Molding management system

Abstract

Provided is a molding management system capable of improving the stability of injection molding by an injection molding device while suppressing a decrease in the quality of a product. The molding management system includes an information processing device that acquires output data output from the injection molding device for each cycle of injection molding by the injection molding device, and accepts, in accordance with an operation accepted, a target value of a first management item among one or more management items, a first allowable range of a measured value of the first management item as a deviation from the target value that is allowed, and a target vicinity range of the measured value of the first management item that shows a vicinity of the target value.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Research and development are underway on technologies for managing the production of products in production processes, including the injection molding process of products performed by injection molding equipment.

[0003] To address this problem, as a method for controlling the injection molding machine and the mold forming the cavity, a method for adjusting the injection molding conditions is known when it is determined that the measured value of a management item managed by the user to ensure the quality of the product injection molded by the injection molding device exceeds a predetermined threshold (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-529687

[0005] Here, the method described in Patent Document 1 is merely a method of adjusting the injection molding conditions when the measured value of the managed item exceeds a threshold, thereby converging the measured value towards an allowable range that is acceptable for deviation from the target value of the managed item. Therefore, this method sometimes causes the measured value to oscillate between the inner and outer boundaries of the allowable range. That is, in the method described in Patent Document 1, the stability of injection molding performed by the injection molding apparatus after the adjustment of the injection molding conditions is not considered. This can sometimes reduce the efficiency of injection molding of products performed by the injection molding apparatus, and is therefore not preferred. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, one solution disclosed herein is a molding management system, comprising an information processing device communicatively connected to a terminal device, and a molding management system for managing the production of the product in a production process, including an injection molding process performed by an injection molding device. 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 that establishes a correspondence between cycle data and injection molding condition data. The cycle data includes measurement value information showing each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding device based on the cycle being performed by the injection molding device. The injection molding condition data includes injection molding condition information showing injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device. The one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for each of one or more management items related to the quality of the product. Based on a 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 of the measurement value of the first management item as a deviation from the target value, and a target proximity range of the measurement value of the first management item indicating its proximity to the target value. Attached Figure Description

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

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process by which 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 necessitates changes to injection molding conditions when product quality deteriorates.

[0010] 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 when the injection molding device performs multiple cycles continuously.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a graph illustrating other examples of the changes in the measured value of management item X for each cycle when the injection molding device performs multiple cycles continuously.

[0012] Figure 6 This is another example of the change in the measured value of the management item X during each cycle of multiple consecutive cycles performed by the injection molding device.

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

[0014] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a process by which a measured value of a first management item is changed to a value within the range of the target through a second process performed by the information processing device 20 when the measured value exceeds the first allowable range.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration 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 process by which the information processing device 20 sets the injection molding conditions for the injection molding device.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process by which the information processing device 20 accepts various set processing procedures.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process by 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 by 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 by 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] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Overview of Molding Management System

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

[0028] The molding management system according to the embodiment manages the production of products in a production process, including the injection molding process of products performed by an injection molding apparatus. The 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 that establishes a correspondence between cycle data and injection molding condition data. The cycle data includes measurement value information showing each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding apparatus based on the cycle performed by the injection molding apparatus. The injection molding condition data includes injection molding condition information showing the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. Additionally, the one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for each of one or more management items related to product quality. Furthermore, 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 for the measurement value of the first management item as a deviation from the target value, and a second permissible range for the measurement value of the first management item as exceeding 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 exceeds at least the first allowable range of the first and second allowable ranges. If the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range but is within the range between the first and second allowable ranges, the device changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus within the maximum allowable change in the measured value of the first management item, which is the amount of change allowed. If the measured value of the first management item exceeds both the first and second allowable ranges, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed after the restriction is lifted. Therefore, when the measured value of a management item deviates significantly from its 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 according to the embodiment manages the production of products in a production process, including the injection molding process of products performed by an injection molding apparatus. The 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 that establishes a correspondence between cycle data and injection molding condition data. The cycle data includes measurement value information showing each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding apparatus based on the cycle performed by the injection molding apparatus. The injection molding condition data includes injection molding condition information showing the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. Additionally, the one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for each of one or more management items related to product quality. Furthermore, 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 allowable range for the measurement value of the first management item as a deviation from the target value, and a target proximity range for the measurement value of the first management item showing the proximity to the target value. Therefore, the information processing device can suppress fluctuations in the measured value of the managed item near the upper or lower limit of the first permissible range, enabling the measured value to more reliably approach its target value. As a result, the information processing device can improve the stability of injection molding performed by the injection molding device while suppressing product quality degradation.

[0030] The following describes in detail the configuration of the molding management system involved in this implementation and the processing performed by the server of the molding management system.

[0031] Composition of molding management system

[0032] Hereinafter, the configuration of the molding management system involved in the implementation method will be described using molding management system 1 as an example.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration 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 be configured without including part or all of the one or more managed devices 10. Furthermore, molding management system 1 may be configured without the information processing device 20 but including the server 30. Alternatively, molding management system 1 may be configured with the information processing device 20 but without the server 30. Additionally, 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 instead of 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 independent of the information processing device 20, will be described. Furthermore, 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 In this drawing, each of the multiple managed devices 10 is indicated by the same reference numerals for ease of explanation. However, some or all of the multiple managed devices 10 may be different types of devices. Among these multiple managed devices 10 is at least one 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. Furthermore, among these multiple managed apparatuses 10, an injection molding apparatus for performing metal 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. Additionally, below, 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. In addition to the injection molding apparatus, the multiple managed apparatuses 10 may also include, for example, peripheral equipment of the injection molding apparatus. Peripheral equipment of the injection molding apparatus includes, but is not limited to, a material supply device, a conveying device, a cleaning device, and a sintering device. Here, the material supply device is the device that supplies the material used for injection molding of the product to the injection molding apparatus. The cleaning device is the device that conveys the product injection-molded by the injection molding apparatus. The cleaning device is the 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 apparatus.

[0036] The molding management system 1 manages the production of products in the production process, including the injection molding process performed by the injection molding devices included in the multiple managed devices 10. Here, the injection molding devices included in the multiple managed devices 10 can be any configuration capable of producing injection-molded products. For ease of explanation, the process of one injection molding operation by the injection molding device will be described as a cycle. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the cavity within the mold assembled into the injection molding device will be described as a cavity. That is, the injection molding device performs injection molding of the product by injecting material into the cavity within the mold assembled into the injection molding device and applying pressure to the material within the cavity.

[0037] Here, one or more injection molding machines included in the multiple managed devices 10 are equipped with an extrusion section, which extrudes the material used for injection molding of the product into a cavity within a mold assembled in the injection molding machine during the injection molding process. The extrusion section is, for example, a screw that rotates within a cylinder, thereby moving its position back and forth within the cylinder. Alternatively, the extrusion section may be replaced by a component that moves its position back and forth within the cylinder, such as a hydraulic system or a direct-acting actuator, instead of a screw. Material is extruded from the injection port of the cylinder toward the cavity within the mold, depending on the advance of the extrusion section within the cylinder. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the extrusion section of the injection molding machine 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 that can be measured 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 cavity of the mold 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 for which a target value can be set for 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 in a manner that the measured value of the settable parameter is close to the target value. Therefore, for ease of explanation, the settable parameters for which one or more target values ​​are set for the injection molding machine will be referred to as control parameters. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the target values ​​for each control parameter will be collectively referred to as injection molding conditions in the following explanation. This is because the injection molding apparatus performs injection molding by controlling the control parameters, and when the target value of the control parameter changes, the quality of the product injection molded by the injection molding apparatus changes. Additionally, the measured value obtained by a certain measuring unit is sometimes also referred to as the actual value.

[0039] Here, the measuring unit that measures a certain value, assembled into one or more measuring units of an injection molding apparatus, is, for example, a sensor that measures that value, but is not limited to it. Alternatively, the one or more measuring units may include a measuring unit that measures the quality of the product. 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 an image of the product and measuring its quality, but is not limited to it. Furthermore, in this case, for example, the quantity of product quality measured by the measuring unit may be shown as any one of a predetermined plurality of values ​​arranged from high quality to low quality, but is not limited to it.

[0040] The information processing device 20 selects one or more settable parameters desired by the user from among the received operations as management items. Management items are settable parameters selected by the user as settable parameters related to the quality of the product injection-molded by the injection molding apparatus. In other words, management items are settable parameters that the user wants to manage to maintain the quality of the product. Therefore, among the measurable parameters that can be measured in the injection molding apparatus are settable parameters that can have target values ​​set. Furthermore, settable parameters include control parameters that are actually set with target values ​​as injection molding conditions and management items managed by the user. In addition, when represented using 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 management items. Furthermore, management items are sometimes also referred to as management parameters. Additionally, management items that are not control parameters are assigned as target values ​​that indirectly approach the target value through the control of the control parameters. However, this target value is not the target value in the control of the management item, i.e., the value set for the injection molding apparatus as injection molding conditions. The target value of a management project is not a control parameter; it is merely a value that is used in the management of the management project.

[0041] The information processing device 20 acquires cycle data from one or more injection molding machines included in the plurality of managed devices 10 for each cycle. More specifically, the information processing device 20 acquires cycle data from each of the one or more injection molding machines at the end of each cycle. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the cycle data acquired when a certain cycle has ended will be referred to as the cycle data of that cycle. Furthermore, hereafter, for ease of explanation, the cycle that has ended when a certain cycle data has been acquired will be referred to as the cycle of that cycle data.

[0042] The loop data for a given cycle includes the following information: one or more loop association information, obtained by executing the cycle from the injection molding apparatus that is the source of the loop data; device identification information, identifying the injection molding apparatus; and first date and time information, showing the date and time obtained by the information processing device 20 from the injection molding apparatus. However, the device identification information may be, for example, an ID (Identifier) ​​identifying the injection molding apparatus, or 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 indicating the date and time. In addition, the loop data may also include 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 included in the loop data as any one of the one or more loop association information. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the device identification information is included in the loop data as any one of the one or more loop association information will be described.

[0043] The cyclic data of a certain cycle includes more than one type of cyclic association information, which includes device identification information of the injection molding apparatus that identifies the source of the cyclic data acquisition, and more than one type of measurement value information. Each of these measurement value information displays the measurement value measured by more than one measuring unit in the injection molding apparatus. That is, the more than one type of cyclic association information includes measurement value information showing the measurement value of control parameters, measurement value information showing the measurement value of management items, and other measurement value information. Furthermore, the more than one type of cyclic association information includes not only measurement value information showing the measurement value obtained as the result of only one measurement during the cycle performed by the injection molding apparatus, but also measurement value information showing the measurement value continuously measured during the cycle performed by 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 showing the time-series measurement value includes time-series information showing the time series of the time-series measurement value, and feature value information showing more than one feature value for 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 in which the time series measurement value was measured, and end value of the period. That is, the one or more characteristic values ​​are values ​​that represent the waveform characteristics of the time-varying changes in the time series measurement value. Furthermore, the one or more characteristic values ​​may replace some or all of these values, or may include other values ​​that have undergone statistical processing for the time series measurement value, based on all of these values. Moreover, the measurement value information including the characteristic value information can be provided by the injection molding apparatus or the information processing apparatus 20. This is because the information processing apparatus 20 can calculate the one or more characteristic values ​​based on the time series information. Additionally, 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. The reason for this is that the information processing device 20 can calculate one or more feature values ​​based on the time series information.

[0044] Furthermore, the cycle-related information included in the cycle data of a certain cycle may also consist of 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 in the cycle data as cycle-related information is information showing the operating status of the injection molding apparatus. Additionally, the product quantity information included in the cycle data as cycle-related information is information showing the number of products injected by the injection molding apparatus in that cycle. Furthermore, the cycle identification information may be information showing the order in which the cycle is executed in multiple consecutively executed cycles. This is because by combining the first date and time information with this information, the cycle can be uniquely identified. Furthermore, the cycle identification information may be information that can uniquely identify the cycle using this single cycle identification information, 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 further identified using a combination of device identification information and the first date and time information. Therefore, the cyclic data can also be configured without cyclic identification information. Furthermore, if only one injection molding device is connected to the information processing device 20, the cyclic data can also be configured without 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 data, it stores the acquired loop data and outputs the acquired loop data to the server 30. Thus, the information processing device 20 is able to store the acquired loop data in the server 30 as well.

[0047] In addition, whenever the injection molding conditions are set for the injection molding apparatus, the information processing device 20 obtains injection molding condition data from one or more injection molding apparatuses 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 pieces indicating the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus; apparatus identification information identifying the injection molding apparatus; and second date and time information indicating the date and time obtained by the information processing device 20 from the injection molding apparatus. However, the apparatus identification information may be, for example, an ID identifying the injection molding apparatus, or 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. In addition, the injection molding condition data may also include other information besides the one or more injection molding condition information pieces, 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 pieces. Hereinafter, as an example, 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 pieces will be described.

[0049] The injection molding condition data obtained from an injection molding apparatus includes more than one type of injection molding condition information, which includes not only device identification information identifying the injection molding apparatus but also more than one target value information. Each of these target value information indicates more than one target value for a given control parameter. Therefore, target value information indicating more than one target value for a given control parameter can be referred to as information indicating the injection molding conditions and corresponds to that control parameter. The method for corresponding the control parameter with the target value information can be a known method or a method developed based on a known method. The reason why the injection molding condition data includes more than one target value information as injection molding condition information indicating the injection molding conditions is that, in each cycle, the injection molding apparatus controls each control parameter in a way that makes the value of the control parameter consistent with the target value of the control parameter. Here, the reason for having more than one target value for each control parameter is that, in the control performed by the injection molding apparatus in each cycle, there are sometimes multiple target values ​​that are the goal of bringing each control parameter close to its target. For example, the injection speed, which is the speed at which material is injected into the cavity of the mold via the screw, changes in multiple stages in each cycle of the injection molding process. In such cases, there are multiple target values ​​for the control parameters. Furthermore, the target value information for a certain control parameter displays one or more target values ​​for that control parameter. Therefore, the injection molding condition data includes the same number of target value information units as the number of measuring units assembled into the injection molding apparatus that measure the control parameter. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the one or more 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, the control parameter will be referred to as the control parameter corresponding to the one or more target values.

[0050] Furthermore, the injection molding condition data acquired from an injection molding apparatus includes, in addition to apparatus identification information identifying the injection molding apparatus and one or more target value information, anomaly determination condition information corresponding to each of the target values ​​set for the injection molding apparatus as injection molding conditions. The anomaly determination condition information corresponding to a target value is as follows: in the control of the injection molding apparatus to make the measured value of the control parameter corresponding to the target value consistent with the target value, when the measured value of the control parameter does not become abnormal, the anomaly determination condition satisfied by the measured value of the control parameter is shown. Furthermore, the method for corresponding the target value with the anomaly determination condition information can be a known method or a method developed based on a known method. Additionally, if the anomaly determination condition is a condition satisfied by the value of the control parameter when the value of the control parameter does not become abnormal in the control, it can be any condition.

[0051] In addition, the injection molding condition data obtained from an injection molding device may include more than one injection molding condition information, which may include device identification information for identifying the injection molding device, more than one target value information, and anomaly judgment condition information corresponding to each of the target values ​​set for the injection molding device as injection molding conditions, as well as other information.

[0052] The injection molding condition data described above can be identified by combining the device identification information and the second date and time information. Furthermore, if only one injection molding device is connected to the information processing device 20, the injection molding condition data may also be composed without the 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, which shows the injection molding conditions set for 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 based on a known method. Through this correspondence, each cycle data corresponds to at least one injection molding condition data. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where each cycle data corresponds to one injection molding condition data will be explained.

[0054] Here, for example, in both the information processing device 20 and the server 30, a certain loop data can correspond to injection molding condition data, which includes injection molding condition information that includes a second date and time information showing the date and time closest to the date and time shown in the first date and time information, prior to the date and time shown in the first date and time information. This is because the loop data shows injection molding condition information indicating the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus in the loop acquired by the information processing device 20. Therefore, both the information processing device 20 and the server 30 can determine the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus in this loop. Therefore, the combination of a certain loop data and the injection molding condition data corresponding to that 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 loop data and injection molding data by the information processing device 20 can also be interpreted as the acquisition of loop data and injection molding data as output data by the information processing device 20. Alternatively, the information processing device 20 could also be configured such that, when acquiring loop data, it acquires a combination of the acquired loop data and injection molding condition data from the injection molding device as output data, wherein the injection molding condition data includes injection molding condition information showing the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device 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 described below as the acquisition of output data. Furthermore, the storage format of the output data in either or both of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 can be arbitrary. That is, either or both of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 can be configured to actually store the combination as output data, or can be configured to store the correspondence that can determine the combination together with one or more loop data and one or more injection molding condition data, or can be configured to determine the combination as needed. However, in this embodiment, it will be described as either or both of the information processing device 20 and the server 30 storing output data, even if any of these schemes are implemented.

[0055] Furthermore, based on requests from terminal devices communicatively connected to the information processing device 20, 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. Here, these images include GUI (Graphical User Interface), icons, windows on the OS (Operating System), etc. As an example, the following is an example... 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 process involving registration with the information processing device 20 by the terminal device 40 is a known process and will not be described. Additionally, for ease of explanation, the act of the information processing device 20 receiving an operation from the terminal device 40 via an image displayed on the terminal device 40 will be simply referred to as an "information processing device 20 receiving 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 multiple managed devices 10 via wired or wireless communication. The communication network connecting the information processing device 20 to the multiple managed devices 10 is, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) within a facility housing multiple managed devices 10, but is not limited to these. This communication network can also be the Internet, a mobile communication network, or other communication networks.

[0057] Server 30 stores the loop data acquired by information processing device 20. For example, when server 30 acquires a certain loop data from information processing device 20, it stores the acquired loop 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, upon request from a terminal device communicatively connected to server 30, displays various images based on data stored on server 30 on the display of the terminal device. These images may be GUI elements, 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 process involving login to server 30 performed by terminal device 40 is a known process and will therefore be omitted from description. Additionally, for ease of explanation, the act of server 30 accepting an operation from terminal device 40 via an image displayed on terminal device 40 will be simply referred to as "server 30 accepting operation." That is, hereinafter, when server 30 performs a certain process based on an accepted operation, it means that server 30 performs that process based on the 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, based on received operations, display various images based on stored data on the display unit of the terminal device 40. Furthermore, this display unit may be, for example, the monitor of the terminal device 40, a display device communicatively connected to the terminal device 40, or something similar, but is not limited to these. Hereinafter, as an example, the case where the display unit is the monitor of the terminal device 40 will be described. Also, for ease of explanation, the act of displaying an image on this display unit will be referred to as "displaying the image."

[0061] Here, in injection molding performed by an injection molding machine, the quality of the product varies depending on changes in the mold, the material used for injection molding, and the surrounding environment of the injection molding machine. This is because the optimal injection molding conditions for producing high-quality products differ depending on the mold, the material used for injection molding, and the surrounding environment of the injection molding machine. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the quality of a product injection-molded by an injection molding device changes when injection molding conditions are altered. For example... Figure 2 As shown, in injection molding performed by an injection molding apparatus, the measured values ​​of management items change when the injection molding conditions are changed. These management items, as previously mentioned, are related to product quality. Therefore, when these measured values ​​change, the product quality also changes. 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 required to change injection molding conditions when product quality deteriorates. For example... Figure 3As shown, in injection molding performed by an injection molding apparatus, for example, when 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, it begins to exceed the allowable range as a deviation from the target value. This means that the injection molding conditions set for 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 allowable 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 value and a value predetermined as a lower management limit value, but it is not limited to this. It can also be the range between a value predetermined as an upper standard limit value and a value predetermined as a lower standard limit value. Here, the upper management limit value is the value of the limit that the measured value can deviate upward from the target value in terms of product quality management, and it is the value determined by the manager or others who manage the injection molding of the injection molding apparatus. Furthermore, the lower management limit value is the allowable limit for the downward deviation of the measured value from the target value in terms of product quality management, and is determined by the managers who oversee injection molding in the injection molding unit. The upper standard limit value is the limit for the product to be considered acceptable due to the upward deviation of the measured value from the target value, and is determined by the product standard. The lower standard limit value is the limit for the product to be considered acceptable due to the downward deviation of the measured value from the target value, and is determined by the product standard.

[0062] It is anticipated that there will be a need to change injection molding conditions. Various methods have been proposed to change the injection molding conditions set on the injection molding apparatus, triggered by a measured value of a managed item exceeding a permissible deviation from the target value of the managed item. However, in such methods, the measured value may sometimes deviate 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. Furthermore, 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 may sometimes deviate significantly from the target value. This problem can be solved, for example, by setting a maximum permissible amount of change as the 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 when the injection molding device performs multiple cycles continuously. Figure 4The horizontal axis of the coordinate graph shows the sequence of execution of each loop in the continuous execution of this multi-loop process. The vertical axis of the coordinate graph shows the measured value. This coordinate, together with the aforementioned upper management limit value, lower management limit value, upper standard limit value, and lower standard limit value, shows the target value of management item X. Additionally, in Figure 4 In the example shown, the aforementioned 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, the measured value of managed item X deviates upwards from the target value but is still within the allowable range. On the other hand, in loop S2, which is executed after loop S1, the measured value exceeds the allowable range. Therefore, in conventional methods, the injection molding conditions are changed in loops after loop S3, which is 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 changes to the 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, when the measured value changes in a way that is far from the target value, it may sometimes exceed the upper standard limit value more upwards than the target value. This leads to a deterioration in the yield of products injection molded by the injection molding device, which is not preferable. On the other hand, when a limit is imposed on changes to the injection molding conditions in a way that ensures the change in the measured value does not exceed the maximum permissible change, the measured value, for example, in the range indicated by arrow A1, may vary. Figure 4 The variation is within the range indicated by arrow A2. In this case, even if the measured value changes in a way that moves away from the target value, the measured value will not exceed the upper standard limit value. 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 variation in the measured value caused by the change in injection molding conditions to a small amount, which is therefore obvious. However, when using such a 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, when the maximum permissible variation is limited to not exceeding the variation of this measured value, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the time required for the measured value to return to the allowable range can sometimes increase. Figure 5 This is a graph illustrating other examples of the variation in the measured value of management item X for each cycle when the injection molding device performs multiple cycles continuously. Figure 5 The horizontal axis of the coordinate graph shows the sequence of execution of each loop in the continuous execution of this multi-loop process. The vertical axis of the coordinate graph shows the measured value. In this coordinate graph, the target value of management item X is shown together with the aforementioned upper management limit value, lower management limit value, upper standard limit value, and lower standard limit value. Additionally, in... Figure 5 In the example shown, the allowed range is the range between the upper and lower management limits. Figure 5 In the example shown, in cycle S4, the measured value exceeds the upper standard limit value above the target value. However, in Figure 5 In the example shown, because a restriction is imposed that the change in the measured value does not exceed the maximum permissible change, 14 cycles are required for the measured value to return to the permissible range. This significantly deteriorates the yield of products injection molded by the injection molding machine, which is not preferable. In other words, the first problem is that when the measured value deviates significantly from the target value, it is difficult for the measured value to return to the permissible range when a restriction is imposed that the change in the measured value does not exceed the maximum permissible change.

[0065] On the other hand, the second problem is the vibration of the measured value of project X at the boundary between the inside and outside of the allowable range. Specifically, the second problem is that when the measured value slightly exceeds the allowable range, and a limit is applied such that the change in the measured value does not exceed the maximum allowable change, ... Figure 6 As shown, the measured value repeatedly goes 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 for each cycle when the injection molding device performs multiple cycles continuously. Figure 6 The horizontal axis of the coordinate graph shows the sequence of cycles executed in the continuous execution of this multi-loop process. The vertical axis of the coordinate graph shows the measured value. In this coordinate graph, the target value of management item X is shown together with the aforementioned upper management limit value, lower management limit value, upper standard limit value, and lower standard limit value. Figure 6 In the example shown, the measured value repeatedly fluctuates between the inside and outside of the allowable range three times above the target value. This causes deviations in the quality of the product injection-molded by the injection molding device and is therefore undesirable. In other words, this makes the injection molding process by the injection molding device unstable, and is therefore not preferred.

[0066] Therefore, based on the received operation, the information processing device 20 processes each of the more than one management items into three ranges: the target value of the management item, the first permissible range of the measured value of the management item as a deviation from the target value, the second permissible range of the measured value as exceeding the first permissible range, and the target vicinity range of the measured value indicating its proximity to the target value. In other words, the target vicinity range indicates a range where the measured value deviates almost entirely from the target value. Thus, as explained below, the information processing device 20 can solve both the first and second problems mentioned above. Furthermore, as described later, the information processing device 20 can also be configured to solve either of these two problems. Moreover, 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, whenever output data is acquired, the information processing device 20 determines, based on the acquired output data, whether the measured value of the first management item exceeds at least the first allowable range of a first allowable range and a second allowable range. Then, if the information processing device 20 determines that the measured value exceeds the first allowable range but is within the range between the first and second allowable ranges, it changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus within the limit of the maximum allowable change that can be allowed 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 change under the removal of the limit. 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. Alternatively, the maximum allowable change is a quantity obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit of the first allowable range and the target value of the first management item by a predetermined ratio. In this case, the information processing device 20, for example, accepts the measured value through a prescribed operation as a prescribed ratio. This ratio is any ratio desired by the user. Thus, the information processing device 20 can use any ratio as a prescribed ratio. Furthermore, the maximum permissible variation is not limited to these; it can be any amount 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 release of this restriction. On the other hand, if the measured value exceeds both the first and second permissible ranges, the information processing device 20 releases the restriction, and under the release of this restriction, changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, this process based on this determination will be described as the first process. Through the first process, the information processing device 20 can quickly bring the measured value closer to the target value when the measured value deviates significantly from its 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 benchmark value used to determine whether the deviation of the measured value from the target value is large or small can also be interpreted as the maximum permissible variation. In this case, the deviation of the measured value from the target value is judged as large if it is larger than the maximum permissible variation, and as small if it is smaller than the maximum permissible variation. Based on this, the maximum permissible variation can be determined subjectively by the user regarding the magnitude of the deviation of the measured value from the target value.Here, as an example, the case where the first permissible range is the range between the upper and lower management limits will be explained. However, the first permissible range is not limited to this; it could be any other range if it is a range where the measured value is allowed to deviate from the target value. Furthermore, as an example, the case where the second permissible range is the range between the upper and lower standard limits will be explained. Furthermore, the second permissible range is not limited to this; it could be any other range if it is a range where the measured value is allowed to exceed the first permissible range. Additionally, the target vicinity range is included within the first permissible range. Therefore, the upper limit of the target vicinity range is lower than the upper limit of the first permissible range. Furthermore, the lower limit of the target vicinity range is larger than the lower limit of the first permissible range.

[0068] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a process in which a measured value of a first management item deviates significantly from a target value, and a first process performed by the information processing device 20 brings the measured value back to a first permissible range. Figure 7 The horizontal axis of the coordinate graph shows the sequence of execution of each loop in the continuous execution of this multi-loop process. The vertical axis of the coordinate graph shows the measured value. The coordinate graph also shows the aforementioned 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 project, 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 by more than the target value. In this case, for example, before executing loop S6, the information processing device 20 removes the restriction on changing the measured value within the aforementioned maximum allowable variation amount, and changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus after the restriction is removed. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute loop S6. However, in this case, the measured value is not necessarily 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, the information processing device 20 also changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus after the restriction is removed, as the measured value exceeds the upper limit of the second allowable range in this case. 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 and changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus under this restriction. 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 allowable 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 upwards from the upper limit of the second allowable range. However, in cycle S8, there is no change in the measured value changing upwards from the upper limit of the second allowable range, so before executing cycle S9, the information processing device 20, for example, removes the restriction and changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus under this removal. 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 allowable range to a value between the upper limit of the second allowable range and the upper limit of the first allowable range. Here, although the measured value in cycle S9 is close to the upper limit of the first allowable range, it is still above the upper limit of the first allowable range. Therefore, before executing cycle S10, the information processing device 20, for example, applies this restriction, under which it changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute cycle S10. As a result, in this example, the measured value obtained in cycle S10 changes from a value above the upper limit of the first allowable range to a value between the upper limit of the first allowable range and the target value.Thus, when the information processing device 20 determines that the measured value exceeds the first allowable range but falls between the first and second allowable ranges, it changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus within the limit of the maximum allowable change in the measured value. Conversely, when the measured value exceeds both the first and second allowable ranges, the information processing device 20 removes the restriction, and upon removing the restriction, changes the injection molding conditions set for 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, the measured value, after loop S6, changes towards a value between the upper limit of the first allowable range and the target value through 5 loop executions. This illustrates the difference between... Figure 5 Compared to the case where the execution of 14 cycles, as shown, returns the measured value of management item X to the allowable range, 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, whenever it acquires output data, determines whether the measured value of the first management item exceeds a first allowable range based on the acquired output data. If the information processing device 20 determines that the measured value exceeds the first allowable range in this determination, it changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. If, in a subsequent determination, the measured value is found to be within the target range, the information processing device 20 changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus each time this determination is made. And if, in a subsequent determination, the measured value is found to be within the target range, the information processing device 20 stops changing the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus until it is determined again that the measured value exceeds the first allowable range in this determination. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, this processing based on this determination will be described as the second processing. Through the second processing, the information processing device 20 can suppress the fluctuation of the measured value near the upper or lower limit of the first allowable range, and can make the measured value more reliably approach its target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 can improve the stability of injection molding performed by the injection molding apparatus while suppressing product quality degradation.

[0071] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a process by which a measured value of a first management item is changed to a value within the range of the target through a second process performed by the information processing device 20 when the measured value exceeds the first allowable range. Figure 8The horizontal axis of the graph shows the sequence of execution of each loop in the continuous execution of this multi-loop process. The vertical axis of the graph shows the measured value. The graph also shows the aforementioned 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 project, 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 for 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 is not necessarily 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 information processing device 20 also changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus before executing loop S13 because the measured value exceeds the first allowable range. 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 in loop S13 is close to the upper limit of the first allowable range, it is still a value above the upper limit of the first allowable range. Therefore, before executing cycle S14, the information processing device 20 changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. Then, the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding apparatus to execute cycle S14. Here, in the conventional method, the change of the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus is stopped in 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 for the injection molding apparatus before executing cycle S15. Thus, in this example, in cycle S15, the measured value changes towards a value within the target range. As a result, as... Figure 8 As shown, the information processing device 20 is able to suppress the measured value from vibrating back and forth within a first permissible range. By... Figure 8 The measured value shown did not vibrate and move back and forth within the first permissible range. Figure 6 The measured values ​​of the management item X shown are compared by vibration in a back-and-forth manner within and outside the allowable range, which should be clearly understandable. That is, the information processing device 20 can 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 address both the first and second problems simultaneously. Alternatively, the information processing device 20 may 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 composition of information processing device

[0075] The following is for reference Figure 9 The hardware configuration of the information processing device 20 will be described. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration 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 a CPU with other processors such as an 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) instead of the 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 by 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 configured to include digital input / output ports such as USB, Ethernet ports, and antennas 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 can be 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 device 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 device 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, causing the terminal device 40 to display the images.

[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 apparatus by the information processing device 20 will be explained. Figure 11 This diagram illustrates an example of the process by which the information processing device 20 sets injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus. Hereinafter, as an example, for [the process]... Figure 11 The process of step S110 shown above will be explained in the case where the operation of displaying the injection molding condition setting image is received at the earlier time. The injection molding condition setting image is an image that includes the operation of receiving various injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus connected to the information processing device 20, along with an image of receiving various injection molding conditions received through the image and setting them to 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 waits until the input of various injection molding conditions to the injection molding condition setting image is completed (step S120). Figure 11In this text, the processing of step S120 is indicated by the message "Input Complete?". Here, the display control unit 245 determines that the input of various injection molding conditions to the injection molding condition setting image is complete, for example, if it receives an operation via the injection molding condition setting image that sets various injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus connected to the information processing device 20, such as an operation that receives an image of various injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. On the other hand, if, for example, 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 not complete.

[0094] When the display control unit 245 determines that the input of various injection molding conditions to the injection molding condition setting image has been completed (step S120 - "Yes"), it accepts the injection molding conditions input to the injection molding condition setting image as injection molding conditions to be set for the injection molding apparatus, and sets the accepted injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus (step S230). The method by which the information processing device 20 sets the injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus can be a known method or a method developed based on a known method. After processing in step S230, the information processing device 20 ends. Figure 11 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

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

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

[0097] Information processing devices accept various set processing.

[0098] Reference Figure 12 The processing of various settings by the information processing device 20 will be described. These various settings include, at a minimum, 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 range near a target, the lower limit of a range near a target, the setting of each of the maximum permissible variation, and the setting of one or more settable parameters and their target values ​​as desired for a management project. Furthermore, these various settings may also include settings other than these. Figure 12 This diagram illustrates an example of the flow of various preset processing procedures handled by the information processing device 20. Hereinafter, as an example, for processing... Figure 12The process of step S210, from the timing of the initial acceptance to the display of the setting acceptance image, will be explained. The setting acceptance image includes images of various settings accepted by the information processing device 20. More specifically, the setting acceptance image includes images of each of the following: 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 amount; and images of one or more settable parameters and their target values ​​that the user of the management project wants to specify.

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

[0100] Next, the display control unit 245 waits until the input of various settings for the set acceptance image is completed (step S120). Figure 12In the text, the processing of step S120 is indicated by "Input Complete?". More specifically, the display control unit 245 waits in step S120 until the seven values ​​are input to an image of each of the seven values: the upper limit of the first allowed range, the lower limit of the first allowed range, the upper limit of the second allowed range, the lower limit of the second allowed range, the upper limit of the target vicinity range, the lower limit of the target vicinity range, and the maximum allowed change amount. Furthermore, the display control unit 245 inputs one or more settable parameters and their target values ​​via an image of one or more settable parameters that the user of the management project wants to specify. 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, it can be configured such that, when the display control unit 245 sets the upper and lower limits of the first allowable range for acceptance via unilateral tolerance in the acceptance image, if 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, it can be configured such that, when the display control unit 245 sets the upper and lower limits of the second allowable range for acceptance via unilateral tolerance in the acceptance image, if 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. Moreover, it can also be configured such that, when the display control unit 245 sets the upper and lower limits of the range near the target for acceptance via unilateral tolerance in the acceptance image, if one of the upper and lower limits of the range near the target is input, it automatically inputs 0 as the other of the upper and lower limits of the range near the target.

[0101] When the display control unit 245 determines that the input of various settings to the setting acceptance image has been completed (step S120 - "Yes"), it accepts the various settings input to the setting acceptance image (step S230). After processing in step S230, the information processing device 20 will... Figure 12 The process shown in the flowchart has ended.

[0102] As described above, the information processing device 20 can process various settings based on the received operations. Specifically, through the processing of the flowchart described above, the information processing device 20 can process 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 maximum allowable variation, and one or more settable parameters desired for the management item. Thus, 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] Furthermore, 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 The process in step S120 shown is performed together with the process in step S120. Figure 12 The process shown in step S220. Alternatively, in this case, the information processing device 20, for example, performs the process of step S230 together with the process of step S130 in step S130.

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

[0105] Reference Figure 13 The process by which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding will be explained. Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the process by which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding. Hereinafter, as an example, for performing injection molding in a more complex manner... Figure 13 The process of step S310 shown above, where the injection molding apparatus is scheduled to perform injection molding at an earlier timing, will be explained in the case where the injection molding apparatus performs a cycle of execution for a predetermined number of cycles, which is the number of cycles to be executed. Furthermore, as an example below, for cases where the timing is... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The flowcharts shown for each component will be explained after the processing is completed.

[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 diagram, step S310 is shown via "Start Injection Molding".

[0107] Next, the device control unit 243 waits until the current cycle being executed by the injection molding device is completed. Then, upon completion of the cycle, the device control unit 243 determines the latest output data stored in the storage unit 22 based on the output data acquired during that cycle. Specifically, the device control unit 243 uses the measurement value of the first management item shown in the measurement value information included in the output data as the latest output data. Figure 13 The object measurement value used in the determination process of the measurement value using the flowchart shown is determined, and it is determined whether the determined object measurement value exceeds the first allowable range (step S320). Figure 13In the text, the processing of step S320 is indicated by "Exceeding the first allowable range?". Furthermore, "object measurement value exceeding the first allowable range" means that the object measurement value is greater than the upper limit of the first allowable range, or that the object measurement value is less than the lower limit of the first allowable range.

[0108] If the device control unit 243 determines that the measured value of the object does not exceed the first allowable range (step S330 - "No"), it determines whether the cycle of starting the injection molding device in step S310 has ended (step S330). Figure 13 In the diagram, the process of step S330 is indicated by the question "End injection molding?". Furthermore, the method by which the device control unit 243 performs the process of step S330 can be a known method or a method developed based on a known method.

[0109] When the device control unit 243 determines that the cycle for starting the injection molding device in step S310 has ended (step S330 - "Yes"), it terminates the process. Figure 13 The flowchart shown illustrates the processing.

[0110] On the other hand, if the device control unit 243 determines that the cycle for starting the injection molding device in step S310 has not ended (step S330 - "No"), it proceeds to step S320 and waits again until the current cycle executed by the injection molding device is completed. Then, if the cycle has been completed, the device control unit 243 determines based on the output data acquired in the cycle, i.e., the latest output data stored in the storage unit 22.

[0111] On the other hand, when the device control unit 243 determines that the measured value of the object exceeds the first allowable range (step S320 - "Yes"), it determines whether the measured value of the object also exceeds the second allowable range (step S340). Figure 13 In the text, the processing of step S340 is indicated by "Exceeding the second allowable range?". Furthermore, "object measurement value exceeding the second allowable range" means that the object measurement value is greater than the upper limit of the second allowable range, or that the object measurement value is less than the lower limit of the second allowable range.

[0112] If the device control unit 243 determines that the measured value of the object does not exceed the second allowable range (step S340 - "No"), it then determines whether the measured value of the object is within the range of the target (step S350). Figure 13In this context, the processing of step S350 is indicated by "within the vicinity of the target?". Here, the object measurement value used in the processing of step S350, when the device control unit 243 executes the processing of step S350 by transferring from step S340, is the object measurement value determined by the device control unit 243 in step S320. On the other hand, the object measurement value used in the processing of step S350, when the device control unit 243 executes the processing of step S350 by transferring from step S380 (described later), is the measurement value of the first management item shown in 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 automatically transfers to step S360 without transferring to step S330. Furthermore, if the restriction on the change of the measurement value of the first management item within the maximum allowable variation amount is lifted in step S350, the device control unit 243 reapplies the restriction.

[0113] When the device control unit 243 determines that the measured value of the object is within the range near the target (step S350 - "Yes"), it determines that the measured value of the object is sufficiently close to its target value, exits the repeated processing from steps S350 to S380, and proceeds to step S330. In step S310, it again determines whether the cycle of starting the injection molding device has ended. Therefore, during the determination in step S320 until it is determined again that the measured value of the object exceeds the first allowable range, the information processing device 20 can stop changing the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device. Thus, during the determination in step S320 when the period for stopping the change of the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device is stopped, even if it is determined that the measured value of the first management item is within the range between the first allowable range and the target range, the information processing device 20 does not change the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device. As a result, the information processing device 20 can suppress the fluctuation of the measured value of the first management item near the upper or lower limit of the first allowable range, and can make the measured value more reliably approach its target value. That is, the information processing device can improve the stability of injection molding performed by the injection molding device 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 limitation that the measured value of the first management item changes within the maximum permissible change amount accepted in advance (step S360). That is, in step S360, the molding condition generation unit 244 generates injection molding conditions that change the measured value of the first management item within the maximum permissible change amount. Figure 13 In the text, step S350 is illustrated by the phrase "generating injection molding conditions under constraints." Furthermore, the method for generating these injection molding conditions based on the object's measured values ​​can be a known method that demonstrates the correlation between the measured values ​​of the first managed item and the injection molding conditions, based on response surfaces, functions, regression models, machine learning models, etc., or it can be a method developed based on a known method.

[0115] The device control unit 243 begins setting the injection molding conditions generated by the molding condition generation unit 244 in step S360 to the condition setting process of the injection molding device (step S370). Figure 13 The process of step S370 is shown in the section on "Change of Injection Molding Conditions".

[0116] Next, the device control unit 243 waits until the change to the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device is completed (step S380). Figure 13The process of step S380 is indicated by the message "Injection molding condition change completed?". Here, if the device control unit 243 starts the condition setting process in step S370, that is, if the injection molding conditions generated in step S370 are set to the injection molding apparatus, and the state of the injection molding apparatus is a predetermined settable state (a state where injection molding conditions can be set), then the injection molding conditions generated in step S370 are immediately set to the injection molding apparatus. On the other hand, if the device control unit 243 starts the condition setting process in step S370 and the state of the injection molding apparatus is settable, then it waits until the state of the injection molding apparatus becomes settable. Then, if the state of the injection molding apparatus becomes settable, the device control unit 243 sets the injection molding conditions generated in step S370 to the injection molding apparatus. 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 is not performing the actions required to execute each cycle. In other words, the settable state is the state in which the injection molding apparatus is not using the power unit for injection molding, i.e., the idling state of the injection molding apparatus. The settable state can be achieved, for example, during continuous execution of multiple cycles, from the end of one cycle of the injection molding apparatus until the start of a subsequent cycle. In this case, the information processing unit 20 can suppress deviations in product quality by changing the injection molding conditions during the execution cycle of the injection molding apparatus. Furthermore, the apparatus control unit 243 can also be configured such that, when condition setting processing begins in the injection molding condition change processing, the power unit for injection molding of the injection molding apparatus is stopped, and during this stop, the injection molding conditions generated in the injection molding condition change processing are set to the injection molding apparatus. In this case, the information processing unit 20 can also suppress deviations in product quality by changing the injection molding conditions during the execution cycle of the injection molding apparatus. As described above, when the information processing device 20 starts the condition setting process to change the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device, the determination of whether the object measurement value exceeds the first allowable range, the determination of whether the object measurement value exceeds the second allowable range, and the determination of whether the object measurement value exceeds the range near the target will stop before the change of the injection molding conditions based on the condition setting process is completed.

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

[0118] On the other hand, if the molding condition generation unit 244 determines that the measured value of the object also exceeds the second allowable range (step S340 - "Yes"), it removes the restriction on changing the measured value of the first management item within the maximum allowable change amount (step S390).

[0119] Next, the molding condition generation unit 244 generates injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus based on the measured values ​​of the object, without restricting the change of the measured value of the first management item within the maximum permissible variation range (step S400). That is, in step S400, the molding condition generation unit 244 generates injection molding conditions that cause the measured value of the first management item to change without any restriction on the amount of change in the measured values ​​of the object. Figure 13 In the text, step S400 is illustrated by the phrase "generating injection molding conditions under the condition of constraint removal". Furthermore, the method for generating the injection molding conditions based on the object's measured values ​​can be a known method that demonstrates the correlation between the measured values ​​of the first managed item and the injection molding conditions, based on response surfaces, functions, regression models, machine learning models, etc., or it can be a method developed based on a known method.

[0120] Next, the device control unit 243 begins setting the injection molding conditions generated by the molding condition generation unit 244 in step S400 to the condition setting process of the injection molding device (step S410). Figure 13 The process of step S410 is shown in the section on "Change of Injection Molding Conditions".

[0121] Next, the device control unit 243 waits until the change of the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus is completed (step S410). The process of step S410 is the same as that of step S380. Therefore, in this embodiment, the details of the process of step S410 are omitted.

[0122] When the device control unit 243 determines that the change to the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus has been completed (step S420 - "Yes"), it waits until it obtains cycle data from the injection molding apparatus after the change to the injection molding conditions is completed. If cycle data is obtained from the injection molding apparatus after the change to the injection molding conditions is completed, the measurement value of the first management item shown in the measurement value information included in the obtained cycle data is redefined as the object measurement value. Then, the device control unit 243 proceeds to step S340 to determine again whether the object measurement value exceeds the second allowable range.

[0123] As described above, the information processing device 20 determines, based on the output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus, whether the measured value of the first management item exceeds at least the first allowable range of the first and second allowable ranges. If the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range but is within the range between the first and second allowable ranges, the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed within the limit of the maximum allowable change amount that would cause the measured value of the first management item to change. If the measured value of the first management item exceeds both the first and second allowable ranges, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed again after the restriction is lifted. Therefore, when the measured value of a management item deviates significantly from its 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 management item to approach the target value. Furthermore, whenever the information processing device 20 acquires output data from the injection molding apparatus, it determines whether the measured value of the first management item exceeds a first allowable range based on the acquired output data. If the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range, the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed until a subsequent determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is within the target range. During this period, the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed each time this determination is made. And 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 exceeds the first allowable range. 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, enabling the measured value to more reliably approach its target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 can improve the stability of injection molding performed by 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 such that even if the restriction on the change of the measured value of the first management item within the maximum permissible variation is lifted, the restriction will not be reapplied. That is, when the restriction is temporarily lifted, the information processing device 20 maintains the state of having lifted the restriction until the continuous execution of at least one cycle performed by the injection molding device ends. As a result, the information processing device 20 can make the measured value of the first management item approach the target value more quickly.

[0125] Furthermore, in the example described above, the information processing device 20 can also be... Figure 13 The processing of step S350 is omitted in the flowchart shown. In this case, the information processing device 20 may also disregard the upper and lower limits of the target's vicinity. Furthermore, in this case, if the information processing device 20 determines in step S380 that the change to the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus has been completed, it 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 exceeds at least the first allowable range of the first and second allowable ranges. If the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range but is within the range of the first and second allowable ranges, it changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus within the limit of the maximum allowable change amount. If the measured value of the first management item exceeds both the first and second allowable ranges, it releases the restriction, and with the restriction released, it changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. Therefore, when the measured value of a managed item deviates significantly from its 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 the information processing device 20 determines in step S320 that the measured value of the object exceeds the first allowable range, it proceeds to step S350. Even in this situation, whenever the information processing device 20 acquires output data from the injection molding apparatus, it determines whether the measured value of the first management item exceeds a first allowable range based on the acquired output data. If the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range, the injection molding conditions set for 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 for the injection molding apparatus are changed each time this determination is made. And 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 set for the injection molding apparatus is stopped until the determination again finds that the measured value of the first management item exceeds 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 its target value. As a result, the information processing device 20 can improve the stability of injection molding performed by 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. In variation 1, the information processing device 20 confirms with the user whether to set the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus, and sets the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus if the user's approval is received. Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating another example of the process by which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding. Hereinafter, as an example, for [the process of] [performing injection molding]... Figure 14 The process of step S310 shown above, where the injection molding apparatus is scheduled to perform injection molding at an earlier timing, will be explained in the case where the injection molding apparatus performs a loop execution operation for a predetermined number of loop executions. Furthermore, as an example below, regarding this timing... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The completion status of the processing in each of the flowcharts shown is explained. Additionally, Figure 14The processes shown in steps S310-S360, S380-S400, and S420 are respectively related to... Figure 13 The processes in steps S310-S360, S380-S400, and S420 are all the same. Therefore, for Figure 14 The processing steps S310 to S360, S380 to S400, and S420 shown are omitted from the description.

[0129] After generating the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus in step S360, the display control unit 245 generates and displays a permission-to-use image including information and an operation acceptance image. The information shows the injection molding conditions generated in step S360, and the operation acceptance image indicates whether to use these injection molding conditions as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus (step S510). Here, the permission-to-use image can be any image, if it includes the information and the operation acceptance image. Figure 14 In the diagram, the process of step S510 is shown through "Display Injection Molding Conditions".

[0130] Next, the device control unit 243 waits until it accepts the operation to accept the image, as displayed in step S510 regarding whether the use of the image is permitted (step S520). Figure 14 The processing of step S520 is shown in the question "Accept or allow operation?".

[0131] When the device control unit 243 determines that it has received an operation acceptance image (step S520 - "Yes") indicating whether the image is allowed, it performs processing corresponding to the operation received via the operation acceptance image (step S530) and proceeds to step S380. For example, in step S530, if the device control unit 243 receives an operation via the operation acceptance image 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, it abandons the injection molding conditions generated in step S510 and proceeds to step S350. In this case, the injection molding apparatus continues to execute cyclically 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 the device control unit 243 receives an operation via the operation acceptance image indicating that the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 will be used as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus, it 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 The processing of step S530 is shown in the section "Processing corresponding to the operation".

[0132] After generating the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus in step S400, the display control unit 245 generates a permission-to-use image including information and an operation acceptance image, and displays the generated permission-to-use image. The information shows the injection molding conditions generated in step S400, and the operation acceptance image indicates whether to use these injection molding conditions as newly set injection molding conditions for the injection molding apparatus (step S540). Figure 14 In the diagram, the process of step S540 is shown through "Display Injection Molding Conditions".

[0133] Next, the device control unit 243 waits until the operation to accept the image is allowed, as displayed in step S540 (step S550). Figure 14 The processing of step S550 is shown in the question "Accept or allow operation?".

[0134] If the device control unit 243 determines that it has received an operation indicating whether the image is allowed to be used to access the operation acceptance image as displayed in step S550 (step S550 - "Yes"), it 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 the device control unit 243 receives an operation via the operation acceptance image 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, it abandons the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 and proceeds to step S340. In this case, the injection molding apparatus continues to execute cyclically 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 the device control unit 243 receives 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 via the operation acceptance image, it 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 to the injection molding apparatus. Upon receiving the user's confirmation, the generated injection molding conditions are set to the injection molding apparatus. Thus, 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 allows the user to decide whether to set the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus, and allows the user to perform the operation of setting the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus. Figure 15 This is another diagram illustrating the process by which the information processing device 20 causes the injection molding device to perform injection molding. Hereinafter, as an example, for [the process]... Figure 15 The timing of step S310, which precedes the injection molding process, will be explained in the case where, in order to enable the injection molding apparatus to perform injection molding, a loop execution operation is initiated, with the number of loop executions predetermined as the number of times the loop will be executed. Furthermore, as an example below, in this timing, for... Figure 11 and Figure 12 The completion status of the processing in each of the flowcharts shown is explained. Additionally, Figure 15 The processes shown in steps S310 to S360, S390, and S400 are respectively related to Figure 13 The processes in steps S310 to S360, S390, and S400 shown are all the same. Therefore, for... Figure 15 The processing steps S310 to S360, S390 and S400 shown are 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 including information showing 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 includes this information. Figure 15 In the diagram, the process of step S610 is shown through "Display Injection Molding Conditions".

[0139] Next, the device control unit 243 waits until the user sets the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 to the injection molding apparatus (step S620). The method by which the device control unit 243 determines whether to set the injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus can be a known method or a method developed based on a known method. Furthermore, the method by which the user sets the injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus can be a known method or a method developed based on a known method. In addition, in Figure 15 In the text, the processing of step S620 is shown by the "Setting?" option.

[0140] If the device control unit 243 determines that the injection molding conditions generated in step S360 have been set by the user to the injection molding apparatus (step S620 - "Yes"), it proceeds to step S350. Furthermore, the waiting in step S620 continues until the user sets the injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus, and therefore may sometimes continue for several cycles of execution by the injection molding apparatus. In such cases, after the device control unit 243 determines the measurement value of the first management item shown in the measurement value information initially acquired from the injection molding apparatus as the target measurement value after the injection molding conditions have been set to the injection molding apparatus, it 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 including information showing the injection molding conditions generated in step S400, and displays the generated condition display image (step S630). Figure 15 In the diagram, the process of step S630 is shown through "Display Injection Molding Conditions".

[0142] Next, the device control unit 243 waits until the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 are set by the user to the injection molding device (step S640). The process in step S640 is the same as that in step S620. Therefore, in this embodiment, the process for step S640 is omitted from the description. Furthermore, in... Figure 15 In the text, the processing of step S640 is shown through the "Setting?" option.

[0143] If the device control unit 243 determines that the injection molding conditions generated in step S400 have been set by the user to the injection molding apparatus (step S640 - "Yes"), it proceeds to step S340. Furthermore, the waiting in step S640 continues until the user sets the injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus, and therefore may sometimes continue for several cycles of execution by the injection molding apparatus. In such cases, after the device control unit 243 determines the measurement value of the first management item shown in the measurement value information initially acquired from the injection molding apparatus as the target measurement value after the injection molding conditions have been set to the injection molding apparatus, it proceeds to step S340.

[0144] As described above, in variation 2 of the embodiment, the information processing device 20 allows the user to decide whether to set the generated injection molding conditions to the injection molding apparatus, and allows 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 the information processing device 20 described in 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 have the functions and configuration of the information processing device 20 described above.

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

[0147] Postscript 1 [1]

[0149] A 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, including an injection molding process performed by an injection molding device. 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 cycle data and injection molding condition data. The cycle data includes measurement value information showing each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding device based on the cycle being performed by the injection molding device. The injection molding condition data includes injection molding condition information showing injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device. The one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for each of 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. Based on the output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus, a determination is made as follows: the measured value of the first management item is considered as a first allowable range of deviation from the target value, and the measured value of the first management item is considered as a second allowable range of exceeding the first allowable range. If the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range but is included between the first and second allowable ranges, the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed within the limit of the maximum allowable change in the measured value of the first management item, which is the amount of change that can be allowed. If the measured value of the first management item exceeds both the first and second allowable ranges, the restriction is lifted, and the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed after the restriction is lifted. [2]

[0151] According to the molding management system described in [1], wherein, The information processing device makes the determination whenever it receives the output data from the injection molding device. [3]

[0153] According to the molding management system described in [1] or [2], wherein, When the information processing device begins processing to change the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device, it stops the determination until the change in injection molding conditions caused by the processing is completed. [4]

[0155] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein, The maximum permissible variation is a smaller amount than the maximum change in the measured value of the first managed item when the injection molding conditions change under the condition that the restriction is lifted. [5]

[0157] 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. [6]

[0159] According to the molding management system described in [4], wherein, The maximum allowable variation is the amount obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the upper limit of the first allowable range and the target value of the first management project by a specified ratio. [7]

[0161] According to the molding management system described in [6], wherein, The information processing device will process the applications according to the prescribed proportion, based on the prescribed proportion. [8]

[0163] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [7], wherein, The information processing device, in the determination, does not change the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device if the measured value of the first management item is within the first allowable range. [9]

[0165] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [8], wherein, When the information processing device changes the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus under the restriction, it generates injection molding conditions that change the measured value of the first management item within the maximum allowable change amount, based on the latest output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus. When the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus change under the removal of the restriction, it generates injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus that change the measured value of the first management item without being limited by the amount of change in the measured value of the first management item, based on the latest output data obtained from the injection molding apparatus.

[10]

[0167] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein, When the information processing device temporarily removes the restriction, it maintains the original state of having removed the restriction until the cycle performed by the injection molding device ends at least once.

[11]

[0169] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein, In the determination following the temporary lifting of the restriction, if the measured value of the first managed item exceeds the first allowable range but is included between the first allowable range and the second allowable range, the information processing device reapplies the restriction.

[12]

[0171] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to

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

[13]

[0173] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to

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

[14]

[0175] According to any one of [1] to

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

[0176] Appendix 2 [1]

[0178] 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, including an injection molding process performed by an injection molding device. 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 that establishes a correspondence between cycle data and injection molding condition data. The cycle data includes measurement value information showing each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding device based on the cycle being performed by the injection molding device. The injection molding condition data includes injection molding condition information showing injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device. The one or more measurement values ​​include measurement values ​​for each of one or more management items related to the quality of the product. Based on a 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 of the measurement value of the first management item as a deviation from the target value, and a target proximity range of the measurement value of the first management item showing the proximity to the target value. [2]

[0180] According to the molding management system described in [1], wherein, Whenever the information processing device acquires the output data from the injection molding device, it determines whether the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range based on the acquired output data. If the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range, the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device are changed based on the acquired output data until a subsequent determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is included in the range near the target. Whenever the determination is made, the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device are changed based on the acquired output data. Furthermore, if the determination finds that the measured value of the first management item is included in the range near the target, the change of the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding device is stopped until the determination again finds that the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range. [3]

[0182] 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 for 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 will not change the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. [4]

[0184] 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 allowed range. [5]

[0186] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein, According to the received operation, in addition to accepting the target value, the first allowed range, and the range near the target of the first management item, the information processing device also accepts the measured value of the first management item as a second allowed range that exceeds the first allowed range, and the first allowed range is a range included in the second allowed range. [6]

[0188] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein, The molding management system includes the terminal device. [7]

[0190] The molding management system according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein, The molding management system includes the injection molding device.

[0191] Although the embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the specific configuration 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.

[0192] Alternatively, a program for implementing the functions of any component in the apparatus described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, allowing the computer system to load and execute the program. Here, such an apparatus may be, for example, an injection molding apparatus 11, an information processing apparatus 20, a server 30, or a terminal device 40. Furthermore, the term "computer system" as used here refers to hardware including an OS (Operating System) or peripheral devices. Additionally, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to removable media such as floppy disks, magneto-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" also includes recording media that retain programs for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory within a server or a computer system acting as a client, where programs are transmitted via networks such as the Internet or communication lines such as telephone lines.

[0193] Alternatively, the aforementioned program can also be transmitted from a computer system stored in a storage device to another computer system via a transmission medium or via a carrier wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting the program 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.

[0194] 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 that can implement the aforementioned functions by combining with programs already recorded in the computer system, a so-called differential file or differential program.

Claims

1. A molding management system, characterized in that, The system includes an information processing device that can communicatively connect to a terminal device, and manages the production of the product in production processes, including the injection molding process of the product performed by an injection molding device. 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 that establishes a correspondence between cycle data and injection molding condition data. The cycle data includes measurement value information showing each of one or more measurement values ​​measured in the injection molding apparatus based on the cycle being performed by the injection molding apparatus. The injection molding condition data includes injection molding condition information showing the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus. The more than one measurement value includes the measurement value for each of the more than one management items related to the quality of the product. The information processing device Based on the accepted operation, the target value of the first management item in the one or more management items is accepted, the first allowable range of the measured value of the first management item as a deviation from the target value is accepted, and the target vicinity range of the measured value of the first management item is indicated to be near the target value.

2. The molding management system according to claim 1, wherein, The information processing device Whenever the output data is acquired from the injection molding device, a determination is made based on the acquired output data to determine whether the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range. If, in the determination, the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range, the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed based on the acquired output data until, in a subsequent determination, the measured value of the first management item is determined to be within the range near the target. During this period, whenever the determination is made, the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus are changed based on the acquired output data. Furthermore, if, in the determination, the measured value of the first management item is determined to be within the range near the target, the change of the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus is stopped until, in another determination, the measured value of the first management item exceeds the first allowable range.

3. The molding management system according to claim 2, wherein, In the determination during the period when the information processing device stops changing the injection molding conditions set for 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 will not change the injection molding conditions set for the injection molding apparatus.

4. The molding management system according to claim 1, wherein, The range near the target is the range included within the first allowed range.

5. The molding management system according to claim 1, wherein, Based on the received operations, the information processing device, in addition to accepting the target value, the first permissible range, and the range near the target for the first management item, also accepts the measured value of the first management item as a second permissible range that exceeds the first permissible range. The first permitted range is the range included in the second permitted range.

6. The molding management system according to claim 1, wherein, The molding management system includes the terminal device.

7. The molding management system according to claim 1, wherein, The molding management system includes the injection molding device.

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