SPRAYING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an injection molding machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] An injection molding machine is characterized by a cyclical and generally fully automated production process, in which one or more injection-molded parts are produced in each cycle. Before commissioning, a sequence programming must be carried out. This involves programming an injection molding cycle to produce a specific part. Sequence programming is performed using a human-machine interface (HMI) and a machine control system.

[0003] This is distinct from the production phase. Production mode refers to the state of the injection molding machine in which injection-molded parts are typically produced fully automatically – though sometimes manually. An injection molding machine, fully set up and programmed for the production of specific parts, must then be started and put into production mode. After production is complete, the injection molding machine must be switched off. Preferably, the machine is not switched off directly from production mode, but rather the mold is first emptied or the parts are removed before being switched off. Instead of completely switching off the injection molding machine, it can also be put into a waiting state, which can also be referred to as "standby."This situation is comparable to a computer. After switching on or starting the computer, it must first be brought into an operating state, which is also referred to as booting up the computer. After the work on the computer is completed, the operating state is exited and the computer is shut down, although a "standby" state can also be maintained, or the computer can be completely switched off. Therefore, one can also speak of the "booting up" of the injection molding machine on the one hand and the "shutting down" of the injection molding machine on the other. "Booting up" of the injection molding machine refers to the process in which the injection molding machine is brought up from a completely switched-off state or a standby state until it reaches the state required for production operation.The term "shutdown" refers to the process by which the machine is brought to a complete shutdown or standby state, thus ending production operations. A suitable control unit and machine control system can be used for starting up and shutting down an injection molding machine.

[0004] Operating units with a multitude of buttons are known from the prior art (EP2100197B1), providing an operator with input options. An operator must therefore press suitable buttons for a variety of applications to start an injection molding machine from a switched-off state to production operation and to shut it down again to a completely switched-off or standby state. Depending on the application and the type of molded part to be produced, different requirements are placed on starting and shutting down the injection molding machine. Accordingly, the active buttons available to the operator also vary. Active buttons are defined as buttons or input options that are assigned a specific function and whose activation triggers that function.Depending on the operating state of the injection molding machine, a single button can be assigned different functions, as described in EP2100197B1. This is distinct from buttons that are present but not currently in use.

[0005] Document EP2735425A2 discloses an operating unit for an injection molding machine, wherein an operating program with a hierarchical system architecture is provided. The hierarchical system architecture comprises at least one upper, plant-specific level in which selection can be made between different plant areas, and at least one upper, task-specific level in which selection can be made between different task areas. In sublevels, only process-relevant program pages assigned to the selected plant area or only to the selected task area are displayed.

[0006] Document US2004 / 093097A1 discloses a method for switching off the electrical power supply in an injection molding machine.

[0007] Document DE20214899U1 discloses an operating device with control buttons and light elements, wherein the operating device is designed to start a robot from a switched-off state into an operating state.

[0008] Properly and flawlessly starting up an injection molding machine and putting it into fully automated production operation generally requires application-specific knowledge. The necessary steps are numerous and highly dependent on the molded part being produced. Therefore, in most cases, in-depth knowledge of the injection molding machine and its application is required to correctly and appropriately use the buttons available on the control unit, or those provided as needed. An experienced application technician—that is, an operator with knowledge of the injection molding machine and its application—is able to correctly start up and shut down the injection molding machine using the available buttons and input options on the control unit.

[0009] However, there is a growing need for operators with lower levels of technical qualification, particularly to reduce personnel costs when operating injection molding machines. Nevertheless, even when employing such operators, it must be ensured that the injection molding machine operates correctly and produces flawless molded parts, without requiring these operators to receive specialized training tailored to their specific needs. In particular, starting up and shutting down an injection molding machine should be possible for these operators as well.

[0010] Based on this, the invention aims to provide an injection molding machine in which the operation is simplified to such an extent that an operator only needs to operate one control element or a small number of control elements to start the injection molding machine up for production and shut it down again, whereby the operation should always be the same regardless of the molded part produced on the injection molding machine and whereby the operator does not need to have application-specific knowledge.

[0011] This problem is solved by an injection molding machine having the features of claim 1, a computer program product according to claim 13 and a computer-readable medium according to claim 15. . Advantageous designs and further developments can be found in the sub-claims.

[0012] According to the invention, the startup and shutdown of the injection molding machine are each divided into several phases. For each startup and shutdown phase, specific machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands are provided, the execution of which is necessary for carrying out the respective phase. A characteristic sequence of specific machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands is pre-programmed for each phase. One or more operating elements are provided on the control unit; actuating these elements activates a pre-programmed sequence and initiates a startup or shutdown phase of the injection molding machine.This triggers the functions of starting up or shutting down the injection molding machine that are assigned to the machine movement commands and / or the machine state change commands of this sequence.

[0013] The control element(s) can be provided in various designs and pre-programmed for their function. A pre-programmed control element means that a specific sequence can be started when it is activated.

[0014] According to one embodiment, a control element designed as a ramp-up button for ramping up the injection molding machine and a control element designed as a ramp-down button for ramping down the injection molding machine can be provided. Pressing the ramp-up button starts a ramp-up phase and activates a pre-programmed sequence of specific machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands for this ramp-up phase, whereby the ramp-up functions associated with these machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands are triggered according to the pre-programmed sequence.Accordingly, pressing the shutdown button can trigger a shutdown phase and activate a pre-programmed sequence of specific machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands for this shutdown phase, whereby the functions for shutting down the injection molding machine assigned to these machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands are triggered according to the pre-programmed sequence.

[0015] Dividing the start-up and shutdown of the injection molding machine into several phases means the following: During each phase, the operating state of the injection molding machine changes, specifically from its state before the phase began, or at the beginning of the phase, to the next state at the end of the phase. Thus, the operating state of the injection molding machine changes from phase to phase.

[0016] This makes starting up and shutting down the injection molding machine easier and safer for the machine operator. The term "machine operator" refers to an operator with little or no process knowledge. Typically, a machine operator's role is to monitor the proper operation of the injection molding machine and possibly perform minor quality control checks. This differs from an application engineer. An application engineer is an operator with in-depth process knowledge. An application engineer is generally able to program an injection molding cycle. In this case, the application engineer is responsible for programming the controls or buttons provided to the machine operator for starting up and shutting down the injection molding machine.The sequence of machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands of a phase is pre-programmed by an application engineer and executed by a machine operator when the operator uses the controls or buttons to start and shut down the injection molding machine.

[0017] This also significantly reduces the training requirements for operators. Operators can be employed who have no or only rudimentary knowledge of the injection molding machine and the process for manufacturing a specific molded part.

[0018] The startup and shutdown of the injection molding machine can be divided into several phases, with the operating state of the injection molding machine changing from phase to phase. Preferably, the startup and shutdown of the injection molding machine can be divided into three phases, which lie between four operating states—or simply states—of the injection molding machine. This will be explained below with reference to the Figure 1 will be described in more detail.

[0019] First, the following states of the injection molding machine can be defined: State No. (1) = "OFF"

[0020] The injection molding machine is either completely switched off (i.e., no power supply) or it is switched on but not yet ready for operation. In this state, the machine's control system is switched on, but all actuators (motors, heaters, cooling water, peripherals, etc.) are switched off. The machine can remain in this state for several hours without consuming much energy. The control system can be used (loading data, setting parameters, etc.), but machine movements are not possible. State No. (1') = "Standby"

[0021] This is an intermediate state that can be activated as needed, characterized by energy savings and the conservation of plastic material in the plasticizing unit. However, it is preferable to empty the plasticizing unit before entering "standby" mode. In this "standby" state, the drives are typically switched off and the heaters are set to reduced temperatures. This state is particularly useful when production is interrupted for an extended period due to a malfunction and is to be resumed after the problem is resolved. Because the heaters are only at a reduced temperature and not completely switched off, the lengthy reheating of the temperature zones is significantly reduced when production restarts. State No. (2) = "ON"

[0022] The injection molding machine is ready for operation. This means that all necessary actuators are switched on and all temperature zones are within their target range. In this state, the individual actuators / axes of the injection molding machine can be used, but the condition of the plastic in the plasticizing unit is not defined. It may contain old plastic that first needs to be extruded, or the plasticizing unit may still be empty. Condition No. (3) = "READY"

[0023] The machine is ready for production. In this state, the correct amount of plastic is in the plasticizing unit to begin production. The plastic in the plasticizing unit is of good quality, meaning it was previously injection-molded if necessary. All axes are in their home positions, ready to start production. Condition No. (4) = "PRODUCING"

[0024] The injection molding machine is in fully automated production operation; injection-molded parts are being manufactured.

[0025] The phases of starting up and shutting down the injection molding machine lie between the aforementioned states. Starting up the injection molding machine (left arrow in Figure 1) Phase = "Start"

[0026] In this process, the injection molding machine is switched on and certain assemblies or machine parts are activated. This process takes a relatively long time. Individual actuators must be switched on at the correct time. Furthermore, reaching specific temperatures in individual zones of the plasticizing unit, in the mold, or in entire assemblies on the injection molding machine, including the mold itself, is important. Phase = "Preparation"

[0027] In this phase, it must be ensured that the plastic material to be used later in production is of sufficient quality. Residue in the plasticizing unit must be expelled, and the new plastic material must be dispensed without bubbles or residue. To do this, the operator must move the plasticizing unit into the injection position, perform several injections, and finally return it to the safe area. Depending on the application, the plasticizing unit can dock with the mold during this phase or only when production starts. Depending on the mold / application, the mold must be either closed or open. Finally, all axes are returned to their starting positions so that production can begin in the next phase. Phase 3 = "Start of production"

[0028] Once the injection molding machine and the plastic material are prepared, the next step is to start and establish automated production. Initially, individual injection molding cycles are typically run to ensure that all parts are correctly molded (i.e., all cavities are properly filled) and ejected cleanly. Only after the operator has verified that everything is functioning correctly is the machine switched to fully automated production. Fully automated production is characterized by the automatic execution of pre-programmed injection molding cycles, resulting in the repetitive production of injection-molded parts.

[0029] Upon reaching the production target or in the event of an interruption, the operator must be able to properly shut down and switch off the injection molding machine or put it into standby mode. Similar to starting up the injection molding machine, this process can also be divided into three phases: Shutting down the injection molding machine (right arrow in the Figure 1 ) Phase 1 = "End production"

[0030] To prevent the waste of partially finished molded parts and unnecessary plastic, the production process must be properly shut down. Depending on the application and operational requirements, specific conditions must be met at the end of production (e.g., the injection mold remains closed). Phase 2 = Follow-up

[0031] In this phase, the plastic still undergoing plasticization is extruded so that the next batch contains as little previously plasticized plastic as possible. Axles can also be moved to specific positions if required. Phase 3 = Switch off

[0032] The motors, heaters, and cooling water must be switched off in a specific sequence to prevent damage to the tooling and machine. The temperatures within the tooling and plasticizing process are particularly crucial for switching off individual actuators.

[0033] The control unit provides a variety of buttons for all the aforementioned phases to trigger specific actions and achieve certain states. Specific symbols are used to visualize the function triggered when a button is pressed. These buttons can be mechanical (hardware) or touchscreen (software). The control unit also includes a sequence editor for programming the sequence of an injection molding cycle or other (sub)processes or sequences—or, more generally, sequences—of the injection molding machine. The sequence editor provides the operator with a variety of commands, typically using the same or similar symbols as the buttons mentioned above. The term "icon" is often used interchangeably with "symbol."While pressing a key immediately triggers the corresponding function, the functions belonging to the commands are only triggered when the process, sub-process, or sequence programmed with these commands is started.

[0034] In the Figures 10 to 15 For each of the aforementioned phases, a typical selection of symbols or icons should be presented and briefly described.

[0035] The symbols 50 and 51 have the same meaning throughout, so it is unnecessary to repeat their meaning below.

[0036] A distinction can be made between symbols relating to functions concerning machine movement and symbols relating to functions concerning a change in the machine state.

[0037] Accordingly, there are machine movement keys, i.e., keys whose activation moves an assembly or individual part of a machine, and there are machine movement commands, i.e., commands whose execution moves an assembly or individual part of a machine. An example of a machine movement is the symbol: 52 Move injection unit forward

[0038] Even those keys and commands related to the conveying of plastic material can be considered machine movement keys or commands, because they move parts of the injection molding machine. These include, for example, the following symbols: 53. Switch on / open material feed 54. Injection

[0039] Regarding changes to the machine's state, there are machine state change keys, i.e., keys whose activation changes the state of the injection molding machine, with the state change affecting an assembly or one or more parts of the injection molding machine. Likewise, there are machine state change commands, i.e., commands whose execution changes the state of the injection molding machine, with the state change affecting an assembly or one or more parts of the injection molding machine.

[0040] Examples include: 55 Heating on / off 56 Cooling water on / off

[0041] The machine movement keys and / or the machine state change keys can be designed as mechanical keys (hardware keys) or as touchscreen keys (software keys). Both the machine movement keys and the machine state change keys have a suitable symbol on or around the respective key. For the machine movement keys, the symbol indicates which assembly or part of the injection molding machine is moved when the machine movement key is pressed, and, if applicable, also the direction and purpose of the movement (e.g., opening the mold, closing the mold). For the machine state change keys, the symbol indicates which state is to be changed and, if applicable, achieved; if applicable, the symbol may also indicate how the state change is to be effected (e.g., heating a zone; switching cooling water on / off).

[0042] The machine movement commands and the machine state change commands can be made available as a symbol or icon on the screen of the sequence editor.

[0043] According to a key concept of the present invention, the machine movement keys and machine state change keys designated for each phase of startup and each phase of shutdown are not individually selected and actuated, but rather pre-programmed. During this pre-programming, machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands are compiled into a sequence of commands in the sequence editor.

[0044] Such a sequence editor is a well-known tool for programming production sequences on injection molding machines. Using such a sequence editor, an operator can enter production sequences or, more generally, process steps into the control unit of an injection molding machine, particularly to program a machine sequence. This is also referred to as sequence programming of an injection molding machine. Here, input screens are provided to the operator on the control unit of the injection molding machine, displaying symbols / icons / buttons associated with commands. The operator can select these to actuate a part, component, or assembly of the injection molding machine according to the command (machine movement commands) or to change the state of a part, component, or assembly according to the command (machine state change commands).Examples of such commands have been described in more detail above.

[0045] The pre-programming of sequences of machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands belonging to the present invention involves selecting a suitable sequence from a pool of machine movement commands and machine state change commands and assembling them into a sequence for starting up or shutting down an injection molding machine. This pre-programming can be carried out at the control unit of the injection molding machine itself, particularly before the machine is delivered to a customer. It can also be performed at a later time on-site at the customer's premises by an application engineer or a person skilled in process programming, especially by individuals with relevant expertise from the manufacturer of the injection molding machine. Alternatively, the pre-programming can also be performed independently of an injection molding machine on a computer.Here, a store of machine movement commands and machine state change commands is kept in a storage device and is available for pre-programming sequences. This storage device can be integrated into the computer or a separate storage device such as a computer-readable storage medium, an external hard drive, a USB stick, or the like. An application engineer or a specialist for the sequence programming of an injection molding machine can thus select machine movement commands and machine state change commands on the computer, independent of a specific injection molding machine, and combine them into a desired sequence. A user interface can be provided on the computer that corresponds to or is modeled after a sequence editor used in the sequence programming of an injection molding machine. The application engineer or...The specialist in sequence programming can thus easily pre-program the sequences for starting up and shutting down the injection molding machine in a user interface familiar to him.

[0046] In essence, a pre-programmed sequence is a computer program that runs when the injection molding machine is started up or shut down. For each phase of the start-up and each phase of the shutdown process, there is a corresponding computer program that is executed when that phase begins. Since the start-up and shutdown of an injection molding machine are divided into several phases, multiple computer programs are executed during each phase—namely, the programs for the respective sequences. Therefore, a sequence of computer programs for the start-up and a sequence of computer programs for the shutdown can be identified. Each of these sequences can thus be referred to as the complete program for the start-up and the complete program for the shutdown.The computer programs of the individual sequences and / or the complete programs can be stored and kept on computer-readable storage media / data carriers so that they can be read into the machine control of an injection molding machine at any time. A computer-readable medium can therefore comprise computer programs of the individual sequences and / or one or more complete programs. In principle, it is thus possible to deliver an injection molding machine without the simplified start-up and shutdown capability of the invention and to equip or retrofit it with the invention described herein at a later date. It is only necessary that the computer programs of the sequences or the complete programs suitable for this injection molding machine are read into the machine control of this injection molding machine.

[0047] The present invention therefore also includes a computer program product comprising pre-programmed sequences of machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands, wherein the sequences are configured to start the injection molding machine from a switched-off state or a standby state into a production operation for the manufacture of injection-molded parts and to shut it down from the production operation back into a switched-off or a standby state, wherein the starting up and the shutdown of the injection molding machine are each divided into several phases, and wherein a sequence of specific machine movement commands and / or specific machine state change commands is pre-programmed for each phase of the starting up and for each phase of the shutdown. The commands (instructions) of the computer program orThe computer program, when executed, causes the injection molding machine to be started up from a switched-off or standby state to a production state for manufacturing injection-molded parts, and then shut down again from a production state to a switched-off or standby state. In other words, the computer program comprises commands, namely machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands, which, when executed by a computer—particularly one integrated into the machine control system of the injection molding machine—cause the computer to perform the steps of starting up and, at a later time, shutting down the injection molding machine.In such a computer integrated into the machine control system, it can also simply be a processor (CPU) that is suitable and intended for reading and executing the computer program. The computer program can be stored on a data storage medium that the processor can access. The data storage medium can be integrated into the machine control system or it can be an external storage medium that the processor can access. If necessary, an external storage medium can be connected to the machine control system (e.g., via USB). LAN,Bluetooth or similar technology) and the computer program is transferred to an internal data memory in the machine control system. During program execution, a pre-programmed sequence of commands is executed for each phase of the startup and shutdown processes. The program execution can be configured to pause at the beginning or end of a phase and resume only after input from an operator. Preferably, the program execution is interrupted at the beginning of each phase. Additionally, a command requiring operator input can be inserted at any point during selected phases.

[0048] A sequence of startup sequences and / or a sequence of shutdown sequences can each be combined into a complete startup program and / or a complete shutdown program. Thus, one can speak of a first sequence of computer programs for startup as the complete startup program and a second sequence of computer programs for shutdown as the complete shutdown program.

[0049] The control unit includes one or more operating elements. Activating these elements triggers the computer program belonging to a pre-programmed sequence and initiates a startup or shutdown phase. Once a phase is started, the computer program for that sequence is executed, triggering the startup or shutdown functions of the injection molding machine that are associated with the machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands of that sequence.

[0050] The present invention further includes a computer-readable medium, in particular a computer-readable data carrier, on which a computer program product according to the invention is stored. A computer program product according to the invention can, for example, be stored on an external hard drive, an optically readable data carrier, a USB stick, or the like.

[0051] Machine movement commands and machine state change commands can be combined in the desired sequence. Generally speaking, a startup phase or a shutdown phase is defined by a sequence of commands. Machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands are combined into a sequence. When a phase is started, the machine control executes the pre-programmed sequence of commands for that phase, triggers the functions associated with the commands, and thereby moves the injection molding machine from an operating state at the beginning of the phase to an operating state at the end of the phase.

[0052] Instead of pressing individual machine movement keys and / or individual machine state change keys, machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands are combined into a sequence, and a corresponding process is programmed that is triggered when a control element or a ramp-up or ramp-down key is pressed. A machine operator therefore only needs to press a ramp-up or ramp-down key, and the corresponding functions run automatically. The operator does not need to press individual machine movement keys and machine state change keys, but only a ramp-up or ramp-down key.

[0053] In the phases mentioned above, the machine movement commands and machine state change commands lying between symbols 50 and 51 each form an exemplary sequence characteristic of a phase.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the invention, exactly one startup button can be provided, which is designed or programmed in such a way that by repeatedly pressing this startup button, the next available phase of the startup can be started.

[0055] Likewise, exactly one shutdown button can be provided, which is designed or programmed in such a way that by repeatedly pressing this shutdown button, the next available phase of the shutdown can be started.

[0056] In the simplest case, there is only one button to start up the injection molding machine (start-up button) and one button to shut down the injection molding machine (shut-down button), which, when pressed several times, causes the respective phases and the pre-programmed sequences of machine movement commands and machine state change commands to be started and processed.

[0057] However, multiple ramp-up and ramp-down buttons can also be provided, clearly marked to indicate which phase is to be triggered and executed. These buttons can be arranged side-by-side, one above the other, or in any other configuration. The only requirement is that it is easily identifiable which button corresponds to which phase. A rotary knob can also be used as a control element, which is either turned to advance from one phase to the next or can be pressed repeatedly. In principle, any control element can be considered a ramp-up or ramp-down button, the activation of which starts or triggers the execution of a phase and its pre-programmed sequence.

[0058] Optionally, additional power-up and / or power-down buttons may be provided, which, when pressed, allow the machine to reach a predefined intermediate state. For example, an additional power-up button may be provided to bring the injection molding machine from the switched-off state to the standby state. Similarly, an additional power-down button may be provided to shut down the injection molding machine from the switched-on state to the standby state.

[0059] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the ramp-up button can be provided with an upward-pointing arrow, or such an arrow can be assigned to the ramp-up button. Additionally or alternatively, the ramp-up button can be colored or illuminated, preferably in green. Furthermore, the ramp-down button can be provided with a downward-pointing arrow, or such an arrow can be assigned to the ramp-down button. Additionally or alternatively, the ramp-down button can be colored or illuminated, preferably in red. According to a preferred embodiment, the ramp-up and ramp-down buttons of the injection molding machine can be designed according to a traffic light system and be configured with the aforementioned colors "green" for ramp-up and "red" for ramp-down.

[0060] According to a further embodiment, three phases can be provided for starting up the injection molding machine and / or three phases for shutting down the injection molding machine, preferably with three phases for both starting up and shutting down. Consequently, starting from a switched-off state, the injection molding machine can be brought into the state of – usually fully automatic – production operation for manufacturing injection-molded parts by pressing the start button three times. Likewise, starting from production operation, the injection molding machine can be brought back to the switched-off state by pressing the shut-down button three times.

[0061] Preferably, the control unit is configured so that only the available buttons for starting or stopping the injection molding machine are illuminated. Thus, when the injection molding machine is starting up, the stop buttons are not illuminated, and vice versa. Similarly, the control unit can be configured so that a stop button can only be pressed again—and therefore illuminated again—when the previously started phase has finished and a new start-up phase can begin. This can also be configured for the stop button.

[0062] The injection molding machine can only be operated using the aforementioned controls and buttons for starting and stopping the machine. The remaining controls on the operating unit do not need to be used by the operator during production.

[0063] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a display is generated during or between the phases, prompting an operator to perform a specific action. For example, attention can be drawn to manual tasks that must be performed at a particular time. For this purpose, it can be provided that an application engineer integrates suitable commands into the sequence. In addition to the aforementioned machine movement commands and machine state change commands, commands can thus be provided that can be added to a sequence and that are programmed or programmable by an application engineer, such that a display can be generated on the control unit at predefined times during the startup and / or shutdown of the injection molding machine, showing an operator one or more instructions.Once the operator has performed the displayed task, they can confirm this by pressing the corresponding confirmation button on the control unit. Both the title text and the instruction description can be entered by the application engineer in the process editor.

[0064] The invention will now be described in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. The figures shown are: Figure 1 Division of startup and shutdown into three phases Figure 2 Control unit with additional control panel according to a first embodiment Figure 3 Sequence editor Figure 4 Startup and shutdown with one button each Figure 5 First embodiment of an additional control panel Figure 6 Second embodiment of an additional control panel Figure 7 Third embodiment of an additional control panel Figure 8 Instruction to an operator Figure 9 Editor for application engineers for programming the instruction according to the Figure 8

[0065] The Figure 1This has already been explained above in connection with the presentation of the invention, so a repetition is unnecessary here.

[0066] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows an operating unit, designated with reference numeral 1, as known, for example, from the aforementioned EP2100197B1. The uppermost section shows a control panel 2 with a large number of mechanical buttons 3. These are machine movement buttons and machine state change buttons with symbols as described above. The middle section is a screen 4 on which any desired representations and process sequences can be accessed and displayed. These are accessed via buttons 6 on the lowermost control panel 5. The control panel 5 can be folded up and down along a horizontal axis 7 (see arrow 8). A handle 9 allows the entire operating unit 1 to be adjusted in height and / or rotated about its vertical axis. Using buttons 6 and the screen 4, a sequence of injection molding cycles can be programmed.Similarly, individual startup and shutdown sequences of the injection molding machine can be programmed. Both during sequence programming and when programming individual sequences, four machine movement commands and machine state change commands are displayed on the screen and combined into a sequence. The functions of the individual commands are indicated by symbols, as described above.

[0067] The Figure 3Figure 20 shows a sequence editor that allows individual sequences for starting up and shutting down the injection molding machine. In this sequence editor, the individual phases of the startup and shutdown processes can be programmed, particularly by an application engineer. For each phase, a sequence of machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands is compiled into a command sequence. This will be explained in more detail using phase 1 of the startup process. In the process selection 21, the phase to be processed can be selected; in this case, it is the start-up sequence. Depending on the selected sequence, the command selection 22 displays the components and commands available for this phase. The actual sequence area 23 displays the current sequence, where a command 26 can be selected at any given time. The selected command is highlighted appropriately.The corresponding parameter settings for the selected command are displayed in parameter area 24. The number and type of adjustable parameters vary depending on the selected command. The focused parameter 29 can be changed using the softkeyboard 25 or an additional hardware keyboard, depending on its specific setting.

[0068] In the depicted sequence, all commands are executed sequentially, one after the other. However, the design of the process is by no means limited to a purely sequential model. Where it makes sense, parallel subsequences can also be modeled.

[0069] According to the invention, the control unit 1 is equipped with an additional control panel 10 (see Figure 2), in which up to four buttons are present. These buttons can be physical hardware buttons. A first button, 11, is designated as the shutdown button, and a second button, 12, as the startup button. The startup button can be marked with an upward-pointing arrow, as shown. Similarly, the shutdown button can be marked with a downward-pointing arrow. Furthermore, there are two additional buttons, 13 and 14, which are available for accessing intermediate states if needed. Button 13 is marked with an upside-down letter "T," and button 14 with an upright letter "T." The startup button, 12, can be illuminated in green or simply be a green button. The shutdown button, 11, can be illuminated in red or simply be a red button. If the buttons are color-coded, the arrows on buttons 11 and 12 are unnecessary.Similarly, the additional keys 13 and 14 can be appropriately illuminated in color or designed with color.

[0070] The power-up button 12 is programmed so that repeatedly pressing it starts the next available power-up phase. Similarly, the power-down button 11 is programmed so that repeatedly pressing it starts the next available power-down phase. As described in the Figure 4 As shown, starting from state no. 1 = "OFF", the injection molding machine can be started up to production mode (state no. 4) by pressing the start button 12 three times. Likewise, the injection molding machine can be shut down from production mode back to state no. 1 by pressing the shut-down button 11 three times.

[0071] Pressing the startup button 12 initiates a startup phase, activating a predefined sequence of machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands and triggering the associated functions. Similarly, pressing the shutdown button 11 initiates a shutdown phase, activating a predefined sequence of machine movement commands and / or machine state change commands and triggering the associated functions.

[0072] In the Figure 5The additional control panel 10 is shown according to a further embodiment. In addition to the buttons 11 and 12 for starting up and shutting down the injection molding machine, respectively, an additional shut-down button 13 and an additional start-up button 14 are provided. These buttons 13 and 14 are programmed such that when they are pressed, a predefined intermediate state is reached.

[0073] The additional keys 13 and 14 may have a label as described above in connection with the Figure 2The additional buttons are described. However, color coding can also be provided. For example, the additional power-up button 14 can be illuminated in blue or simply be a blue button. The additional power-down button 13 can be illuminated in yellow or simply be a yellow button. The two additional buttons 13 and 14 can be used to achieve other states (e.g., the intermediate state "Standby") or to perform alternative post-processing. Unlike buttons 11 and 12, the availability of the additional buttons 13 and 14 is configurable by the application engineer. During ongoing production, buttons 13 and 14 can, for example, be used to execute a variation of the production sequence, such as triggering a sample take by the operator, resulting in a slightly modified production process.

[0074] The Figure 6Figure 1 shows a second embodiment of an additional control panel 10a with controls for starting and stopping the injection molding machine. According to this embodiment, three start-up buttons 12.1 to 12.3 and three stop-down buttons 11.1 to 11.3 are provided, each labeled with the phase to be triggered. Accordingly, pressing the start-up button 12.1 triggers the first start-up phase. After this phase is complete, pressing the start-up button 12.2 triggers the second start-up phase, and then pressing the start-up button 12.3 triggers the third start-up phase. Similarly, the stop-down buttons can be pressed to trigger the stop-down phases. A label indicating the function of each button can be provided next to it. An upward-pointing arrow is provided for the power-up buttons 12.1 to 12.3 and a downward-pointing arrow for the power-down buttons 11.1 to 11.3.The keys may be illuminated in a suitable manner, if necessary.

[0075] The Figure 7 Figure 10b shows a third embodiment of a control panel with a control element for starting and stopping the injection molding machine. In this embodiment, a rotary knob 15 is provided as the control element. This knob can, for example, be designed and programmed such that clockwise rotation triggers phases P1 to P3 of the start-up process, and counterclockwise rotation triggers phases P1 to P3 of the stop-down process. A small rotation (depending on the configuration, also with a detent function) corresponds to buttons 13 and 14, while a larger rotation corresponds to buttons 11 and 12.

[0076] The switching between machine states, and thus the starting and execution of the individual phases or the activation of the pre-programmed sequences, is controlled via the four buttons 11, 12, 13, and 14 of the auxiliary control panel 10, with preferably only the available buttons being illuminated at any given time. Each change from one state to another initiates a machine sequence that represents the work steps to be performed. The sequence of machine movement commands and machine state change commands belonging to a phase is executed in the background according to a pre-programmed sequence. The sequence in which the individual work steps are executed, i.e., how a sequence of machine movement commands and machine state change commands is compiled and actuated, can be freely defined by the application engineer.Preferably, the sequence editor, with which the application engineer defines the order of machine movement commands and machine state change commands for a sequence, is designed such that only the commands relevant to the respective sequence of a phase are offered. For example, in the sequence for switching on the machine (phase 1, i.e., change from state no. 1 "off" to state no. 2 "on"), no commands that trigger a movement of the machine are permitted. Accordingly, machine movement commands whose function triggers travel movements (e.g., closing the mold) are not offered or not activated.

[0077] In a further development of the invention, it can be provided that a display is generated during or between the phases, prompting an operator to perform a specific task. For example, attention can be drawn to manual tasks that must be performed at a particular time. For this purpose, an application engineer can integrate suitable commands into the sequence. In addition to the aforementioned machine movement commands and machine state change commands, commands can thus be added to a sequence. Once the operator has performed the displayed task, they can confirm this by pressing a corresponding confirmation button on the control unit. Both the title text and the instruction description can be entered by the application engineer in the sequence editor. Figure 8This shows an example of a display in the form of a window, which appears on the control unit's display. The example shown here concerns a manual task prior to the spraying process (corresponding to button 54), which is scheduled for phase P2 of the startup process. Figure 9 This shows an example of a display on the control unit, which an application engineer can use to define an operator interaction. The definition made by the application engineer is displayed according to the... Figure 8 The message is displayed to an operator when, during the start-up of the injection molding machine in phase P2, the next step is to be the injection molding process.

[0078] Depending on the application, it is important that the dispensed plastic does not remain heated in the plasticizing unit for too long. Monitoring systems, which can be configured by the application engineer, ensure that the material is automatically ejected if the material residence time is exceeded. The operator does not need to worry about this, as the machine automatically re-dispenses the material and restarts production when it is restarted. This also includes all components returning to their respective starting positions. Similarly, after a prolonged period of inactivity without operator interaction, the machine can be switched off or put into standby mode. The necessary commands and procedures for this are stored by the application engineer. Reference symbol list

[0079] 1 Control unit 2 First control panel with buttons 3 Mechanical buttons in the first control panel 4 Screen 5 Second control panel with buttons 6 Buttons in the second control panel 7 Horizontal axis of rotation 8 Direction of rotation 9 Handle 10 Additional control panel - first embodiment 10a Additional control panel - second embodiment 10b Additional control panel - third embodiment 10 Additional control panel 11 Shutdown buttons 11.1 - 11.3 Shutdown buttons - second embodiment 12 Up button 12.1 - 12.3 Up buttons - second embodiment 13 Additional shutdown button 14 Additional up button 15 Rotary knob 20 Sequence editor 21 Process selection 21 22 Command selection 22 23 Sequence area 23 24 Parameter area 24 25 Softkeyboard 25 26Command 27Command 28Command 29Parameter

Claims

1. An injection molding machine comprising a machine control and an operating unit (1), designed as a human-machine interface, wherein the operating unit (1) is designed to start up the injection molding machine from a turned-off state or a standby state into production mode for manufacturing injection-molded parts and to shut it down from production mode back to a turned-off or standby state, characterized in that the startup of the injection molding machine and the shutdown of the injection molding machine are each divided into several phases, that for each phase of the startup and for each phase of the shutdown, a sequence of specific machine movement commands and / or specific machine state change commands is preprogrammed, and that the operating unit (1) is equipped with one or more operating elements (11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 13, 14, 15), the actuation of which activates a preprogrammed sequence and allows a phase of startup or shutdown to be initiated, whereby the functions of the startup or shutdown of the injection molding machine associated with the machine movement commands and / or the machine state change commands of this sequence are triggered.

2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that an operating element configured as a startup button (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 14) for starting up the injection molding machine and an operating element configured as a shutdown button (11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 13) for shutting down the injection molding machine are provided.

3. The injection molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exactly one operating element is provided as a startup button (12), which is programmed such that repeated actuation of this startup button starts the next available phase of the startup process.

4. The injection molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exactly one operating element is provided as a shutdown button (11), which is programmed such that repeated actuation of this shutdown button starts the next available phase of the shutdown process.

5. The injection molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that additional startup and / or shutdown buttons (14, 13) are provided, the actuation of which allows a predetermined intermediate state to be reached.

6. The injection molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a startup button (12.1, 12.2, 12.3) with an upward-pointing arrow is provided as an operating element, or such an arrow is associated with the startup button, and / or that the startup button is color-coded or illuminable, preferably in green.

7. The injection molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a shutdown button (11.1, 11.2, 11.3) with a downward-pointing arrow is provided as an operating element, or such an arrow is associated with the shutdown button, and / or that the shutdown button is color-coded or illuminable, preferably in red.

8. The injection molding machine according to one of claims 1, 2, 5, 6, or 7, characterized in that multiple startup buttons and / or multiple shutdown buttons are provided.

9. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a rotary knob (15) is provided as an operating element, which can be actuated by rotating the rotary knob, wherein rotation in one direction starts a preprogrammed startup sequence and rotation in the opposite direction starts a preprogrammed shutdown sequence.

10. The injection molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that three phases are provided for the startup of the injection molding machine and / or that three phases are provided for the shutdown of the injection molding machine.

11. The injection molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that those operating elements for startup or shutdown of the injection molding machine are illuminated which are currently available in the respective state of the injection molding machine.

12. The injection molding machine according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that command buttons are provided which are programmed or programmable by an application engineer such that, during startup and / or shutdown of the injection molding machine, a display can be generated on the operating unit at predetermined times, which shows an operator one or more instructions for action.

13. A computer program product comprising several programmed sequences of machine motion commands for an injection molding machine and / or machine state change commands for an injection molding machine, wherein, when executed, the commands cause the injection molding machine to be started up from a turned-off state or a standby state into a production mode for manufacturing injection-molded parts, and to be shut down from the production mode back into a turned-off or standby state, characterized in that the startup of the injection molding machine and the shutdown of the injection molding machine are each divided into several phases, and wherein a sequence of specific machine movement commands and / or specific machine state change commands is preprogrammed for each phase of the startup and for each phase of the shutdown, and that one or more operating elements (11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 13, 14, 15) are provided on the operating unit (1), the actuation of which activates a preprogrammed sequence and allows a phase of startup or shutdown to be started, whereby the functions of the startup or shutdown of the injection molding machine associated with the machine movement commands and / or the machine state change commands of this sequence are triggered.

14. The computer program product according to claim 13, characterized in that a first set of sequences for startup and / or a second set of sequences for shutdown are each combined into a (first) overall startup program and / or a (second) overall shutdown program.

15. A computer-readable medium on which the computer program product according to claim 13 or 14 is stored.