Molding management system

Abstract

A molding management system capable of suppressing an increase in time required for bringing a measured value of a management item close to a target value. The molding management system includes an information processing device that, based on output data acquired from an injection molding device, performs determination of whether the measured value of a first management item departs from at least a first allowable range among a first allowable range and a second allowable range, in a case where the measured value of the first management item departs from the first allowable range and is included between the first allowable range and the second allowable range, changes an injection molding condition set to the injection molding device under a restriction of changing the measured value of the first management item within a maximum allowable variation amount, and in a case where the measured value of the first management item departs from both the first allowable range and the second allowable range, releases the restriction, and changes the injection molding condition set to the injection molding device under the restriction released.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a molding management system. Background Technology

[0002] The technology for managing the production of products in the injection molding process, which includes injection molding equipment, is being researched and developed.

[0003] Relatedly, as a method for adjusting the injection molding conditions of an injection molding apparatus, an injection molding condition adjustment method is known. This method acquires mold information representing mold characteristics, material information representing resin material properties, or defect information representing defects in the molded product. Based on the acquired mold information, material information, or defect information, it determines the items of the injection molding conditions that should be adjusted, the permissible range of deviation of the measured value of a management item managed by the user to ensure product quality from the target value, and the maximum permissible change amount that can be tolerated as the amount of change in the measured value. Based on the determined items of the molding conditions that should be adjusted, the permissible range, and the maximum permissible change amount, the injection molding control of the injection molding apparatus is performed while changing the injection molding conditions (see Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the permissible range is referred to as the adjustment range, and the maximum permissible change amount is referred to as the adjustment step size.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-120015

[0005] In the injection molding condition adjustment method described in Patent Document 1, due to variations in the 4Ms (Man, Machine, Method, Material) during mass production, the measured values ​​of management items sometimes deviate significantly from the target value towards the defective side. In such cases, this injection molding condition adjustment method gradually changes the measured value that deviates significantly from the target value towards the defective side with a small maximum permissible variation. As a result, in this injection molding condition adjustment method, sometimes an unnecessarily long time is required to bring the measured value closer to the target value. This can sometimes reduce the yield of products injection molded by the injection molding device, which is not preferable. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, one aspect of this disclosure is a molding management system. The molding management system includes an information processing device communicatively connected to a terminal device, and manages the production of the product in a production process involving an injection molding apparatus. The information processing device acquires output data from the injection molding apparatus for each cycle of injection molding performed by the injection molding apparatus. The output data is corresponding to cycle data containing measurement value information and injection molding condition data containing injection molding condition information. The measurement value information represents each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding apparatus based on the execution of the cycle. The injection molding condition information represents the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. The one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for one or more management items related to the quality of the product. The information processing device, based on a received operation, accepts a target value for a first management item among the one or more management items. The information processing device, based on the output data obtained from the injection molding device, determines whether the measured value of the first management item deviates from at least the first allowable range, which is a first allowable range for the deviation between the measured value and the target value of the first management item, and a second allowable range for the measured value of the first management item to deviate from the first allowable range. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from the first allowable range but is contained between the first and second allowable ranges, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device are changed under the restriction that the measured value of the first management item changes within the maximum allowable change amount that can be tolerated as the amount of change in the measured value of the first management item. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from both the first and second allowable ranges, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device are changed after the restriction is lifted. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the molding management system 1.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of how the quality of a product injection-molded by an injection molding device changes when injection molding conditions are altered.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the process that requires changes to injection molding conditions when product quality deteriorates.

[0010] Figure 4This is a graph illustrating an example of the change in the measured value of a certain management item X in each cycle during the continuous execution of multiple cycles of an injection molding apparatus.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a graph illustrating other examples of the variation in the measured value of the management item X for each cycle during the continuous execution of multiple cycles of the injection molding apparatus.

[0012] Figure 6 This is another example of the variation in the measured value of the management item X during the continuous execution of multiple cycles of the injection molding apparatus.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process by which a measured value of a first management item deviates significantly from a target value, and the measured value is returned to a first permissible range through the first processing of the information processing device 20.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how, when the measured value of the first management item deviates from the first permissible range, the measured value changes to a value within the range near the target through the second processing of the information processing device 20.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing device 20.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the processing flow of the information processing device 20 setting injection molding conditions for the injection molding device.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a processing flow that the information processing device 20 accepts in various settings.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process flow in which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding.

[0020] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the process flow in which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding.

[0021] Figure 15 This is another example of the process flow in which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1… Molding management system, 10… Managed device, 11… Injection molding device, 20… Information processing device, 21… Processor, 22… Storage unit, 23… Communication unit, 24… Control unit, 30… Server, 40… Terminal device, 241… Loop data acquisition unit, 242… Injection molding condition data acquisition unit, 243… Device control unit, 244… Molding condition generation unit, 245… Display control unit, 246… Output control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Overview of Molding Management System

[0027] First, an overview of the molding management system involved in the implementation method will be given.

[0028] The molding management system described in this embodiment manages the production of a product in the injection molding process of an injection molding apparatus. This molding management system includes an information processing device. The information processing device is communicatively connected to a terminal device. Furthermore, the information processing device acquires output data from the injection molding apparatus for each cycle of injection molding performed by the injection molding apparatus. Here, the output data is data corresponding to cycle data containing measurement value information and injection molding condition data containing injection molding condition information. The measurement value information represents each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding apparatus according to the execution of the cycle, and the injection molding condition information represents the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. Moreover, the one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for one or more management items related to product quality. Furthermore, the information processing device, based on acceptance and operation, accepts a target value for a first management item among the one or more management items, a first permissible range as a deviation between the measurement value of the first management item and the target value, and a second permissible range as a deviation of the measurement value of the first management item from the first permissible range. Furthermore, based on the output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus, the information processing device determines whether the measured value of the first management item deviates from at least the first allowable range of the first and second allowable ranges. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from the first allowable range but is contained within the first and second allowable ranges, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed, subject to a restriction that the measured value of the first management item varies within the maximum allowable variation that is permissible as the amount of change in the measured value of the first management item. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from both the first and second allowable ranges, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed again after the restriction is lifted. Therefore, when the measured value of the management item deviates significantly from the target value, the information processing device can quickly bring the measured value closer to the target value, and when the measured value deviates only slightly from the target value, it can suppress the significant deviation of the measured value from the target value. As a result, the information processing device can suppress the increase in the time required for the measured value of the management item to approach the target value.

[0029] The molding management system described in this embodiment manages the production of a product in the injection molding process of an injection molding apparatus. This molding management system includes an information processing device. The information processing device is communicatively connected to a terminal device. Furthermore, the information processing device acquires output data from the injection molding apparatus for each cycle of injection molding performed by the injection molding apparatus. Here, the output data is data corresponding to cycle data containing measurement value information and injection molding condition data containing injection molding condition information. The measurement value information represents each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding apparatus according to the execution of the cycle, and the injection molding condition information represents the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. In addition, the one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for one or more management items related to product quality. Moreover, based on the received operation, the information processing device receives a target value for a first management item among the one or more management items, a first permissible range as the deviation between the measurement value of the first management item and the target value, and a target proximity range representing the proximity of the measurement value of the first management item to the target value. Thus, the information processing device can suppress fluctuations in the measurement value of the management item near the upper or lower limit of the first permissible range and can make the measurement value more reliably approach the target value. As a result, the information processing device can improve the stability of injection molding while suppressing product quality degradation.

[0030] The structure of the molding management system involved in this embodiment and the processing performed by the server of the molding management system will be described in detail below.

[0031] Structure of Molding Management System

[0032] The following describes the structure of the molding management system involved in the implementation method, taking molding management system 1 as an example.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the molding management system 1.

[0034] Molding management system 1 is a type of Manufacturing Execution System (MES). For example, molding management system 1 includes one or more managed devices 10, an information processing device 20, and a server 30. Alternatively, molding management system 1 may also be a structure that does not include part or all of the one or more managed devices 10. Furthermore, molding management system 1 may also be a structure that does not include the information processing device 20 but includes the server 30. Additionally, molding management system 1 may also be a structure that includes the information processing device 20 but does not include the server 30. Furthermore, in molding management system 1, the information processing device 20 may be integrated with the server 30. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where molding management system 1 includes multiple managed devices 10 as one or more managed devices 10 will be described. Furthermore, hereinafter, as an example, the case where molding management system 1 includes both the information processing device 20 and the server 30, which are separate from the information processing device 20, will be described. Additionally, at least one of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 is an example of an information processing device.

[0035] The molding management system 1 includes multiple managed devices 10, each managed by the molding management system 1. Figure 1 For ease of explanation, these multiple managed devices 10 are each represented by the same reference numerals. However, some or all of these multiple managed devices 10 may be different types of devices. Among these multiple managed devices 10, at least one is an injection molding apparatus for injection molding products using resins such as plastics. Figure 1The injection molding apparatus 11 shown is an example of such an injection molding apparatus. Additionally, among these multiple managed apparatuses 10, an injection molding apparatus for performing metal powder injection molding (MIM) of products may also be included. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, injection molding of products using resins such as plastics will be simply referred to as injection molding. Furthermore, hereafter, an injection molding apparatus for performing injection molding of products using resins such as plastics will be simply referred to as an injection molding apparatus. Furthermore, at least one injection molding apparatus included in the multiple managed apparatuses 10 may also be an apparatus for performing injection molding using materials other than resin and metal. Furthermore, in addition to the injection molding apparatus, the multiple managed apparatuses 10 may include, for example, peripheral equipment of the injection molding apparatus. Peripheral equipment of the injection molding apparatus includes, for example, a material supply device, a conveying device, a cleaning device, a sintering device, etc., but is not limited to these. Here, the material supply device is a device that supplies the material used in the injection molding of the product to the injection molding apparatus. The conveying device is a device that conveys the product injection-molded by the injection molding apparatus. The cleaning device is a device that cleans the product injection-molded by the injection molding apparatus. A sintering apparatus is a device used to sinter products that have been cleaned by a cleaning device.

[0036] The molding management system 1 manages the production of products in a production process, which includes the injection molding process of products from multiple injection molding devices included in the managed device 10. Here, the injection molding devices included in the multiple managed devices 10 can be of any structure, as long as they are capable of producing injection-molded products. For ease of explanation, the process of one injection molding operation of a product by the injection molding device will be described as a cycle. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the cavity within the mold installed in the injection molding device will be described as a cavity. That is, the injection molding device injects material into the cavity within the mold installed in the injection molding device and applies pressure to the material within the cavity, thereby performing injection molding of the product.

[0037] Here, one or more injection molding units included in the managed device 10 are equipped with an extrusion section, which, during the injection molding process, extrudes the material used in the injection molding of the product into a cavity within a mold installed in the injection molding unit. The extrusion section is, for example, a screw that rotates within a cylinder, causing its position within the cylinder to move back and forth. Alternatively, the extrusion section may be a component that moves its position within the cylinder using hydraulic pressure, a direct-acting actuator, or the like, instead of a screw. The material is extruded from the injection port of the cylinder into the cavity within the mold according to the advance of the extrusion section within the cylinder. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the extrusion section of the injection molding unit will be referred to as a screw.

[0038] Furthermore, one or more injection molding machines included in the multiple managed devices 10 are equipped with one or more measuring units. These measuring units measure various measurable parameters measurable in the injection molding machine during each cycle. Measurable parameters include, but are not limited to, some or all of the following: screw position, injection speed (the speed at which material is injected into the mold cavity via the screw), screw rotation speed, injection holding pressure (the pressure held within the mold by the screw), and mold temperature. Among the measurable parameters are parameters for which a target value can be set in the injection molding machine. In other words, among the measurable parameters are parameters that can be controlled by the injection molding machine. Therefore, for ease of explanation, the parameters among the measurable parameters for which a target value can be set in the injection molding machine will be referred to as settable parameters. Here, when a target value is set for a certain settable parameter in the injection molding machine, the injection molding machine controls the settable parameter during cycle execution to make the measured value of the settable parameter approach the target value. Therefore, for ease of explanation, the settable parameters among the settable parameters for which one or more target values ​​are set in the injection molding machine will be referred to as control parameters. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the following description will collectively refer to each of the more than one target values ​​for the various control parameters as injection molding conditions. This is because the injection molding apparatus performs injection molding by controlling the control parameters, and because if the target value of the control parameter is changed, the quality of the product injection molded by the injection molding apparatus will change. Additionally, the measured value obtained by a certain measuring unit is sometimes referred to as the actual value.

[0039] Here, the measuring unit that measures a certain value in one or more measuring units installed in an injection molding apparatus is, for example, a sensor that measures that value, but is not limited to this. Alternatively, the structure may include a measuring unit that measures the quality of the product among the one or more measuring units. This is because the quality of the product is also controlled by the injection molding apparatus in each cycle. In this case, the measuring unit may, for example, include a camera unit capable of capturing images of the product and measuring its quality, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, in this case, the quantity representing the quality of the product measured by the measuring unit may be, for example, any one of a predetermined plurality of values ​​arranged in descending order of quality, but is not limited to this.

[0040] Based on the received operation, the information processing device 20 selects each of one or more settable parameters desired by the user as a management item from one or more settable parameters. A management item is a settable parameter selected by the user as a settable parameter related to the quality of the product injection-molded by the injection molding apparatus. In other words, a management item is a settable parameter that the user wants to manage in order to maintain the quality of the product. Therefore, among the measurable parameters in the injection molding apparatus that can measure the measured value, there are settable parameters that can set target values. Furthermore, the settable parameters include control parameters whose target values ​​are actually set as injection molding conditions and each of the management items managed by the user. Additionally, in the case represented by a Venn diagram, a portion of the set of control parameters may overlap with a portion of the set of management items. That is, a portion of the control parameters can also be selected as a management item. Furthermore, management items are sometimes also referred to as management parameters. Moreover, management items that are not control parameters are assigned target values ​​that indirectly bring the measured value closer to the target through the control of the control parameters. However, this target value is not the target value in the control of the management item, that is, it is not a value set in the injection molding apparatus as an injection molding condition. The target value of a management project that is not a control parameter is a value that is only used in the management of the management project.

[0041] The information processing device 20 acquires cycle data from each of the more than one injection molding apparatus included in the multiple managed devices 10 on a per-cycle basis. More specifically, the information processing device 20 acquires cycle data from each of the more than one injection molding apparatus at the end of each cycle. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the cycle data acquired at the end of a certain cycle will be referred to as the cycle data of that cycle. Furthermore, hereafter, for ease of explanation, the cycle that ends when a certain cycle data is acquired will be referred to as the cycle of that cycle data.

[0042] The loop data for a certain cycle includes the following information: one or more loop association information, obtained based on the execution of the cycle by the injection molding apparatus, the source of the loop data; device identification information, identifying the injection molding apparatus; and first date and time information, indicating the date and time when the information was obtained from the injection molding apparatus to the information processing device 20. The device identification information may be, for example, an ID (Identifier) ​​identifying the injection molding apparatus, but may also be other information that identifies the injection molding apparatus, such as an IP (Internet Protocol) address assigned to the injection molding apparatus. Furthermore, the first date and time information may be a timestamp or other information representing that date and time. Additionally, the loop data may also be a structure that includes other information besides the one or more loop association information, the device identification information, and the first date and time information. Furthermore, the device identification information may be a structure included in the loop data as any one of the one or more loop association information. The following example illustrates the case where the device identification information is included in the loop data as any one of the one or more loop association information.

[0043] In the cyclic data of a certain cycle, there are more than one cycle-related information, which, in addition to the device identification information of the injection molding apparatus that identifies the source of the cyclic data, also include more than one measurement value information. Each of these more than one measurement value information represents the measurement value measured by each of more than one measuring units in the injection molding apparatus. That is, the more than one cycle-related information includes measurement value information representing the measurement value of control parameters, measurement value information representing the measurement value of management items, and other measurement value information. Furthermore, in the more than one cycle-related information, in addition to measurement value information representing the result of a measurement performed only once in the cycle execution of the injection molding apparatus, there are also measurement value information representing the measurement value continuously measured in the cycle execution of the injection molding apparatus. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, this measurement value will be referred to as a time-series measurement value. The measurement value information representing the time-series measurement value includes time-series information representing the time series of the time-series measurement value and feature value information representing more than one feature value related to the time-series measurement value. Here, one or more characteristic values ​​for a given time series measurement value are, for example, at least one of the following: minimum value, maximum value, average value, variance, standard deviation, start value of the period during which the time series measurement value was measured, and end value of the period. That is, these one or more characteristic values ​​are values ​​representing the characteristics of a waveform, which represents the temporal variation of the time series measurement value. Furthermore, the one or more characteristic values ​​may be configured to include, in addition to some or all of them, other values ​​that have undergone statistical processing of the time series measurement value. Moreover, the injection molding apparatus or the information processing apparatus 20 may include the characteristic value information in the measurement value information. This is because the information processing apparatus 20 can calculate the one or more characteristic values ​​based on the time series information. Furthermore, if the measurement value information includes the characteristic value information, it may not include the time series information. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the measurement value information includes both the time series information and the characteristic value information will be described. Furthermore, the characteristic value information may also be the time series information. This is also because the information processing apparatus 20 can calculate the one or more characteristic values ​​based on the time series information.

[0044] Furthermore, the cycle-related information included in the cycle data of a certain cycle can be a structure that includes other information besides the device identification information of the injection molding apparatus that identifies the source of the cycle data acquisition and one or more measured value information. This other information may be part or all of the cycle identification information, operating status information, product quantity information, etc., but is not limited to these. Here, the operating status information included as cycle-related information in the cycle data is information indicating the operating status of the injection molding apparatus. Furthermore, the product quantity information included as cycle-related information in the cycle data is information indicating the number of products injected by the injection molding apparatus in this cycle. Additionally, the cycle identification information may be information indicating the order in which the cycle is executed in multiple consecutive cycles. This is because by combining the first date and time information in this information, the cycle can be uniquely identified. Furthermore, the cycle identification information may be information that can uniquely identify the cycle on its own, or it may be other information that can identify the cycle.

[0045] The aforementioned cyclic data can be identified using the cyclic identification information, but it can also be identified using a combination of device identification information and the first date and time information. Therefore, a structure in which the cyclic data does not include cyclic identification information is also possible. Furthermore, if only one injection molding device is connected to the information processing device 20, the cyclic data may also be in a structure that does not include device identification information. This is because, in this case, each cyclic data can be identified solely using the first date and time information.

[0046] When the information processing device 20 acquires a certain loop of data, it stores the acquired loop data and outputs the acquired loop data to the server 30. Thus, the information processing device 20 can also store the acquired loop data in the server 30.

[0047] In addition, whenever injection molding conditions are set for an injection molding device, the information processing device 20 acquires injection molding condition data from each of the more than one injection molding devices included in the multiple managed devices 10.

[0048] Here, the injection molding condition data obtained from an injection molding apparatus includes the following information: one or more injection molding condition information indicating the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding apparatus; apparatus identification information identifying the injection molding apparatus; and second date and time information indicating the date and time when the information processing device 20 was obtained from the injection molding apparatus. The apparatus identification information may be, for example, an ID identifying the injection molding apparatus, but may also be other information that identifies the injection molding apparatus, such as an IP address assigned to the injection molding apparatus. Furthermore, the second date and time information may be a timestamp or other information indicating the date and time. Additionally, the injection molding condition data may also have a structure that includes other information besides the one or more injection molding condition information, the apparatus identification information, and the second date and time information. Furthermore, the apparatus identification information may be included in the injection molding condition data as any one of the one or more injection molding condition information. The following example illustrates the case where the apparatus identification information is included in the injection molding condition data as any one of the one or more injection molding condition information.

[0049] In the injection molding condition data obtained from an injection molding apparatus, there are one or more injection molding condition information items, which, in addition to the apparatus identification information identifying the injection molding apparatus, also include one or more target value information items. Each of these target value information items represents one or more target values ​​for each control parameter. Therefore, the target value information representing one or more target values ​​for a certain control parameter can be information representing the injection molding condition, corresponding to that control parameter. The method for making the control parameter correspond to the target value information can be a known method or a method developed in the future. The reason for including one or more target value information items as injection molding condition information representing the injection molding condition in the injection molding condition data is that, in each cycle, the injection molding apparatus controls each control parameter to make the value of the control parameter consistent with the target value of the control parameter. Here, the reason for having one or more target values ​​for each control parameter is that, in the control of the injection molding apparatus in each cycle, there are sometimes multiple target values ​​that serve as the target for making each control parameter approach. For example, the injection speed, i.e., the speed at which material is injected into the cavity of the mold by the screw, varies in multiple stages in each cycle of the injection molding process. In this case, there are multiple target values ​​for the control parameter. Furthermore, the target value information for a certain control parameter represents each of the more than one target values ​​for that control parameter. Therefore, in this injection molding condition data, each of the target value information, which includes the same number of measuring units as the number of measuring units installed in the injection molding apparatus that measure the measured values ​​of the control parameter, is referred to as injection molding condition information. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, each of the more than one target values ​​for a certain control parameter will be referred to as the target value corresponding to that control parameter. Therefore, hereafter, for ease of explanation, this control parameter will be referred to as the control parameter corresponding to the more than one target value.

[0050] Furthermore, the injection molding condition data obtained from an injection molding apparatus includes one or more injection molding condition information pieces. Besides the apparatus identification information and one or more target value information, it also includes anomaly determination condition information corresponding to each of the target values ​​set as injection molding conditions in the injection molding apparatus. The anomaly determination condition information corresponding to a target value indicates that, in the control of the injection molding apparatus that makes the measured value of the control parameter corresponding to the target value consistent with the target value, the measured value of the control parameter satisfies an anomaly condition when no anomaly occurs. Furthermore, the method for corresponding the target value with the anomaly determination condition information can be a known method or a method developed in the future. Moreover, the anomaly determination condition can be any condition, as long as it is a condition satisfied by the value of the control parameter in the control when no anomaly occurs.

[0051] Furthermore, the injection molding condition data obtained from an injection molding apparatus may contain one or more injection molding condition information, which may include, in addition to device identification information for identifying the injection molding apparatus, one or more target value information, and anomaly determination condition information corresponding to each of the target values ​​set as injection molding conditions in the injection molding apparatus, also include other information.

[0052] The injection molding condition data described above can be identified using a combination of device identification information and second date and time information. Furthermore, if only one injection molding device is connected to the information processing unit 20, the injection molding condition data can also be structured without device identification information. This is because, in this case, each injection molding condition data point can be identified solely by the second date and time information.

[0053] When the information processing device 20 acquires injection molding condition data, it stores the acquired injection molding condition data and outputs it to the server 30. Thus, the information processing device 20 can also store the acquired injection molding condition data in the server 30. Here, the information processing device 20 performs the following correspondence in its storage area or the server 30's storage area: The information processing device 20 corresponds the injection molding condition data representing the injection molding conditions set in a certain injection molding device in a certain cycle with the cycle data acquired from the injection molding device in that cycle. This correspondence method can be a known method or a method developed in the future. Through this correspondence, at least one injection molding condition data corresponds to each cycle data. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where one injection molding condition data corresponds to each cycle data will be explained.

[0054] Here, for example, in each of the information processing device 20 and the server 30, a certain loop data can correspond to injection molding condition data containing second date and time information, which represents the date and time closest to the date and time represented by the first date and time information contained in the loop data. This is because injection molding condition information representing the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus within the loop of the loop data acquired by the information processing device 20 is included in the injection molding condition data. Thus, each of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 can determine the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus within the loop. Therefore, the combination of a certain loop data and the injection molding condition data corresponding to the loop data will be described below as output data. That is, the information processing device 20 and the server 30 store this combination as output data. Therefore, the acquisition of each of the loop data and the injection molding data by the information processing device 20 can also be interpreted as the acquisition of each of the loop data and the injection molding data as output data by the information processing device 20. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 could also be configured to, when acquiring loop data, acquire a combination of the acquired loop data and injection molding condition data including injection molding condition information from the injection molding apparatus as output data, where the injection molding condition information indicates the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus at the time the loop data was acquired. Therefore, for ease of explanation, the acquisition of loop data by the information processing device 20 will be referred to as acquisition of output data below. Additionally, the storage format of the output data in either or both of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 can be any format. That is, either or both of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 can be a structure that actually stores the combination as output data, a structure that stores the correspondence that can determine the combination together with one or more loop data and one or more injection molding condition data, or a structure that determines the combination as needed. However, in this embodiment, the situation where either or both of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 can determine the combination even if any of these methods are implemented will be described as either or both of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 storing output data.

[0055] Furthermore, the information processing device 20 displays various images based on data stored in the information processing device 20 on the display unit of the terminal device according to requests from terminal devices that are communicatively connected to the information processing device 20. Here, these images include GUI (Graphical User Interface), icons, windows on the OS (Operating System), etc. As an example, below... Figure 1 As shown, the case where the information processing device 20 and the terminal device 40 can be communicatively connected will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing involved in the login from the terminal device 40 to the information processing device 20 is a known process, and therefore its description is omitted. Additionally, for ease of explanation, the case where the information processing device 20 receives an operation from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40 will be simply referred to as "information processing device 20 receiving an operation." That is, hereinafter, when the information processing device 20 performs a certain process based on a received operation, it means that the information processing device 20 performs that process based on the operation received from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40.

[0056] The information processing device 20 is, for example, a workstation, a desktop PC (Personal Computer), a laptop PC, etc., but is not limited to these. The information processing device 20 is communicatively connected to each of the multiple managed devices 10 via wired or wireless communication. The communication network connecting the information processing device 20 and each of the multiple managed devices 10 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) within a facility housing the multiple managed devices 10, but is not limited to this. This communication network can also be the Internet, a mobile communication network, or other communication networks.

[0057] Server 30 stores cyclic data acquired by information processing device 20. For example, when server 30 acquires certain cyclic data from information processing device 20, it stores the acquired cyclic data.

[0058] In addition, server 30 stores injection molding condition data acquired by information processing device 20. For example, when server 30 acquires certain injection molding condition data from information processing device 20, it stores the acquired injection molding condition data.

[0059] Furthermore, server 30 displays various images based on data stored in server 30 on the display of terminal device according to requests from terminal devices that are communicatively connected to server 30. These images may be GUIs, icons, windows on the operating system, etc. As an example, below... Figure 1As shown, the case where server 30 and terminal device 40 can be communicatively connected will be described. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the processing involved in the login from terminal device 40 to server 30 is a known process, and therefore its description is omitted. Additionally, for ease of explanation, the case where server 30 accepts an operation from terminal device 40 via an image displayed on terminal device 40 will be simply referred to as "server 30 accepting an operation" in the following description. That is, hereinafter, server 30 performing a certain process based on the accepted operation means that server 30 performs that process via an operation accepted from terminal device 40 via an image displayed on terminal device 40.

[0060] As described above, in the molding management system 1, the information processing device 20 and the server 30 display various images based on stored data on the display unit of the terminal device 40 according to the received operations. This display unit may be, for example, the display of the terminal device 40, or a display device communicatively connected to the terminal device 40, but is not limited to these. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the display unit is the display of the terminal device 40 will be described. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the display of an image on the display unit will be referred to as displaying that image.

[0061] Here, in injection molding, the quality of the product varies depending on the mold, the materials used in the injection molding process, and the surrounding environment of the injection molding apparatus. This is because the optimal injection molding conditions for producing high-quality products differ depending on the mold, the materials used in the injection molding process, and the surrounding environment of the injection molding apparatus. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the changes in the quality of products injection-molded by an injection molding device when injection molding conditions are altered. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in injection molding, if the injection molding conditions are changed, the measured values ​​of the managed items will change. As mentioned above, these managed items are related to product quality. Therefore, if these measured values ​​change, the product quality will also change. This means that if product quality deteriorates, the injection molding conditions need to be changed. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of changing injection molding conditions when product quality deteriorates. For example... Figure 3As shown, in injection molding using an injection molding apparatus, for example, if the quality of the product begins to deteriorate due to changes in the surrounding environment of the injection molding apparatus, the measured value begins to deviate from the target value of the management item. As a result, as a deviation from the target value, it begins to deviate from the permissible range. This means that the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus deviate from the optimal injection molding conditions due to changes in the surrounding environment of the injection molding apparatus, and the injection molding conditions need to be changed. Furthermore, the permissible range is the range determined by the user of the information processing device 20. For example, it is the range between a value predetermined as an upper management limit and a value predetermined as a lower management limit, but it is not limited to this; it can also be the range between a value predetermined as an upper specification limit and a value predetermined as a lower specification limit. Here, the upper management limit is the value that is permissible in product quality management as the deviation of the measured value from the target value upwards, and it is a value determined by the manager or others who manage the injection molding process of the injection molding apparatus. Furthermore, the lower control limit value is the acceptable deviation of the measured value from the target value for product quality management, and is determined by the injection molding manager or others who manage the injection molding equipment. The upper specification limit value is the limit of the measured value from the target value that allows the product to be considered a good product, and is determined by the product specifications. The lower specification limit value is the limit of the measured value from the target value that allows the product to be considered a good product, and is determined by the product specifications.

[0062] In the past, various methods have been proposed to change the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus when the measured value of the managed item deviates from the target value and falls outside the allowable range. However, in these methods, the measured value sometimes deviates further away from the target value due to the change in injection molding conditions. This is because probabilistic methods are sometimes used to generate optimal injection molding conditions. Moreover, in such cases, without a limit on the amount of change in the measured value due to the change in injection molding conditions, the measured value sometimes deviates significantly from the target value. This problem can be solved, for example, by setting a maximum allowable amount of change for this amount of change. Figure 4 This is a graph illustrating an example of the change in the measured value of a certain management item X in each cycle during the continuous execution of multiple cycles of an injection molding apparatus. Figure 4The horizontal axis of the graph shows the cycles executed in the sequential execution of this multi-cycle process. The vertical axis of the graph represents the measured value. In this graph, the target value of management item X is shown along with each of the aforementioned upper management limit value, lower management limit value, upper specification limit value, and lower specification limit value. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the above allowable range is the range between the upper management limit value and the lower management limit value.

[0063] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, in loop S1, although the measured value of managed item X deviates upward from the target value, it remains within the acceptable range. On the other hand, in loop S2, executed after loop S1, the measured value deviates upward from the acceptable range. Therefore, in the existing method, the injection molding conditions are changed in loops after loop S3, executed after loop S2. As a result, the measured value changes in a manner that is close to or far from the target value. Here, without any restrictions on the change of injection molding conditions, the measured value, for example, is... Figure 4 The measured value varies within the range indicated by arrow A1. In this case, if the measured value varies far from the target value, it may sometimes exceed the upper specification limit above the target value. This is associated with a deterioration in the yield of products injection molded by the injection molding apparatus and is not preferred. On the other hand, when restrictions are imposed on changes to the injection molding conditions to ensure that the variation in the measured value does not exceed the maximum permissible variation, the measured value may vary within the range indicated by arrow A1. Figure 4 The arrow A2 indicates the range of variation. In this case, even if the measured value varies away from the target value, it will not exceed the upper specification limit. As a result, in Figure 4 In the example shown, as a result of the change in injection molding conditions executed in each of the four subsequent loops following loop S3, the measured value returns to a value within the allowable range. That is, conventionally, the smaller the maximum allowable variation is set, the more effectively the measured value can be prevented from deviating significantly from the target value. This is equivalent to setting the change in the measured value caused by the change in injection molding conditions to a small scale, which is therefore obvious. However, when using this method, at least the first and second problems described below exist.

[0064] The first problem arises from a significant deviation of the measured value of project X from the target value. Specifically, the first problem is as follows: given this significant deviation, if the maximum permissible variation is limited to no more than the variation in the measured value, then... Figure 5 As shown, sometimes the time required for the measured value to return to the acceptable range increases. Figure 5This is a graph illustrating other examples of the variation in the measured value of the management item X for each cycle during the continuous execution of multiple cycles of the injection molding apparatus. Figure 5 The horizontal axis of the graph shows the cycles executed in the sequential execution of this multi-cycle process. The vertical axis of the graph represents the measured value. In this graph, the target value of management item X is shown along with each of the aforementioned upper management limit value, lower management limit value, upper specification limit value, and lower specification limit value. Furthermore, in Figure 5 In the example shown, the allowable range is the range between the upper and lower control limits. Figure 5 In the example shown, in cycle S4, the measured value exceeds the upper specification limit above the target value. However, in Figure 5 In the example shown, a limit is imposed to ensure that the maximum permissible variation does not exceed the variation of the measured value. Therefore, 14 cycles are required to bring the measured value back to the permissible range. This significantly deteriorates the yield of products injection molded by the injection molding device and is not preferable. In other words, the first problem is that if a limit is imposed to ensure that the maximum permissible variation does not exceed the variation of the measured value when the measured value deviates significantly from the target value, it is difficult for the measured value to return to the permissible range.

[0065] On the other hand, the second problem is the issue of boundary fluctuations of the measured value of project X within and outside the permissible range. Specifically, the second problem is as follows: when the measured value deviates slightly from the permissible range, if a limit is imposed to ensure that the maximum permissible change does not exceed the change in the measured value, then... Figure 6 As shown, the measured value is repeatedly measured back and forth between the inside and outside of the allowable range. Figure 6 This is another example of the variation in the measured value of the management item X during the continuous execution of multiple cycles of the injection molding apparatus. Figure 6 The horizontal axis of the graph shows the cycles executed in the sequential order of the multiple iterations. The vertical axis represents the measured value. In this graph, the target value of management item X is shown along with each of the aforementioned upper management limit, lower management limit, upper specification limit, and lower specification limit. Figure 6 In the example shown, the measured value is above the target value, repeatedly fluctuating between the inside and outside of the permissible range three times. This causes deviations in the quality of the product injection-molded by the injection molding apparatus and is therefore not preferred. In other words, it destabilizes the injection molding process of the injection molding apparatus and is therefore not preferred.

[0066] Therefore, based on the received operation, the information processing device 20, for each of the more than one management items, accepts three ranges: the target value of the management item, a first permissible range as the deviation between the measured value and the target value of the management item, a second permissible range as the deviation of the measured value from the first permissible range, and a target proximity range representing the proximity of the measured value to the target value. In other words, the target proximity range represents a range where there is almost no deviation between the measured value and the target value. Thus, the information processing device 20 can solve both of the first and second problems mentioned above, as explained below. Alternatively, the information processing device 20 can also be configured to solve either of the two problems, as described below. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 performs the same processing as described below for each of the more than one management items. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, the following example illustrates the case where the more than one management item is only the first management item specified by the user. The first management item is, for example, injection pressure, injection speed, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0067] For example, to solve the first problem, the information processing device 20, each time output data is acquired, determines whether the measured value of the first management item deviates from at least the first allowable range, either a first allowable range or a second allowable range, based on the acquired output data. Then, if it is determined that the measured value deviates from the first allowable range but is included between the first and second allowable ranges, the information processing device 20 changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus, limiting the change of the measured value to a maximum allowable change that is permissible as the amount of change in the measured value. Here, the maximum allowable change is a quantity received by the information processing device 20 from the user, which is a quantity smaller than the maximum value of the change in the measured value of the first management item when the injection molding conditions are changed after the restriction is lifted. The maximum allowable change is, for example, a quantity less than the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit of the first allowable range and the upper limit of the second allowable range, or a quantity less than the absolute value of the difference between the lower limit of the first allowable range and the lower limit of the second allowable range. Furthermore, the maximum permissible variation is the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit of the first permissible range and the target value of the first management item, multiplied by a predetermined ratio. In this case, the information processing device 20, for example, accepts the ratio received through a predetermined operation as the predetermined ratio. This ratio is any ratio desired by the user. Thus, the information processing device 20 can use any ratio as the predetermined ratio. In addition, the maximum permissible variation is not limited to this; it can be any other size as long as it is a smaller than the maximum value of the change in the measured value of the first management item when the injection molding conditions change under the condition that the restriction is lifted. On the other hand, when the measured value deviates from both the first permissible range and the second permissible range, the information processing device 20 lifts the restriction, and under the condition that the restriction is lifted, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, this processing based on this determination will be described as the first processing. Through the first processing, the information processing device 20 can rapidly bring the measured value closer to the target value when the measured value deviates significantly from the target value, and can suppress the measured value from deviating significantly from the target value when the measured value deviates only slightly from the target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 can suppress the increase in the time required for the measured value to approach the target value. Furthermore, the value that serves as the benchmark for determining whether the deviation between the measured value and the target value is large or small can also be interpreted as the maximum permissible variation. In this case, the deviation between the measured value and the target value is determined to be large if it is larger than the maximum permissible variation, and small if it is smaller than the maximum permissible variation. Based on this, the maximum permissible variation can also be determined subjectively by the user regarding the magnitude of the deviation between the measured value and the target value. Here, as an example, the case where the first permissible range is the range between the upper management limit value and the lower management limit value will be explained.Furthermore, the first permissible range is not limited to this; it can be any range that allows for deviation between the measured value and the target value. Additionally, as an example, the second permissible range will be described below as the range between the upper and lower specification limits. Furthermore, the second permissible range is not limited to this; it can be any range that allows for deviation of the measured value from the first permissible range. Furthermore, the target vicinity is a range included within the first permissible range. Therefore, the upper limit of the target vicinity is less than the upper limit of the first permissible range. Furthermore, the lower limit of the target vicinity is greater than the lower limit of the first permissible range.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process by which a measured value of a first management item deviates significantly from a target value, and the measured value is returned to a first permissible range through the first processing of the information processing device 20. Figure 7 The horizontal axis of the graph shows the cycles executed in the sequential execution of the multiple iterations. The vertical axis of the graph represents the measured value. The graph shows each of the following: the upper limit of the second allowable range, the upper limit of the first allowable range, the upper limit of the target vicinity range, the target value of the first managed item, the lower limit of the target vicinity range, the lower limit of the first allowable range, and the lower limit of the second allowable range.

[0069] exist Figure 7In the example shown, the measured value of the first management item obtained in loop S5 exceeds the upper limit of the second allowable range above the target value. In this case, for example, before executing loop S6, the information processing device 20 removes the restriction that the measured value changes within the aforementioned maximum allowable variation, and changes the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding apparatus after removing the restriction. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute loop S6. However, in this case, the measured value may not be close to the target value. In this example, the measured value obtained in loop S6 is further significantly away from the target value. In this case, since the measured value exceeds the upper limit of the second allowable range, the information processing device 20 changes the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding apparatus after removing the restriction before executing loop S7. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute loop S7. As a result, in this example, the measured value obtained in loop S7 changes from a value above the upper limit of the second allowable range to a value between the upper limit of the second allowable range and the upper limit of the first allowable range. In this case, before executing cycle S8, the information processing device 20, for example, applies the restriction, under which the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute cycle S8. As a result, in this example, the measured value again exceeds the upper limit of the second permissible range. However, due to the restriction, the change in the measured value is small, so the measured value obtained in cycle S8 does not change significantly upward from the upper limit of the second permissible range. However, the situation where the measured value changes upward from the upper limit of the second permissible range in cycle S8 does not change, so before executing cycle S9, the information processing device 20, for example, removes the restriction, under which the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute cycle S9. As a result, in this example, the measured value obtained in cycle S9 changes from a value above the upper limit of the second permissible range to a value between the upper limit of the second permissible range and the upper limit of the first permissible range. Here, in loop S9, the measured value, while close to the upper limit of the first permissible range, is still above it. Therefore, before executing loop S10, the information processing device 20, for example, applies this restriction, under which it changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute loop S10. As a result, in this example, the measured value obtained in loop S10 changes from a value above the upper limit of the first permissible range to a value between the upper limit of the first permissible range and the target value.Thus, when it is determined that the measured value deviates from the first permissible range but is contained between the first and second permissible ranges, the information processing device 20 changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus, limiting the change of the measured value to within the maximum permissible variation. Conversely, when the measured value deviates from both the first and second permissible ranges, the information processing device 20 releases the restriction, and under this restriction, changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can suppress the increase in the time required for the measured value to approach the target value. In practice, in... Figure 7 In the example shown, after loop S6, by executing 5 loops, the measured value changes towards a value between the upper limit of the first allowable range and the target value. This represents the change compared to executing... Figure 5 Compared to the case where the measured value of management item X returns to the allowable range after 14 cycles, the time required to bring the measured value of the first management item close to the target value can be shortened. That is, the information processing device 20 can solve the first problem through the first processing.

[0070] On the other hand, for example, to solve the second problem, the information processing device 20, each time output data is acquired, determines whether the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range based on the acquired output data. If the information processing device 20 determines that the measured value has deviated from the first allowable range in this determination, it changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. During the period until the measured value is determined to be within the target range in a subsequent determination, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed each time this determination is made. Furthermore, if the measured value is determined to be within the target range in this determination, the change in the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus is stopped until the measured value is again determined to have deviated from the first allowable range in this determination. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, this processing based on this determination will be referred to as the second processing. Through the second processing, the information processing device 20 can suppress the measured value from fluctuating around the upper or lower limit of the first allowable range and can make the measured value more reliably approach the target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 is able to improve the stability of injection molding while suppressing the decline in product quality.

[0071] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how, when the measured value of the first management item deviates from the first permissible range, the measured value changes to a value within the range near the target through the second processing of the information processing device 20. Figure 8The horizontal axis of the graph shows the cycles executed in the sequential execution of the multiple iterations. The vertical axis of the graph represents the measured value. The graph shows each of the following: the upper limit of the second allowable range, the upper limit of the first allowable range, the upper limit of the target vicinity range, the target value of the first managed item, the lower limit of the target vicinity range, the lower limit of the first allowable range, and the lower limit of the second allowable range.

[0072] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the measured value of the first management item obtained in loop S11 exceeds the upper limit of the first allowable range. In this case, the information processing device 20 changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus, for example, before executing loop S12. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute loop S12. However, in this case, the measured value may not be close to the target value. In this example, the measured value obtained in loop S12 is further away from the target value. In this case, the measured value also exceeds the first allowable range, so the information processing device 20 changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus before executing loop S13. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute loop S13. As a result, in this example, the measured value obtained in loop S13 is close to the target value. However, although the measured value is close to the upper limit of the first allowable range in loop S13, it is still higher than the upper limit of the first allowable range. Therefore, the information processing device 20 changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus before executing loop S14. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute cycle S14. Here, in the conventional method, changes to the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding apparatus are stopped during this stage. In contrast, since the measured value is not within the target range, the information processing device 20 also changes the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding apparatus before executing cycle S15. Therefore, in this example, during cycle S15, the measured value changes towards a value within the target range. The result is as follows: Figure 8 As shown, the information processing device 20 is able to suppress the measured value from oscillating back and forth within and outside a first permissible range. This is achieved through communication with... Figure 6 Compared to the situation where the measured value of management item X fluctuates back and forth within and outside the permissible range, it should be clear that... Figure 8 The measured value shown does not fluctuate back and forth within and outside the first permissible range. That is, the information processing device 20 is able to solve the second problem through the second processing.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the information processing device 20 performs both the first and second processing simultaneously. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can solve both aspects of the first and second problems at the same time. Alternatively, the information processing device 20 may also be configured to perform the first processing but not the second processing. In this case, the information processing device 20 can solve the first problem but not the second problem. On the other hand, the information processing device 20 may also be configured to perform the second processing but not the first processing. In this case, the information processing device 20 can solve the second problem but not the first problem.

[0074] Hardware structure of information processing device

[0075] The following is for reference Figure 9 The hardware structure of the information processing device 20 will be described. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of the information processing device 20.

[0076] The information processing device 20 includes, for example, a processor 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. These components are interconnected via a bus. Furthermore, the information processing device 20 communicates with other devices via the communication unit 23. These other devices include, for example, an injection molding apparatus, a server 30, and a terminal device 40.

[0077] Processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Alternatively, processor 21 can replace the CPU with other processors such as FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). Processor 21 executes various programs stored in storage unit 22.

[0078] Storage unit 22 may be a storage device including, for example, HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. Alternatively, storage unit 22 may be an external storage device connected via a digital input / output port such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), replacing the storage device built into information processing device 20. Storage unit 22 stores various information, images, and programs processed by information processing device 20. That is, various information stored in information processing device 20 is stored in storage unit 22. For example, the aforementioned output data is stored in storage unit 22.

[0079] The communication unit 23 is, for example, a communication device comprising a digital input / output port such as a USB port, an Ethernet port, and an antenna for wireless communication.

[0080] Functional Composition of Information Processing Device

[0081] The following is for reference Figure 10 The functional configuration of the information processing device 20 will be explained. Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the information processing device 20.

[0082] The information processing device 20 includes a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[0083] The control unit 24 controls the entire information processing device 20. The control unit 24 includes at least a loop data acquisition unit 241, an injection molding condition data acquisition unit 242, a device control unit 243, a molding condition generation unit 244, a display control unit 245, and an output control unit 246. These functional units of the control unit 24 are implemented, for example, by the processor 21 executing various programs stored in the storage unit 22. Furthermore, some or all of these functional units may be hardware functional units such as LSI (Large Scale Integration) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0084] The cycle data acquisition unit 241 acquires cycle data from the injection molding apparatus, which is communicatively connected to the information processing unit 20, for each cycle of the injection molding apparatus.

[0085] Whenever injection molding conditions are set for the injection molding apparatus, the injection molding condition acquisition unit 242 acquires injection molding condition data from the injection molding apparatus, which is communicatively connected to the information processing unit 20.

[0086] The device control unit 243 controls the injection molding device connected to the information processing unit 20 according to the received operation.

[0087] The molding condition generation unit 244 generates the injection molding conditions.

[0088] The display control unit 245 generates various images based on the received operations. The display control unit 245 sends the generated images to the terminal device 40 and displays the images on the terminal device 40.

[0089] The output control unit 246 outputs various data to other devices based on the received operations.

[0090] The information processing device processes the injection molding conditions set by the injection molding device.

[0091] Reference Figure 11 The process of setting injection molding conditions for the injection molding device by the information processing device 20 is explained. Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of the processing flow where the information processing device 20 sets the injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus. Hereinafter, as an example, the process of... Figure 11 Prior to the processing in step S110, the system receives an operation requesting the display of an injection molding condition setting image. The injection molding condition setting image is an image that includes: an image requesting the setting of various injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus connected to the information processing device 20; and an image requesting the setting of the various injection molding conditions received from this image onto the injection molding apparatus.

[0092] After receiving an operation to display the injection molding condition setting image, the display control unit 245 displays the injection molding condition setting image (step S110).

[0093] Next, the display control unit 245 remains on standby until the input of various injection molding conditions to the injection molding condition setting image is completed (step S120). Figure 11In this context, "Input Complete?" indicates the progress of step S120. Here, the display control unit 245, for example, determines that the input of various injection molding conditions to the injection molding device is complete when it receives an operation that sets various injection molding conditions on the injection molding apparatus via the injection molding condition setting image. These various injection molding conditions are received by receiving images of the various injection molding conditions set on the injection molding apparatus connected to the information processing unit 20. On the other hand, for example, if the operation is not received via the injection molding condition setting image, it determines that the input of various injection molding conditions to the injection molding condition setting image is incomplete.

[0094] Upon determining that the input of various injection molding conditions to the injection molding condition setting image is complete (step S120 - Yes), the display control unit 245 accepts the injection molding conditions input to the injection molding condition setting image as injection molding conditions set on the injection molding apparatus, and sets the accepted injection molding conditions on the injection molding apparatus (step S130). The method by which the information processing device 20 sets the injection molding conditions on the injection molding apparatus can be a known method or a method developed in the future. After processing in step S130, the information processing device 20 ends. Figure 11 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

[0095] Here, through Figure 11 The injection molding conditions set in the flowchart shown can be injection molding conditions generated based on response surfaces, functions, regression models, machine learning models, etc., calculated by the information processing device 20, or injection molding conditions determined for some other reason.

[0096] As described above, the information processing device 20 can set injection molding conditions for the injection molding device based on the received operation.

[0097] Information processing devices accept various set processing requests.

[0098] Reference Figure 12 The processing of various settings by the information processing device 20 will be explained. These various settings include, at a minimum, settings for the upper limit of a first permissible range, the lower limit of a first permissible range, the upper limit of a second permissible range, the lower limit of a second permissible range, the upper limit of a target vicinity range, the lower limit of a target vicinity range, and the maximum permissible variation amount, as well as settings for one or more settable parameters and their target values ​​as desired for a management item. Furthermore, these various settings may also include settings other than these. Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of a processing flow that the information processing device 20 accepts for various settings. Hereinafter, as an example, the process of performing... Figure 12Prior to the processing in step S210, the system accepts the operation of displaying the setting acceptance image. The setting acceptance image is an image containing images of various settings accepted by the information processing device 20. More specifically, the setting acceptance image is an image that includes: an image of accepting the upper limit of a first allowable range, the lower limit of a first allowable range, the upper limit of a second allowable range, the lower limit of a second allowable range, the upper limit of a target vicinity range, the lower limit of a target vicinity range, and each of the maximum allowable variation; and an image of accepting one or more settable parameters and their target values ​​that the user wants to specify as management items.

[0099] After receiving the operation to display the setting acceptance image, the display control unit 245 displays the setting acceptance image (step S210).

[0100] Next, the display control unit 245 remains on standby until the input of various settings to the setting acceptance image is completed (step S220). Figure 12In this context, "Input Complete?" indicates the processing of step S220. More specifically, in step S220, the display control unit 245 inputs the seven values ​​to the image of each of the seven input values. These seven values ​​are the upper limit of the first allowable range, the lower limit of the first allowable range, the upper limit of the second allowable range, the lower limit of the second allowable range, the upper limit of the target vicinity range, the lower limit of the target vicinity range, and the maximum allowable variation. It then waits until one or more settable parameters, along with their target values, are input as images of management items by the user. For example, if all these inputs are completed, the display control unit 245 determines that the input of various settings to the setting acceptance image is complete. On the other hand, if at least some of these inputs are not completed, the display control unit 245 determines that the input of various settings to the setting acceptance image is not complete. Here, the display control unit 245 can also be configured such that, when setting the acceptance image, if the upper and lower limits of the first allowable range for acceptance via unilateral tolerance are used, and one of the upper and lower limits of the first allowable range is input, it automatically inputs 0 as the other of the upper and lower limits of the first allowable range. Similarly, the display control unit 245 can also be configured such that, when setting the acceptance image, if the upper and lower limits of the second allowable range for acceptance via unilateral tolerance are used, and one of the upper and lower limits of the second allowable range is input, it automatically inputs 0 as the other of the upper and lower limits of the second allowable range. Furthermore, similarly, the display control unit 245 can also be configured such that, when setting the acceptance image, if the upper and lower limits of the target vicinity range for acceptance via unilateral tolerance are used, and one of the upper and lower limits of the target vicinity range is input, it automatically inputs 0 as the other of the upper and lower limits of the target vicinity range.

[0101] If it is determined that the input of various settings to the setting acceptance image is complete (step S220 - Yes), the display control unit 245 accepts the various settings input to the setting acceptance image (step S230). After the processing in step S230 is completed, the information processing device 20 ends. Figure 12 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

[0102] As described above, the information processing device 20 can process various settings based on the received operations. Specifically, through the processing described in the flowchart above, the information processing device 20 can process each of the upper limit of the first allowable range, the lower limit of the first allowable range, the upper limit of the second allowable range, the lower limit of the second allowable range, the maximum allowable variation, and one or more settable parameters desired for the management item. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can determine the first allowable range and the second allowable range, and can determine the management item and its target value.

[0103] Alternatively, the acceptance image can also be an image integrally formed with the injection molding condition setting image. In this case, the information processing device 20, for example, in... Figure 11 In step S120 shown, the processing in step S120 is performed together. Figure 12 The processing of step S220 is shown. Furthermore, in this case, for example, in step S130, the information processing device 20 performs the processing of step S130, and also performs the processing of step S230.

[0104] The information processing device enables the injection molding device to perform injection molding processing.

[0105] Reference Figure 13 The process of the information processing device 20 causing the injection molding device to perform injection molding will be explained. Figure 13 This diagram illustrates an example of the process flow in which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding. Hereinafter, as an example, the process of performing injection molding will be explained. Figure 13 Before the processing in step S310, the timing is such that, in order for the injection molding apparatus to perform injection molding, a loop execution operation is received, which is the number of loop executions that has been received in advance as the number of execution cycles. Furthermore, as an example, the following explains how the loop execution has already occurred at this timing. Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The processing status of each flowchart shown.

[0106] After receiving the request for a cyclic execution operation, the device control unit 243 causes the injection molding device to begin executing the cyclic execution number of times (step S310). Figure 13 In the text, "Start Injection Molding" indicates the processing of step S310.

[0107] Next, the device control unit 243 remains on standby until the current cycle being executed by the injection molding apparatus is completed. Then, upon completion of this cycle, the device control unit 243 performs a determination based on the output data acquired during that cycle, specifically based on the latest output data stored in the storage unit 22. Specifically, the device control unit 243 determines the measurement value of the first management item represented by the measurement value information included in the output data as the value used in the process. Figure 13 The flowchart shown illustrates the determination process for the measured value of the object, which uses the measured value of the object and determines whether the determined measured value of the object deviates from the first allowable range (step S320). Figure 13 In this context, "detached from the first allowable range?" indicates the processing in step S320. Furthermore, "detached from the first allowable range" means that the measured value is greater than the upper limit of the first allowable range, or that the measured value is less than the lower limit of the first allowable range.

[0108] If it is determined that the measured value of the object has not deviated from the first allowable range (step S330 - No), the device control unit 243 determines whether the cycle of the number of times the injection molding device was started in step S310 has ended (step S330). Figure 13 In this context, "Injection molding complete?" indicates the completion of step S330. Furthermore, the method by which the device control unit 243 performs step S330 can be a known method or a method developed in the future.

[0109] If it is determined that the cycle for which the injection molding apparatus was started in step S310 has ended (step S330 - Yes), the apparatus control unit 243 terminates. Figure 13 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

[0110] On the other hand, if it is determined that the cycle for which the injection molding apparatus was started in step S310 has not ended (step S330 - No), the apparatus control unit 243 proceeds to step S320 and waits again until the cycle currently being executed by the injection molding apparatus is completed. Then, if the cycle is completed, the apparatus control unit 243 makes a determination based on the output data acquired in the cycle, that is, based on the latest output data stored in the storage unit 22.

[0111] On the other hand, if it is determined that the measured value of the object has deviated from the first allowable range (step S320 - Yes), the device control unit 243 determines whether the measured value of the object has also deviated from the second allowable range (step S340). Figure 13 In this context, "detached from the second allowable range?" indicates the processing in step S340. Furthermore, "detached from the second allowable range" means that the measured value is greater than the upper limit of the second allowable range, or that the measured value is less than the lower limit of the second allowable range.

[0112] If it is determined that the measured value of the object has not deviated from the second allowable range (step S340 - No), the device control unit 243 determines whether the measured value of the object is a value within the range near the target (step S350). Figure 13In this context, "within the vicinity of the target?" indicates the processing of step S350. Here, when the device control unit 243 executes the processing of step S350 by transferring from step S340, the object measurement value used in the processing of step S350 is the object measurement value determined by the device control unit 243 in step S320. On the other hand, when the device control unit 243 executes the processing of step S350 by transferring from step S380 (described later), the object measurement value used in the processing of step S350 is the measurement value of the first management item represented by the measurement value information included in the output data initially acquired by the injection molding apparatus after the change of injection molding conditions in step S380. Therefore, when the device control unit 243 first executes the processing of step S350, it does not transfer to step S330, but automatically transfers to step S360. Furthermore, in step S350, if the restriction that causes the measurement value of the first management item to vary within the maximum permissible variation is lifted, the device control unit 243 reapplies the restriction.

[0113] If the measured value of the object is determined to be within the range near the target (step S350 - Yes), the device control unit 243 determines that the measured value of the object is sufficiently close to the target value, and jumps out of the repeated processing of steps S350 to S380 to step S330, where it again determines whether the cycle of the number of times the injection molding device was started in step S310 has ended. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can stop changing the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding device until it is determined again in step S320 that the measured value of the object has deviated from the first allowable range. Thus, in the determination of step S320 during the period when the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding device are stopped from changing, even if it is determined that the measured value of the first management item is within the range near the target, the information processing device 20 will not change the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding device. As a result, the information processing device 20 can suppress the measured value of the first management item from fluctuating near the upper or lower limit of the first allowable range, and can make the measured value more reliably approach the target value. That is, the information processing device can improve the stability of injection molding while suppressing the decline in product quality.

[0114] On the other hand, if the device control unit 243 determines that the measured value of the object is not within the range of the target (step S350 - No), the molding condition generation unit 244 generates injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus based on the measured value of the object, under the constraint that the measured value of the first management item varies within the maximum permissible variation amount accepted in advance (step S360). That is, in step S360, the molding condition generation unit 244 generates injection molding conditions that vary the measured value of the first management item within the maximum permissible variation amount. Figure 13 In this context, "generating injection molding conditions under constraints" represents the processing in step S360. Furthermore, the method for generating these injection molding conditions based on the object's measured values ​​can be a known method based on a response surface, function, regression model, machine learning model, etc., representing the correlation between the measured values ​​of the first management item and the injection molding conditions, or it can be a method developed in the future.

[0115] The device control unit 243 begins setting the injection molding conditions generated by the molding condition generation unit 244 in step S360 into the condition setting process of the injection molding device (step S370). Figure 13 In the text, "Injection Molding Condition Change" indicates the processing of step S370.

[0116] Next, the device control unit 243 remains on standby until the change of the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus is completed (step S380). Figure 13In this code, "Injection molding condition change completed?" indicates the progress of step S380. Here, if the condition setting process begins in step S370 (i.e., if the generated injection molding conditions are set on the injection molding apparatus in step S370), and the state of the injection molding apparatus is a predetermined settable state (where the injection molding conditions can be set), then the device control unit 243 immediately sets the generated injection molding conditions on the injection molding apparatus in step S370. On the other hand, if the condition setting process begins in step S370 but the state of the injection molding apparatus is not settable, the device control unit 243 waits until the state of the injection molding apparatus becomes settable. Furthermore, thereafter, if the state of the injection molding apparatus becomes settable, the device control unit 243 sets the generated injection molding conditions on the injection molding apparatus in step S370. Here, a settable state is a state in which the injection molding apparatus is not executing a cycle. More specifically, a settable state is a state in which the injection molding apparatus does not perform actions for executing each cycle. In other words, the settable state is the state in which the injection molding apparatus does not use the power mechanism for injection molding, that is, the idling state of the injection molding apparatus. The settable state can be achieved, for example, during continuous execution of multiple cycles, during the period from the end of one cycle of the injection molding apparatus to the start of a cycle following that cycle. In this case, the information processing device 20 can suppress deviations in product quality caused by changes in injection molding conditions during the execution cycle of the injection molding apparatus. Alternatively, the device control unit 243 can be configured such that, when condition setting processing begins during injection molding condition change processing, the power mechanism used by the injection molding apparatus for injection molding stops, and during this stop, the injection molding conditions generated in the injection molding condition change processing are set in the injection molding apparatus. In this case, the information processing device 20 can also suppress deviations in product quality caused by changes in injection molding conditions during the execution cycle of the injection molding apparatus. As described above, when a condition setting process that changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus is started, the information processing device 20 stops any one of the following determinations until the change in the injection molding conditions of the condition setting process is completed: whether the object measurement value has deviated from the first allowable range, whether the object measurement value has deviated from the second allowable range, or whether the object measurement value has deviated from the range near the target.

[0117] When the device control unit 243 determines that the change of the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus has been completed (step S380 - Yes), it waits until output data is acquired from the injection molding apparatus after the change of injection molding conditions has been completed. If output data has been acquired from the injection molding apparatus after the change of injection molding conditions has been completed, the device control unit 243 re-determines the measurement value of the first management item represented by the measurement value information contained in the acquired output data as the target measurement value. Then, the device control unit 243 proceeds to step S350 and again determines whether the target measurement value is a value within the range near the target.

[0118] On the other hand, if it is determined that the measured value of the object also deviates from the second allowable range (step S340 - Yes), the molding condition generation unit 244 removes the restriction that the measured value of the first management item changes within the maximum allowable change (step S390).

[0119] Next, the molding condition generation unit 244, based on the measured values ​​of the object, generates injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus without restricting the measured values ​​of the first management item from changing within the maximum permissible range (step S400). That is, in step S400, the molding condition generation unit 244 generates injection molding conditions that change the measured values ​​of the first management item without restricting the amount of change in the measured values ​​of the object. Figure 13 In this context, the phrase "generating injection molding conditions under unrestricted conditions" represents the processing in step S400. Furthermore, the method for generating these injection molding conditions based on the object's measured values ​​can be a known method based on a response surface, function, regression model, machine learning model, etc., representing the correlation between the measured values ​​of the first management item and the injection molding conditions, or it can be a method developed in the future.

[0120] Next, the device control unit 243 begins the condition setting process (step S410) of setting the injection molding conditions generated by the molding condition generation unit 244 in step S400 to the injection molding apparatus. Figure 13 In the text, "Injection Molding Condition Change" indicates the processing of step S410.

[0121] Next, the device control unit 243 remains on standby until the change of the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus is completed (step S420). The process of step S420 is the same as that of step S380. Therefore, in this embodiment, the details of the process of step S420 are omitted.

[0122] When the device control unit 243 determines that the change of the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus has been completed (step S420 - Yes), it waits until it acquires cycle data from the injection molding apparatus after the change of injection molding conditions has been completed. Once cycle data has been acquired from the injection molding apparatus after the change of injection molding conditions, the device control unit 243 re-determines the measurement value of the first management item represented by the measurement value information contained in the acquired cycle data as the target measurement value. Then, the device control unit 243 proceeds to step S340 and again determines whether the target measurement value has deviated from the second allowable range.

[0123] As described above, the information processing device 20 determines, based on the output data acquired from the injection molding apparatus, whether the measured value of the first management item deviates from at least the first allowable range of the first and second allowable ranges. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from the first allowable range but is contained within the first and second allowable ranges, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed while limiting the change of the measured value of the first management item to within the maximum allowable variation. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from both the first and second allowable ranges, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed again after the restriction is lifted. Therefore, when the measured value of the management item deviates significantly from the target value, the information processing device 20 can quickly bring the measured value closer to the target value, and when the measured value deviates only slightly from the target value, it can suppress the significant deviation of the measured value from the target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 can suppress the increase in the time required for the measured value of the management item to approach the target value. Furthermore, each time the information processing device 20 acquires output data from the injection molding apparatus, it determines whether the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range based on the acquired output data. If the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed. During the period until a subsequent determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is within the target range, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed each time this determination is made. Then, if the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is within the target range, the change in the injection molding conditions is stopped until a subsequent determination finds that the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range again. Thus, the information processing device 20 can suppress fluctuations in the measured value of the management item near the upper or lower limit of the first allowable range and can make the measured value more reliably approach the target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 can improve the stability of injection molding in the injection molding apparatus while suppressing product quality degradation.

[0124] Furthermore, in step S350 described above, the information processing device 20 may also be configured not to reapply the restriction even after the restriction that causes the measured value of the first managed item to vary within the maximum permissible range has been lifted. That is, once the restriction is lifted, the information processing device 20 maintains the state of lifting the restriction until one or more consecutive executions of the injection molding apparatus cycle have ended. Thus, the information processing device 20 is able to bring the measured value of the first managed item closer to the target value more quickly.

[0125] Furthermore, in the example described above, the information processing device 20 in Figure 13 In the flowchart shown, step S350 can be omitted. In this case, the information processing device 20 may also be structured to not process the upper and lower limits of the target's vicinity. Furthermore, in this case, if it is determined in step S380 that the change of the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus has been completed, the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S320. Even in this case, the information processing device 20, based on the output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus, determines whether the measured value of the first management item has deviated from at least the first allowable range of the first and second allowable ranges. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from the first allowable range but is contained between the first and second allowable ranges, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed under the restriction that the measured value of the first management item changes within the maximum allowable change amount. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from both the first and second allowable ranges, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed after the restriction is lifted. Therefore, when the measured value of a managed item deviates significantly from the target value, the information processing device 20 can quickly bring the measured value closer to the target value, and when the measured value deviates only slightly from the target value, it can suppress the measured value from deviating significantly from the target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 can suppress the increase in the time required for the measured value of the managed item to approach the target value.

[0126] Furthermore, in the example described above, the information processing device 20 in Figure 13In the flowchart shown, steps S340 and S390 to S420 can be omitted. In this case, the information processing device 20 may also be configured not to accept the upper and lower limits of the second allowable range. Furthermore, in this case, if it is determined in step S320 that the measured value of the object has deviated from the first allowable range, the information processing device 20 proceeds to step S350. Even in this situation, each time the information processing device 20 acquires output data from the injection molding apparatus, it determines whether the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range based on the acquired output data. If the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed. During the period until a subsequent determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is within the target range, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed each time this determination is made. Then, if the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is within the target range, the change in the injection molding conditions is stopped until the determination again finds that the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can suppress fluctuations in the measured value of the management item near the upper or lower limit of the first allowable range and can make the measured value more reliably approach the target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 can improve the stability of injection molding in the injection molding apparatus while suppressing product quality degradation.

[0127] Variation 1 of the implementation method

[0128] The following is for reference Figure 14 A variation of the implementation method 1 will be described below. In variation 1 of the implementation method, the information processing device 20 confirms with the user whether to set the generated injection molding conditions in the injection molding apparatus, and sets the generated injection molding conditions in the injection molding apparatus if the user's approval is received. Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the processing flow in which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding. Hereinafter, as an example, the process of performing injection molding will be described. Figure 14 Before the processing in step S310, the timing is such that, in order for the injection molding apparatus to perform injection molding, a loop execution operation is received, which is the number of loop executions that has been received in advance as the number of execution cycles. Furthermore, as an example, the following explains how the loop execution has already occurred at this timing. Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The processing status of each flowchart shown. Furthermore, Figure 14Each of the steps S310-S360, S380-S400, and S420 shown is related to... Figure 13 Each of the steps S310-S360, S380-S400, and S420 shown is the same. Therefore, for Figure 14 Each step of the processing shown in steps S310 to S360, S380 to S400, and S420 is omitted.

[0129] After the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are generated in step S360, the display control unit 245 generates a use permission or non-use image. This use permission or non-use image includes: information representing the injection molding conditions generated in step S360; and an operation acceptance image indicating whether to use the injection molding conditions as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus. The generated use permission or non-use image is then displayed (step S510). Here, the use permission or non-use image can be any image as long as it contains this information and the operation acceptance image. Figure 14 In the text, "Display injection molding conditions" indicates the processing of step S510.

[0130] Next, the device control unit 243 remains on standby until it receives an operation acceptance image for the use permission or non-use image displayed in step S510 (step S520). Figure 14 In the text, "Acceptance to use license operation?" indicates the processing of step S520.

[0131] If an operation is deemed to have been accepted via the operation acceptance image displayed in step S510 (step S520 - Yes), the device control unit 243 performs processing corresponding to the operation accepted via the operation acceptance image (step S530) and proceeds to step S380. For example, in step S530, if an operation indicating that the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 will not be used as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus is accepted via the operation acceptance image, the device control unit 243 discards the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 and proceeds to step S350. In this case, the injection molding apparatus continues to execute the cycle according to the originally set injection molding conditions. Figure 14In the flowchart shown, step S380 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S350. On the other hand, for example, in step S530, if an operation indicating that the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 will be used as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus is received via the operation acceptance image, the apparatus control unit 243 begins the condition setting process for setting the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 to the injection molding apparatus and proceeds to step S380. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In this context, "processing corresponding to the operation" indicates the processing of step S530.

[0132] After the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are generated in step S400, the display control unit 245 generates a use permission or non-use image. This use permission or non-use image includes: information representing the injection molding conditions generated in step S400; and an operation acceptance image indicating whether to use the injection molding conditions as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus. The generated use permission or non-use image is then displayed (step S540). Figure 14 In the text, "Display injection molding conditions" indicates the processing of step S540.

[0133] Next, the device control unit 243 remains on standby until it receives an operation acceptance image for the use permission or non-use image displayed in step S540 (step S550). Figure 14 In the text, "Acceptance to use license operation?" indicates the processing of step S550.

[0134] If, in step S550, it is determined that an operation acceptance image for the displayed permission or non-permission image has been received (step S550 - Yes), the device control unit 243 performs processing corresponding to the operation received via the operation acceptance image (step S560) and proceeds to step S420. For example, in step S560, if an operation indicating that the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 will not be used as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus is received via the operation acceptance image, the device control unit 243 discards the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 and proceeds to step S340. In this case, the injection molding apparatus continues to execute the loop according to the originally set injection molding conditions. Figure 14In the flowchart shown, step S420 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S340. On the other hand, for example, in step S560, if an operation indicating that the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 will be used as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus is received via the operation acceptance image, the apparatus control unit 243 starts the condition setting process of setting the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 to the injection molding apparatus and proceeds to step S420.

[0135] As described above, in Variation 1 of the embodiment, the information processing device 20 confirms with the user whether the generated injection molding conditions should be set in the injection molding apparatus, and sets the generated injection molding conditions in the injection molding apparatus upon receiving the user's approval. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can also achieve the same effect as that obtained by the information processing device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0136] Variation 2 of the implementation method

[0137] The following is for reference Figure 15 A variation of the embodiment 2 will be described. In variation 2, the information processing device 20 prompts the user to determine whether to set the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus, and prompts the user to perform the operation of setting the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus. Figure 15 This diagram illustrates another example of the process flow in which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding. Hereinafter, as an example, the process of performing injection molding will be explained. Figure 15 Before the processing in step S310, the timing is such that, in order for the injection molding apparatus to perform injection molding, a loop execution operation is received, which is the number of loop executions that has been received in advance as the number of execution cycles. Furthermore, as an example, the following explains how the loop execution has already occurred at this timing. Figure 11 as well as Figure 12 The processing status of each flowchart shown. Furthermore, Figure 15 Each of the steps S310 to S360, S390, and S400 shown is related to... Figure 13 Each of the steps S310 to S360, S390, and S400 shown is the same. Therefore, for Figure 15 Each of the steps S310 to S360, S390 and S400 shown is omitted from the description.

[0138] After generating the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus in step S360, the display control unit 245 generates a condition display image containing information representing the injection molding conditions generated in step S360, and displays the generated condition display image (step S510). Here, the condition display image can be any image, if it contains this information. Figure 15 In the text, "Display injection molding conditions" indicates the processing of step S610.

[0139] Next, the device control unit 243 remains on standby until the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 are set by the user in the injection molding apparatus (step S620). The method by which the device control unit 243 determines whether the injection molding conditions are set in the injection molding apparatus can be a known method or a method developed in the future. Furthermore, the method by which the user sets the injection molding conditions in the injection molding apparatus can be a known method or a method developed in the future. Additionally, in Figure 15 In the text, “Setting?” indicates the processing of step S620.

[0140] If it is determined that the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 were set by the user in the injection molding apparatus (step S620 - Yes), the device control unit 243 proceeds to step S350. Furthermore, the standby in step S620 continues until the user sets the injection molding apparatus, and therefore sometimes continues for a period of time to the point where the injection molding apparatus performs several cycles. In this case, after determining the measurement value of the first management item represented by the measurement value information included in the initial output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus after the setting of the injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus is completed, the device control unit 243 proceeds to step S350.

[0141] Furthermore, after generating the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus in step S400, the display control unit 245 generates a condition display image containing information representing the injection molding conditions generated in step S400, and displays the generated condition display image (step S630). Figure 15 In the text, "Display injection molding conditions" indicates the processing of step S630.

[0142] Next, the device control unit 243 remains on standby until the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 are set by the user in the injection molding apparatus (step S640). The process in step S640 is the same as that in step S620. Therefore, in this embodiment, the process of step S640 is omitted from the description. Furthermore, in Figure 15 In the text, “Setting?” indicates the processing of step S640.

[0143] If it is determined that the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 were set by the user in the injection molding apparatus (step S640 - Yes), the device control unit 243 proceeds to step S340. Furthermore, the standby in step S640 continues until the user sets the injection molding apparatus, and therefore sometimes continues for a period of time during which the injection molding apparatus performs several cycles. In this case, after determining the measurement value of the first management item represented by the measurement value information included in the initial output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus after the setting of the injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus is completed, the device control unit 243 proceeds to step S340.

[0144] As described above, in Variation 2 of the embodiment, the information processing device 20 prompts the user to determine whether to set the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus, and prompts the user to perform the operation of setting the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus. Therefore, the information processing device 20 can also achieve the same effect as that obtained by the information processing device 20 according to the embodiment.

[0145] Furthermore, the molding management system 1 described above may also include a terminal device 40. Additionally, the molding management system 1 described above may also include an injection molding apparatus such as an injection molding apparatus 11. Furthermore, the server 30 may also have the functions and structure of the information processing device 20 described above.

[0146] Furthermore, the content described above can be combined in any way.

[0147] Appendix 1

[0148] [1] A molding management system includes an information processing device communicatively connected to a terminal device, which manages the production of the product in a production process of an injection molding process including an injection molding device. The information processing device acquires output data output from the injection molding device for each cycle of injection molding performed by the injection molding device. The output data is data corresponding to cycle data containing measurement value information and injection molding condition data containing injection molding condition information. The measurement value information represents each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding device according to the execution of the cycle of the injection molding device. The injection molding condition information represents the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device. The one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for one or more management items related to the quality of the product. The information processing device, according to an received operation, receives a target value of a first management item in the one or more management items and a measurement value as the first management item. The information processing device, based on the output data obtained from the injection molding device, determines whether the measured value of the first management item deviates from at least the first allowable range of the first and second allowable ranges, considering a first allowable range for deviations from the set value and the target value, and a second allowable range for deviations of the measured value of the first management item from the first allowable range. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from the first allowable range but is contained between the first and second allowable ranges, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device are changed under the restriction that the measured value of the first management item changes within the maximum allowable change amount that can be tolerated as the amount of change in the measured value of the first management item. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from both the first and second allowable ranges, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device are changed after the restriction is lifted.

[0149] [2] According to the molding management system described in [1], wherein, The information processing device makes the determination each time it receives the output data from the injection molding device.

[0150] [3] According to the molding management system described in [1] or [2], wherein, When a process is initiated that changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus, the information processing device stops the determination until the change in the injection molding conditions is completed.

[0151] [4] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein, The maximum permissible variation is less than the maximum value of the change in the measured value of the first managed item under the condition of change in injection molding conditions after the restriction is lifted.

[0152] [5] According to the molding management system described in [4], wherein, The absolute value of the maximum permissible variation is a quantity less than the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit of the first permissible range and the upper limit of the second permissible range, or a quantity less than the absolute value of the difference between the lower limit of the first permissible range and the lower limit of the second permissible range.

[0153] [6] According to the molding management system described in [4], wherein, The maximum permissible variation is the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit of the first permissible range and the target value of the first management project, multiplied by a predetermined ratio.

[0154] [7] According to the molding management system described in [6], wherein, The information processing device accepts a certain percentage of data received through a predetermined operation, which is defined as the predetermined percentage.

[0155] [8] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein, In the determination, if the measured value of the first management item is within the first allowable range, the information processing device does not change the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device.

[0156] [9] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein, Under the aforementioned restriction, when the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed, the information processing device generates injection molding conditions that cause the measured value of the first management item to change within the maximum permissible change range, based on the latest output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus as the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. Under the condition that the restriction is lifted, when the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed, the information processing device generates injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus that cause the measured value of the first management item to change, based on the latest output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus, without limiting the amount of change in the measured value of the first management item.

[0157]

[10] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein, Once the restriction is lifted, the information processing device maintains the state of being free of the restriction until the cycle of the injection molding device has been executed more than once.

[0158]

[11] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein, In the determination after the restriction has been lifted, if the measured value of the first managed item deviates from the first allowable range but is contained between the first allowable range and the second allowable range, the information processing device reapplies the restriction.

[0159]

[12] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein, According to the received operation, in addition to the target value, the first allowable range, and the second allowable range of the first management item, the information processing device also receives a target vicinity range that represents the target value of the measured value of the first management item, and the target vicinity range is a range included in the first allowable range.

[0160]

[13] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein, The molding management system includes the terminal device.

[0161]

[14] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein, The molding management system includes the injection molding device.

[0162] Appendix 2

[0163] [1] A molding management system includes an information processing device communicatively connected to a terminal device, which manages the production of the product in a production process of an injection molding process including an injection molding device. The information processing device acquires output data output from the injection molding device for each cycle of injection molding performed by the injection molding device. The output data is data corresponding to cycle data containing measurement value information and injection molding condition data containing injection molding condition information. The measurement value information represents each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding device according to the execution of the cycle of the injection molding device. The injection molding condition information represents the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device. The one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for one or more management items related to the quality of the product. The information processing device, based on the received operation, receives a target value of a first management item in the one or more management items, a first allowable range as a deviation between the measurement value of the first management item and the target value, and a target proximity range representing the proximity of the measurement value of the first management item to the target value.

[0164] [2] According to the molding management system described in [1], wherein, Each time the information processing device acquires the output data from the injection molding device, it determines whether the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range based on the acquired output data. If the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range, the device changes the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding device based on the acquired output data. Until a subsequent determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is within the range near the target, the device changes the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding device based on the acquired output data each time the determination is made. Furthermore, if the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is within the range near the target, the device stops changing the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding device until the determination again finds that the measured value of the first management item has deviated from the first allowable range.

[0165] [3] According to the molding management system described in [2], wherein, In the determination during the period when the information processing device stops changing the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus, even if it determines that the measured value of the first management item is within the range of the first allowable range and the range near the target, it does not change the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus.

[0166] [4] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein, The range near the target is the range included within the first permissible range.

[0167] [5] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein, According to the received operation, in addition to the target value, the first permissible range, and the range near the target of the first management item, the information processing device also accepts a second permissible range as a deviation of the measured value of the first management item from the first permissible range, wherein the first permissible range is a range included in the second permissible range.

[0168] [6] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein, The molding management system includes the terminal device.

[0169] [7] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein, The molding management system includes the injection molding device.

[0170] The embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to this embodiment. As long as it does not depart from the spirit of this disclosure, changes, substitutions, deletions, etc., can be made.

[0171] Furthermore, a program for implementing the functions of any component in the apparatus described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the computer system can read and execute the program. Here, such an apparatus includes, for example, an injection molding apparatus 11, an information processing apparatus 20, a server 30, and a terminal device 40. Additionally, the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an operating system (OS) and peripheral devices. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, optical disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into the computer system. Moreover, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a medium that retains a program for a certain period of time, such as the volatile memory inside a computer system that acts as a server or client when the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.

[0172] Furthermore, the aforementioned program can also be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, "transmission medium" refers to a medium with the function of transmitting information, such as a network like the Internet or a communication line like a telephone line.

[0173] Furthermore, the aforementioned program can also be a part of a program used to implement the aforementioned functions. Moreover, the aforementioned program can also be a program capable of implementing the aforementioned functions through combination with programs already recorded in the computer system, i.e., a so-called differential file or differential program.

Claims

1. A molding management system, characterized in that, The molding management system includes an information processing device communicatively connected to a terminal device, and manages the production of the product in the injection molding process, which includes the injection molding apparatus. The information processing device acquires output data from the injection molding device for each cycle of injection molding performed by the injection molding device. The output data is data corresponding to cyclic data containing measurement value information and injection molding condition data containing injection molding condition information. The measurement value information represents each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding apparatus according to the execution of the cyclic injection molding apparatus. The injection molding condition information represents the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus. The more than one measured value includes measured values ​​for more than one management item related to the quality of the product. The information processing device, based on the received operation, accepts the target value of the first management item in the one or more management items, the first allowable range as the deviation between the measured value of the first management item and the target value, and the second allowable range as the deviation of the measured value of the first management item from the first allowable range. Based on the output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus, the information processing device determines whether the measured value of the first management item deviates from at least the first allowable range of the first allowable range and the second allowable range. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from the first allowable range but is included between the first allowable range and the second allowable range, the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed under the restriction that the measured value of the first management item changes within the maximum allowable change that can be tolerated as the amount of change in the measured value of the first management item. If the measured value of the first management item deviates from both the first allowable range and the second allowable range, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed after the restriction is lifted.

2. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information processing device makes the determination each time it receives the output data from the injection molding device.

3. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, When a process is initiated that changes the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus, the information processing device stops the determination until the change in the injection molding conditions is completed.

4. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum permissible variation is less than the maximum value of the change in the measured value of the first managed item under the condition of change in injection molding conditions after the restriction is lifted.

5. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The absolute value of the maximum permissible variation is a quantity less than the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit of the first permissible range and the upper limit of the second permissible range, or a quantity less than the absolute value of the difference between the lower limit of the first permissible range and the lower limit of the second permissible range.

6. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The maximum permissible variation is the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit of the first permissible range and the target value of the first management project, multiplied by a predetermined ratio.

7. The molding management system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The information processing device accepts a certain percentage of data received through a predetermined operation, which is defined as the predetermined percentage.

8. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the determination, if the measured value of the first management item is within the first allowable range, the information processing device does not change the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding device.

9. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Under the aforementioned restrictions, when the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed, the information processing device, based on the latest output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus, generates injection molding conditions that allow the measured value of the first management item to vary within the maximum permissible variation range, using the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. With the restrictions lifted, when the injection molding conditions set in the injection molding apparatus are changed, the information processing device generates injection molding conditions set by the injection molding apparatus for the change in the measured value of the first management item, based on the latest output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus, without limiting the amount of change in the measured value of the first management item.

10. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Once the restriction is lifted, the information processing device maintains the state of being free of the restriction until the cycle of the injection molding device has been executed more than once.

11. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the determination after the restriction has been lifted, if the measured value of the first managed item deviates from the first allowable range but is contained between the first allowable range and the second allowable range, the information processing device reapplies the restriction.

12. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the received operation, the information processing device, in addition to the target value, the first allowable range, and the second allowable range of the first management item, also receives a range near the target value of the measured value of the first management item. The range near the target is the range included within the first permissible range.

13. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The molding management system includes the terminal device.

14. The molding management system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The molding management system includes the injection molding device.

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