Injection molding machine

Abstract

To enable separately cooling a portion of a flow channel of a molding material in a hot-runner type die and a portion in which a molded article is formed, in an injection molding machine in which the hot-runner type die is used.SOLUTION: A die 31 for a molded article comprises: a hot-runner type die 31 having a runner portion 311a, which is a portion where a flow channel for a molding material is provided, and a product portion 312a, which is a portion of the die 31 where the molded article is formed; a first temperature regulator 520 for regulating the temperature of the runner portion 311a of the die 31; and a second temperature regulator 530 for regulating the temperature of the product portion 312a of the die 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection molding machine.

Background Art

[0002] Among the molds used in an injection molding machine, in the case of a hot runner mold, the molding material in the flow path in the mold is heated and kept in a molten state.

[0003] Patent Document 1 includes a mold clamping device provided with a mold, an injection device for injecting resin, and a controller. The mold is a hot runner mold in which a plurality of heaters and a plurality of temperature sensors are provided inside, and the resin temperature of the runner in the mold is controlled. The controller is set with a sensor-specific set temperature that is the temperature at which temperature rise is completed for each of the plurality of temperature sensors, and a sensor-specific temperature reach time that is the time for the plurality of heaters to be turned on from the state where the mold is cooled and the resin in the runner is solidified until the plurality of temperature sensors reach the sensor-specific set temperature respectively. When the mold is cooled and the resin in the runner is solidified, and then the runner is heated by the plurality of heaters and the resin is melted to a state where the start of the molding cycle is possible, the controller controls the plurality of heaters so that the temperature rise completion timings for reaching the sensor-specific set temperature coincide for each of the temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors based on the sensor-specific temperature reach time. An injection molding machine is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the manufacturing process of a molded product, the mold becomes hot. Particularly in the case of a hot runner mold, since the molding material is heated in the runner part, a high-temperature state is maintained. However, if the high-temperature state is continuously maintained in the mold, deterioration of members with low heat resistance such as packings occurs. Therefore, after the completion of the manufacturing process, etc., the mold is cooled using a temperature regulator or the like. On the other hand, the part of the mold where the molded product is formed does not deteriorate due to high temperature, such as near the flow path of the molding material. However, if forced cooling is performed using a temperature regulator or the like, condensation occurs and causes rust on the mold. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to cool the part of the flow path of the molding material in the mold and the part where the molded product is formed separately.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to enable separate cooling of the part of the flow path of the molding material in the mold and the part where the molded product is formed in an injection molding machine using a hot runner mold.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an injection molding machine comprising a hot runner mold having a runner part which is a part where a flow path of a molding material is provided and a product part which is a part where a molded product is formed, a first temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of the runner part of the mold, and a second temperature regulator for regulating the temperature of the product part of the mold.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, in an injection molding machine using a hot runner mold, the part of the flow path of the molding material in the mold and the part where the molded product is formed can be cooled separately.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Device Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an injection molding machine to which this embodiment is applied. The injection molding machine 10 includes an injection device 20, a mold clamping device 30, a control device 100, and a data processing device 200. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the injection molding machine 10 uses a hot runner mold and includes a hot runner controller, a first temperature regulator, and a second temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature of this mold (see FIG. 7).

[0011] The injection device 20 includes a cylinder for heating a molding material, a screw that is rotatable within this cylinder and is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction, a rotary motor for driving this screw in the rotational direction, a motor for driving this screw in the axial direction, and the like. The molding material is, for example, a resin or the like. The injection device 20 injects the molding material heated and liquefied in the cylinder by advancing in the direction (forward) from the injection device 20 toward the mold clamping device 30 while rotating the screw, and fills it into the mold of the mold clamping device 30 arranged in front of the injection device 20. The injection device 20 performs, for example, a metering process, a filling process, a holding pressure process, etc. in the manufacturing process of a molded product. The filling process and the holding pressure process are collectively also called the injection process.

[0012] The mold clamping device 30 includes a mold, a clamping mechanism for clamping the mold, a motor for driving the clamping mechanism, and the like. The mold clamping device 30 closes the mold and receives the molding material injected from the injection device 20 into the mold. At this time, the mold clamping device 30 clamps the mold by the clamping mechanism so that the mold does not open when the molding material is filled (mold clamping). A molded product is generated when the molding material filled in the mold solidifies. After that, the mold clamping device 30 opens the mold so that the generated molded product can be taken out. Details of the mold will be described later. The mold clamping device 30 performs, for example, a mold closing process, a pressure boosting process, a mold clamping process, a pressure releasing process, a mold opening process, etc. in the manufacturing process of the molded product.

[0013] The control device 100 is a device that controls the operations of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The data processing device 200 is a device that processes data obtained as the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 operate. Although not particularly shown, the control device 100 and the data processing device 200 are provided with an input device for performing operations by the user to input commands and data, a display device for displaying various screens such as an operation screen and an information presentation screen, and the like.

[0014] <Configuration of the control device 100> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 100. The control device 100 controls the operations of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30. The control device 100 is realized by, for example, a computer. The control device 100 includes a control unit 110, a molding condition setting unit 120, and a storage unit 130. The control device 100 repeatedly manufactures a molded product by controlling the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 to repeatedly perform the steps related to the manufacture of the molded product. The steps related to the manufacture of the molded product include a metering step, a mold closing step, a pressure increasing step, a mold clamping step, a filling step, a holding pressure step, a cooling step, a pressure releasing step, a mold opening step, a pushing out step, and the like. Hereinafter, these steps related to the manufacture may be collectively referred to as the "manufacturing steps". Also, a series of operations for obtaining a molded product, for example, the operations from the start of the metering step in the above manufacturing steps to the start of the next metering step are called "shots", "molding cycles", etc. It should be noted that each of the above steps for manufacturing a molded product is merely an example. For example, as a step executed in one shot, other steps not included above may be included.

[0015] The control unit 110 controls the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 based on the control information. The control information includes conditions set by the user and conditions fixedly determined. The conditions set by the user are generated based on, for example, information input by the user using an input device (not shown). The control information includes, for example, molding conditions such as cylinder temperature (resin temperature), mold temperature, injection holding pressure time, metering value, V-P switching position, holding pressure, injection speed (filling speed), screw rotation speed, screw back pressure, mold clamping force, etc. A plurality of combinations of these molding conditions are determined according to the molded product and the mold. The combination data of these molding conditions is hereinafter also referred to as molding condition dataset. The molding condition dataset is prepared according to the type of the molded product, the mold, etc., and is stored in the storage unit 130.

[0016] The control unit 110 controls the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 using the above-mentioned molding condition data set, and performs the processes related to the production (shot) of a molded product including the above-mentioned each process and the like. When starting the production of a molded product or the like, the control unit 110 reads out from the storage unit 130 the molding condition data set corresponding to the molded product to be produced. Then, the control unit 110 controls the operations of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 based on the control information including the read molding condition data set. Specifically, the control unit 110 controls the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 so that the data obtained from the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 in the production process matches the set value of the molding condition data set.

[0017] The molding condition setting unit 120 sets the molding conditions used in the control of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 by the control unit 110. The setting of the molding conditions is performed by the molding condition setting unit 120 writing the molding condition data set into the control information held in the storage unit 130. Also, the setting of the molding conditions is performed based on the information input by the user using the input screen described later. When the production process of the molded product is repeated, the states of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 change, and this change in the states of the devices 20, 30 affects the quality of the molded product (hereinafter referred to as "molding quality"). Therefore, in order to maintain the molding quality in the operation when mass-producing the molded product, the molding condition setting unit 120 may automatically adjust the molding conditions.

[0018] The storage unit 130 holds the control information used in the control of the injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 by the control unit 110. The control information includes the molding condition data set set by the molding condition setting unit 120. The molding condition data set is prepared in association with the molded product to be produced and the mold. The storage unit 130 holds the molding condition data set for each molded product and mold to be produced. Also, the storage unit 130 holds the information on the molding conditions input by the user. The molding condition setting unit 120 writes the molding condition data set into the control information based on the information held in the storage unit 130.

[0019] Further, although not shown, the storage unit 130 stores programs for the control unit 110 to control the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30, and programs for the molding condition setting unit 120 to set molding conditions. Although details will be described later, by the processor in the control device 100 reading and executing the programs stored in the storage unit 130, the functions of the control unit 110 and the molding condition setting unit 120 are realized.

[0020] <Configuration of Data Processing Device 200> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the data processing device 200. The data processing device 200 acquires and processes data obtained as the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 execute operations in the processes related to the production of the above-described molded product. Further, the data processing device 200 receives an input operation by the user, generates information used by the molding condition setting unit 120 of the control device 100 to set molding conditions, and sends it to the control device 100. The data processing device 200 is realized by, for example, a computer. The data processing device 200 includes a data acquisition unit 210, a processing unit 220, and a storage unit 230.

[0021] The data acquisition unit 210 acquires data to be processed from the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. Various sensors, detectors, etc. are attached to the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. Also, various measuring instruments may be connected to the injection device 20 or the clamping device 30. The data (hereinafter referred to as "acquired data") acquired using these sensors, detectors, measuring instruments, etc. is information representing the molding results by the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30, and is used for quality control of the molded product. Specifically, for example, it includes the weight of the molded product, the dimensions of the molded product, the in-mold pressure, the minimum cushion position, the characteristic quantities of the filling pressure waveform, etc. These acquired data are actual values obtained in the manufacturing process of the molded product. The data acquisition unit 210 receives the acquired data transmitted from the sensors, detectors, or measuring instruments and stores it in the storage unit 230.

[0022] The processing unit 220 processes the acquired data stored in the storage unit 230. Specifically, the processing unit 220 performs processes such as extraction of representative values of the acquired data in each process, generation of time-series data obtained by time-seriesizing the acquired data in each process, etc. In the extraction of representative values, the processing unit 220 performs statistical processes such as calculation of average values, specification of the range of possible values, specification of maximum and minimum values, etc. on the acquired data.

[0023] The storage unit 230 holds the acquired data acquired by the data acquisition unit 210. As the data format of the acquired data held in the storage unit 230, for example, binary, text, CSV (Comma Separated Values), INI, YAML (YAML Ain't Markup Language), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), etc. may be used. By using data files in these general-purpose data formats, it becomes possible to exchange the data files held in the storage unit 230 with other information processing devices or edit the data files acquired from external devices.

[0024] Also, although not shown in the figure, the storage unit 230 holds a program for the processing unit 220 to execute data processing. As will be described in detail later, the function of the processing unit 220 is realized by the processor in the data processing device 200 reading and executing the program held in the storage unit 230.

[0025] <Hardware Configuration of Control Device 100 and Data Processing Device 200> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a computer 400 that realizes the control device 100 and the data processing device 200. The computer 400 shown in FIG. 4 includes a processor 401 that is an arithmetic means, and a main storage device (main memory) 402 and an auxiliary storage device 403 that are storage means. As the processor 401, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or other various arithmetic circuits can be used. The processor 401 reads the program stored in the auxiliary storage device 403 into the main storage device 402 and executes it. As the main storage device 402, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used. As the auxiliary storage device 403, for example, a magnetic disk device, an SSD (Solid State Drive), or the like is used. Further, a display device 404 for displaying an image and an input device 405 as an input means for performing an input operation by a user of the computer are connected to the computer 400. As the input device 405, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like is used. Note that the configuration of the computer 400 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and the computer 400 used in the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration example of FIG. 4. For example, it may be configured to include a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage device.

[0026] When the control device 100 is realized by the computer shown in FIG. 4, the functions of the control unit 110 and the molding condition setting unit 120 are realized, for example, by the processor 401 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 130 is realized, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 403.

[0027] When the data processing device 200 is implemented by the computer shown in FIG. 4, the functions of the data acquisition unit 210 and the processing unit 220 are realized, for example, by the processor 401 loading and executing a program. The storage unit 230 is realized, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 403.

[0028] <Mold Temperature Control> Next, the mold temperature control will be described. The mold used in this embodiment is a hot runner mold in which the molding material in the flow path in the mold is held in a molten state (hereinafter referred to as a "hot runner mold"). First, the mold and the configuration for adjusting the mold temperature will be described, and then the specific temperature control operation will be described.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an injection molding machine 10 with a mold set. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the mold. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration for adjusting the mold temperature. As shown in FIG. 5, the mold 31 is set in the mold clamping device 30, and in the injection process, the molten molding material heated from the injection device 20 is filled into the mold 31. Then, the molding product is formed by cooling and solidifying the molding material filled in the mold 31.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 5, the injection device 20 includes a cylinder 21, a screw 22 provided in the cylinder 21, and a motor 23 for driving the screw 22. The injection device 20 also includes a hopper 24 for supplying the molding material into the cylinder 21, a heater 25 for heating and melting the molding material in the cylinder 21, and a backflow prevention valve 26 for preventing the liquid molding material from flowing back in the cylinder 21. The mold clamping device 30 has a clamping mechanism 32, and by the operation of this clamping mechanism 32, the mold 31 set in the mold clamping device 30 is opened, closed, and clamped.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 6, the mold 31 is composed of a fixed mold 311 and a movable mold 312. The fixed mold 311 is fixed in position when set in the mold clamping device 30. The movable mold 312 is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the fixed mold 311 by the clamping mechanism 32 (see Fig. 5) of the mold clamping device 30 when set in the mold clamping device 30. When the movable mold 312 advances toward the fixed mold 311 by the clamping mechanism 32, the mold 31 is closed and mold clamping is performed. When the movable mold 312 retreats by the clamping mechanism 32 and separates from the fixed mold 311, the molded product can be taken out. In Fig. 6, the fixed mold 311 and the movable mold 312 are shown in a separated state.

[0032] The fixed mold 311 includes a runner portion 311a which is a flow path through which the molding material passes, a sprue portion 311b provided on one end side of the runner portion 311a, a gate portion 311c provided on the other end side of the runner portion 311a, and a heater 311d that covers and heats the runner portion 311a.

[0033] The runner portion 311a is a passage for the molding material injected from the injection device 20. Since the mold 31 of this embodiment is a hot runner type, in the manufacturing process, the molding material passing through the runner portion 311a does not solidify and no solid runner is formed. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 6, the runner portion 311a has a shape in which one flow path continuing from the sprue portion 311b is divided into two flow paths in the middle.

[0034] The sprue portion 311b is provided so as to face the injection device 20 when the fixed mold 311 is set in the mold clamping device 30. In the injection process, the nozzle at the tip of the cylinder 21 of the injection device 20 contacts the sprue portion 311b, and the molding material is injected from the cylinder 21 into the sprue portion 311b. The injected molding material is sent to the runner portion 311a through the sprue portion 311b.

[0035] The gate part 311c is the injection port of the molding material passing through the runner part 311a. The gate part 311c is provided in the fixed mold 311 so as to face the movable mold 312 on the side opposite to the sprue part 311b. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, the runner part 311a branches in the middle, and two gate parts 311c are described.

[0036] The heater 311d is provided at the part where the runner part 311a of the fixed mold 311 is formed, and heats the runner part 311a. When heated by the heater 311d, the molding material in the runner part 311a remains in a molten liquid state. Although not particularly shown, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the runner part 311a is provided around the runner part 311a of the fixed mold 311.

[0037] The movable mold 312 is provided with a product part 312a where a molded product is formed at a position corresponding to the gate part 311c on the side facing the fixed mold 311. In the example shown in FIG. 6, two product parts 312a corresponding to the two gate parts 311c are shown. More specifically, when the mold 31 is closed by the clamping mechanism 32 of the mold clamping device 30, as shown in FIG. 7, a space 313 is formed by the cavitation and the core formed at the mutually facing parts of the fixed mold 311 and the movable mold 312. Then, the molding material is filled into this space 313, and the filled molding material solidifies to become a molded product. In the example shown in FIG. 6, for the sake of convenience, the part on the movable mold 312 side that forms the space 313 shown in FIG. 7 is defined as the product part 312a.

[0038] As described above, in the hot runner type mold 31, the runner portion 311a of the fixed mold 311 is heated by the heater 311d. As shown in FIG. 7, the heater 311d is controlled by the hot runner controller 510. The hot runner controller 510 acquires information on the detected temperature from the temperature sensor provided in the fixed mold 311 during the manufacturing process, and controls the heater 311d so that the runner portion 311a reaches a preset temperature. In addition, the hot runner controller 510 is provided with three types of operation modes as operations after the production of the molded products of the target production quantity is completed, and controls the ON / OFF of the heater 311d according to the set operation mode. The three types of operation modes are a mode in which the heater 311d is stopped after the production of the molded products of the target production quantity is completed (hereinafter referred to as the "OFF mode"), a mode in which the operation of the heater 311d is continued (hereinafter referred to as the "ON mode"), and a mode in which the heater 311d is controlled so as to keep the runner portion 311a at a predetermined temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "heat retention mode"). The OFF mode is an example of the first operation mode, and the ON mode and the heat retention mode are examples of the second operation mode. The operation details of each mode will be described later. The hot runner controller 510 and the injection molding machine 10 (heater 311d and temperature sensor) are connected using communication means such as OPC-UA, SPICCP, and MODBUS, for example.

[0039] In addition, a temperature regulator for adjusting the temperature of the mold 31 is connected to the mold 31. The temperature regulator adjusts the temperature of the mold 31, which is heated when the molten molding material is filled, by flowing a refrigerant such as water or oil through the flow path provided in the mold 31. In the present embodiment, a first temperature regulator 520 for adjusting the temperature of the portion including the runner portion 311a of the mold 31 and a second temperature regulator 530 for adjusting the temperature of the portion including the product portion 312a of the mold 31 are separately prepared and connected respectively.

[0040] The first temperature controller 520 and the second temperature controller 530 are connected to the injection molding machine 10 using communication means such as OPC-UA, SPICCP, MODBUS, etc. Then, the first temperature controller 520 and the second temperature controller 530 acquire information on the operating mode of the hot runner controller 510 and operate in cooperation with the operation of the hot runner controller 510. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the portion including the runner portion 311a of the mold 31 corresponds to the fixed mold 311, and temperature adjustment by the first temperature controller 520 is performed on the fixed mold 311. Also, the portion including the product portion 312a of the mold 31 corresponds to the movable mold 312, and temperature adjustment by the second temperature controller 530 is performed on the movable mold 312.

[0041] In the manufacturing process of the molded product, the mold 31 is heated by the molding material to be filled. Also, in the hot runner type mold 31, heating is performed by the heater 311d to keep the molding material in the runner portion 311a in a molten state. Also, even after the production of the molded products of the target production quantity is completed, the mold 31 continues to be heated for a while by the molding material remaining inside the mold 31. Here, packings etc. provided in the flow path etc. through which the refrigerant of the temperature controller passes have lower heat resistance compared to the main body of the mold 31 and deteriorate when a high temperature state is maintained. For this reason, even after the production of the molded products of the target production quantity is completed, it is required to suppress the temperature of the mold 31 from rising by continuing to operate the temperature controller.

[0042] On the other hand, in the product section 312a, there is no heat source for maintaining a high temperature state like the runner section 311a. Therefore, even for members with low heat resistance such as the above-mentioned packing, there is no concern about deterioration due to high temperature after the production of the molded product is completed. However, in the product section 312a, if forced cooling is performed, condensation will occur, which may cause rust on the mold 31. In addition, performing cooling on the product section 312a that does not require cooling by a temperature controller will result in wasted power consumption. For this reason, after the production of the molded products up to the target production quantity is completed, it is required to stop the temperature controller and cool by natural heat dissipation. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, a first temperature controller 520 for the fixed mold 311 including the runner section 311a and a second temperature controller 530 for the movable mold 312 including the product section 312a are provided separately and configured to operate individually.

[0043] <Operation Examples of Hot Runner Controller 510 and First and Second Temperature Controllers 520, 530> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing operation examples of the hot runner controller 510, the first temperature controller 520, and the second temperature controller 530 accompanying the operation of the injection molding machine 10. As a preliminary setting, it is assumed that the operation mode of the hot runner controller 510 after the production of the molded products up to the target production quantity is completed is set to any one of the OFF mode, ON mode, and heat preservation mode. Here, the OFF mode is an operation mode used, for example, when the injection molding machine 10 is stopped without performing the production of other molded products or the like after the production of the molded products up to the target production quantity is completed. The ON mode and the heat preservation mode are operation modes used, for example, when the temperature of the mold 31 and the molding material inside the mold 31 are kept in a molten state when the production of the molded products up to the separately set target production quantity (hereinafter referred to as "next production") is continuously carried out after the production of the molded products up to the target production quantity is completed.

[0044] After the operation mode of the hot runner controller 510 is set, under the control of the control device 100, the molding cycle of the molded product is started (S101). Next, the control device 100 determines whether C = T, where C is the number of shots performed so far after the start of the molding cycle and T is the target number of shots for production. If C ≠ T (NO in S102), it is determined whether C = T for each shot. On the other hand, if C = T (YES in S102), the control device 100 retracts the injection device 20 from the position during the injection process, purges the molding material M remaining in the cylinder 21, and stops the second temperature regulator 530 corresponding to the product part 312a of the mold 31 (S103). Thereby, the forced cooling for the product part 312a is stopped. At this time, the first temperature regulator 520 corresponding to the runner part 311a of the mold 31 remains in the operating state.

[0045] Next, when the operation mode of the hot runner controller 510 (described as "HR mode" in the figure) is the OFF mode (YES in S104), the hot runner controller 510 turns off the heater 311d (described as "HR heater" in the figure) (S105). Then, the first temperature regulator 520 acquires detection data by a temperature sensor provided in the mold 31 and compares the current temperature T1 of the runner part 311a with the set temperature T2. The set temperature T2 is a temperature set as a safe temperature at which deterioration of the packing provided in the mold 31 does not occur. If T1 ≥ T2 (NO in S106), the first temperature regulator 520 continues to monitor the temperature T1 of the runner part 311a, and if T1 < T2 (YES in S106), the first temperature regulator 520 is turned off (S107).

[0046] On the other hand, when the operation mode of the hot runner controller 510 is the ON mode (NO in S104, YES in S108), the hot runner controller 510 maintains the heater 311d in the ON state (S109). Then, the injection molding machine 10 starts the next production. In this case, the first temperature controller 520 remains in the ON state, and the second temperature controller 530 turns ON when the next production starts. Also, for the hot runner controller 510, the operation mode after the completion of the next production is set.

[0047] Also, when the operation mode of the hot runner controller 510 is the heat preservation mode (NO in S104, NO in S108), the hot runner controller 510 controls the heater 311d to keep the runner part 311a warm (described as "heat preservation control" in the figure) (S110). Then, the injection molding machine 10 starts the next production. In this case, the first temperature controller 520 remains in the ON state, and the second temperature controller 530 turns ON when the next production starts. Also, for the hot runner controller 510, the operation mode after the completion of the next production is set.

[0048] In the above operation example, control is performed to stop the first temperature controller 520 based on the temperature T1 of the runner part 311a of the mold 31. On the other hand, if the timing when the temperature T1 of the runner part 311a becomes lower than the safe temperature can be specified, information other than the temperature T1 of the runner part 311a may be used as the stop condition for the first temperature controller 520. For example, based on the performance data, the time t required for the temperature T1 of the runner part 311a to become lower than the safe temperature while the operation of the first temperature controller 520 continues is predicted, and after the heater 311d is stopped (see S105), the first temperature controller 520 may be configured to stop after the predicted time t has elapsed.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiments, the first temperature regulator 520 for the runner part 311a and the second temperature regulator 530 for the product part 312a are provided separately. However, as long as it is possible to independently control the temperature of the runner part 311a and the temperature of the product part 312a, the first temperature regulator 520 and the second temperature regulator 530 may be an integrated device.

[0050] Also, in the above embodiments, the temperature regulation target of the first temperature regulator 520 is the fixed mold 311 including the runner part 311a, and the temperature regulation target of the second temperature regulator 530 is the movable mold 312 including the product part 312a. However, the first temperature regulator 520 and the second temperature regulator 530 individually cool the runner part 311a and the product part 312a, and depending on the configuration of the mold 31, the above correspondence may not apply. In addition, various changes and configuration alternatives that do not depart from the scope of the technical idea of the present invention are included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0051] 10... Injection molding machine, 20... Injection device, 30... Mold clamping device, 31... Mold, 32... Clamping mechanism, 100... Control device, 110... Control unit, 120... Molding condition setting unit, 130... Memory unit, 200... Data processing device, 210... Data acquisition unit, 220... Processing unit, 230... Memory unit, 311... Fixed mold, 311a... Runner part, 311b... Sprue part, 311c... Gate part, 311d... Heater, 312... Movable mold, 312a... Product part, 510... Hot runner controller, 520... First temperature regulator, 530... Second temperature regulator

Claims

1. An injection molding machine comprising: a hot runner mold having a runner portion which is a portion provided with a flow path for a molding material, and a product portion which is a portion where a molded product is formed; a first temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the runner portion of the mold; a second temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the product portion of the mold; and characterized by comprising the above.

2. The first temperature controller operates based on a predetermined setting after the production of the molded product is completed; The injection molding machine according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second temperature controller stops after the production of the molded product is completed.

3. Further comprising a controller for a heater that heats the runner portion of the mold; The controller has a first operation mode for stopping the heater and a second operation mode for not stopping the heater as operation modes after the production of the molded product is completed; The injection molding machine according to Claim 2, characterized in that the first temperature controller performs an operation based on the predetermined setting when the controller is in the first operation mode.

4. The injection molding machine according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first temperature controller stops on the condition that the temperature of the runner portion of the mold becomes lower than a set temperature after the heater is stopped as an operation based on the predetermined setting.

5. The injection molding machine according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first temperature controller stops on the condition that a predetermined time has elapsed after the heater is stopped as an operation based on the predetermined setting.

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