External signal control apparatus and molding machine

Abstract

To provide an external signal control apparatus and a molding machine that facilitate setting when connecting an external device that has been connected again.SOLUTION: A control unit 7 is used in an injection molding machine. The control unit 7 has: an optional output signal port OP1 to which an external device is connected; a storage device 73 which stores control information for the optional output signal port OP1; and a control device 78. The control information includes signal port usage information and output condition information. When the signal port usage information is ON, the control device 78 controls the optional output signal port OP1 based on the output condition information, and when the signal port usage information is OFF, the control device 78 controls the optional output signal port OP1 so that the optional output signal port OP1 does not function.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an external signal control device that controls signals related to an external device, and a molding machine having the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a conventional injection molding machine. The injection molding machine has a signal port to which external devices such as a mold device (valve gate) and a molded product transport device are connected. The signal port is capable of outputting a digital signal. The injection molding machine sets the signal of the signal port to an H level (first signal) when a predetermined output condition is met during a molding operation, and sets the signal of the signal port to an L level (second signal) when the output condition is not met. The external device operates in cooperation with the injection molding machine based on the signal of the signal port. Control information such as the output condition of the signal port is set using a predetermined setting screen. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-248834 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, when a mold device is changed in accordance with a production plan, some external devices may be removed from the injection molding machine, and the connection between the external devices and the signal ports may be disconnected. In this case, the control information of the signal ports is reset to prevent signals from being output from the signal ports to which no external devices are connected. Therefore, when reconnecting the disconnected external devices to the signal ports, the control information of the signal ports must be set again, which makes the work of reconnecting the external devices to the signal ports complicated.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide an external signal control device and a molding machine that allow easy settings when reconnecting an external device that has previously been connected. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an external signal control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is an external signal control device for use in a molding machine, having a signal port to which an external device is connected, a storage device in which control information for the signal port is stored, and a signal port control device, wherein the control information includes a signal port usage flag and condition information, and when the signal port usage flag is ON, the signal port control device controls the signal port based on the condition information, and when the signal port usage flag is OFF, controls the signal port so that the signal port does not function. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, when the connection between the external device and the signal port is released, the signal port usage flag is turned OFF, so that the signal port is disabled while the condition information is held in the storage device. Also, when the external device and the signal port are reconnected, the signal port usage flag is turned ON, so that the signal port can be controlled based on the condition information stored in the storage device. This simplifies the setting work when reconnecting an external device that has been previously connected. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an injection molding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the injection molding machine. [Diagram 3] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information of an option output signal port. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of control information of a valve gate output signal port. [Diagram 5]13 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information of an analog output signal port. [Figure 6] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information of an option input signal port. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen relating to an option output signal port. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing a control information setting section of the setting screen of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a selection screen displayed superimposed on the setting screen of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another selection screen displayed superimposed on the setting screen of FIG. 7. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen relating to a valve gate output signal port. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram showing a control information setting section of the setting screen of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a selection screen displayed superimposed on the setting screen of FIG. 11. [Figure 14] 12 is a diagram showing another selection screen displayed superimposed on the setting screen of FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen related to an analog output signal port. [Figure 16] 16 is a diagram showing a control information setting section of the setting screen of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a selection screen displayed superimposed on the setting screen of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen related to an optional input signal port. [Figure 19] 19 is a diagram showing a control information setting section of the setting screen of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a selection screen displayed superimposed on the setting screen of FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] An injection molding machine according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 20. The injection molding machine plasticizes a resin that is a material for a molded product and injects it into a cavity of a metal mold to form a molded product. External devices (peripheral devices) that operate in cooperation with the injection molding machine during the operation of molding the molded product (molding operation) are connected to the injection molding machine.

[0010] 1, an injection molding machine 1 according to this embodiment has a molding machine body 10 including a mold clamping device 2, an injection device 3, and an ejection device 4. The molding machine body 10 is disposed on a base 5. The injection molding machine 1 also has a sensor group 6 (FIG. 2) disposed in the molding machine body 10, and a control unit 7 that controls the molding machine body 10.

[0011] The mold clamping device 2 opens, closes, and clamps a fixed-side mold 81 and a movable-side mold 82. The fixed-side mold 81 and the movable-side mold 82 form a cavity 83. The fixed-side mold 81 and the movable-side mold 82 constitute a mold device having a valve gate (not shown).

[0012] The mold clamping device 2 has a fixed die plate 21, a movable die plate 22, and a mold clamping drive mechanism 23. A fixed side mold 81 is attached to the fixed die plate 21. A movable side mold 82 is attached to the movable die plate 22. The mold clamping drive mechanism 23 has, for example, an electric motor, a ball screw mechanism, and a toggle link mechanism. The mold clamping drive mechanism 23 clamps the fixed side mold 81 and the movable side mold 82 in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) by the fixed die plate 21 and the movable die plate 22 to generate a mold clamping force.

[0013] The injection device 3 includes a cylinder 31, a nozzle 32, a resin supply unit 33, a heater , a screw 35, and a screw driving mechanism .

[0014] The cylinder 31 has a cylindrical shape. The cylinder 31 is arranged along the front-rear direction. The nozzle 32 is arranged at the tip of the cylinder 31. The resin supply unit 33 is arranged at the rear end of the cylinder 31. The resin supply unit 33 has a hopper that contains powdered or granular resin that is the material of the molded product. The resin supply unit 33 supplies resin to the cylinder 31. The heater 34 is, for example, a band heater, and is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 31. The screw 35 is housed in the cylinder 31 so as to be rotatable and movable forward and backward. The screw drive mechanism 36 has, for example, an electric motor and a ball screw mechanism. The screw drive mechanism 36 rotates and moves the screw 35 forward and backward.

[0015] The removal device 4 has an ejector pin (not shown) and an ejection mechanism 41. The ejection mechanism 41 has, for example, an air cylinder. The ejection mechanism 41 drives the ejector pin to remove the molded product from the movable mold 82.

[0016] The sensor group 6 is composed of a plurality of sensors arranged in each part of the molding machine body 10. The sensor group 6 includes, for example, a sensor that detects the position and speed of the screw 35, a sensor that detects the rotation speed of the screw 35, sensors that detect the pressure (injection pressure, holding pressure, back pressure) applied to the resin in the cylinder 31, a sensor that detects the amount of mold opening and closing, a sensor that detects the mold clamping pressure, a sensor that detects the pressure (mold internal pressure) applied to the resin in the cavity 83, a sensor that detects the amount of ejection pin protrusion, a sensor that detects the pressure applied to the eject pin, a sensor that detects the temperature of each part of the molding machine body 10, and a sensor that detects power value.

[0017] The control unit 7 controls the overall operation of the injection molding machine 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 7 has a display device 71, an input device 72, a storage device 73, a timer 74, an external interface 75 (external IF), and a control device 78.

[0018] The display device 71 is, for example, a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display.

[0019] The input device 72 is, for example, an operation key or a touch panel. The operation key is, for example, a key of a hardware keyboard. The touch panel is arranged over the display surface of the display device 71, and is combined with button figures, slide switch figures, and the like displayed on the display surface to configure software keys. Touching a place on the touch panel that corresponds to the button figure or slide switch figure is equivalent to operating a software key, that is, inputting an operation into the input device 72.

[0020] The storage device 73 is, for example, a magnetic disk device, a non-volatile memory, etc. The storage device 73 holds information related to molding conditions, data measured by the sensor group 6, and the like.

[0021] The external interface 75 has a plurality of signal ports. The plurality of signal ports include optional output signal ports OP (OP1 to OP12), valve gate output signal ports VG (VG1 to VG12), analog output signal ports Ch (Ch1 to Ch8), and optional input signal ports IP (IP1 to IP8). The optional output signal ports OP and the valve gate output signal port VG output digital signals. A digital signal is input to the optional input signal port IP. The digital signal is a voltage signal that indicates either an H level (first signal) or an L level (second signal). The analog signal is a voltage signal that changes steplessly (including substantially steplessly) within a predetermined voltage range. The analog signal changes, for example, within a range of 0 to 10 V.

[0022] The signal port of the external interface 75 is connected to an external device. The external device includes a mold device (valve gate) composed of a fixed mold 81 and a movable mold 82, and a transport device (not shown) such as a conveyor or a robot arm that transports a molded product removed from the movable mold 82. The external device may also include a measuring instrument such as an oscilloscope.

[0023] The control device 78 includes a computer. The control device 78 is connected to the display device 71, the input device 72, the storage device 73, the timer 74, and the external interface 75 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0024] The control device 78 displays various information on the display device 71 and performs an operation according to an operation input to the input device 72. The display device 71 and the input device 72 may be, for example, a tablet device or a notebook computer connected to the control device 78 by wireless communication. The control device 78 is also connected to the sensor group 6.

[0025] The control device 78 is communicatively connected to the mold clamping drive mechanism 23, the heater 34, the screw drive mechanism 36, and the ejection mechanism 41. In the molding operation, the control device 78 controls the mold clamping drive mechanism 23, the heater 34, the screw drive mechanism 36, the ejection mechanism 41, and the like. In addition, the control device 78 measures a plurality of data using the sensor group 6 and the timer 74 during the execution of the molding operation.

[0026] The control device 78 controls the signal port of the external interface 75, and operates the injection molding machine 1 in cooperation with external devices. The signals output from the signal port and the signals input to the signal port are signals related to the external devices. The control device 78 controls the signal port based on the control information stored in the storage device 73. The control unit 7 is an external signal control device that controls the signals related to the external devices.

[0027] Control information J12 for each of the optional output signal ports OP1 to OP9, control information J13 for each of the optional output signal ports OP10 to OP12, and optional output hold information J15 are stored in the storage device 73. An example of the control information J12, control information J13, and optional output hold information J15 is shown in FIG.

[0028] The control information J12 for the option output signal port OP1 includes name information J120, signal port usage information J121, output signal setting information J122, output condition information J123, output delay time information J124, and repetition information J129.

[0029] In the name information J120, a name for identifying the option output signal port OP1 is set.

[0030] Information indicating whether or not the optional output signal port OP1 is used is set in the signal port usage information J121. "ON" or "OFF" is set in the signal port usage information J121. "ON" indicates that the optional output signal port OP1 is used, and "OFF" indicates that the optional output signal port OP1 is not used. The signal port usage information J121 is a signal port usage flag.

[0031] The output signal setting information J122 is set with information regarding the meanings assigned to the first and second digital signals output from the optional output signal port OP1. "N.OPEN (normally open)" or "N.CLOSE (normally closed)" is set in the output signal setting information J122. The output signal setting information J122 is an output inversion flag. When the output signal setting information J122 is "N.OPEN", the output inversion flag corresponds to OFF, the first signal becomes a condition satisfied signal, and the second signal becomes a condition not satisfied signal. When the output signal setting information J122 is "N.CLOSE", the output inversion flag corresponds to ON, the second signal becomes a condition satisfied signal, and the first signal becomes a condition not satisfied signal.

[0032] The output condition information J123 sets a condition for outputting a condition satisfaction signal from the option output signal port OP1. The output condition information J123 includes simple condition information J123a and detailed condition information J123b-J123d. Relatively frequently used conditions are set in the simple condition information J123a. A determination is made as to whether a condition is satisfied or not satisfied for each condition set in the simple condition information J123a. A number (condition number) corresponding to the condition is set in the detailed condition information J123b-J123d. A logical sum (OR) is performed on the conditions set in the detailed condition information J123b-J123d, and a determination is made as to whether the condition is satisfied or not satisfied based on the result of the calculation.

[0033] The output delay time information J124 sets a delay time from when the condition set in the output condition information J123 is satisfied until when the condition satisfaction signal is output.

[0034] The repetition information J129 is set with information for alternately outputting a condition satisfied signal and a condition not satisfied signal when the option output signal port OP1 is forced to output a condition satisfied signal. Specifically, the repetition information J129 is set with the duration of the condition satisfied signal and the condition not satisfied signal. When the repetition information J129 is set to "0", the repetition information J129 is disabled, and when a value other than "0" is set, the repetition information J129 is enabled.

[0035] The control information J12 for each of the optional output signal ports OP2 to OP9 has the same configuration as the control information J12 for the optional output signal port OP1.

[0036] The control information J13 for the option output signal port OP10 includes name information J130, signal port usage information J131, output signal setting information J132, output condition information J133, and repetition information J139.

[0037] The name information J130, signal port usage information J131, output signal setting information J132, and repetition information J139 are set with the same types of information as the name information J120, signal port usage information J121, output signal setting information J122, and repetition information J129 of the control information J12.

[0038] The output condition information J133 sets a condition for outputting a condition satisfaction signal from the option output signal port OP10. The output condition information J133 includes detailed condition information J133a-J133e and operator information J133f-J133i. A number (condition number) corresponding to the condition is set in the detailed condition information J133a-J133e. One of the operators "None," "AND," or "OR" is set in the operator information J133f-J133i. The conditions set in the detailed condition information J133a-J133e are logically calculated using the operators set in the operator information J133f-J133i, and a determination is made as to whether the condition is satisfied or not based on the calculation result. Note that when "None" is set as the operator, the condition numbers and operators set to the right of "None" in FIG. 3 are not used in the logical calculation.

[0039] The control information J13 of each of the option output signal ports OP11 and OP12 has the same configuration as the control information J13 of the option output signal port OP10.

[0040] The optional output hold information J15 is information commonly used by the optional output signal ports OP1 to OP12. Information related to the operation of buttons (forced output buttons B128, B138 shown in FIG. 8) for forcibly outputting a condition satisfaction signal from the optional output signal ports OP1 to OP12 is set in the optional output hold information J15. "ON" or "OFF" is set in the optional output hold information J15. The optional output hold information J15 is an output hold flag.

[0041] When the option output retention information J15 is "OFF", the forced output buttons B128, B138 operate as push buttons. That is, the forced output buttons B128, B138 are in a "pressed state" when pressed (touched) and in a "released state" when not pressed.

[0042] When the option output holding information J15 is "ON", the forced output buttons B128, B138 function as toggle buttons, that is, the forced output buttons B128, B138 alternate between a "pressed state" and a "released state" each time they are pressed.

[0043] Control information J22, valve gate usage information J24, and valve gate output hold information J25 for each of the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12 are stored in the storage device 73. An example of the control information J22, valve gate usage information J24, and valve gate output hold information J25 is shown in FIG.

[0044] The control information J22 for the valve gate output signal port VG1 includes name information J220, signal port usage information J221, output start condition information J223, output start delay time information J224, output stop condition information J225, and output stop delay time information J226.

[0045] The name information J220 and signal port usage information J221 are set with the same information as the name information J120 and signal port usage information J121 of the control information J12.

[0046] In the output start condition information J223, a condition for starting output of a condition satisfaction signal from the valve gate output signal port VG1 is set. The output start condition information J223 includes start condition information J223a and auxiliary condition information J223b. In the start condition information J223a, a start condition is set. In the auxiliary condition information J223b, auxiliary information related to the start condition information J223a is set. For example, when the start condition information J223a is set to "mold open position" as the start condition, the position of the movable die plate 22 used as the condition judgment threshold is set in the auxiliary condition information J223b. When the start condition information J223a is set to "injection position" or "high pressure switching position" as the start condition, the position of the screw 35 used as the condition judgment threshold is set in the auxiliary condition information J223b. Note that the start conditions "injection start" and "pressure holding start" are not accompanied by auxiliary information.

[0047] The output start delay time information J224 sets a delay time from when the condition set in the output start condition information J223 is satisfied until the output of the condition satisfaction signal starts.

[0048] The output stop condition information J225 sets a condition for stopping the output of the condition satisfaction signal from the valve gate output signal port VG1.

[0049] The output stop delay time information J226 sets a delay time from when the condition set in the output stop condition information J225 is satisfied until the output of the condition satisfaction signal is stopped.

[0050] The control information J22 for each of the valve gate output signal ports VG2 to VG12 has the same configuration as the control information J22 for the valve gate output signal port VG1.

[0051] The valve gate usage information J24 is information that is commonly used for the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12. Information indicating whether or not the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12 are to be used is set in the valve gate usage information J24. "ON" or "OFF" is set in the valve gate usage information J24. "ON" indicates that the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12 are to be used, and "OFF" indicates that the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12 are not to be used. The valve gate usage information J24 allows the use / non-use of the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12 to be set collectively.

[0052] The valve gate output hold information J25 is information commonly used by the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12. Information related to the operation of a button (the forced output button B228 shown in FIG. 12) for forcibly outputting a condition satisfaction signal from the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12 is set in the valve gate output hold information J25. The same type of information as the option output hold information J15 is set in the valve gate output hold information J25.

[0053] Control information J32 for each of the analog output signal ports Ch1 to Ch8 is stored in the storage device 73. An example of the control information J32 is shown in FIG.

[0054] The control information J32 for the analog output signal port Ch1 includes name information J320, signal port usage information J321, and output signal type information J323.

[0055] The name information J320 and signal port usage information J321 are set with the same information as the name information J120 and signal port usage information J121 of the control information J12.

[0056] The type of signal output from the analog output signal port Ch1 is set in the output signal type information J323.

[0057] The control information J32 for each of the analog output signal ports Ch2 to Ch8 has the same configuration as the control information J32 for the analog output signal port Ch1.

[0058] Control information J42 for each of the option input signal ports IP1 to IP8 is stored in the storage device 73. An example of the control information J42 is shown in FIG.

[0059] The control information J42 for the optional input signal port IP1 includes name information J420, signal port usage information J421, input signal setting information J422, and operation information J423.

[0060] The name information J420, signal port usage information J421, and input signal setting information J422 are set with the same types of information as the name information J120, signal port usage information J121, and output signal setting information J122 of the control information J12.

[0061] The operation information J423 sets an operation that the control device 78 will execute when a condition satisfaction signal is input to the option input signal port IP1.

[0062] The control information J42 of each of the optional input signal ports IP2 to IP8 has the same configuration as the control information J42 of the optional input signal port IP1.

[0063] The control unit 7 has setting screens G1 to G4. The setting screen G1 is a screen for setting the control information J12, J13, and option output hold information J15. The setting screen G2 is a screen for setting the control information J22, valve gate usage information J24, and valve gate output hold information J25. The setting screen G3 is a screen for setting the control information J32. The setting screen G4 is a screen for setting the control information J42.

[0064] When a predetermined setting screen display operation is input to the input device 72, the control device 78 displays setting screens G1 to G4 on the display device 71. The operator sets various information using the setting screens G1 to G4.

[0065] 7 shows an example of the setting screen G1. The setting screen G1 has a control information table G11 and an option output hold switch S15. The control information table G11 has nine first control information setting sections G12 corresponding to the option output signal ports OP1 to OP9, three second control information setting sections G13 corresponding to the option output signal ports OP10 to OP12, and a support information display button B14.

[0066] An example of the first control information setting section G12 is shown in Fig. 8. The first control information setting section G12 includes a name display section G120, a switch to be used S121, an output signal setting section G122, an output condition setting section G123, an output delay time setting section G124, a forced output button B128, and a repeat setting section G129, which are displayed in a row from left to right. The first control information setting section G12 corresponds to the control information J12.

[0067] The name display section G120 displays the name set in the name information J120 of the control information J12 by the control device 78. The name displayed in the name display section G120 may be a fixed name, or may be set by the operator.

[0068] The use switch S121 is a software key that functions as a slide switch (toggle button). The use switch S121 reflecting the signal port use information J121 is displayed by the control device 78. In addition, every time the use switch S121 is pressed (touched) by the operator, the control device 78 alternates between ON / OFF display of the use switch S121 and stores information corresponding to the display of the use switch S121 in the storage device 73 as the signal port use information J121.

[0069] The output signal setting section G122 displays the information (N.OPEN / N.CLOSE) set by the control device 78 in the output signal setting information J122 of the control information J12.

[0070] When the operator touches the output signal setting section G122, the control device 78 displays (pops up) a selection screen G16 (N.OPEN / N.CLOSE selection screen) shown in FIG. 9 on the setting screen G1. The selection screen G16 has a plurality of selection buttons B161a, B161b, a confirmation button B162, and a screen erase button B163. "N.OPEN" and "N.CLOSE" are assigned to the selection buttons B161a, B161b, respectively. When the operator presses either the selection button B161a or B161b and then the confirmation button B162, the control device 78 erases the selection screen G16, displays information assigned to the selection button pressed by the operator in the output signal setting section G122, and stores the information in the storage device 73 as output signal setting information J122. When the operator presses the screen clear button B163, the control device 78 clears the selection screen G16 and maintains (does not change) the display of the output signal setting section G122 and the output signal setting information J122. The output signal setting information J122 is set using the selection screen G16.

[0071] The output condition setting section G123 displays conditions set in the output condition information J123 of the control information J12 by the control device 78. Specifically, the simple condition setting section G123a displays the conditions set in the simple condition information J123a, and the detailed condition setting sections G123b to G123d display the conditions (condition numbers) set in the detailed condition information J123b to J123d. The detailed condition setting sections G123b to G123d are condition information setting sections.

[0072] When the operator touches the simple condition setting section G123a, the control device 78 displays a selection screen G17 (option output condition selection screen) shown in FIG. 10 superimposed on the setting screen G1. The selection screen G17 has a plurality of selection buttons B171a to B171k, a confirmation button B172, and a screen deletion button B173. The selection buttons B171a to B171k are assigned in order to "none", "automatic mode", "defective product", "repeated lot completion", "alarm", "injection", "plasticization", "mold closing", "mold closing completion", "mold opening", and "mold opening completion". The operator inputs the same operation as the selection screen G16 into the selection screen G17, and the control device 78 performs an operation according to the operation. The simple condition information J123a is set using the selection screen G17.

[0073] When the operator touches the detailed condition setting sections G123b to G123d, the control device 78 displays a numeric keypad screen (not shown) superimposed on the setting screen G1. The numeric keypad screen has number keys from 0 to 9 and a confirm button and a screen clear button similar to those of the selection screen G16. The operator inputs the same operations as those of the selection screen G16 into the numeric keypad screen, and the control device 78 performs an operation according to the operations. The detailed condition information J123b to J123d is set using the numeric keypad screen. When a number other than "0" is set in any of the detailed condition information J123b to J123d, the control device 78 displays "code designation" in the simple condition setting section G123a and stores the "code designation" in the storage device 73 as simple condition information J123a.

[0074] The output delay time setting section G124 displays the delay time set in the output delay time information J124 of the control information J12 by the control device 78. The unit of delay time (s) is displayed to the right of the output delay time setting section G124. The output delay time information J124 is set using the numeric keypad screen, similar to the detailed condition information J123b to J123d.

[0075] The forced output button B128 is a software key that functions as a push button or a toggle button depending on the optional output holding information J15.

[0076] When the option output holding information J15 is "OFF", the control device 78 operates the forced output button B128 as a push button. Specifically, the control device 78 sets the forced output button B128 to a "pressed state" when it is pressed (the operator's finger is touching it), and sets the forced output button B128 to a "released state" when it is not pressed (the operator's finger is off it).

[0077] When the option output holding information J15 is "ON", the control device 78 operates the forced output button B128 as a toggle button. Specifically, the control device 78 alternates between a "pressed state" and a "released state" every time the forced output button B128 is pressed.

[0078] The repeat setting section G129 displays the duration set by the control device 78 in the repeat information J129 of the control information J12. The unit of duration (s) is displayed to the right of the repeat setting section G129. When the duration is other than "0", the control device 78 temporarily switches the "pressed state" of the forced output button B128 to a "released state" every time the "pressed state" of the forced output button B128 continues for a certain period of time. Specifically, when the "pressed state" continues for the period indicated by the duration, the control device 78 switches the "released state" for the period indicated by the duration, and repeats this. When the duration is "0", the control device 78 does not perform an operation to temporarily switch the "pressed state" of the forced output button B128 to a "released state". That is, when the duration is "0", the control device 78 switches between the "pressed state" and the "released state" in accordance with the operation input to the option output holding information J15 and the forced output button B128. The repetition information J129 is set using the numeric keypad screen, similar to the detailed condition information J123b to J123d.

[0079] An example of the second control information setting section G13 is shown in Fig. 8. The second control information setting section G13 includes a name display section G130, a switch to be used S131, an output signal setting section G132, an output condition setting section G133, a forced output button B138, and a repeat setting section G139, which are displayed in a row from left to right. The second control information setting section G13 corresponds to the control information J13.

[0080] The name display section G130, the usage switch S131, the output signal setting section G132, the forced output button B138 and the repeat setting section G139 have the same configuration as the name display section G120, the usage switch S121, the output signal setting section G122, the forced output button B128 and the repeat setting section G129 of the first control information setting section G12.

[0081] The output condition setting section G133 displays the conditions set in the output condition information J133 of the control information J13 by the control device 78. Specifically, the detailed condition setting sections G133a-G133e display the conditions set in the detailed condition information J133a-J133e, and the operator setting sections G133f-G133i display the operators set in the operator information J133f-J133i. Note that the operator "none" is displayed as a blank field.

[0082] The detailed condition information J133a to J133e is set using the numeric keypad screen, similar to the detailed condition information J123b to J123d.

[0083] When the operator touches the operator setting sections G133f-G133i, the control device 78 displays an operator selection screen (not shown) superimposed on the setting screen G1. The operator selection screen has three selection buttons assigned with "None", "AND", and "OR", and a confirm button and a screen clear button similar to those of the selection screen G16. The operator inputs the same operations as those of the selection screen G16 into the operator selection screen, and the control device 78 performs an operation according to the operations. The operator information J133f-J133i is set using the operator selection screen.

[0084] The support information display button B14 is a software key that functions as a push button. The support information display button B14 is disposed above the first control information setting section G12 of the option output signal port OP1. When the operator presses the support information display button B14, the control device 78 displays a support information screen (not shown) superimposed on the setting screen G1. The support information screen is a screen that supports the setting of the detailed condition information J123b to J123d. The support information screen displays a plurality of conditions and their corresponding condition numbers side by side. The support information screen is a condition display screen.

[0085] The optional output hold switch S15 is a software key that functions as a slide switch (toggle switch). The optional output hold switch S15 reflecting the optional output hold information J15 is displayed by the control device 78. Every time the optional output hold switch S15 is pressed by the operator, the control device 78 alternates between ON and OFF display of the optional output hold switch S15, and stores information corresponding to the display of the optional output hold switch S15 in the storage device 73 as the optional output hold information J15.

[0086] 11 shows an example of the setting screen G2. The setting screen G2 has a control information table G21, a valve gate use switch S24, and a valve gate output hold switch S25. The control information table G21 has 12 control information setting sections G22 corresponding to the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12.

[0087] An example of the control information setting section G22 is shown in Fig. 12. The control information setting section G22 includes a name display section G220, a use switch S221, an output start condition setting section G223, an output start delay time setting section G224, an output stop condition setting section G225, an output stop delay time setting section G226, and a forced output button B228, which are displayed in a row from left to right. The control information setting section G22 corresponds to the control information J22.

[0088] The name display section G220, the use switch S221, and the forced output button B228 have the same configuration as the name display section G120, the use switch S121, and the forced output button B128 of the first control information setting section G12. The output start delay time setting section G224 and the output stop delay time setting section G226 have the same configuration as the output delay time setting section G124 of the first control information setting section G12.

[0089] The output start condition setting section G223 displays the conditions set in the output start condition information J223 of the control information J22 by the control device 78. Specifically, the start condition setting section G223a displays the conditions (start conditions) set in the start condition information J223a, and the auxiliary condition setting section G223b displays the information (auxiliary information) set in the auxiliary condition information J223b. To the right of the auxiliary condition setting section G223b, the unit (mm) of the auxiliary information is displayed as necessary.

[0090] When the operator touches the start condition setting section G223a, the control device 78 displays a selection screen G26 (start condition selection screen) shown in FIG. 13 superimposed on the setting screen G2. The selection screen G26 has a plurality of selection buttons B261a to B261e, a confirmation button B262, and a screen deletion button B263. The selection buttons B261a to B261e are assigned, in order, to "mold closing position", "injection position", "injection start", "holding pressure start", and "high pressure switching position". The operator inputs the same operation as the selection screen G16 into the selection screen G26, and the control device 78 performs an operation according to the operation. The start condition information J223a is set using the selection screen G26. Similarly to the detailed condition information J123b to J123d, the auxiliary condition information J223b is set using a numeric keypad screen.

[0091] The output stop condition setting section G225 displays the conditions set by the control device 78 in the output stop condition information J225 of the control information J22.

[0092] When the operator touches the output stop condition setting section G225, the control device 78 displays a selection screen G27 (stop condition selection screen) shown in FIG. 14 superimposed on the setting screen G2. The selection screen G27 has a plurality of selection buttons B271a to B271f, a confirmation button B272, and a screen deletion button B273. The selection buttons B271a to B271f are assigned, in order, to "pressure holding completion", "pressure holding start", "injection start", "injection position", "injection pressure", and "timer". The operator inputs the same operation as the selection screen G16 into the selection screen G27, and the control device 78 performs an operation according to the operation. The output stop condition setting section G225 is set using the selection screen G27.

[0093] In addition, in the control information setting section G22, when the display of the usage switch S221 is "OFF", the control device 78 does not display the output start condition setting section G223, the output start delay time setting section G224, the output stop condition setting section G225, the output stop delay time setting section G226 and the forced output button B228, and leaves these sections blank.

[0094] The valve gate use switch S24 is a software key that functions as a slide switch (toggle button). The valve gate use switch S24 reflecting the valve gate use information J24 is displayed by the control device 78. Every time the operator presses the valve gate use switch S24, the control device 78 alternates between ON and OFF for the display of the valve gate use switch S24, and stores information corresponding to the display of the valve gate use switch S24 in the storage device 73 as the valve gate use information J24.

[0095] The valve gate output hold switch S25 is a software key that functions as a slide switch (toggle button). The valve gate output hold switch S25 reflecting the valve gate output hold information J25 is displayed by the control device 78. Every time the operator presses the valve gate output hold switch S25, the control device 78 alternates between ON and OFF for the display of the valve gate output hold switch S25, and stores information corresponding to the display of the valve gate output hold switch S25 in the storage device 73 as the valve gate output hold information J25.

[0096] An example of the setting screen G3 is shown in Fig. 15. The setting screen G3 has a control information table G31. The control information table G31 has eight control information setting sections G32 corresponding to the analog output signal ports Ch1 to Ch8.

[0097] An example of the control information setting section G32 is shown in Fig. 16. The control information setting section G32 includes a name display section G320, a switch to be used S321, an output signal type setting section G323, and a forced output button B328, which are displayed in a row from left to right. The control information setting section G32 corresponds to the control information J32.

[0098] The name display section G320, the use switch S321, and the forced output button B328 have the same configuration as the name display section G120, the use switch S121, and the forced output button B128 of the first control information setting section G12.

[0099] The output signal type setting section G323 displays the signal type set by the control device 78 in the output signal type information J323 of the control information J32.

[0100] When the output signal type setting section G323 is touched by the operator, the control device 78 displays a selection screen G36 (analog output signal type selection screen) shown in FIG. 17 superimposed on the setting screen G3. The selection screen G36 has a plurality of selection buttons B361a to B361j, a confirmation button B362, and a screen deletion button B363. The selection buttons B361a to B361j are assigned, in order, to "none", "injection speed", "plasticization rotation speed", "mold opening / closing torque", "mold opening / closing position", "injection pressure", "injection position", "plasticization torque", "EJ torque", and "EJ position". The operator inputs the same operation as the selection screen G16 into the selection screen G36, and the control device 78 performs an operation according to the operation. The output signal type information J323 is set using the selection screen G36.

[0101] An example of the setting screen G4 is shown in Fig. 18. The setting screen G4 has a control information table G41. The control information table G41 has eight control information setting sections G42 corresponding to the option input signal ports IP1 to IP8.

[0102] An example of the control information setting section G42 is shown in Fig. 19. The control information setting section G42 includes a name display section G420, a switch to be used S421, an input signal setting section G422, and an operation setting section G423, which are displayed in a row from left to right. The control information setting section G42 corresponds to the control information J42.

[0103] The name display section G420, the switch S421, and the input signal setting section G422 have the same configuration as the name display section G120, the switch S121, and the output signal setting section G122 of the first control information setting section G12.

[0104] The operation setting section G423 displays the operation set by the control device 78 in the operation information J423 of the control information J42.

[0105] When the operator touches the operation setting section G423, the control device 78 displays the selection screen G46 (operation selection screen) shown in FIG. 20 superimposed on the setting screen G4. The selection screen G46 has a plurality of selection buttons B461a to B461k, a confirmation button B462, and a screen deletion button B463. The selection buttons B461a to B461k are assigned, in order, to "none", "mold operation prohibition", "mold closing prohibition", "mold opening prohibition", "EJ forward movement prohibition", "EJ backward movement prohibition", "peripheral device instant stop", "peripheral device one cycle stop", "injection prohibition", "injection unit forward movement prohibition", and "injection unit backward movement prohibition". The operator inputs the same operation as the selection screen G16 into the selection screen G46, and the control device 78 performs an operation according to the operation. The operation information J423 is set using the selection screen G46.

[0106] Next, a description will be given of an example of a signal port control operation executed by the control device 78. The control device 78 is a signal port control device.

[0107] The control device 78 controls the optional output signal port OP1 based on the control information J12 and optional output holding information J15 of the optional output signal port OP1.

[0108] When the output signal setting information J122 is "N.OPEN", the control device 78 sets the first signal output from the optional output signal port OP1 as a condition satisfied signal and the second signal as a condition not satisfied signal.When the output signal setting information J122 is "N.CLOSE", the control device 78 sets the second signal output from the optional output signal port OP1 as a condition satisfied signal and the first signal as a condition not satisfied signal.

[0109] When the signal port usage information J121 is "ON", the control device 78 determines whether the condition set in the output condition information J123 is satisfied. Then, when the delay time set in the output delay time information J124 has elapsed since the condition was satisfied, the control device 78 outputs a condition satisfied signal from the optional output signal port OP1. When the condition is not satisfied, the control device 78 outputs a condition not satisfied signal from the optional output signal port OP1. In other words, when the signal port usage information J121 is "ON", the control device 78 controls the optional output signal port OP1 based on the output condition information J123.

[0110] When the signal port usage information J121 is "OFF", the control device 78 always outputs the second signal (L level) from the option output signal port OP1. In other words, when the signal port usage information J121 is "OFF", the control device 78 controls the option output signal port OP1 not to function.

[0111] When the optional output holding information J15 is "OFF", the controller 78 causes the forced output button B128 to function as a push button. When the optional output holding information J15 is "ON", the controller 78 causes the forced output button B128 to function as a toggle button.

[0112] The control device 78 outputs a condition satisfaction signal when the forced output button B128 of the option output signal port OP1 displayed on the setting screen G1 is in the "pressed state." The control device 78 outputs a condition satisfaction signal or a condition non-satisfaction signal according to the output condition information J123 when the forced output button B128 is in the "released state" and the signal port usage information J121 is "ON." That is, even if the forced output button B128 is in the "released state," the control device 78 outputs a condition satisfaction signal if the signal port usage information J121 is "ON" and the condition set in the output condition information J123 is satisfied, and outputs a condition non-satisfaction signal if the condition is not satisfied. The control device 78 may be configured to always output a condition non-satisfaction signal when the forced output button B128 is in the "released state" while the setting screen G1 is displayed.

[0113] When the duration of the repetition information J129 is other than "0", the control device 78 continues the "pressed state" for the time indicated by the duration, and then continues the "released state" for the time indicated by the duration, and repeats this. For example, when the duration is "3 seconds", the control device 78 continues the "pressed state" for 3 seconds, and the "released state" for 3 seconds until the forced output button B128 is operated to enter the "released state", repeating the "pressed state" and "released state" alternately for 3 seconds each. As a result, a condition satisfied signal and a condition not satisfied signal are output alternately from the option output signal port OP1 for 3 seconds each.

[0114] The controller 78 controls the option output signal ports OP2 to OP9 in the same manner as the option output signal port OP1. The controller 78 also controls the option output signal ports OP10 to OP12 in the same manner as the option output signal port OP1.

[0115] The controller 78 controls the valve gate output signal port VG1 based on the control information J22, the valve gate usage information J24, and the valve gate output hold information J25 of the valve gate output signal port VG1.

[0116] When the valve gate usage information J24 is "ON", the controller 78 controls the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12 based on the control information J22 for the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12. When the valve gate usage information J24 is "OFF", the controller 78 always outputs a second signal (L level) from the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12. In other words, when the valve gate usage information J24 is "OFF", the controller 78 controls the valve gate output signal ports VG1 to VG12 so that they do not function.

[0117] The control device 78 determines the first signal output from the valve gate output signal port VG1 as a condition satisfied signal, and the second signal as a condition not satisfied signal.

[0118] When the signal port usage information J221 is "ON", the control device 78 determines whether the start condition set in the output start condition information J223 and the stop condition set in the output stop condition information J225 are satisfied. Then, when the delay time set in the output start delay time information J224 has elapsed since the start condition was satisfied, the control device 78 outputs a condition satisfaction signal from the valve gate output signal port VG1. When the delay time set in the output stop delay time information J226 has elapsed since the stop condition was satisfied, the control device 78 outputs a condition non-satisfaction signal from the valve gate output signal port VG1. That is, when the signal port usage information J221 is "ON", the control device 78 controls the valve gate output signal port VG1 based on the output condition information (output start condition information J223, output stop condition information J225).

[0119] When the signal port usage information J221 is "OFF", the control device 78 always outputs the second signal (L level) from the valve gate output signal port VG1. In other words, when the signal port usage information J221 is "OFF", the control device 78 controls the valve gate output signal port VG1 not to function.

[0120] When the valve gate output hold information J25 is "OFF", the controller 78 operates the forced output button B228 as a push button. When the valve gate output hold information J25 is "ON", the controller 78 operates the forced output button B228 as a toggle button.

[0121] The control device 78 outputs a condition satisfaction signal when the forced output button B228 of the valve gate output signal port VG1 displayed on the setting screen G2 is in the “pressed state.” When the forced output button B228 is in the “released state” and the signal port usage information J221 is “ON,” the control device 78 outputs a condition satisfaction signal or a condition non-satisfaction signal according to the output condition information (output start condition information J223, output stop condition information J225).

[0122] The control device 78 controls the valve gate output signal ports VG2 to VG12 in the same manner as the valve gate output signal port VG1.

[0123] The control device 78 controls the analog output signal port Ch1 based on the control information J32 for the analog output signal port Ch1.

[0124] When the signal port usage information J321 is “ON”, the control device 78 outputs a signal related to the signal type set in the output signal type information J323 from the analog output signal port Ch1. In other words, when the signal port usage information J321 is “ON”, the control device 78 controls the analog output signal port Ch1 based on the output condition information (output signal type information J323).

[0125] When the signal port usage information J321 is "OFF", the control device 78 always outputs the lower limit voltage of the voltage range (for example, 0 V) ​​from the analog output signal port Ch1. In other words, when the signal port usage information J321 is "OFF", the control device 78 controls the analog output signal port Ch1 not to function.

[0126] The control device 78 operates the forced output button B328 of the analog output signal port Ch1 displayed on the setting screen G3 as a push button. When the forced output button B328 is in the "pressed state", the control device 78 outputs the upper limit voltage of the voltage range (e.g., 10 V). When the forced output button B328 is in the "released state" and the signal port usage information J321 is "ON", the control device 78 outputs a signal related to the signal type set in the output signal type information J323. When the setting screen G3 is displayed and the forced output button B328 is in the "released state", the control device 78 may always output the lower limit voltage of the voltage range (e.g., 0 V).

[0127] The control device 78 controls the analog output signal ports Ch2 to Ch8 in the same manner as the analog output signal port Ch1.

[0128] The control device 78 controls the optional input signal port IP1 based on the control information J42 of the optional input signal port IP1.

[0129] When the input signal setting information J422 is "N.OPEN", the control device 78 sets the first signal input to the optional input signal port IP1 as a condition satisfied signal and the second signal as a condition not satisfied signal.When the input signal setting information J422 is "N.CLOSE", the control device 78 sets the second signal input to the optional input signal port IP1 as a condition satisfied signal and the first signal as a condition not satisfied signal.

[0130] When the signal port usage information J421 is "ON" and a condition satisfied signal is input to the optional input signal port IP1, the control device 78 performs the operation set in the operation information J423. When the signal port usage information J421 is "ON" and a condition not satisfied signal is input to the optional input signal port IP1, the control device 78 does not perform the operation set in the operation information J423.

[0131] The control device 78 assumes that when the signal port usage information J421 is "OFF", a condition not met signal is always input to the optional input signal port IP1. In other words, when the signal port usage information J421 is "OFF", the control device 78 controls the optional input signal port IP1 so that it does not function.

[0132] The control device 78 controls the option input signal ports IP2 to IP8 in the same manner as the option input signal port IP1.

[0133] As described above, the injection molding machine 1 includes the molding machine main body 10 that molds a molded product, and the control unit 7. The control unit 7 is an external signal control device used in the molding machine. The control unit 7 includes an optional output signal port OP1 to which an external device is connected, a storage device 73 in which control information J12 for the optional output signal port OP1 is stored, and a control device 78. The control information J12 includes signal port usage information J121 and output condition information J123. When the signal port usage information J121 is "ON", the control device 78 controls the optional output signal port OP1 based on the output condition information J123. When the signal port usage information J121 is "OFF", the control device 78 controls the optional output signal port OP1 so that the optional output signal port OP1 does not function.

[0134] As a result, when the external device is disconnected from the optional output signal port OP1, the signal port usage information J121 can be set to "OFF" to disable the optional output signal port OP1 while retaining the output condition information J123 in the storage device 73. Furthermore, when the external device is reconnected to the optional output signal port OP1, the signal port usage information can be set to "ON" to control the optional output signal port OP1 based on the output condition information J123 stored in the storage device 73. This simplifies the setting work when reconnecting an external device that has previously been connected to the injection molding machine 1.

[0135] Moreover, the optional output signal port OP1 is an output signal port that outputs a digital signal. The control information J12 includes output signal setting information J122. When the output signal setting information J122 is "N.OPEN", the control device 78 sets the first signal of the digital signal as a condition satisfied signal and the second signal of the digital signal as a condition not satisfied signal, and when the output signal setting information J122 is "N.CLOSE", the control device 78 sets the second signal as a condition satisfied signal and the first signal as a condition not satisfied signal. When the condition related to the output condition information J123 is satisfied, the control device 78 outputs a condition satisfied signal from the optional output signal port OP1, and when the condition related to the output condition information J123 is not satisfied, the control device 78 outputs a condition not satisfied signal from the optional output signal port OP1. In other words, when the output signal setting information J122 is "N.CLOSE", the control device 78 inverts the signal that would be output from the optional output signal port OP1 if the output signal setting information J122 was "N.OPEN" and outputs it from the optional output signal port OP1. In this way, the condition satisfaction signal and the condition non-satisfaction signal output from the optional output signal port OP1 can be easily inverted according to the setting of the output signal setting information J122. Therefore, even if there is a mixture of an external device that uses the first signal as a condition satisfaction signal and an external device that uses the second signal as a condition satisfaction signal, both external devices can be connected to the optional output signal port OP1 without adding a separate signal inversion circuit.

[0136] The control unit 7 has an input device 72 into which an operator's operation is input. The input device 72 has a forced output button B128 corresponding to the optional output signal port OP1. The optional output holding information J15 is stored in the storage device 73. When the optional output holding information J15 is "OFF", the control device 78 sets the state of the forced output button B128 when the forced output button B128 is pressed to a "pressed state", and sets the state of the forced output button B128 when the forced output button B128 is not pressed to a "released state". When the optional output holding information J15 is "ON", the control device 78 holds the state of the forced output button B128 as a "pressed state" when the forced output button B128 is pressed when the forced output button B128 is in the "released state". When the forced output button B128 is pressed when the forced output button B128 is in the "pressed state", the control device 78 holds the state of the forced output button B128 as a "released state". When the forced output button B128 is pressed when the forced output button B128 is in the "pressed state", the control device 78 holds the state of the forced output button B128 as a "released state". When the forced output button B128 is in the "pressed state" or when the condition related to the output condition information J123 is satisfied, the control device 78 outputs a condition satisfaction signal from the option output signal port OP1. When the forced output button B128 is in the "released state" and the condition related to the output condition information J123 is not satisfied, the control device 78 outputs a condition non-satisfaction signal from the option output signal port OP1. In this manner, the operator can forcibly output the condition satisfaction signal from the option output signal port OP1 by operating the forced output button B128. In addition, by setting the option output holding information J15 to "ON", the state in which the condition satisfaction signal is output from the option output signal port OP1 can be held even if the operator does not keep pressing the forced output button B128. Therefore, the operator can easily check the output of the condition satisfaction signal from the option output signal port OP1. Note that the option output holding information J15 may be omitted in the control unit 7.

[0137] The control information J12 also includes repetition information J129. When the control device 78 sets a duration other than "0" in the repetition information J129, the control device 78 temporarily switches the state of the forced output button B128 to the "released state" each time the "pressed state" continues for a certain period of time. In this manner, a condition satisfied signal and a condition not satisfied signal are automatically and repeatedly output alternately from the option output signal port OP1. This allows the operator to easily check the output of the condition satisfied signal and the condition not satisfied signal from the option output signal port OP1.

[0138] The control unit 7 also has a display device 71 on which a setting screen G1 for setting the control information J12 is displayed. The setting screen G1 has a first control information setting section G12 into which output condition information J123 of the control information J12 is input. A condition number corresponding to a condition related to the output condition information J123 can be input into detailed condition setting sections G123b-G123d of the first control information setting section G12. The input device 72 has a support information display button B14. When the support information display button B14 is pressed, the control device 78 displays on the display device 71 a support information screen showing the correspondence between the conditions set in the output condition information J123 and the condition numbers. In this way, the operator can easily check the condition number corresponding to the condition set in the output condition information J123.

[0139] The optional input signal port IP1 is an input signal port to which a digital signal is input. The storage device 73 stores control information J42 for the optional input signal port IP1. The control information J42 includes input signal setting information J422, which is an input inversion flag, and operation information J423. When the control device 78 detects that the input signal setting information J422 is “N.OPEN” ( When the input inversion flag is OFF), the first digital signal is a condition satisfied signal and the second digital signal is a condition not satisfied signal. When the input signal setting information J422 is “N.CLOSE” (input inversion flag is ON), the control device 78 sets the second signal as a condition satisfied signal and the first signal as a condition not satisfied signal. When the condition satisfied signal is input to the optional input signal port IP1, the control device 78 performs an operation related to the operation information J423, and when the condition not satisfied signal is input to the optional input signal port IP1, the control device 78 does not perform an operation related to the operation information J423. In this manner, the condition satisfied signal and the condition not satisfied signal input to the optional input signal port IP1 can be easily inverted according to the setting of the input signal setting information J422. Therefore, for example, even if there is a mixture of an external device that uses the first signal as a condition satisfied signal and an external device that uses the second signal as a condition satisfied signal, both external devices can be connected to the optional input signal port IP1 without adding a separate signal inversion circuit.

[0140] Although the present specification describes an injection molding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to injection molding machines and can be applied to other types of molding machines such as die casting machines.

[0141] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these examples. Any addition, deletion, or design change of components by a person skilled in the art to the above-mentioned embodiments, or any combination of features of the embodiments, is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1...injection molding machine, 2...mold clamping unit, 3...injection unit, 4...removal unit, 5...base, 6...sensor group, 7...control unit, 10...molding machine body, 21...fixed die plate, 22...movable die plate, 23...mold clamping drive mechanism, 31...cylinder, 32...nozzle, 33...resin supply unit, 34...heater, 35...screw, 36...screw drive mechanism, 41...ejection mechanism, 71...display device, 72...input device, 73...storage device, 74...timer, 75...external interface, 78...control device, 81...fixed mold, 82...movable mold, 83...cavity, OP1 to OP12...optional output signal port, VG1 to VG12...valve gate output signal port, Ch1 to Ch8...analog output signal port, IP1 to IP8...optional input signal port, G1 to G4...setting screen

Claims

1. An external signal control device for use in a molding machine, the external signal control device having a signal port to which an external device is connected, a storage device in which control information for the signal port is stored, and a signal port control device, the control information includes a signal port usage flag and condition information; The signal port controller, When the signal port use flag is ON, the signal port is controlled based on the condition information; 2. An external signal control device comprising: a signal port control unit that controls the signal port so that the signal port does not function when the signal port usage flag is OFF.

2. the signal port is an output signal port that outputs a digital signal; the control information further includes an output inversion flag; The signal port controller, when the output inversion flag of the control information is OFF, the first signal of the digital signal is a condition established signal and the second signal of the digital signal is a condition not established signal; when the output inversion flag of the control information is ON, the second signal is set as the condition established signal and the first signal is set as the condition not established signal; outputting the condition satisfaction signal from the output signal port when the condition related to the condition information is satisfied; 2. The external signal control device according to claim 1, wherein when a condition related to said condition information is not satisfied, said condition not satisfied signal is output from said output signal port.

3. The external signal control device further includes an input device to which an operation is input, the signal port is an output signal port that outputs a digital signal; one of the first signal and the second signal of the digital signal is a condition satisfied signal and the other is a condition not satisfied signal; the input device has a forced output button corresponding to the output signal port; The signal port controller, a state of the forced output button when the forced output button is pressed is defined as a pressed state, and a state of the forced output button when the forced output button is not pressed is defined as a released state; when the forced output button is in the pressed state or when a condition related to the condition information is satisfied, the condition satisfaction signal is output from the output signal port; 2. The external signal control device according to claim 1, wherein when the forced output button is in the released state and the condition related to the condition information is not satisfied, the condition non-satisfied signal is output from the output signal port.

4. The external signal control device further includes an input device to which an operation is input, the signal port is an output signal port that outputs a digital signal; one of the first signal and the second signal of the digital signal is a condition satisfied signal and the other is a condition not satisfied signal; the input device has a forced output button corresponding to the output signal port; an output hold flag is stored in the storage device; The signal port controller, When the output hold flag is OFF, the state of the forced output button when it is pressed is set to a pressed state, and the state of the forced output button when it is not pressed is set to a released state; When the output hold flag is ON, if the forced output button is pressed while the forced output button is in the released state, the state of the forced output button is held as the pressed state, and if the forced output button is pressed while the forced output button is in the pressed state, the state of the forced output button is held as the released state; when the forced output button is in the pressed state or when a condition related to the condition information is satisfied, the condition satisfaction signal is output from the output signal port; 2. The external signal control device according to claim 1, wherein when the forced output button is in the released state and the condition related to the condition information is not satisfied, the condition non-satisfied signal is output from the output signal port.

5. The control information further includes repetition information; 5. The external signal control device according to claim 3, wherein the signal port control device, when the repetition information is valid, temporarily changes the state of the forced output button to the released state each time the pressed state continues for a certain period of time.

6. The external signal control device further includes a display device on which a setting screen for setting the control information is displayed, and an input device through which an operation is input, the setting screen has a condition information setting section into which the condition information is input, A condition number corresponding to a condition related to the condition information can be input to the condition information setting unit, the input device has a support information display button, 2. The external signal control device according to claim 1, wherein said signal port control device displays, when said support information display button is pressed, a condition display screen showing the correspondence between said conditions and said condition numbers on said display device.

7. the signal port is an input signal port to which a digital signal is input, the control information includes operation information instead of the condition information and further includes an input inversion flag; The signal port controller, when the input inversion flag of the control information is OFF, the first signal of the digital signal is a condition established signal and the second signal of the digital signal is a condition not established signal; When the input inversion flag of the control information is ON, the second signal is set as the condition established signal and the first signal is set as the condition not established signal; When the condition satisfaction signal is input to the input signal port, an operation related to the operation information is performed; 2. The external signal control device according to claim 1, wherein when the condition not satisfied signal is input to the input signal port, the operation related to the operation information is not performed.

8. A molding machine comprising: a molding machine body for molding a molded product; and the external signal control device according to claim 1.

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