Injection molding machine and control device

Abstract

Provided is an injection molding machine and a control device, with which a user can easily set a decompression start time and a decompression speed. An injection molding machine (10) includes: a clamping device (100) that opens and closes a mold device (800); an operation device (750) that can input a setting including a decompression start time and a decompression speed of the clamping device (100); and a control device (700) that controls the clamping device (100) based on the setting input to the operation device (750).

Description

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-219414, filed on December 13, 2024. The entire contents of that Japanese application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to an injection molding machine and a control device. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, an injection molding machine with a mold closing device and a mold opening and closing device, as well as a control device for controlling the various parts of the injection molding machine, were known (see Patent Document 1 below).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-104257 Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides an injection molding machine and control device that allows users to easily set the depressurization start time and depressurization speed.

[0006] This disclosure provides an injection molding machine comprising: a mold clamping device, a mold opening and closing device; an operating device capable of inputting settings including a depressurization start time and a depressurization speed of the mold clamping device; and a control device for controlling the mold clamping device according to the settings input to the operating device.

[0007] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a control device that controls a mold closing device according to settings input to an operating device of an injection molding machine, the injection molding machine having the mold closing device having a mold opening and closing device and the operating device capable of inputting the settings including a depressurization start time and a depressurization end time of the mold closing device.

[0008] Invention Effects

[0009] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an injection molding machine and control device are provided in which a user can easily set the depressurization start time and depressurization speed. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the state of the injection molding machine when the mold opening is complete.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the state of the injection molding machine when the mold is closed.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram representing an example of the molding cycle of an injection molding machine.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the settings screen of an injection molding machine.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a graph representing an example of control commands for the clamping device of an injection molding machine.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a graph representing an example of control commands for the clamping device of an injection molding machine.

[0016] In the diagram: 10-Injection molding machine, 100-Mold clamping device, 102-Moving mechanism, 110-Fixed pressure plate, 120-Movable pressure plate, 130-Toggle seat, 140-Connecting rod, 150-Toggle mechanism, 151-Cross head (movable part), 152-First connecting rod (connecting rod group), 153-Second connecting rod (connecting rod group), 154-Third connecting rod (connecting rod group), 160-Mold clamping motor, 170-Motion conversion mechanism, 700-Control device, 750-Operating Device, 760-Display device, 800-Mold device, 810-Fixed mold, 820-Modible mold, M-Decompression mode, M1-Sink mark improvement mode (decompression mode), M2-Noise reduction mode (decompression mode), M3-Combined mode (decompression mode), M4-Any mode (decompression mode), P1-Decompression start position, P2-Decompression end position, Tdc1-Decompression period, Tdc2-Decompression period, Tds-Decompression start time, Vd-Decompression speed. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the injection molding machine and control device according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below are examples and do not limit the invention. All features and combinations thereof in the embodiments of this disclosure are not necessarily the essential content of the invention. Furthermore, in the various drawings, the same or corresponding structures are sometimes labeled with the same or corresponding symbols, and repeated descriptions are omitted.

[0018] (Injection molding machine)

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the state of the injection molding machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure when the mold opening is completed. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the state of the injection molding machine during mold closing according to the embodiment. In this specification, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are mutually perpendicular directions. The X-axis and Y-axis represent horizontal directions, and the Z-axis represents vertical directions. When the mold closing device 100 is horizontal, the X-axis represents the mold opening and closing direction, and the Y-axis represents the width direction of the injection molding machine 10. The negative side of the Y-axis is referred to as the operating side, and the positive side of the Y-axis is referred to as the opposite side of the operating side.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the injection molding machine 10 includes a mold clamping device 100 for opening and closing a mold assembly 800, an ejection device 200 for ejecting the molded article formed by the mold assembly 800, and an injection device 300 for injecting molding material into the mold assembly 800. Furthermore, the injection molding machine 10 includes a moving device 400 for moving the injection device 300 forward and backward relative to the mold assembly 800, a control device 700 for controlling each component of the injection molding machine 10, and a frame 900 for supporting each component of the injection molding machine 10. The frame 900 includes a mold clamping device frame 910 supporting the mold clamping device 100 and an injection device frame 920 supporting the injection device 300. The mold clamping device frame 910 and the injection device frame 920 are respectively mounted on the base plate 2 via horizontal adjusting casters 930. The control device 700 is disposed within the internal space of the injection device frame 920. The components of the injection molding machine 10 will be described below.

[0021] (Mold closing device)

[0022] In the description of the mold closing device 100, the moving direction of the movable pressure plate 120 when the mold is closed (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is set to forward, and the moving direction of the movable pressure plate 120 when the mold is opened (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is set to rearward.

[0023] The mold closing device 100 performs mold closing, pressurization, mold closing, depressurization, and mold opening of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 includes a fixed mold 810 and a movable mold 820.

[0024] The mold closing device 100 is, for example, horizontal, and the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal. The mold closing device 100 has a fixed pressure plate 110 for mounting the fixed mold 810, a movable pressure plate 120 for mounting the movable mold 820, and a moving mechanism 102 for moving the movable pressure plate 120 relative to the fixed pressure plate 110 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0025] The fixed pressure plate 110 is fixed to the mold closing device frame 910. The fixed mold 810 is installed on the surface of the fixed pressure plate 110 opposite to the movable pressure plate 120.

[0026] The movable pressure plate 120 is configured to move freely relative to the mold clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction. A guide member 101 for guiding the movable pressure plate 120 is laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. A movable mold 820 is mounted on the surface of the movable pressure plate 120 opposite to the fixed pressure plate 110.

[0027] The moving mechanism 102 performs mold closing, pressure raising, mold closing, pressure release, and mold opening of the mold device 800 by moving the movable pressure plate 120 forward and backward relative to the fixed pressure plate 110. The moving mechanism 102 includes an toggle seat 130 spaced apart from the fixed pressure plate 110, a connecting rod 140 connecting the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130, and an toggle mechanism 150 that moves the movable pressure plate 120 relative to the toggle seat 130 in the mold opening and closing direction. Furthermore, the moving mechanism 102 includes a mold closing motor 160 that operates the toggle mechanism 150, a motion conversion mechanism 170 that converts the rotational motion of the mold closing motor 160 into linear motion, and a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 that adjusts the gap between the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130.

[0028] The toggle seat 130 is spaced apart from the fixed pressure plate 110 and is mounted on the mold clamping device frame 910 so as to move freely in the mold opening and closing direction. Furthermore, the toggle seat 130 can be configured to move freely along a guide laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. The guide of the toggle seat 130 can be interchangeable with the guide 101 of the movable pressure plate 120.

[0029] In this embodiment, the fixed pressure plate 110 is fixed to the mold clamping device frame 910, and the toggle seat 130 is configured to move freely relative to the mold clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction. Alternatively, the toggle seat 130 may also be fixed to the mold clamping device frame 910, and the fixed pressure plate 110 may also be configured to move freely relative to the mold clamping device frame 910 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0030] Connecting rod 140 connects the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130 at a distance L in the mold opening and closing direction. Multiple connecting rods 140 can be used (e.g., four). The multiple connecting rods 140 are configured parallel to the mold opening and closing direction and extend according to the clamping force. A connecting rod strain detector 141 for detecting the strain of the connecting rod 140 can be provided on at least one connecting rod 140. The connecting rod strain detector 141 sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the connecting rod strain detector 141 is used for detecting the clamping force, etc.

[0031] In this embodiment, a connecting rod strain gauge 141 is used as the clamping force detector for detecting the clamping force, but the present invention is not limited to this. The clamping force detector is not limited to a strain gauge and may also be piezoelectric, capacitive, hydraulic, or electromagnetic, etc., and its installation position is not limited to the connecting rod 140.

[0032] A toggle mechanism 150 is positioned between a movable pressure plate 120 and a toggle seat 130, allowing the movable pressure plate 120 to move relative to the toggle seat 130 in the mold opening and closing direction. The toggle mechanism 150 has a crosshead 151 that moves in the mold opening and closing direction and a pair of linkages that extend and retract with the movement of the crosshead 151. Each linkage has a first linkage 152 and a second linkage 153 connected by pins or the like for free extension and retraction. The first linkage 152 is mounted by pins or the like to allow free swinging relative to the movable pressure plate 120. The second linkage 153 is mounted by pins or the like to allow free swinging relative to the toggle seat 130. The second linkage 153 is mounted to the crosshead 151 via a third linkage 154. When the crosshead 151 moves forward or backward relative to the toggle seat 130, the first linkage 152 and the second linkage 153 extend and retract, causing the movable pressure plate 120 to move forward or backward relative to the toggle seat 130.

[0033] Furthermore, the structure of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure shown. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this configuration, each link group has five nodes, but it can be four, or it can be the node where one end of the third link 154 is connected to the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0034] The clamping motor 160 is mounted on the toggle seat 130 and operates the toggle mechanism 150. The clamping motor 160 causes the crosshead 151 to move forward and backward relative to the toggle seat 130, thereby extending and retracting the first link 152 and the second link 153, which in turn causes the movable pressure plate 120 to move forward and backward relative to the toggle seat 130. The clamping motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but it can also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt, pulley, etc.

[0035] The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotary motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into the linear motion of the crosshead 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 includes a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut screwed to the lead screw shaft. Balls or rollers may be located between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut.

[0036] Under the control of the control device 700, the mold closing device 100 performs the mold closing process, the pressure raising process, the mold closing process, the pressure release process, and the mold opening process.

[0037] In the mold closing process, the mold closing motor 160 is driven to advance the crosshead 151 at a set speed to the mold closing completion position, causing the movable pressure plate 120 to advance so that the movable mold 820 contacts the fixed mold 810. For example, a mold closing motor encoder 161 is used to detect the position and speed of the crosshead 151. The mold closing motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the mold closing motor 160 and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700.

[0038] Furthermore, the crosshead position detector for detecting the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead movement speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the crosshead 151 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161, and conventional detectors can be used. Also, the movable platen position detector for detecting the position of the movable platen 120 and the movable platen movement speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161, and conventional detectors can be used.

[0039] In the pressurization process, the mold closing motor 160 is further driven to advance the crosshead 151 from the mold closing position to the mold closing position, thereby generating a mold closing force.

[0040] During the mold closing process, the mold closing motor 160 is driven to maintain the position of the crosshead 151 in the mold closing position. During the mold closing process, the mold closing force generated during the pressurization process is maintained. During the mold closing process, a cavity space 801 (see reference) is formed between the movable mold 820 and the fixed mold 810. Figure 2 The injection unit 300 fills the cavity space 801 with liquid molding material. The filled molding material is cured to obtain a molded product.

[0041] The number of cavity spaces 801 can be one or more. In the latter case, multiple molded articles can be obtained simultaneously. Alternatively, an insert can be configured in a part of the cavity space 801, and the other part of the cavity space 801 can be filled with molding material. Thus, a molded article in which the insert and the molding material are integrated can be obtained.

[0042] During the depressurization process, the crosshead 151 is retracted from the mold-closing position to the mold-opening start position by driving the mold-closing motor 160, thereby causing the movable pressure plate 120 to retract and reducing the mold-closing force. The mold-opening start position and the mold-closing completion position can be the same position.

[0043] In the mold opening process, the crosshead 151 is retracted from the mold opening start position to the mold opening completion position at a set moving speed by driving the mold closing motor 160, causing the movable pressure plate 120 to retract, so that the movable mold 820 separates from the fixed mold 810. Then, the ejection device 200 ejects the molded product from the movable mold 820.

[0044] The setting conditions in the mold closing process, the pressure raising process, and the mold closing process are set uniformly as a series of setting conditions. For example, the moving speed, position (including the mold closing start position, moving speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold closing position) and mold closing force of the crosshead 151 in the mold closing process and the pressure raising process are set uniformly as a series of setting conditions. The mold closing start position, moving speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold closing position are arranged sequentially from back to front, and represent the start and end points of the range for setting the moving speed. The moving speed is set for each range. There can be one or more moving speed switching positions. The moving speed switching position can be omitted. Only the mold closing position and the mold closing force can be set.

[0045] The settings for the depressurization and mold opening processes are also set in the same way. For example, the moving speed and position (mold opening start position, moving speed switching position, and mold opening completion position) of the crosshead 151 in the depressurization and mold opening processes are set uniformly as a series of settings. The mold opening start position, moving speed switching position, and mold opening completion position are arranged sequentially from front to back, and represent the start and end points of the range for setting the moving speed. The moving speed is set for each range. There can be one or more moving speed switching positions. A moving speed switching position may not be set. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position can be the same position. Furthermore, the mold opening completion position and the mold closing start position can be the same position.

[0046] Alternatively, the moving speed and position of the movable pressure plate 120 can be set instead of the moving speed and position of the crosshead 151. Furthermore, the clamping force can be set instead of the position of the crosshead (e.g., the mold closing position) and the position of the movable pressure plate. Details will be described later; however, the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment has a structure that allows the user to easily change settings including the depressurization start time and depressurization speed in the depressurization process.

[0047] The toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the clamping motor 160 and transmits it to the movable pressure plate 120. Its amplification factor is also known as the toggle ratio. The toggle ratio varies depending on the angle θ (hereinafter also referred to as "link angle θ") formed by the first link 152 and the second link 153. The link angle θ is determined by the position of the crosshead 151. The toggle ratio reaches its maximum when the link angle θ is 180°.

[0048] When the thickness of the mold assembly 800 changes due to replacement of the mold assembly 800, temperature changes of the mold assembly 800, etc., mold thickness adjustment is performed to obtain a specified mold closing force during mold closing. In mold thickness adjustment, for example, the distance L between the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130 is adjusted so that at the moment of mold contact when the movable mold 820 contacts the fixed mold 810, the connecting rod angle θ of the toggle mechanism 150 becomes a specified angle.

[0049] The mold clamping device 100 includes a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the mold thickness by adjusting the distance L between the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130. Furthermore, the mold thickness adjustment is performed, for example, during the period from the end of the molding cycle to the start of the next molding cycle. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 includes, for example, a lead screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end of the connecting rod 140, a lead screw nut 182 that is rotatably fixed and non-retractable on the toggle seat 130, and a mold thickness adjustment motor 183 that rotates the lead screw nut 182 screwed to the lead screw shaft 181.

[0050] Each connecting rod 140 is provided with a lead screw shaft 181 and a lead screw nut 182. The rotational driving force of the die thickness adjustment motor 183 can be transmitted to multiple lead screw nuts 182 via the rotational driving force transmission unit 185. Multiple lead screw nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously. Alternatively, multiple lead screw nuts 182 can be rotated individually by changing the transmission path of the rotational driving force transmission unit 185.

[0051] The rotary drive force transmission unit 185 is composed of, for example, gears. In this case, driven gears are formed on the outer periphery of each lead screw nut 182, and drive gears are mounted on the output shaft of the die thickness adjustment motor 183. Furthermore, intermediate gears that mesh with the multiple driven gears and drive gears remain rotatable at the center of the toggle seat 130. Alternatively, the rotary drive force transmission unit 185 may be composed of belts, pulleys, or the like instead of gears.

[0052] The operation of the die thickness adjustment mechanism 180 is controlled by the control device 700. The control device 700 drives the die thickness adjustment motor 183 to rotate the lead screw nut 182. As a result, the position of the toggle seat 130 relative to the connecting rod 140 is adjusted, and the distance L between the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130 is adjusted. Alternatively, multiple die thickness adjustment mechanisms can be used in combination.

[0053] The die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 is used to detect the interval L. The die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 detects the rotation amount and direction of rotation of the die thickness adjustment motor 183, and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 is used for monitoring and controlling the position of the toggle seat 130 and the interval L. In addition, the toggle seat position detector for detecting the position of the toggle seat 130 and the interval detector for detecting the interval L are not limited to the die thickness adjustment motor encoder 184, and conventional detectors can be used.

[0054] The mold clamping device 100 may also have a mold temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature of the mold assembly 800. The mold assembly 800 has a flow path for a temperature regulating medium inside it. The mold temperature regulator adjusts the temperature of the temperature regulating medium supplied to the flow path of the mold assembly 800, thereby regulating the temperature of the mold assembly 800.

[0055] In addition, the mold closing device 100 in this embodiment is a horizontal type with the mold opening and closing direction in the horizontal direction, but it can also be a vertical type with the mold opening and closing direction in the vertical direction.

[0056] Furthermore, the mold clamping device 100 of this embodiment has a mold clamping motor 160 as a drive unit, but a hydraulic cylinder may be used instead of the mold clamping motor 160. Also, the mold clamping device 100 has a linear motor for mold opening and closing, or it may have an electromagnet for mold clamping.

[0057] (Ejection device)

[0058] In the description of the ejector device 200, similar to the description of the mold closing device 100, the moving direction of the movable pressure plate 120 when the mold is closed (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is set to forward, and the moving direction of the movable pressure plate 120 when the mold is opened (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is set to rearward.

[0059] Ejection device 200 is mounted on movable pressure plate 120 and moves forward and backward together with movable pressure plate 120. Ejection device 200 has ejection rod 210 for ejecting molded article from mold device 800 and drive mechanism 220 for moving ejection rod 210 along the moving direction (X-axis direction) of movable pressure plate 120.

[0060] Ejector rod 210 is configured to move freely in and out of the through hole of movable pressure plate 120. The front end of ejector rod 210 contacts ejector plate 826 of movable mold 820. The front end of ejector rod 210 may or may not be connected to ejector plate 826.

[0061] The drive mechanism 220 includes, for example, an ejector motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the ejector motor into the linear motion of the ejector rod 210. The motion conversion mechanism includes a lead screw and a lead screw nut screwed to the lead screw. Balls or rollers may be located between the lead screw and the lead screw nut.

[0062] The ejector device 200 performs the ejection process under the control of the control device 700. In the ejection process, the ejector rod 210 is moved forward from the standby position to the ejection position at a set speed, causing the ejector plate 826 to move forward and eject the molded product. Then, the ejector motor is driven to move the ejector rod 210 backward at a set speed, causing the ejector plate 826 to return to the original standby position.

[0063] For example, an ejector motor encoder is used to detect the position and movement speed of the ejector rod 210. The ejector motor encoder detects the rotation of the ejector motor and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. In addition, the ejector rod position detector for detecting the position of the ejector rod 210 and the ejector rod movement speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the ejector rod 210 are not limited to the ejector motor encoder, and conventional detectors can be used.

[0064] (Injection device)

[0065] In the description of the injection device 300, unlike the description of the mold clamping device 100 and the description of the ejection device 200, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is set to forward, and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is set to rearward.

[0066] An injection unit 300 is mounted on a sliding base 301, which is configured to move freely forward and backward relative to the injection unit frame 920. The injection unit 300 is also configured to move freely forward and backward relative to the mold assembly 800. The injection unit 300 contacts the mold assembly 800 and fills the cavity space 801 within the mold assembly 800 with molding material. The injection unit 300 includes, for example, a cylinder 310 for heating the molding material, a nozzle 320 disposed at the front end of the cylinder 310, a screw 330 configured to move freely forward and backward and rotate freely within the cylinder 310, a metering motor 340 for rotating the screw 330, an injection motor 350 for moving the screw 330 forward and backward, and a load detector 360 for detecting the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330.

[0067] The cylinder body 310 heats the molding material supplied to it from the supply port 311. The molding material includes, for example, resin. The molding material is formed in granular form and supplied to the supply port 311 in a solid state. The supply port 311 is formed at the rear of the cylinder body 310. A cooler 312, such as a water-cooled cylinder, is provided on the outer periphery of the rear of the cylinder body 310. A first heater 313, such as a belt heater, and a first temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder body 310, further forward than the cooler 312.

[0068] The cylinder block 310 is divided into multiple regions along its axial direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). A first heater 313 and a first temperature detector 314 are respectively provided in each of the multiple regions. A set temperature is set for each of the multiple regions, and the control device 700 controls the first heater 313 so that the temperature detected by the first temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0069] A nozzle 320 is located at the front end of the cylinder 310 and presses against the mold assembly 800. A second heater 323 and a second temperature detector 324 are located on the outer periphery of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the second heater 323 so that the temperature detected by the second temperature detector 324 becomes the set temperature.

[0070] The screw 330 is configured to rotate freely and move forward and backward within the cylinder 310. When the screw 330 is rotated, molding material is conveyed forward along the spiral grooves of the screw 330. As the molding material is conveyed forward, it is gradually melted by heat from the cylinder 310. As the liquid molding material is conveyed forward and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 retracts. Then, when the screw 330 is moved forward, the liquid molding material accumulated at the front of the screw 330 is injected from the nozzle 320 and fills the mold assembly 800.

[0071] The check ring 331 is installed at the front of the screw 330 so that it can move freely forward and backward. The check ring 331 acts as a check valve to prevent the molding material from flowing backward from the front of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is pushed forward.

[0072] As the screw 330 advances, the check ring 331 is pushed backward by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330, and retracts relative to the screw 330 to a closed position that blocks the flow path of the molding material (see reference). Figure 2 This prevents the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 from flowing backward.

[0073] On the other hand, when the screw 330 is rotated, the check ring 331 is pushed forward by the pressure of the molding material being conveyed forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330, and advances relative to the screw 330 to the open position where the flow path of the molding material is opened (see reference). Figure 1 Thus, the molding material is conveyed to the front of the screw 330.

[0074] The check ring 331 can be either a cotransformer that rotates with the screw 330 or a non-cotransformer that does not rotate with the screw 330.

[0075] Additionally, the injection device 300 may have a drive source that moves the check ring 331 back and forth relative to the screw 330 between an open position and a closed position.

[0076] The metering motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source for rotating the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340; for example, it could be a hydraulic pump.

[0077] The injection motor 350 moves the screw 330 forward and backward. A motion conversion mechanism is provided between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330 to convert the rotational motion of the injection motor 350 into the linear motion of the screw 330. This motion conversion mechanism may include, for example, a lead screw shaft and a lead screw nut screwed to the lead screw shaft. Ball bearings, rollers, etc., may be provided between the lead screw shaft and the lead screw nut. The drive source for moving the screw 330 forward and backward is not limited to the injection motor 350; for example, it may be a hydraulic cylinder.

[0078] Load detector 360 detects the load transmitted between injection motor 350 and screw 330. The detected load is converted into pressure by control device 700. Load detector 360 is positioned along the load transmission path between injection motor 350 and screw 330, and detects the load acting on load detector 360.

[0079] The load detector 360 sends the detected load signal to the control device 700. The load detected by the load detector 360 is converted into the pressure acting between the screw 330 and the molding material, and is used for the control and monitoring of the pressure borne by the screw 330 from the molding material, the back pressure on the screw 330, and the pressure acting from the screw 330 on the molding material.

[0080] Furthermore, the pressure detector for detecting the pressure of the molding material is not limited to the load detector 360; conventional detectors can be used. For example, a nozzle pressure sensor or a mold pressure sensor can be used. The nozzle pressure sensor is located at the nozzle 320. The mold pressure sensor is located inside the mold assembly 800.

[0081] Under the control of the control device 700, the injection unit 300 performs metering, filling, and pressure holding processes. The filling and pressure holding processes can be collectively referred to as the injection process.

[0082] In the metering process, the metering motor 340 drives the screw 330 to rotate at a set speed, conveying the molding material forward along the spiral grooves of the screw 330. As a result, the molding material is gradually melted. As the molten molding material is conveyed forward of the screw 330 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 retracts. For example, a metering motor encoder 341 is used to detect the rotational speed of the screw 330. The metering motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the metering motor 340 and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. However, the screw speed detector for detecting the rotational speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341; a conventional detector can be used.

[0083] In the metering process, to limit the rapid retraction of the screw 330, the injection motor 350 can be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330. For example, a load detector 360 can be used to detect the back pressure on the screw 330. If the screw 330 retracts to the metering completion position and a specified amount of molding material accumulates in front of the screw 330, the metering process is complete.

[0084] The position and speed of the screw 330 in the metering process are uniformly set as a series of preset conditions. For example, the metering start position, speed switching position, and metering completion position are set. These positions are arranged sequentially from front to back and represent the start and end points of the set speed interval. The speed is set for each interval. There can be one or more speed switching positions. Alternatively, no speed switching position can be set. Furthermore, the back pressure is set for each interval.

[0085] In the filling process, the injection motor 350 is driven to advance the screw 330 at a set speed, filling the cavity space 801 within the mold assembly 800 with the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330. For example, an injection motor encoder 351 is used to detect the position and speed of the screw 330. The injection motor encoder 351 detects the rotation of the injection motor 350 and sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. If the screw 330 reaches the set position, a switch is made from the filling process to the holding pressure process (so-called V / P switching). The position where the V / P switching occurs is also called the V / P switching position. The set speed of the screw 330 can be changed according to the position of the screw 330, time, etc.

[0086] The position and movement speed of the screw 330 during the filling process are uniformly set as a series of preset conditions. For example, the filling start position (also called the "injection start position"), the movement speed switching position, and the V / P switching position are set. These positions are arranged sequentially from back to front and represent the start and end points of the interval for setting the movement speed. The movement speed is set for each interval. There can be one or more movement speed switching positions. It is also possible not to set any movement speed switching positions.

[0087] The upper limit of the pressure of the screw 330 is set for each range of the screw 330's moving speed. The pressure of the screw 330 is detected by the load detector 360. When the pressure of the screw 330 is below the set pressure, the screw 330 moves forward at the set moving speed. On the other hand, when the pressure of the screw 330 exceeds the set pressure, in order to protect the mold, the screw 330 moves forward at a slower moving speed than the set moving speed, so that the pressure of the screw 330 falls below the set pressure.

[0088] Furthermore, during the filling process, after the screw 330 reaches the V / P switching position, it can be paused at the V / P switching position before the V / P switch is performed. Alternatively, instead of stopping the screw 330, it can be moved forward or backward at a slight speed before the V / P switch is about to occur. Moreover, the screw position detector for detecting the position of the screw 330 and the screw speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351; conventional detectors can be used.

[0089] During the holding pressure process, the injection motor 350 pushes the screw 330 forward, maintaining the pressure of the molding material at the front end of the screw 330 (hereinafter also referred to as "holding pressure") at a set pressure, and pushing the remaining molding material in the cylinder 310 towards the mold assembly 800. This replenishes the amount of molding material in the mold assembly 800 that is insufficient due to cooling shrinkage. For example, a load detector 360 is used to detect the holding pressure. The set value of the holding pressure can be changed according to the elapsed time since the start of the holding pressure process. The holding pressure and the holding time of the holding pressure can be set separately for multiple holding pressure processes, or they can be set uniformly as a series of setting conditions.

[0090] During the holding pressure process, the molding material in the cavity space 801 within the mold assembly 800 is gradually cooled. At the end of the holding pressure process, the inlet of the cavity space 801 is blocked by the solidified molding material. This state is called gate sealing, which prevents the backflow of molding material from the cavity space 801. After the holding pressure process, the cooling process begins. During the cooling process, the molding material within the cavity space 801 solidifies. To shorten the molding cycle time, a metering process can be performed during the cooling process.

[0091] Furthermore, while the injection device 300 in this embodiment is a coaxial screw type, it could also be a pre-plasticizing type, etc. In a pre-plasticizing injection device, molten molding material in a plasticizing cylinder is supplied to the injection cylinder, and the molding material is injected from the injection cylinder into the mold assembly. In the plasticizing cylinder, the screw is configured to rotate freely but not retract, or the screw is configured to rotate freely and retract freely. On the other hand, in the injection cylinder, the plunger is configured to retract freely.

[0092] Furthermore, the injection device 300 in this embodiment is horizontal with the cylinder 310's axis in the horizontal direction, but it can also be vertical with the cylinder 310's axis in the vertical direction. The mold clamping device combined with the vertical injection device 300 can be either vertical or horizontal. Similarly, the mold clamping device combined with the horizontal injection device 300 can be either horizontal or vertical.

[0093] (Mobile device)

[0094] In the description of the moving device 400, similarly to the description of the injection device 300, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is set to forward, and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is set to rearward.

[0095] The moving device 400 causes the injection device 300 to move forward and backward relative to the mold device 800. Furthermore, the moving device 400 presses the nozzle 320 relative to the mold device 800 to generate nozzle contact pressure. The moving device 400 includes a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, and a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator.

[0096] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a bidirectional rotating pump, generating hydraulic pressure by switching the rotation direction of the motor 420, drawing in working fluid (e.g., oil) from either the first port 411 or the second port 412 and discharging it from the other port. Alternatively, the hydraulic pump 410 can also draw working fluid from a tank and discharge working fluid from either the first port 411 or the second port 412.

[0097] Motor 420 operates hydraulic pump 410. Motor 420 drives hydraulic pump 410 by means of rotational direction and rotational torque corresponding to control signals from control device 700. Motor 420 can be an electric motor or an electric servo motor.

[0098] The hydraulic cylinder 430 has a cylinder body 431, a piston 432, and a piston rod 433. The cylinder body 431 is fixed relative to the injection device 300. The piston 432 divides the interior of the cylinder body 431 into a front chamber 435, which is a first chamber, and a rear chamber 436, which is a second chamber. The piston rod 433 is fixed relative to the fixed pressure plate 110.

[0099] The front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via a first flow path 401. Working fluid discharged from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first flow path 401, thereby propelling the injection device 300 forward. As the injection device 300 advances, the nozzle 320 is pressed against the fixed mold 810. The front chamber 435 functions as a pressure chamber, generating the nozzle contact pressure of the nozzle 320 through the pressure of the working fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 410.

[0100] On the other hand, the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the second port 412 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the second flow path 402. The working fluid ejected from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second flow path 402, thereby pushing the injection device 300 backward. The injection device 300 retracts and the nozzle 320 separates from the fixed mold 810.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, the moving device 400 includes a hydraulic cylinder 430, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, instead of the hydraulic cylinder 430, an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into the linear motion of the injection device 300 may also be used.

[0102] (Control device)

[0103] The control device 700 is, for example, composed of a computer, such as Figures 1-2 As shown, the device includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a storage medium 702 such as a memory, an input interface 703, and an output interface 704. The control device 700 performs various controls by causing the CPU 701 to execute programs stored in the storage medium 702. Furthermore, the control device 700 receives signals from external sources through the input interface 703 and sends signals to external sources through the output interface 704.

[0104] The control device 700 includes electronic circuits such as a CPU, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and executes various control actions described in this specification by executing instruction codes stored in memory or by designing circuits for special purposes.

[0105] The control device 700 repeatedly manufactures molded products by repeatedly performing metering, mold closing, pressurizing, mold closing, filling, pressure holding, cooling, depressurizing, mold opening, and ejection processes. The series of actions used to obtain the molded product, such as the actions from the start of the metering process to the start of the next metering process, is also called "material injection" or "molding cycle." Furthermore, the time required for one material injection is also called "molding cycle time" or "cycle time."

[0106] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram illustrating an example of the molding cycle of an injection molding machine 10. A single molding cycle may include, for example, a metering process, a mold closing process, a pressure boosting process, a mold closing process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, a cooling process, a pressure release process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process, in that order. The sequence here refers to the order in which each process begins. The filling, pressure holding, and cooling processes are performed during the mold closing process. Alternatively, the start of the mold closing process may coincide with the start of the filling process. The completion of the pressure release process coincides with the start of the mold opening process.

[0107] Furthermore, to shorten the molding cycle time, multiple processes can be performed simultaneously. For example, the metering process can be performed during the cooling process of the previous molding cycle, or during the mold closing process. In this case, the mold closing process can be set to be performed at the very beginning of the molding cycle. Furthermore, the filling process can begin during the mold closing process. And the ejection process can begin during the mold opening process. When setting the on / off valve for the flow path of the nozzle 320, the mold opening process can begin during the metering process. Because even if the mold opening process begins during the metering process, as long as the on / off valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320, the molding material will not leak from the nozzle 320.

[0108] In addition, a single molding cycle can also include processes other than metering, mold closing, pressurization, mold closing, filling, pressure holding, cooling, depressurization, mold opening, and ejection.

[0109] For example, a pre-metering back suction process can be performed after the pressure holding process is completed and before the metering process begins, to retract the screw 330 to a pre-set metering start position. This reduces the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the metering process begins, and prevents the screw 330 from retracting rapidly when the metering process begins.

[0110] Furthermore, a post-metering back suction process can be performed after the metering process is completed and before the filling process begins, retracting the screw 330 to a pre-set filling start position (also known as the "injection start position"). This reduces the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the filling process begins, preventing leakage of the molding material from the nozzle 320 before the filling process begins.

[0111] The control device 700 is connected to the operation device 750, which accepts user input, and the display device 760, which displays a screen. The operation device 750 and the display device 760 are, for example, composed of a touch panel 770 and can be integrated. The touch panel 770, serving as the display device 760, displays a screen under the control of the control device 700. Information such as the settings of the injection molding machine 10 and the current status of the injection molding machine 10 can be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 770. Furthermore, operation sections such as buttons and input fields for accepting user input can be displayed on the screen of the touch panel 770. The touch panel 770, serving as the operation device 750, detects user input on the screen and outputs a signal corresponding to the input operation to the control device 700. Thus, for example, the user can confirm the information displayed on the screen while simultaneously operating the operation sections set on the screen to set the injection molding machine 10 (including inputting setting values). Furthermore, by operating the operation sections set on the screen, the user can cause the injection molding machine 10 corresponding to the operation sections to operate. Furthermore, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 can include, for example, the operation (including stopping) of the mold clamping device 100, the ejection device 200, the injection device 300, the moving device 400, etc. Also, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 can include switching the screen displayed on the touch panel 770, which is a display device 760.

[0112] Furthermore, while the operation device 750 and display device 760 of this embodiment are integrated into a touch panel 770, they can also be provided independently. Additionally, multiple operation devices 750 can be provided. The operation device 750 and display device 760 are disposed on the operation side (negative Y-axis direction) of the mold clamping device 100 (more specifically, the fixed pressure plate 110).

[0113] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the settings screen of the injection molding machine 10. Figure 4 This is the setting screen for the depressurization process. As described above, the injection molding machine 10 includes a mold closing device 100 of the mold opening and closing device 800, an operating device 750 that accepts user input, and a control device 700 that controls each component of the injection molding machine 10. As described above, the depressurization process is a process in which the mold closing device 100 is controlled by the control device 700 to reduce the mold closing force. In the depressurization process, the control device 700 controls the mold closing device 100 according to the settings input to the operating device 750.

[0114] exist Figure 4In the example shown, the operating device 750 and the display device 760 are integrated to form a touch panel 770. The operating device 750 can input settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100. The control device 700 controls the mold clamping device 100 according to the settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd input to the operating device 750.

[0115] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the depressurization start time Tds of the mold closing device 100 is input to the operating device 750 as the number of seconds elapsed since the start of the mold opening process, i.e., the number of seconds before mold opening begins. Alternatively, if the depressurization process is included in the cooling process, the depressurization start time Tds can also be input as the number of seconds elapsed since the end of the cooling process, i.e., the number of seconds before cooling is complete.

[0116] For example, when any mode M4 is selected as the depressurization mode M (described later), the operator can input the depressurization start time Tds into the operating device 750 in the following order: First, the operator touches and selects the input area for the depressurization start time Tds displayed on the screen of the display device 760 constituting the touch panel 770. Next, the operator, for example, touches the number keys displayed on the display device 760 to input the depressurization start time Tds as the number of seconds before mold opening begins into the operating device 750. Alternatively, the operating device 750 for inputting the depressurization start time Tds can also be a keyboard arranged adjacent to the touch panel 770.

[0117] Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100 is input to the operating device 750 as the movement speed of the crosshead 151 in the mold opening direction of the mold device 800. More specifically, the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100 is input to the operating device 750, for example, as a percentage of the maximum movement speed of the crosshead 151 of the toggle mechanism 150 constituting the mold clamping device 100. Here, the crosshead 151 is a movable part of the mold clamping device 100 that performs depressurization by moving from the depressurization start position to the depressurization end position in the mold opening and closing direction of the mold device 800.

[0118] Furthermore, the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100 is not limited to the moving speed of the crosshead 151. For example, when the mold clamping device 100 has a mold clamping hydraulic cylinder, the moving speed of a movable part such as a piston rod that performs depressurization by moving from the depressurization start position to the depressurization end position in the mold opening and closing direction of the mold device 800 can also be used as the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100. Additionally, the moving speed of the movable pressure plate 120 that moves in the mold opening and closing direction via the toggle mechanism 150 or the hydraulic cylinder can also be used as the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100. Furthermore, the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100 can also be the change in the mold clamping force acting on the mold device 800 per unit time.

[0119] Furthermore, if any mode M4 is selected as the decompression mode M described later, the operating device 750 can input a setting including the decompression speed Vd of the crosshead 151, which is a movable part, for each of the multiple decompression intervals between the decompression start position and the decompression end position. Specifically, in Figure 4 In the process, the position of the crosshead 151 is predetermined, and the decompression start position not displayed on the display device 760 is set to approximately 0 mm to a few millimeters. The decompression end position is set to 35.0 mm, displayed as blank characters within a frame on a black background of the display device 760. The operating device 750 can input the speed of the crosshead 151, i.e., the decompression speed Vd, within five frames corresponding to the five decompression intervals between the decompression start position and the decompression end position.

[0120] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the first decompression range is the interval from the decompression start position of the crosshead 151 to 18.0 mm, and the decompression speed Vd is input at 2.0% of the maximum moving speed of the crosshead 151. Furthermore, the second decompression range is the interval from the position of the crosshead 151 to 20.0 mm, and the decompression speed Vd is input at 4.0% of the maximum moving speed of the crosshead 151.

[0121] Furthermore, the third decompression range is the interval from 20.0mm to 24.0mm in position of the crosshead 151, with 6.0% of the maximum moving speed of the crosshead 151 input as the decompression speed Vd. The fourth decompression range is the interval from 24.0mm to 28.0mm in position of the crosshead 151, with 8.0% of the maximum moving speed of the crosshead 151 input as the decompression speed Vd. The fifth decompression range is the interval from 28.0mm in position of the crosshead 151 to the decompression end position, with 10.0% of the maximum moving speed of the crosshead 151 input as the decompression speed Vd.

[0122] For example, when any mode M4 is selected as the decompression mode M described later, the operator can arbitrarily input the settings for each decompression interval into the operating device 750 by performing the same operation as inputting the decompression start time Tds described above. The settings for the decompression interval include the position of the crosshead 151 and the setting of the decompression speed Vd.

[0123] For example, when the depressurization interval is defined as the period from the start to the end of the depressurization process, the positions of the crosshead 151, except for the end position, are left blank. The depressurization speed Vd is entered only in one box (either the left or right end), or the same value is entered in all boxes. Additionally, in Figure 4 In the settings screen shown, the box for inputting the position of crosshair 151 has the decompression end position pre-input in the left box, which is displayed with blank characters on a black background, so the value cannot be changed.

[0124] For example, when the depressurization start position to the depressurization end position are set as two depressurization intervals, the position of the crosshead 151 is entered in the right-hand box corresponding to the end position of the first depressurization interval, and all other boxes except the one at the end position of the depressurization interval are left empty. Furthermore, the depressurization speed Vd is entered, for example, in the right-hand box corresponding to the first depressurization interval and the second box from the right corresponding to the second depressurization interval, and all other boxes are left empty.

[0125] For example, when there are three or more depressurization intervals from the start to the end of the depressurization process, the end positions of each depressurization interval are entered sequentially from the right to the left of the box for the position of the crosshead 151. Boxes for positions of the crosshead 151 that do not correspond to a depressurization interval are left empty. Similarly, the depressurization speed Vd of the crosshead 151 is entered sequentially from the right to the left of the box for each depressurization interval. Boxes for depressurization speed Vd of the crosshead 151 that do not correspond to a depressurization interval are left empty. If there are six or more depressurization intervals and the boxes for the position and speed of the crosshead 151 are insufficient, additional boxes can be added.

[0126] Here, if the depressurization speed input to the operating device 750 in the preceding depressurization interval is higher than the depressurization speed input to the following depressurization interval, the control device 700 can also limit the input based on the depressurization speed of the operating device 750. Specifically, suppose a predetermined speed is input into the depressurization speed Vd box in the first depressurization interval, and a higher speed than that in the first depressurization interval is input into the depressurization speed Vd box in the following depressurization interval. In this case, the control device 700, for example, controls the display device 760 to flash the input bar or value, not display the input speed, or display a warning urging the input of a speed lower than the depressurization speed Vd in the preceding depressurization interval, in order to limit the input based on the depressurization speed Vd of the operating device 750.

[0127] Furthermore, in Figure 3 In the depressurization process following the mold closing process, the control device 700 controls the mold closing device 100 according to settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd input to the operating device 750. Specifically, the control device 700, for example, moves the crosshead 151, which is a movable part, from the depressurization start position to the depressurization end position based on the depressurization start time Tds set based on the operating device 750 and the set depressurization speed Vd.

[0128] Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the operating device 750 is input with a setting for the depressurization speed Vd of the crosshead 151 in each of the multiple depressurization intervals between the depressurization start position and the depressurization end position. At this time, the control device 700 moves the movable part of the mold clamping device 100, i.e., the crosshead 151, in each depressurization interval at the depressurization speed Vd of each depressurization interval.

[0129] The storage medium 702 of the control device 700 stores, for example, multiple depressurization modes M with different depressurization speeds Vd of the mold clamping device 100. Figure 4 In the example shown, the depressurization mode M includes a shrinkage improvement mode M1, a noise reduction mode M2, a composite mode M3, and an arbitrary mode M4. The operating device 750 can input settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100 by selecting any depressurization mode M from the plurality of depressurization modes M.

[0130] Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is a graph that shows the change of the position P of the crosshead 151 during the depressurization process, with the vertical axis set as the position P of the movable part of the mold clamping device 100, i.e., the crosshead 151, and the horizontal axis set as time T.

[0131] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6In the diagram, the thin dashed line represents the change in the position P of the crosshead 151 over time T during the depressurization process of the injection molding machine 10 in its initial state, where the user has not selected depressurization mode M and has not entered settings including the depressurization start time Tds and depressurization speed Vd. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the diagram, the thick double-dotted line and the thick single-dotted line represent the change of the position P of the crosshead 151 in the depressurization process over time T when the shrinkage improvement mode M1 and the noise reduction mode M2 ​​are selected, respectively.

[0132] In the initial state of the injection molding machine 10, the control device 700 initiates the depressurization process at a predetermined time T2 before mold opening. Then, the control device 700 controls the mold closing device 100 to... Figure 5 The position of the crosshead 151, indicated by a thin dashed line, moves at a predetermined speed from the depressurization start position P1 at the end of the cooling process included in the mold closing process to the depressurization end position P2 at the start of the mold opening process. In the initial state, the injection molding machine 10 allows sufficient time for the crosshead 151 to reach the depressurization end position P2 during the depressurization process until the start of the mold opening process, and at the end of the depressurization process, maintains the position of the crosshead 151 at the depressurization end position P2 for a predetermined time.

[0133] In the initial state of the injection molding machine 10, depending on the material of the molding material, shrinkage marks may sometimes occur in the molded product due to insufficient cooling. At this time, the user of the injection molding machine 10 selects a shrinkage mark improvement mode M1 from multiple depressurization modes M.

[0134] For example, the user touches the display. Figure 4 The touch panel 770 is shown displaying the depressurization mode M of the display device 760. Upon detecting a touch, the operation device 750 switches the depressurization mode M displayed on the display device 760 to another depressurization mode M. The user repeatedly touches the screen until the selected depressurization mode M is displayed on the display device 760. When the desired depressurization mode M is displayed on the display device 760, the user stops touching the screen, thereby allowing selection of the depressurization improvement mode M1.

[0135] Furthermore, if the user touches the display of the decompression mode M, the operating device 750 detects the touch, and the control device 700 displays multiple selectable decompression modes M on the screen of the display device 760. The user touches the desired decompression mode M from the multiple decompression modes M displayed on the screen of the display device 760. Thus, by detecting the touch through the operating device 750, the user's selected decompression improvement mode M1 is input into the operating device 750, and the control device 700 displays the selected decompression mode M on the display device 760.

[0136] The user selects a shrinkage improvement mode M1 from multiple shrinkage modes M and inputs the settings, including the shrinkage start time Tds and shrinkage speed Vd corresponding to the shrinkage improvement mode M1, into the operating device 750. The result is as follows: Figure 5 As shown by the thick double-dotted line, the depressurization start time Tds becomes later than the initial time T2 of the injection molding machine 10 (time T3), and the depressurization speed Vd becomes higher than the initial depressurization speed Vd of the injection molding machine 10. Therefore, the injection molding machine 10 in the shrinkage improvement mode M1 extends the cooling process time compared to the initial injection molding machine 10, thereby improving the shrinkage of the molded product.

[0137] Furthermore, depending on the material being molded, the injection molding machine 10 in its initial state may sometimes generate significant noise due to vacuum disruption during the depressurization process. At this time, as described above, the user touch display of the injection molding machine 10... Figure 4 The touch panel 770 shows the display of the de-pressure mode M of the display device 760, and the noise reduction mode M2 ​​is selected from multiple de-pressure modes M and input to the operation device 750.

[0138] The user selects noise reduction mode M2 ​​from multiple depressurization modes M and inputs the settings, including the depressurization start time Tds and depressurization speed Vd corresponding to noise reduction mode M2, into the operating device 750. As a result, ... Figure 5 As shown by the thick dashed line, the depressurization start time Tds becomes a time T1 earlier than the initial time T2 of the injection molding machine 10, and the depressurization speed Vd becomes lower than the initial depressurization speed Vd of the injection molding machine 10. Therefore, compared with the initial state injection molding machine 10, the injection molding machine 10 in noise reduction mode M2 ​​can reduce the noise caused by vacuum disruption during the depressurization process.

[0139] exist Figure 6 In the diagram, the thick single-dotted and double-dotted lines indicate the change of the position P of the crosshead 151 over time T during the decompression process when the composite mode M3 is selected. If selected... Figure 5 The noise reduction mode M2 ​​shown reduces the depressurization speed Vd of the injection molding machine 10 in the initial state, thereby reducing the noise caused by vacuum failure. Conversely, the cooling process is shortened, which may sometimes cause shrinkage marks in the molded product depending on the material of the molding material.

[0140] At this time, as described above, the user touch display of the injection molding machine 10 is... Figure 4 The touch panel 770 displays the de-stressing mode M of the display device 760, selects the composite mode M3 from multiple de-stressing modes M, and inputs it into the operation device 750. Then, the operation device 750 receives input for... Figure 6The selection of decompression mode M for each of the multiple decompression periods Tdc1 and Tdc2 between time T2 (decompression start time Tds) and time T4 (decompression end time) is shown.

[0141] exist Figure 6 In the example shown, two decompression periods, Tdc1 and Tdc2, are defined between the decompression start time Tds (time T2) and the decompression end time T4. Here, noise reduction mode M2 ​​is selected for the first decompression period Tdc1, starting from time T2 of the decompression start time Tds. Furthermore, for the second decompression period Tdc2, from the end of the first decompression period Tdc1 to the decompression end time T4, shrinkage improvement mode M1 is selected.

[0142] As a result, during the first depressurization period Tdc1, with Figure 6 Compared to the initial depressurization speed Vd of the injection molding machine 10, represented by the thin dashed line, the depressurization speed Vd decreases. Furthermore, in the subsequent second depressurization period Tdc2 during the first depressurization period Tdc1, compared to... Figure 6 Compared to the initial depressurization speed Vd of the injection molding machine 10, represented by the thin dashed line, the depressurization speed Vd is higher. As a result, noise caused by vacuum disruption is reduced during the first depressurization period Tdc1, and the time required for depressurization is shortened during the second depressurization period Tdc2, thus ensuring the time for the cooling process.

[0143] Therefore, by selecting the composite mode M3 on the injection molding machine 10, noise caused by vacuum disruption during the depressurization process can be suppressed, and shrinkage marks in the molded product can be prevented. Furthermore, in composite mode M3, three or more depressurization periods Tdc1, Tdc2, ..., TdcN can be set. The lengths of each depressurization period Tdc1, Tdc2, ..., TdcN can be appropriately adjusted.

[0144] Thus, the operating device 750 can, for example, select any depressurization mode M from multiple depressurization modes M for each depressurization interval of multiple depressurization periods Tdc1, Tdc2, ..., TdcN between the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization end time. By selecting any depressurization mode M for each depressurization period Tdc1, Tdc2, ..., TdcN, the operating device 750 can automatically input the setting including the depressurization speed Vd in each depressurization period Tdc1, Tdc2, ..., TdcN.

[0145] Here, for example, the control device 700 may also limit the input of the depressurization rate Vd based on the operating device 750 in the following situation: This refers to the case where, during the preceding and following depressurization periods Tdc1 and Tdc2, the depressurization rate Vd input to the operating device 750 during the preceding depressurization period Tdc1 is higher than the depressurization rate Vd input to the operating device 750 during the following depressurization period Tdc2.

[0146] Specifically, if Tdc1 selects the shrinkage improvement mode M1 during the first depressurization period and Tdc2 selects the noise reduction mode M2 ​​during the second depressurization period, then the depressurization speed Vd of Tdc1 during the first depressurization period becomes higher than the depressurization speed Vd of Tdc2 during the second depressurization period. In this case, the control device 700, for example, restricts the selection of the depressurization mode M based on the operating device 750, making it impossible to select the noise reduction mode M2 ​​for Tdc2 during the second depressurization period. Furthermore, the control device 700, for example, displays a warning on the display device 760 suggesting that the depressurization speed Vd of Tdc1 during the first depressurization period be lower than the depressurization speed Vd of Tdc2 during the second depressurization period.

[0147] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the user of the injection molding machine 10 can touch the display on... Figure 4 The touch panel 770 displays the decompression mode M on the display device 760. Any mode M4 can be selected from multiple decompression modes M and input into the operation device 750. If any mode M4 is selected, as described above, the operation device 750 can input a setting including the decompression speed Vd of the crosshead 151, which is a movable part, for each of the multiple decompression intervals between the decompression start position and the decompression end position.

[0148] The functions of the injection molding machine 10 and the control device 700 in this embodiment will be explained below.

[0149] As described above, the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment includes a mold clamping device 100, an operating device 750, and a control device 700. The mold clamping device 100 opens and closes the mold device 800. The operating device 750 can input settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100. The control device 700 controls the mold clamping device 100 according to the settings input to the operating device 750.

[0150] According to this structure, by having the user input settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd into the operating device 750, the control device 700 controls the mold clamping device 100 to perform the depressurization process based on these settings. Therefore, according to the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the user can easily set the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd.

[0151] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the control device 700 stores multiple depressurization modes M with different depressurization speeds Vd of the mold clamping device 100. Moreover, the operation device 750 can select any depressurization mode M from the multiple depressurization modes M and input settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd.

[0152] According to this structure, the user of the injection molding machine 10 can input settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd into the operating device 750 by simply selecting any depressurization mode M corresponding to the user's requirements, such as the sink mark improvement mode M1 or the noise reduction mode M2. Thus, even users lacking knowledge related to the depressurization process settings can easily extend the cooling process to improve the sink marks of the molded product or reduce the depressurization speed Vd to suppress noise through simple operation of the operating device 750.

[0153] Furthermore, by allowing the user to select any depressurization mode M, such as the sink mark improvement mode M1 or the noise reduction mode M2, the non-operation time of the crosshead 151 at the final stop of the depressurization process can be shortened compared to the initial state of the injection molding machine 10. In particular, by selecting a depressurization mode M, such as the sink mark improvement mode M1, which has a higher depressurization speed Vd compared to the initial state of the injection molding machine 10, the depressurization process time can be shortened, thereby enabling high cycle time molding that minimizes the cooling and depressurization process time.

[0154] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the operating device 750 can select any depressurization mode M from multiple depressurization modes M for each of the multiple depressurization periods Tdc1 and Tdc2 between the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization end time. Moreover, by selecting any depressurization mode M for each depressurization period Tdc1 and Tdc2, the operating device 750 can input a setting including the depressurization speed Vd in each depressurization period Tdc1 and Tdc2.

[0155] According to this structure, a different depressurization mode M can be selected for each of the depressurization periods Tdc1 and Tdc2, allowing the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100 to be changed midway through the depressurization process. Thus, the effects of multiple depressurization modes M can be enjoyed during the depressurization process. Specifically, for example, a noise reduction mode M2 ​​can be selected during the first depressurization period Tdc1, and a shrinkage improvement mode M1 can be selected during the second depressurization period Tdc2. This suppresses noise generated during the depressurization process and shortens the depressurization process, thereby shortening the molding cycle and suppressing shrinkage of the molded product caused by prolonged cooling.

[0156] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the control device 700 limits the input of the depressurization speed Vd based on the operating device 750 under the following circumstances: This refers to the case where, during the preceding and following depressurization periods Tdc1 and Tdc2, the depressurization speed Vd input to the operating device 750 during the preceding depressurization period Tdc1 is higher than the depressurization speed Vd input to the operating device 750 during the following depressurization period Tdc2.

[0157] This structure prevents the depressurization speed Vd from becoming high at the beginning of the depressurization process and from becoming low from the middle of the process. Therefore, it prevents settings that could lead to prolonged depressurization time due to unavoidable noise during the process.

[0158] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the mold closing device 100 has a crosshead 151 as a movable part, which performs depressurization by moving from the depressurization start position P1 to the depressurization end position P2 in the mold opening and closing direction of the mold device 800. The control device 700 moves the crosshead 151, which is a movable part, from the depressurization start position P1 to the depressurization end position P2 from a depressurization start time Tds based on a set depressurization start time including a depressurization start time Tds and a depressurization speed Vd, based on the set depressurization speed Vd.

[0159] According to this structure, the position and speed of the movable part of the mold clamping device 100, namely the crosshead 151, can be controlled by the control device 700, thereby enabling a depressurization process based on settings including the depressurization start time Tds and depressurization speed Vd input to the operating device 750.

[0160] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, as... Figure 4 As shown, the operating device 750 can input a setting for the decompression speed Vd of the crosshead 151, which is a movable part, for each of the multiple decompression intervals between the decompression start position and the decompression end position. Furthermore, the control device 700 moves the crosshead 151, which is a movable part, at the decompression speed Vd of each decompression interval within each decompression interval.

[0161] According to this structure, the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100 can be varied between the depressurization start position and the depressurization end position. Thus, for example, the depressurization speed Vd can be set low in the initial depressurization range and set higher in the subsequent depressurization range than in the initial range. This suppresses noise generated during the depressurization process and shortens the depressurization process, thereby shortening the molding cycle and suppressing shrinkage marks on the molded product caused by prolonged cooling.

[0162] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the control device 700 limits the input of the depressurization speed Vd based on the operating device 750 under the following conditions. This means that, in Figure 4 In the front and rear depressurization intervals shown, the depressurization speed Vd input to the front depressurization interval of the operating device 750 is higher than the depressurization speed Vd input to the rear depressurization interval of the operating device 750.

[0163] This structure prevents the depressurization speed Vd from becoming high at the beginning of the depressurization process and from becoming low from the middle of the process. Therefore, it prevents settings that could lead to prolonged depressurization time due to unavoidable noise during the process.

[0164] Furthermore, the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a display device 760 that displays settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd input to the operating device 750.

[0165] According to this structure, such as Figure 4 As shown, the settings including the decompression start time Tds and decompression speed Vd input to the operation device 750 can be displayed on the display device 760 and confirmed.

[0166] Furthermore, in the injection molding machine 10 of this embodiment, the mold clamping device 100 includes a fixed pressure plate 110, a movable pressure plate 120, and a moving mechanism 102. The fixed pressure plate 110 is fitted with a fixed mold 810 of the mold assembly 800. The movable pressure plate 120 is fitted with a movable mold 820 of the mold assembly 800. The moving mechanism 102 moves the movable pressure plate 120 relative to the fixed pressure plate 110 in the mold opening and closing direction of the mold assembly 800. The moving mechanism 102 includes a toggle seat 130, a connecting rod 140, a toggle mechanism 150, a mold clamping motor 160, and a motion conversion mechanism 170. The toggle seat 130 is spaced apart from the fixed pressure plate 110. The connecting rod 140 connects the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130. The toggle mechanism 150 moves the movable pressure plate 120 relative to the toggle seat 130 in the mold opening and closing direction. The mold clamping motor 160 operates the toggle mechanism 150. The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotary motion of the clamping motor 160 into linear motion. The toggle mechanism 150 has a crosshead 151 as a movable part and a pair of linkages including a first linkage 152, a second linkage 153, and a third linkage 154. The crosshead 151 moves along the mold opening and closing direction by converting the rotary motion of the clamping motor 160 into linear motion through the motion conversion mechanism 170. The pair of linkages are pivotally connected relative to the fixed pressure plate 110 and the toggle seat 130, thereby extending and retracting by the movement of the crosshead 151 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0167] According to this structure, the control device 700 can control the mold clamping motor 160 to move the crosshead 151, which is a movable part, from the mold clamping start position to the mold clamping end position at the depressurization start time Tds. Furthermore, the control device 700 controls the mold clamping motor 160 during the depressurization process to control the speed of the crosshead 151, which is a movable part, in the mold opening and closing direction, thereby controlling the depressurization speed Vd of the mold clamping device 100.

[0168] Furthermore, the control device 700 of this embodiment controls the injection molding machine 10. The injection molding machine 10 includes a mold closing device 100 of the mold opening and closing device 800 and an operation device 750 capable of inputting settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd of the mold closing device 100. The control device 700 controls the mold closing device 100 according to the settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd of the mold closing device 100 input to the operation device 750.

[0169] According to this structure, by having the user input settings including the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd into the operating device 750, the control device 700 controls the mold closing device 100 to perform the depressurization process based on these settings. Therefore, according to the control device 700 of this embodiment, the user can easily set the depressurization start time Tds and the depressurization speed Vd.

[0170] As described above, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, an injection molding machine 10 and a control device 700 are provided in which a user can easily set the depressurization start time and depressurization speed.

[0171] The preferred embodiments of this disclosure have been described above. However, the invention involved in this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various modifications and substitutions can be applied to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention involved in this disclosure. Furthermore, the features described with reference to the above embodiments can be appropriately combined as long as they are not technically contradictory.

Claims

1. An injection molding machine, comprising: Mold closing device; mold opening and closing device; The operating device is capable of inputting settings including the release start time and release speed of the mold clamping device; and The control device controls the mold closing device according to the settings input to the operating device.

2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein, The control device stores multiple depressurization modes with different depressurization speeds for the mold clamping device. The operating device can input the settings by selecting any decompression mode from the plurality of decompression modes.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 2, wherein, The operating device can select any depressurization mode from the plurality of depressurization modes for each of the plurality of depressurization periods between the depressurization start time and the depressurization end time, and input the setting including the depressurization speed in each of the depressurization periods.

4. The injection molding machine according to claim 3, wherein, During the preceding and following depressurization periods, if the depressurization rate input to the operating device during the preceding depressurization period is higher than the depressurization rate input to the operating device during the following depressurization period, the control device limits the input based on the depressurization rate of the operating device.

5. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein, The mold closing device has a movable part that performs depressurization by moving from the depressurization start position to the depressurization end position in the mold opening and closing direction of the mold device. The control device causes the movable part to move from the depressurization start position to the depressurization end position from the depressurization start position based on the set depressurization start time and at the set depressurization speed.

6. The injection molding machine according to claim 5, wherein, The operating device can input the setting including the depressurization speed of the movable part for each of the multiple depressurization intervals between the depressurization start position and the depressurization end position. The control device causes the movable part to move at the depressurization speed of each of the depressurization zones.

7. The injection molding machine according to claim 6, wherein, In the preceding and following depressurization intervals, if the depressurization speed input to the operating device in the preceding depressurization interval is higher than the depressurization speed input to the operating device in the following depressurization interval, the control device restricts the input based on the depressurization speed of the operating device.

8. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein, It is equipped with a display device for displaying the settings.

9. The injection molding machine according to claim 5, wherein, The mold closing device includes a fixed pressure plate for mounting the fixed mold of the mold device, a movable pressure plate for mounting the movable mold of the mold device, and a moving mechanism for moving the movable pressure plate relative to the fixed pressure plate in the mold opening and closing direction of the mold device. The moving mechanism includes an elbow seat spaced apart from the fixed pressure plate, a connecting rod connecting the fixed pressure plate and the elbow seat, an elbow mechanism for moving the movable pressure plate relative to the elbow seat along the mold opening and closing direction, a mold closing motor for operating the elbow mechanism, and a motion conversion mechanism for converting the rotational motion of the mold closing motor into linear motion. The toggle mechanism has a crosshead as the movable part, which converts the rotational motion of the mold clamping motor into linear motion through the motion conversion mechanism so as to move along the mold opening and closing direction, and a pair of linkages that are pivotally connected to the movable pressure plate and the toggle seat and extend and retract by moving the crosshead in the mold opening and closing direction.

10. A control device, wherein, The mold closing device is controlled according to the settings input into the operating device of the injection molding machine. The injection molding machine includes a mold opening and closing device and an operating device capable of inputting the settings, including the depressurization start time and depressurization speed of the mold closing device.

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