recording is performed "after" the trigger. In this mode, the stop condition may be "recording to the circular buffer 37 has progressed to a predetermined benchmark since the trigger occurred". In addition, the predetermined benchmark may not be the capacity, but may be set to the elapsed time (or events related to them).

[0166] The third mode is a combination of the first and second modes. In this mode, as in the first mode, recording can start at any time. After recording starts, when a specified trigger occurs (in Fig. 9 In the second mode, when the recording is set to "a certain state", the recording is stopped when the information with a capacity smaller than the capacity of the ring buffer 37 (for example, half the capacity) is recorded. That is, the recording is performed "before and after" the trigger. In addition, the stop condition is the same as the second mode, which can be said to be "the recording progresses to a predetermined benchmark (specifically, a benchmark different from the second mode) since the trigger occurs."

[0167] (6.2. Example of stop condition)

[0168] As described above, as the stop condition, the occurrence of a trigger and the case where the recording progresses to a predetermined reference after the occurrence of the trigger are exemplified. In addition, as the trigger, the above examples include the detection of an abnormality, a failure (which can be regarded as a type of abnormality), and the start of injection.

[0169] The trigger may also be set to other various events. For example, as another example of a trigger, the following may be listed. The start of the forming cycle of the die casting machine 1, the start of high-speed injection of the injection device 9, the start of pressurized injection of the injection device 9, the start of the liquid supply device (not shown) to the injection device 9, the stop of the die casting machine 1 (normal stop or abnormal stop), and the prescribed operation of the input device 15. Based on any one of the various signals (SG1 to SG4) and the various registers 35, it can be determined whether these triggers have occurred.

[0170] In addition, from other viewpoints, a trigger may be when the state of one or more objects (sometimes referred to as "judgment objects") selected from various signals (SG1 to SG4) and various registers 35 becomes a specific state. The specific state mentioned here refers to the state of the judgment object if there is only one judgment object, and refers to the state of multiple judgment objects as a whole (a combination of multiple states) if there are multiple judgment objects. The specific state may not correspond to an event that can be determined by a clear concept as described in the previous paragraph. For specific states, please also refer to Section 6.3.2 below.

[0171] The above-mentioned determination object may be selected only from the objects recorded in the ring buffer 37, for example, or may be selected from various objects without such restriction. In addition, in the above, the determination object is selected from various signals (SG1 to SG4) and various registers 35, but it may be selected only from a specific plurality of objects. For example, the determination object may be selected only from various signals (SG1 to SG4), or may be selected only from various registers 35.

[0172] (6.3. Example of stop condition setting screen)

[0173] (6.3.1. Stop condition overall setting screen)

[0174] The subject that sets the stop condition (trigger and / or mode) is arbitrary. For example, the stop condition may be set by the manufacturer of the control unit 5, or by the user through operation of the input device 15, or by the control unit 5 (or an external auxiliary device that can communicate with the control unit 5) using AI technology based on past abnormalities, etc.

[0175] Hereinafter, a specific example of the method in which the operator sets the stop condition via the input device 15 will be described. Figure 4 and Figure 6 .

[0176] As mentioned above, Figure 4 The setting image 205B of the screen 201B displays the setting status of various items related to recording. The various items displayed include, for example, the stop condition of recording. In addition, the setting image 205B also serves as an area for receiving operations for setting various items.

[0177] In the example shown in the figure, the setting image 205B is in a table format. The left column shows items related to the record, and the right column shows the setting status of the items shown in the left column.

[0178] As the items on the left column, "Trigger", "Mode" and "Sampling" are shown as examples. "Trigger" and "Mode" are as shown in Fig. 9 "Sampling" indicates a sampling period when recording the state of an object in the ring buffer 37.

[0179] exist Figure 4In the example, the state of the "register" is set as a "trigger". The "register" is a way of setting the state of one or more determination objects selected from multiple registers 35 to a specific state as a trigger. In addition, the "trigger" can be set to various triggers exemplified in the previous section. For example, the triggered item can be set by selecting an operation from multiple options prepared in advance. More specifically, for example, a list of options is displayed by clicking a box marked with "register", and the trigger can be set by clicking any option in the list.

[0180] In addition, Figure 4 In the example of , the state in which "front and back" is set as the "mode" is illustrated. That is, the third mode is set. As other settings, "front" (first mode) and "back" (second mode) can be listed. The mode item can also be set by selecting one of the three options prepared in advance, similar to the trigger item.

[0181] In addition, Figure 4 In the example of , a state in which "100 ms" is set as "sampling" is illustrated. For example, the sampling period can be set by inputting a numerical value into a block (blank) marked with "100 ms".

[0182] The setting image 205B can be changed in various ways. For example, the setting image 205B can also display Figure 4 For example, in the second and / or third mode, an item for displaying (further setting) a prescribed reference (capacity and / or elapsed time) for stopping recording after a trigger occurs may be added. On the contrary, it can also be understood from the above description that Figure 4 A portion of the items shown in the may not be user-settable items. In addition, for example, the setting image 205B may also set multiple triggers. Multiple triggers may be used for AND conditions and / or OR conditions (see the description of triggers based on register 35 in Section 6.3.2 below).

[0183] (6.3.2. Register-based trigger setting screen)

[0184] Figure 6 The screen 201D shown in FIG. Figure 4The setting image 205B shown is an example of a screen for performing specific settings when the state of one or more determination objects selected from the plurality of registers 35 is selected as a trigger to become a specific state. The screen 201D is displayed on the entire screen (the surface on which the image is projected) of the display 17, for example, similarly to the screens 201A to 201C. Then, it is selectively displayed on the display 17 by operating the input device 15. For example, by operating the button BT5 of the screens 201A to 201C, these screens are switched to the screen 201D, and by operating the button BT5 of the screen 201D, the screen returns to the original screen.

[0185] On the far left of the screen 201D, there is a column of an input bar IF3 for inputting information that determines the register 35 (for example, information called a label or an address). In the input bar IF3, for example, after clicking the input bar IF3, text (including numbers and symbols) is input via the software keyboard. On the right side, there is a column of check boxes BX1 that specifies whether the register 35 determined by the input bar IF3 is used as a determination object. The check box BX1 switches between a selected state and a non-selected state, for example, each time it is clicked. On the right side, there is a column of buttons TA1 that specify that any state of the register 35 (on or off in the illustrated example) is set as a trigger occurrence condition. For example, the button TA1 switches between on and off each time it is clicked. Although not specifically illustrated, in the case where the register 35 is specified as a value that can hold a numerical value, an input bar for inputting a threshold value, etc. may be configured instead of the button TA1.

[0186] As described above, the operator can select a determination object from the plurality of registers 35 by operating the input device 15. More specifically, the input field IF3 and the check box BX1 allow two-stage operations, namely, an operation of selecting a candidate for the determination object and an operation of further selecting an actual determination object from the selected candidate. This facilitates trial and error in investigations when abnormalities occur.

[0187] exist Figure 6 In the example of , the state of each of the plurality of determination objects can be set to any one of an AND condition and an OR condition. Specifically, for example, a button TA3 is arranged at the top layer, and each time it is clicked, the AND condition and the OR condition are switched. Figure 6 In the above, the state in which the or condition is selected is indicated. It should be noted that the and condition is a condition in which a trigger is determined to have occurred (the states of multiple determination objects have become specific states) when all of the multiple determination objects have become specified states. The or condition is a condition in which a trigger is determined to have occurred (the states of multiple determination objects have become specific states) when at least one of the multiple determination objects has become specified states.

[0188] exist Figure 6 In the example of , the mode ("before and after") and sampling ("100ms") are also displayed. Although these are shown in screen 201B ( Figure 4 ) is set in screen 201, but can also be set in screen 201D.

[0189] Figure 4 and Figure 6 The examples of the screens shown in the description or the setting methods derived from these screens can be modified in various ways.

[0190] For example, the two-stage operation of selecting a candidate for a determination object and the operation of selecting a determination object actually used from the candidates may be combined into one stage of operation. More specifically, for example, the register 35 specified by the input field IF3 may be directly used as a determination object without the check box BX1.

[0191] In addition, for example, the AND condition and the OR condition may not be switchable. For example, only one of the two conditions may be forced. On the contrary, the AND condition and the OR condition may be set more flexibly. For example, the AND condition may be set in each group containing multiple (or one) determination objects, and the OR condition may be set for multiple groups. On the contrary, the OR condition may be set in each group, and the AND condition may be set for multiple groups.

[0192] In addition, for example, specific elements for operation (input field IF3, check box BX1, button TA1, etc.) may be elements of other various forms. For example, an element for selecting one from a list of multiple options may be arranged instead of input field IF3.

[0193] exist Figure 4 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, only one or more determination objects selected from the plurality of registers 35 satisfying a specific state are used as triggers. As described above, the range of selecting the determination object may include various signals.

[0194] (7. Example of sequence of actions related to recording)

[0195] Fig.10 This is an example of a flowchart showing an outline of the processing steps executed by the control unit 5 to realize the above-mentioned recording-related operation. This processing is started, for example, when the die casting machine 1 (control unit 5) is powered on or when the initial molding cycle is started.

[0196] In step ST1, the control unit 5 starts recording the states of the objects (SG1 to SG4 and 35) in the ring buffer 37. As described above, in the first and third modes ( Fig. 9 ), step ST1 can be executed at any time. Fig.10The start of the processing shown is performed simultaneously. In addition, in the second mode, step ST1 is performed when a trigger occurs.

[0197] In step ST2, the control unit 5 determines whether the stop condition for stopping recording to the ring buffer 37 is satisfied. For example, if it is the first mode, it is determined whether a trigger has occurred. If it is the second mode, it is determined whether the recording after the trigger (step ST1) continues to a prescribed reference. If it is the third mode, it is determined whether the recording after the trigger continues to a prescribed reference (which may be different from the second mode). Then, the control unit 5 enters step ST3 when the determination is positive, and repeats step ST2 (continues recording) when the determination is negative.

[0198] In step ST3, the control unit 5 stops recording to the ring buffer 37. Then, in step ST4, the control unit 5 displays the information recorded in the ring buffer 37, such as Figure 3 to Figure 5 An example of the screen shown in .

[0199] exist Fig.10 In the example of , when recording is stopped, the processing of displaying the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 is automatically executed. Unlike the illustrated example, the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 may be displayed when a predetermined operation is performed on the input device 15 after recording is stopped.

[0200] In addition, you can also Fig.10 Unlike the example of , the state of the object can be displayed before stopping recording. For example, information can be read from a unit buffer 37a in the ring buffer 37 that is away from the unit buffer 37a in which information is recorded, and the state of the object can be displayed. However, in this case, as long as the display is maintained after stopping recording, or the display is performed again after stopping recording, the condition of displaying after stopping recording is satisfied and is included in the technology of the present invention.

[0201] Alternatively, after the stop condition is satisfied and recording in the ring buffer 37 is stopped, the information stored in the ring buffer 37 may be copied to another memory, recording in the ring buffer 37 may be restarted, and then display may be performed based on the information stored in the other memory while recording in the ring buffer 37 is being performed. In this case, display may be performed after recording in the ring buffer 37 is (temporarily) stopped.

[0202] (8. Use of past settings)

[0203] Reference Figure 3 to Figure 5 The case where the objects (SG1 to SG4 and 35) whose statuses are displayed on the display 17 can be selected by the user is described in the above description. Figure 4 and Figure 6The above descriptions describe that the user can set the stop condition for stopping recording in the ring buffer 37. The stop condition may be that one or more determination objects selected from a plurality of objects are in a specific state.

[0204] The settings of the display and / or stop conditions as described above can be saved and read. This reduces the need for the user to set the conditions from the beginning each time an abnormality is investigated, for example. In particular, in the die casting machine 1, the number of objects recorded in the ring buffer 37 (or objects that can be selected as recording objects) is huge, which can greatly improve the convenience of the user. The number of settings that can be saved can be one or more.

[0205] Fig.11 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration for realizing the above-mentioned functions. In the following description, first, settings related to display will be described.

[0206] The control unit 5 stores information about the current setting state related to the display (current setting D11) in the first memory M1. The first memory M1 is, for example, a volatile memory (such as a RAM). The current setting D11 includes, for example, at least information for determining the object selected as the display object. For example, if it is the register 35, it includes Figure 5 The current setting D11 may further include information for determining the display mode. For example, it may include information for determining the scale of the horizontal axis (time t).

[0207] The control unit 5 displays the state recorded in the ring buffer 37 on the display 17 for the display object determined by the current setting D11. In addition, when the display mode (scale, etc.) is determined by the current setting D11, the control unit 5 reflects the display mode. In addition, when the display object (and display mode) is changed (set) by the operator's operation on the input device 15, the control unit 5 updates the content of the current setting D11. The initial content (default) of the current setting D11 can be set to an appropriate content.

[0208] When a predetermined operation is performed on the input device 15, the control unit 5 stores the content of the current setting D11 in the second memory M2 as information for determining the past setting state (past setting D13). The second memory M2 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory (for example, an auxiliary storage device). The second memory M2 can store, for example, a plurality of past settings D13.

[0209] The control unit 5 can receive an operation for selecting an arbitrary past setting D13 from a plurality of past settings D13 stored in the second memory M2 via the input device 15. Then, when any one of the past settings D13 is selected, the control unit 5 copies the selected past setting D13 as the current setting D11 to the first memory M1. Thus, a display based on the past setting D13 is performed.

[0210] Furthermore, in a case where the second memory M2 can store only one past setting D13, for example, when the display of the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 ends, the current setting D11 may be automatically stored as the past setting D13. Alternatively, when the display of the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 starts, the past setting D13 may be automatically set as the current setting D11.

[0211] In addition, when the second memory M2 stores a plurality of past settings D13, any one of the past settings D13 may be automatically used or not used when starting to display the information recorded in the ring buffer 37. As the latter, for example, a method of automatically using the last setting that is automatically stored differently from the past setting D13 (a method similar to the method described in the previous paragraph) can be cited.

[0212] Fig.11 The above description can be referred to as the setting of the stop condition. The term "display" can be replaced with the term "stop condition" in the above description as long as there is no contradiction. In addition, the following is an overview of the differences including the above description when the stop condition is referred to.

[0213] The current setting D11 includes information about the current setting state related to the stop condition. For example, the current setting D11 includes information for determining the type and mode of the trigger. When the trigger includes one or more determination objects becoming a specific state, the current setting D11 includes information for determining the one or more determination objects and the specific state.

[0214] As reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 As described above, when the stop condition is set, the control unit 5 displays the content reflecting the current setting D11. In addition, when the stop condition is changed (set), the content of the current setting D11 is updated. Fig.10 In the processing described above, in step ST1 and / or step ST2, the stop condition (trigger and / or mode in another viewpoint) determined by the current setting D11 is used.

[0215] The control unit 5 stores the current setting D11 as the past setting D13 in the second memory M2 according to an appropriate operation on the input device 15. In addition, the control unit 5 copies any one of the plurality of past settings D13 stored in the second memory M2 as the current setting D11 to the first memory M1 according to an appropriate operation on the input device 15. The previous setting may be automatically used for the current setting or may not be used.

[0216] (9. Export function)

[0217] In the above description, the case where the information stored in the ring buffer 37 is directly used in the control unit 5 is mainly described. Figure 2 As shown, the information stored in the ring buffer 37 can be exported to the external recording medium 45. This makes it possible to store, for example, results exceeding the capacity of the ring buffer 37, and to perform accumulation of cases and / or statistical analysis.

[0218] The external recording medium 45 is an external element from the perspective of the control unit 5 (or the controller 19). The external recording medium 45 may be a component of the die casting machine 1 or may be an element external to the die casting machine 1. Figure 2 In the figure, for convenience, the external recording medium 45 is embodied as an element external to the die casting machine 1 .

[0219] As an example of a mode in which the external recording medium 45 is a component of the die casting machine 1, for example, the external recording medium 45 is an accessory of any one of the control unit 5 and the HMI 13. As an example of a mode in which the external recording medium 45 is a component external to the die casting machine 1, the external recording medium 45 is an independent unit on a network.

[0220] In connection with the above, the derivation may be performed, for example, by the control unit 5 (controller 19) as follows Figure 2 The signal indicated by the solid arrow may be executed by the HMI 13 as the signal indicated by the double-dashed arrow. In addition, for example, when the external recording medium 45 is an independent unit on the network, it may be saved from any one of the control unit 5 and the HMI 13.

[0221] When recording to the ring buffer 37 is stopped, the information may be derived by operating the input device 15 and / or automatically. And / or when a predetermined amount of information is accumulated in the ring buffer 37, the information may be derived by operating the input device 15 and / or automatically. The predetermined amount may be based on, for example, the capacity or the number of unit buffers 37a (which are substantially the same). Alternatively, the number of forming cycles or the like may be used as a reference.

[0222] The information that can be exported can be in various forms. For example, the information stored in the ring buffer 37 (a digital value representing the state of the object) can be directly exported. In addition, for example, Figure 3 The waveforms shown in the above examples are data of a part or all of an image (for example, an image based on the same function as a screen shot).

[0223] (10. Summary of implementation methods)

[0224] As described above, in the present embodiment, the molding machine (die casting machine 1) has a machine body 3, a control unit 5, and a display 17. The machine body 3 has a sensor 31 and a drive unit 33. The control unit 5 is input with a detection signal SG1 from the sensor 31, and outputs a control signal SG2 to the drive unit 33. The display 17 is controlled by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 has a PLC 21 and a memory (a ring buffer 37). The PLC 21 has a register 35. The ring buffer 37 maintains the time series data D5 that stores new information in real time as the molding cycle proceeds and is updated by eliminating old information for the state of one or more objects including the detection signal SG1, the control signal SG2, and the register 35, that is, the first object. The control unit 5 stops the update of the time series data D5 on the condition that a prescribed stop condition is satisfied (steps ST2 and ST3). The display 17 displays the state of the above-mentioned first object based on the time series data D5 whose update has been stopped.

[0225] Therefore, for example, as described in the overview of the embodiment, it is easy to grasp the situation after the fact, and the identification of the main cause of abnormality etc. can be facilitated and / or early.

[0226] The above-mentioned memory may be a ring buffer 37 .

[0227] In this case, for example, the recording can be continued while reducing the load on the control unit 5 .

[0228] The display 17 may display a waveform (lines Ln1 and Ln3 ) indicating a temporal change in the state of the first object.

[0229] In this case, for example, it is easy to grasp the change in the state of the object over time, thereby enhancing the above-mentioned effect.

[0230] The display 17 may display a cursor 207 indicating an arbitrary time point of the waveform, and may also display the state of the first object at the time point indicated by the cursor 207 digitally (digital image 205A).

[0231] In this case, for example, it is easier to grasp the state of the object in detail, thereby enhancing the above-mentioned effect.

[0232] The memory (ring buffer 37) can hold the time series data D5 for the state of the detection signal SG1 and the state of the register 35. The display 17 can display the waveform (line Ln1) indicating the time-dependent change in the state of the detection signal SG1 and the waveform (line Ln3) indicating the time-dependent change in the state of the register 35 on different screens (screens 201A and 201C) based on the time series data D5.

[0233] The detection signal SG1 intended to be displayed is relatively likely to take a multi-valued value. On the other hand, the register 35 intended to be displayed is likely to take a binary value. Therefore, for example, by displaying both on different screens 201A and 201C, visual recognition is improved. Furthermore, it is easy to grasp the state of the object, thereby improving the above-mentioned effect.

[0234] The first object may be a register 35 .

[0235] Usually, the detection values ​​of the sensor 31 such as the injection speed and injection pressure are mostly displayed as waveforms. However, the state of the register 35 is usually not displayed as a waveform. By displaying the state of the register 35 as a waveform, it is possible to grasp the situation that was previously impossible. In addition, for example, when an abnormality whose cause is difficult to predict occurs, the cause can also be determined as soon as possible.

[0236] The memory (ring buffer 37) can hold time series data D5 for all states of the detection signal SG1, the control signal SG2, and the register 35. The display 17 can display all states of the detection signal SG1, the control signal SG2, and the register 35 on one or more screens based on the time series data D5.

[0237] Generally, in the die casting machine 1, a plurality of detection signals SG1, a plurality of control signals SG2, and a plurality of registers 35 are used. In the previous paragraph, "all" does not mean all of these, but means all of one detection signal SG1, one control signal SG2, and one register 35. In other words, at least one of each of the three objects is selected as an object intended to be recorded.

[0238] In such a manner, it can be said that the intention is to record and display various objects. Thus, for example, it is possible to grasp a situation that was previously impossible. In addition, for example, even in the case of an abnormality whose cause is difficult to predict, it is possible to determine its cause as early as possible. In particular, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As described above, this effect is enhanced when all the detection signals SG1, all the control signals SG2, and all the registers 35 are the objects of recording.

[0239] The control unit 5 can detect abnormality of one or more specific objects among multiple objects including multiple detection signals SG1 from multiple sensors 31, multiple control signals SG2 to multiple drive units 33, and multiple registers 35. The memory (ring buffer 37) can store time series data D5 (see Figure 8 ). The display 17 may display the state of the above-mentioned part of the objects through one or more screens (201A to 201C) based on the time series data D5.

[0240] In this case, for example, compared with the case where all detection signals SG1, all detection signals SG2, all control signals SG2, and all registers 35 are recorded as objects, the capacity of the ring buffer 37 when recording the time series data D5 within a specified period can be reduced. In another viewpoint, the time series data D5 can be recorded for a long time by the ring buffer 37 having a specified capacity. In the method of using various objects in abnormality detection, the "one or more specific objects" in the previous paragraph may be a part or all of the various objects.

[0241] The molding machine (die casting machine 1) may include an input device 15. The input device 15 may receive an operation of selecting one or more recording objects from a plurality of objects including a plurality of detection signals SG1 from a plurality of sensors 31, a plurality of control signals SG2 to a plurality of drive units 33, and a plurality of registers 35. Figure 8 The memory (ring buffer 37) can store time series data D5 for the state of a part of objects including the one or more recording objects among the multiple objects. The display 17 can display the state of the part of objects through one or more screens (201A to 201C) based on the time series data D5.

[0242] In this case, the user can select the object to be investigated. As a result, for example, the capacity of the ring buffer 37 can be reduced compared to a method of recording the states of all objects. On the other hand, compared to a method of recording the states of only a part of objects preset by the manufacturer, for example, the states of various objects can be grasped. As a result, for example, the main cause of an abnormality that is difficult to determine based on only the states of a part of objects preset by the manufacturer can be easily determined.

[0243] The stop condition (step ST2 ) may include a case where an abnormality is detected by the control unit 5 .

[0244] In this case, for example, when an abnormality occurs, recording to the ring buffer 37 can be automatically stopped. Furthermore, for example, the time series data D5 before or before the abnormality is detected is retained. As a result, the need for a reproduction test to generate the same abnormality and identify the cause of the abnormality is reduced.

[0245] The stop condition may include a case where the time series data D5 has been updated to a prescribed reference (second and third modes) after a prescribed first condition is satisfied (after a prescribed trigger occurs).

[0246] In this case, for example, not only the time series data before the trigger occurs, but also the time series data after the trigger occurs or before and after the trigger occurs can be obtained. As a result, for example, when the change in the state of the object that is the cause of the abnormality is small before the abnormality occurs and large after the abnormality occurs, it becomes easy to identify the main cause of the abnormality.

[0247] The molding machine (die casting machine 1) may include an input device 15. The input device 15 may receive an operation of selecting one or more determination objects from a plurality of objects including a plurality of detection signals SG1 from a plurality of sensors 31, a plurality of control signals SG2 to a plurality of drive units 33, and a plurality of registers 35, and a specific state of the one or more determination objects ( Figure 6 ). The stop condition may include a situation where one or more of the determination objects have become the specific state.

[0248] In this case, for example, the user can refer to the time series data as a reference for various triggers. As a result, for example, it is possible to identify the main cause of an abnormality that was previously difficult to identify, or to make it easier to identify the main cause of the abnormality as early as possible. In addition, the operation of selecting one or more determination objects may be an operation of selecting the number of determination objects and the type of determination object ( Figure 6 ), or it may be an operation of selecting a predetermined number (one or more) of types of determination objects.

[0249] The control unit 5 may also store a plurality of stop conditions (a plurality of past settings D13) that are different in combination with one or more determination objects and the specific states of the one or more determination objects. The input device 15 may receive an operation of selecting a next stop condition (a current setting D11) to be used from the plurality of stop conditions stored in the control unit 5.

[0250] In this case, for example, as described above, the necessity for the user to set the stop condition from the beginning each time an abnormality is investigated is reduced. As a result, for example, previous investigation experience can be easily utilized. In addition, for example, when a reproduction test of an abnormality is performed and the capacity of the ring buffer 37 is insufficient for one forming cycle, by sequentially calling a plurality of past settings D13 to perform repeated reproduction tests, it is possible to easily collect information before, after, or before and after various phenomena. According to the above situation, for example, it becomes easy to determine the main cause of the abnormality as soon as possible.

[0251] In addition, as a method in which the combination of one or more determination objects and the specific state of one or more determination objects is different from each other among a plurality of stop conditions, for example, the following can be listed: A method in which the number of one or more determination objects and / or the type of at least a part of one or more determination objects are different from each other. A method in which the number and type of one or more determination objects are the same, but the specific state (set as the state of at least one determination object) is different from each other.

[0252] The molding machine (die casting machine 1) may include an input device 15. The input device 15 may receive an operation for selecting one or more display objects displayed by the display 17 based on the time series data D5 from a plurality of detection signals SG1 from a plurality of sensors 31, a plurality of control signals SG2 to a plurality of drive units 33, and a plurality of registers 35 (see Figure 3 The pair of buttons BT3 and Figure 5 The display 17 can display the state of the above-mentioned one or more display objects based on the current selection state (current setting D11). The control unit 5 can store information of multiple selection states of one or more display objects that are different from each other (multiple past settings D13). The input device 15 can receive an operation of applying any one of the multiple selection states (multiple past settings D13) stored in the control unit 5 to the current selection state (current setting D11).

[0253] In this case, for example, as described above, the necessity for the user to make display-related settings from the beginning each time an abnormality is investigated can be reduced. As a result, for example, previous investigation experience can be easily utilized. In addition, for example, by sequentially calling and displaying multiple past settings D13, it is possible to easily identify the time-dependent changes in the states of various objects from multiple perspectives. According to the above situation, for example, it is easy to determine the main cause of the abnormality as early as possible. In addition, as a method in which one or more display objects are different from each other between multiple selection states, for example, a method in which the number of one or more determination objects and / or the type of at least a part of one or more determination objects are different from each other can be listed.

[0254] The control unit 5 may export the information indicating the state of the first object stored in the memory (ring buffer 37) to an external recording medium (external recording medium 45).

[0255] In this case, for example, as described above, results exceeding the capacity of the ring buffer 37 can be stored, and analysis based on accumulation and / or statistics of cases becomes possible.

[0256] In the above embodiment, the die casting machine 1 is an example of a molding machine. The ring buffer 37 is an example of a memory.

[0257] The technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-exemplified embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms.

[0258] The molding machine is not limited to a die casting machine. For example, the molding machine may be another metal molding machine, an injection molding machine for molding resin, or a molding machine for molding a material in which thermoplastic resin or the like is mixed with wood powder. In addition, the molding machine is not limited to horizontal mold closing and horizontal injection, and may be, for example, vertical mold closing and vertical injection, vertical mold closing and horizontal injection, or horizontal mold closing and vertical injection.

[0259] Explanation of symbols

[0260] 1: Die casting machine (molding machine), 3: Machine body, 5: Control unit, 17: Display, 21: PLC, 31: Sensor, 33: Drive unit, 35: Register, 37: Ring buffer (memory), D5: Time series data, SG1: Detection signal, SG2: Control signal.

Claims

1. A forming machine comprising: A machine body having a sensor and a drive unit; a control unit that receives a detection signal from the sensor and outputs a control signal to the drive unit; a display, which is controlled by the control unit, The control unit has: A PLC, which has registers; a memory that stores time series data updated by storing new information and deleting old information in real time as the forming cycle proceeds, for states of one or more objects including the detection signal, the control signal, and one of the registers, i.e., the first object; The updating of the time series data is stopped when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied. The display displays the state of the first object based on the time-series data whose updating is stopped.

2. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The memory is a circular buffer.

3. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The display displays a waveform indicating a time-dependent change in a state of the first object.

4. The forming machine according to claim 3, wherein: The display displays a cursor indicating an arbitrary time point of the waveform, and numerically displays a state of the first object at the time point indicated by the cursor.

5. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The memory holds the time series data for the state of the detection signal and the state of the register, The display displays a waveform indicating a change in the state of the detection signal with time and a waveform indicating a change in the state of the register with time on different screens based on the time-series data.

6. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The first object is the register.

7. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The memory holds the time series data for all states of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register, The display displays all states of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register on one or more screens based on the time series data.

8. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit detects abnormality of one or more specific objects based on a plurality of objects including the plurality of detection signals from the plurality of sensors, the plurality of control signals to the plurality of drive units, and the plurality of registers. The memory stores the time series data on the states of a part of the plurality of objects including the one or more specific objects. The display displays the state of the part of objects on one or more screens based on the time-series data.

9. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus further comprises an input device for receiving an operation of selecting one or more recording objects from a plurality of objects including a plurality of detection signals from a plurality of sensors, a plurality of control signals to a plurality of drive units, and a plurality of registers. The memory stores the time series data on the states of some objects including the one or more recording objects among the plurality of objects. The display displays the state of the part of objects on one or more screens based on the time-series data.

10. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The stop condition includes a case where an abnormality is detected by the control unit.

11. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The stop condition includes a case where the time series data is updated to a predetermined reference after a predetermined first condition is satisfied.

12. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus further comprises an input device for receiving an operation of selecting one or more determination objects and specific states of the one or more determination objects from a plurality of objects including the plurality of detection signals from the plurality of sensors, the plurality of control signals to the plurality of drive units, and the plurality of registers, The stop condition includes a case where the one or more determination objects are in the specific state.

13. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit stores a plurality of the stop conditions that have different combinations of the one or more determination objects and specific states of the one or more determination objects. The input device receives an operation of selecting the stop condition to be used next from among the plurality of stop conditions stored in the control unit.

14. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus further comprises an input device for receiving an operation of selecting one or more display objects whose states are displayed by the display based on the time series data from a plurality of objects including a plurality of the detection signals from the plurality of the sensors, a plurality of the control signals to the plurality of the drive units, and a plurality of the registers. The display displays the state of the one or more display objects based on the current selection state, The control unit stores information on a plurality of selection states in which at least a part of the one or more display objects are different from each other, The input device receives an operation of applying any one of the plurality of selection states stored by the control unit to the current selection state.

15. The forming machine according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit exports information indicating the state of the first object stored in the memory to an external recording medium.

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