INJECTION POURING SYSTEM

Abstract

Injection molding system (A) comprising: an injection molding machine (1); a screen setting memory unit (11) provided in the injection molding machine (1) which is configured to determine a plurality of elements for which a confirmation of a setting is to be carried out, which is configured to successively register a confirmation condition for each of the plurality of elements, and in which a setting state of the injection molding machine (1) is stored; an operating limitation unit (13) which is provided in the injection molding machine (1) and is configured to limit the operation of the injection molding machine (1); and an administrative unit (10) a storage unit (17) in which a list of a correct combination of screen settings and a limit operation of the injection molding machine (1) are stored, a confirmation unit (18) which is configured to compare information from the screen setting memory unit (11) and information from the memory unit (17) for each of the plurality of elements to confirm the correctness of a combination of the screen settings of the injection molding machine (1), and a limit operation determination unit (19) is configured to determine a limit operation upon receiving a result confirmed by the confirmation unit (18) in order to issue an operation limit command to the operation limit unit (13).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Area of ​​the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection molding system. Related technology

[0002] Injection molding machines comprise a clamping unit that moves a movable mold carrier relative to a stationary mold carrier, opens and closes a mold and performs the clamping, and an injection unit that is provided to be relatively movable relative to the stationary mold carrier by means of a feed mechanism and injects a molding compound such as molten resin into a cavity of a clamped mold pair.

[0003] Furthermore, a system has been put into practice that performs injection molding by means of an automatic operation, in which an injection molding machine is controlled in such a way that it is controlled in a predetermined sequence with peripheral devices such as a temperature control, a resin supply device, a removal device (a robot) for removing and transporting a molded part and the like.

[0004] Furthermore, injection molding systems depend on the shape, etc.Since the specifications and configurations of different peripheral devices may differ, the injection molding machine (the main body of the molding machine) is equipped with a settings management unit for common operation with different peripheral devices, and this makes it possible for an operator to perform the settings of the operating controls of different peripheral devices and the injection molding system (for example, the setting of whether the control of a mold heating device should be activated, the setting of a temporary shutdown of a specific peripheral device due to an operation such as a changeover or a suspension (an incident that can be easily rectified by an operator, among incidents by which a system is suddenly stopped during automatic operation, and the like)) via the screen settings.

[0005] For example, JP 2005-189 989 A discloses “a method for displaying a filename of a form condition file” in which a filename of a form condition file stored in a memory is displayed on a display, wherein the filename is listed on the display according to a certain condition when the filename is displayed and one or more of the filenames of a form condition file that satisfy a certain condition are displayed according to a display mode that differs from that of another filename. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] However, when the screen is set up by a conventional operator, it is possible, for example, to forget to reset the settings at the beginning of production, and this can lead to defective products, damage to a mold, etc.

[0007] Furthermore, depending on the peripheral devices, there is also the risk of problems arising from manual operation when opening and closing the mold, operating the screw of an injection device, etc. For example, there are cases in which malfunctions occur due to manual operation when opening and cleaning the mold (resin emptying) in a state where a mold heating device is switched off.

[0008] Furthermore, when configuring devices other than peripheral devices, for example, in a case where data from the manufacturing process indicates that a product is defective, an alarm function is provided. If a part is confirmed as defective during semi-automatic operation, the alarm function is deactivated, and it is activated during mass production. In a case where the operator manually activates and deactivates the alarm depending on the operation, the operator might forget to activate it.

[0009] Furthermore, the publication CN 1 06 003 546 A describes an injection molding machine with a control unit that manages the molding process and a reading unit that reads a code and outputs the read code to the control unit. A combination of different pieces of information is embedded in the code, and the different pieces of information correspond to several points that are confirmed by the control unit before the start of the molding process.

[0010] Furthermore, publication AT 507 593 A1 describes a setting procedure for the semi-automatic creation of a process-ready basic setting for an injection molding machine for processing plastic molding compounds. Using an interactive start-up assistant integrated into the control device of the injection molding machine, which guides an operator step-by-step through at least partial sections of the setting process, values ​​or quantities for system-relevant process parameters are determined.

[0011] Furthermore, the publication DE 10 2018 008 516 A1 describes a computer-aided control system and procedure for optimizing and tool sampling of injection molding processes. The operator's technical work is automatically standardized by generated process instructions, based on data from the information layer and individual data entered by the operator, as well as derived calculations or evaluation operations. This standardization is digitized in a documentation layer and made available to the entire injection molding company.

[0012] Therefore, there is a strong desire to develop a process and a system that can easily confirm the combination of different devices and specifications, adjust limit operation, etc., and effectively prevent / suppress malfunctions such as production errors or damage to the mold due to operator error, etc.

[0013] The invention is defined by the independent claim, while preferred embodiments form the subject of the dependent claims.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an injection molding system comprises: an injection molding machine; a screen setting memory unit provided in the injection molding machine in which a setting state of the injection molding machine is stored; an operating limit unit provided in the injection molding machine which restricts the operation of the injection molding machine;and an administrative unit comprising a storage unit in which a list of a correct combination of screen settings and a limit operation of the injection molding machine is stored, a confirmation unit which compares information from the screen setting storage unit and information from the storage unit to confirm the correctness of a combination of the screen settings of the injection molding machine, and a limit operation determination unit which, upon receiving a result confirmed by the confirmation unit, determines a limit operation in order to issue an operation limit command to the operation limit unit.

[0015] In the injection molding system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a combination list of the normal sets of screen settings of the molding machine main body and the corresponding limiting operations of the molding machine is created, and in a case where the current settings do not correspond to the list, a control can be executed to deactivate the corresponding limiting operations.

[0016] Accordingly, with the injection molding system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to easily and quickly confirm the specifications and combination of settings of the injection molding machine and the various peripheral devices and to set the corresponding limiting operations, and thereby it is possible to effectively prevent / suppress disturbances such as a production error and damage to the mold due to an operator error at a lower cost than in the conventional way. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an injection molding system according to one embodiment; Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an injection molding system according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 is a diagram that shows an example of a list displayed by an injection molding system according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an injection molding system according to an embodiment and showing a case in which a PC is equipped with a management unit; Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an injection molding system according to an embodiment and showing a case in which an injection molding machine is provided with a management unit; Fig. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a registration process for registering a condition / setting of different peripheral devices using an injection molding system according to one embodiment; Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a list shown by an injection molding system according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a confirmation process for comparing a condition / setting of different peripheral devices with a registered condition / setting using an injection molding system according to one embodiment; Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a process for sending a combination list from a PC to an injection molding machine in an injection molding system according to one embodiment; Fig. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing a process for calling up a mold file (a mold condition file) and displaying a combination list in an injection molding system according to one embodiment; and Fig. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for automatically operating an injection molding machine using an injection molding system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The following is made with reference to the Fig. 1 to 11 describe an injection molding system according to one embodiment.

[0018] For example, in Fig. Figure 1 shows that an injection molding system A according to the present embodiment comprises a generally known injection molding machine 1 with a mold, an injection device or the like, a removal device 2 (a robot) for removing and transporting a molded part from the injection molding machine 1, a temperature control 3, a mold 4 (a mold management device), a resin supply device 5 (a material supply device) and a communication device 6 (a communication unit) that communicates setting conditions of peripheral devices such as the injection molding machine 1, the removal device 2, the temperature control 3, the mold 4 and the resin supply device 5.

[0019] In the injection molding system according to the present embodiment, as described in Fig. 2 shown, an administration unit 10 is provided, and in addition, the injection molding machine 1 is equipped with a screen setting storage unit 11 in which a setting state is stored, a first communication unit 12, an operating limit unit 13 and a second communication unit 14.

[0020] The management unit 10 comprises a third communication unit 15 for receiving information about a setting state stored in the screen setting memory unit 11 of the injection molding machine 1 via the first communication unit 12, a memory unit 17 (a screen setting combination and limit operation memory unit) for storing a list 16 (see Fig. 3) the correct combination of the screen settings and the limit operation, a confirmation unit 18 (a screen setting combination confirmation unit) for comparing the information received by the third communication unit 15 with the information stored in the memory unit 17 to confirm the correctness of the combination of the screen settings, a limit operation determination unit 19 for determining the limit operation upon receiving the result confirmed by the confirmation unit 18, and a fourth communication unit 20 for sending a result of the determination by the limit operation determination unit 19 and a limit operation command for controlling the operation by the operation limit unit 13 to the second communication unit 14 of the injection molding machine 1.

[0021] The memory unit 17 stores the list of the correct combination of screen settings and the limit operation of injection molding machine 1 in a form file. Furthermore, the limit operation determination unit 19 prevents operation in automatic mode until all setting states have been confirmed.

[0022] Here, the administrative unit 10 can be used in the injection molding system A according to the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, formed by a PC 21 (Personal Computer).

[0023] Furthermore, in the injection molding system A according to the present embodiment, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the injection molding machine 1 itself is equipped with the management unit 10. In this case, the first to fourth communication units 12, 14, 15 and 20 do not necessarily need to be provided.

[0024] Furthermore, both in a case where the administrative unit 10 is formed by PC 21, as in Fig. 4 shown, as well as in a case where the injection molding machine 1 is equipped with the management unit 10, as in Fig. 5 shows the registration process for registering the list 16 of the correct combination of screen settings and limit operation in the storage unit 17, as shown in Fig. 6 shown.

[0025] It should be noted that in connection with the present embodiment, as in Fig. Figure 7 shows a description based on the assumption that only the elements comprising the mold heating device, the removal device, and the process monitoring are displayed in list 16. However, numerous other elements besides those shown in the Fig. List 16 is shown in section 3. In other words, the elements for which the setting confirmation should be executed can be appropriately determined.

[0026] In the present embodiment, the registration process for registering list 16 includes the correct combination of screen settings and limit operation in the memory unit 17, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the settings of the mold heating device, the removal device and the process monitoring are first registered one after the other at the time of production (Step 1, Step 2 and Step 3) and it is confirmed whether the registration of all confirmation conditions is completed at the time of the start of production (Step 4).

[0027] Next, confirmation unit 18 will be activated after registration is completed by management unit 10 of PC 21 or management unit 10 of injection molding machine 1, as described in Fig. Figure 8 shows the process for confirming the screen settings combination.

[0028] In this confirmation process, the confirmation unit 18 retrieves, compares, and confirms the mold condition combination list 16 registered in the storage unit 17 and the information set and stored by the screen setting storage unit 11 of the injection molding machine 1.

[0029] For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, after confirming the mold condition combination list 16 registered in the storage unit 17 (step 5), the confirmation unit 18 compares the setting information for the mold heating device of mold 4 retrieved via the first communication unit 12 and the third communication unit 15 with the registered setting information for the mold heating device and confirms whether they match or not (step 6). Furthermore, the confirmation unit 8 similarly and sequentially compares the setting information for the removal device 2 and the setting information for the process monitoring to confirm whether they match (steps 7 and 8).

[0030] Furthermore, in each confirmation process (step 6, step 7 and step 8), if the setting information does not match, the corresponding result is sent to the limit operation determination unit 19, and the limit operation determination unit 19 issues a command to execute a control to restrict the operation of the injection molding machine 1 to the operation limit unit 13 via the fourth communication unit 20 and the second communication unit 14.

[0031] For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, if the settings of the heating device for mold 4 do not match, the mold closing process is restricted (step 9). If the settings of the removal device 2 do not match, the mold opening and closing process is restricted (step 10). If the process monitoring settings do not match, a control action is executed to deactivate fully automatic operation (step 11).

[0032] Here, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, the configuration must be such that the combination list 16 is sent to the injection molding machine 1 for display (step 13) after the registration and confirmation processes have been carried out by the management unit 10 of PC 21 (step 12).

[0033] Furthermore, for example, in a case where a shape condition file is stored like a shape file, i.e., a combination of the shape conditions for each shape in memory unit 17 (or the screen settings memory unit 11, or a memory unit separately provided in shape 4), as in Fig. As shown in step 10, the management unit 10 of PC 21 or injection molding machine 1 opens the mold file (the mold condition file) (step 14) to display the combination list 16 (step 15). Subsequently, to execute the confirmation process, the registration process for the combination of the screen settings and the mold condition-related limit operation of mold 4 is carried out.

[0034] Furthermore, in a case where automatic operation is carried out after completion of the confirmation process, as is the case, for example, in Fig.11 shown, the form file (the form condition file) is called (step 16), the combination list 16 and the limit operation contained in the form file are called (step 17), and the combination list 16 to the form condition is confirmed (step 18).

[0035] Next, it is confirmed whether the setting of the called combination list 16 and the registration condition (the setting condition) of the injection molding machine 1 match (step 19).

[0036] If the setting of the called combination list 16 matches the registration condition of injection molding machine 1, the corresponding limit operation is activated (step 20). If the settings do not match, the corresponding limit operation is deactivated (not permitted), and the limit operation is maintained (step 21).

[0037] Furthermore, it is confirmed whether all combinations have been confirmed (step 22). After confirmation, automatic operation is activated (step 23).

[0038] Therefore, in the injection molding system A according to the present embodiment, the combination list 16 of the correct setting of the screen setting of the injection molding machine 1 and the corresponding limiting operation of the injection molding machine 1 are created, and in a case where the current setting does not correspond to the listing in list 16, the control can be executed to deactivate the corresponding limiting operation.

[0039] Therefore, in the injection molding system A according to the present embodiment, it is possible to easily and quickly confirm the specifications of the injection molding machine 1 and the various peripheral devices, the combination of settings and the setting of the corresponding limiting operation, and thus it is possible to effectively prevent / suppress malfunctions caused by operator errors, such as production defects and damage to the mold, at a lower cost than in the conventional way.

[0040] Although one embodiment of the injection molding system has been described, the present invention is not limited to the one embodiment described above and can be suitably modified to the extent that its basic concept is not deviated from. EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 injection molding machine 2 Removal device (robot: peripheral device) 3 Temperature control (peripheral device) 4 Form (Form management device) 5 Resin supply device (material supply device) 6 Communication unit (communication device) 10 Administrative Unit (Injection Molding System Administrative Unit) 11 Screen settings memory unit 12 first communication unit (communication unit) 13 Operating Limit Unit 14 second communication unit (communication unit) 15 third communication unit (communication unit) 16 Combination list 17 Memory unit (screen settings combination / limit operation memory unit) 18 Confirmation unit (screen settings combination confirmation unit) 19 Limitation operation unit of determination 20 fourth communication unit (communication unit) 21 PC A injection molding system

Claims

[1] Injection molding system (A) comprising: an injection molding machine (1); a screen setting memory unit (11) provided in the injection molding machine (1) which is configured to determine a plurality of elements for which a confirmation of a setting is to be carried out, which is configured to successively register a confirmation condition for each of the plurality of elements, and in which a setting state of the injection molding machine (1) is stored; an operating limitation unit (13) which is provided in the injection molding machine (1) and is configured to limit the operation of the injection molding machine (1); and an administrative unit (10) a storage unit (17) in which a list of a correct combination of screen settings and a limit operation of the injection molding machine (1) are stored, a confirmation unit (18) configured to compare information from the screen setting memory unit (11) and information from the memory unit (17) for each of the plurality of elements to confirm the correctness of a combination of the screen settings of the injection molding machine (1), and a limit operation determination unit (19) is configured to determine a limit operation upon receiving a result confirmed by the confirmation unit (18) in order to issue an operation limit command to the operation limit unit (13). [2] Injection molding system (A) according to claim 1, wherein a personal computer (21) is equipped with the management unit (10). [3] Injection molding system (A) according to claim 1, wherein the injection molding machine (1) is equipped with the management unit (10). [4] Injection molding system (A) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of elements is selected from a mold heating device, a process monitoring device, an ejector retraction confirmation device, a temperature control device (3), a removal device (2) and an alarm for defective product. [5] Injection molding system (A) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage unit (17) contains the list of the correct combination of the screen settings and the limit operation of the injection molding machine (1) in a mold file and the limit operation determination unit (19) is designed to prevent operation in automatic mode until all setting states have been confirmed.

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