Injection molding system, temperature rise timing control program, and temperature rise timing control method

Abstract

To solve the problem that, in a conventional injection molding apparatus, it is not possible to complete a temperature raising operation of an entire injection molding apparatus in time for a start of work.SOLUTION: An injection molding system of the present invention includes: a mold clamping device to which a mold is attached; an injection device that supplies resin to be molded into a cavity of the mold; and a temperature control device that controls temperatures of a plurality of heating target portions provided in association with at least one of the mold clamping device, the injection device, and the mold. The temperature control device has a temperature rise timing control unit that starts heating each heating target portion with a target temperature rise completion time corresponding to a set work start time. The temperature rise timing control unit calculates a temperature rise start time for each heating target portion by applying a pre-prepared relational function to the external temperature, the detected temperature for each heating target portion, and the set temperature rise completion temperature for each heating target portion (S8), and starts heating for each heating target portion when a current time reaches the temperature rise start time (S10).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to, for example, an injection molding system having a plurality of heating target locations, and a temperature rise timing control program and a temperature rise timing control method thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] An injection molding machine has multiple heating target parts with different heating characteristics, such as hydraulic oil used in the clamping operation of the clamping device, a heater that heats the injection device that injects the molding resin, a temperature control medium (hereinafter referred to as temperature control medium) used to control the temperature of the mold, and a heater that heats the hot runner of the mold, etc. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a heating control method for multiple heating target parts.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which, when multiple temperature control zones controlled at different temperatures are set in a hot runner of a mold, the start time of temperature rise is set for each temperature control zone to align the completion time of temperature rise. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-73473 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When considering only the temperature rise of the mold's hot runner, the heating device used for heating is a heater only, and the mold in which the hot runner is formed is a single component, so the temperature rise start time can be set by considering only the temperature rise completion temperature. However, when considering the entire injection molding apparatus, the volumes of the heated objects, such as the hydraulic oil, the heating cylinder of the injection apparatus, the heated air supplied to the hopper that supplies material to the injection apparatus, the temperature control medium that controls the mold temperature, and the hot runner, are different, and the heated materials have different temperature rise characteristics (solid, liquid, and gas). Furthermore, the influence of external air is also significant. Therefore, simply considering the temperature rise completion temperature alone is not enough to achieve a uniform temperature rise completion time for the entire injection molding apparatus. In other words, with the technology described in Cited Document 1, in order to ensure that the injection molding apparatus is ready for immediate use at the start of operation, the heating start time must be set individually for each heated object, which results in cumbersome operations.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to complete the temperature rise operation of the entire injection molding apparatus in accordance with the start time of work without setting a temperature rise start time for each heating target part. Other objects and novel features will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An injection molding system according to one embodiment comprises a mold clamping device to which a mold that forms a cavity for molding a molded product is attached, an injection device that supplies the resin that will become the molded product to the cavity of the mold, and a temperature control device that controls the temperature of a plurality of heated parts that are provided in association with at least one of the mold clamping device, the injection device, and the mold, wherein the temperature control device has a temperature rise timing control unit that starts heating each of the heated parts with a target temperature rise completion time that corresponds to a set work start time, and the temperature rise timing control unit applies a pre-prepared relationship function to the external temperature, the detected temperature for each of the heated parts, and the set temperature rise completion temperature for each of the heated parts to calculate a temperature rise start time for each of the heated parts, and starts heating each of the heated parts when the current time reaches the temperature rise start time.

[0008] A temperature rise timing control program according to one embodiment is executed by a calculation unit incorporated in an injection molding system including a mold clamping device to which a mold that forms a cavity for molding a molded product is attached, and an injection device that supplies a resin that will become the molded product to the cavity of the mold, and is used to control the temperature rise of a plurality of heated portions that are provided in association with at least one of the mold clamping device, the injection device, and the mold. The temperature rise timing control program performs a temperature control condition generation process that applies at least one of the operation stop times and external temperature of an injection molding machine that is equipped with the mold clamping device and the injection device and an injection molding apparatus that includes the mold, the detected temperatures for each of the heated portions, and the temperature rise completion temperatures set for each of the heated portions to a pre-prepared relationship function to generate temperature rise control conditions for each of the heated portions so that the temperatures of all of the heated portions reach the temperature rise completion temperature by the set operation start time, and a temperature rise control process that performs temperature rise control for each of the heated portions in accordance with the temperature control conditions.

[0009] A temperature rise timing control method according to one embodiment is a temperature rise timing control method for controlling the temperature rise of a plurality of heated portions associated with at least one of a mold clamping device to which a mold that forms a cavity for molding a molded product is attached, and an injection device that supplies a resin that will become the molded product to the cavity of the mold, by automatic processing using a calculation unit incorporated in an injection molding system. The temperature rise control method applies at least one of the operation stop time and external temperature of an injection molding machine equipped with the mold clamping device and the injection device and an injection molding apparatus including the mold, the detected temperature for each heated portion, and the temperature rise completion temperature set for each heated portion to a pre-prepared relationship function, and generates temperature rise control conditions for each heated portion so that the temperatures of all heated portions reach the temperature rise completion temperature by the set operation start time, and performs temperature rise control for each heated portion in accordance with the temperature control conditions.

[0010] In one embodiment of the injection molding system, heating timing control program, and heating timing control method, the heating start time is automatically calculated for each temperature adjustment device based on the heating start time so that the heating completion time of multiple temperature adjustment devices provided corresponding to multiple heating target areas coincides with the work start time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one embodiment of the injection molding system, the temperature rise timing control program, and the temperature rise timing control method, the temperature rise operation of the entire injection molding apparatus can be completed in line with the start time of work without having to set a temperature rise start time for each heating target part. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of an injection molding system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of a temperature control device of an injection molding system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 4 is a timing chart illustrating a temperature increasing operation in the injection molding system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a temperature control device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings have been omitted and simplified as appropriate. Furthermore, each element shown in the drawings as a functional block performing various processes can be configured in hardware with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and other circuits, and in software with a program loaded into memory, etc. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms using only hardware, only software, or a combination thereof, and are not limited to any one of these. In addition, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals in each drawing, and redundant explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0014] Furthermore, the above-described program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, causes the computer to perform one or more functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium or a tangible storage medium. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media or tangible storage media include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray (registered trademark) disc or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage device. The program may also be transmitted on a transitory computer-readable medium or communication medium. By way of example and not limitation, transitory computer-readable media or communication media include electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of propagated signals.

[0015] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram illustrating an outline of an injection molding system 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a temperature control device 30 of the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the injection molding system 1 includes a mold clamping unit 10, an injection unit 20, and a temperature control device 30, that the injection molding machine 2 includes the mold clamping unit 10 and the temperature control device 30 excluding the mold, and that the injection molding device 3 includes a mold 15, a mold clamping unit 10, and an injection unit 20. Note that the mold 15, in particular, may be supplied by a manufacturer different from that of the injection molding machine 2. Furthermore, the water supply temperature adjustment unit 32 and the heater temperature adjustment unit 33 of the temperature control device 30 are attached to the mold 15, and may be supplied by a manufacturer different from that of the injection molding machine 2.

[0016] Furthermore, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 in the injection molding system 1 can be implemented as a computing device such as a computer that calculates the temperature rise start time for each heating target portion included in the injection molding apparatus 3. Furthermore, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 only needs to be able to operate multiple temperature adjustment devices, and can be integrated with multiple temperature control devices or connected to multiple temperature control devices via a communication network. In other words, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 can be installed as part of the injection molding apparatus 3, in the factory where the injection molding apparatus 3 is installed, or in a location different from the factory where the injection molding apparatus 3 is installed. When the function of the temperature rise timing control unit 31 is realized by executing a temperature control program on a computer, the temperature control program may be stored on a server or the like other than the injection molding machine 2, or on a computer-readable medium such as those described above.

[0017] 1 and 2 illustrate the main components of injection molding system 1, and many other components not shown are included in injection molding system 1. In other words, although the following explanation is based on the above-mentioned premise, the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2 is one example of injection molding system 1, and the features described below can also be applied to injection molding systems in which the respective devices are supplied by different suppliers, or to injection molding systems that include other components.

[0018] A mold 15 consisting of a fixed mold 15a and a movable mold 15b is attached to the mold clamping unit 10. When the mold 15 is closed or clamped, a cavity CAB for molding a molded product is formed. An injection unit 20 supplies resin that will become the molded product to the cavity CAB of the mold 15. The injection molding machine 2 functions as an injection molding device 3 when the mold 15 is attached to the mold clamping unit 10. The injection molding device 3 requires heating to melt the resin and hydraulic oil that operates each component to perform the molding operation. These heated components are hereinafter referred to as the "heated components" of the injection molding system 1. A temperature control device 30 controls the temperatures of multiple heated components provided in at least one of the mold clamping unit 10, the injection unit 20, and the mold 15. A temperature control device 30 (controller) dedicated to the mold 15 may also be provided.

[0019] 1, the mold clamping unit 10 has a fixed platen 11, a movable platen 12, tie bars 13, a locking mechanism 14, a nozzle hole 17, and a mold opening and closing mechanism 19. The fixed platen 11 is fixed to a base on which the mold clamping unit 10 is installed. The movable platen 12 is connected to the fixed platen 11 by the tie bars 13 so that the movable platen 12 can move toward and away from the fixed platen 11. The mold opening and closing mechanism 19 moves the movable platen 12 using the driving force of a motor.

[0020] Here, a fixed mold 15a is provided on the fixed platen 11. A movable mold 15b is provided on the movable platen 12. A locking mechanism 14 fixes the relative position of the movable platen 12 and the tie bar 13 when the movable platen 12 is close to the fixed platen 11. In the mold clamping device 10, with the movable platen 12 fixed to the tie bar 13 by the locking mechanism 14, a cylinder (not shown) provided on the tie bar 13 is driven with hydraulic oil to bring the fixed mold 15a and the movable mold 15b into close contact with each other, thereby forming a cavity CAB in the mold 15. Then, with an injection nozzle 22 of an injection device 20 connected to a nozzle hole 17 provided on the fixed platen 11, a molding material is poured from the injection device 20 into the cavity CAB through a hot runner 16 formed in the fixed mold 15a, thereby molding a molded product. When the hot runner 16 is provided on the mold 15, a temperature control device 30 (controller) dedicated to the hot runner 16 may also be provided. The hot runner 16 is not essential, and a cold runner may be used instead. The mold 15 is prepared for each molded product, and may be supplied by a manufacturer different from that of the injection molding machine 2.

[0021] The injection device 20 has a heating cylinder 21, an injection nozzle 22, a drive mechanism 23, and a hopper 24. The heating cylinder 21 heats the resin material and sends it to the injection nozzle 22. The injection nozzle 22 is an injection port for the resin material and has a shape that can be connected to the nozzle hole 17. The drive mechanism 23 drives a screw (not shown) in the heating cylinder 21 to rotate and move back and forth. An injection device forward and backward movement mechanism (not shown) moves the heating cylinder 21 back and forth so that the injection nozzle 22 moves closer to and away from the mold clamping device 10. The hopper 24 supplies the resin material to the injection nozzle 22 while drying it.

[0022] The injection molding system 1 also includes an injection molding machine 2, a mold 15 attached to the injection molding machine 2, a hot runner if the mold 15 is equipped with a hot runner, and an injection molding apparatus 3 including a temperature control device for the mold 15. The injection molding system 1 includes at least one of the following heating target parts: hydraulic oil (when hydraulic pressure is used), the heating cylinder 21 of the injection device 20, the injection nozzle 22, the lower hopper 25, the resin material inside the hopper 24 when drying the resin material, the mold 15 to be temperature-controlled, and the hot runner (when a hot runner is used for the mold 15). The following explanation focuses on an example in which all of the illustrated heating target parts are included. The hydraulic oil is stored in an oil storage tank (not shown in FIG. 1 ). The hydraulic oil is distributed via piping established from the oil storage tank to a cylinder that drives the tie bar 13 of the mold clamping unit 10, a cylinder in the lock mechanism 14, and a cylinder that drives the drive mechanism 23 of the mold clamping unit 10. The temperature of the hydraulic oil is adjusted by a temperature raising mechanism provided in the oil storage tank, and the temperature of the hydraulic oil is measured by a temperature sensor provided in the oil storage tank.

[0023] The mold 15 has a water passage formed therein, and its temperature is adjusted by controlling the temperature of the water sent through the passage. The water temperature is measured by a temperature sensor provided in the water tank that controls the water temperature. The hot runner, heating cylinder, and injection nozzle are each divided into multiple zones and heated by heaters such as electric heating wires (e.g., heaters 16a, 21a, and 22a in FIG. 1). The temperatures of the areas heated by the heaters are measured by temperature sensors using thermocouples or the like provided in the areas to be heated. The resin material inside the hopper 24 is heated by high-temperature dry air sent from an air temperature adjustment device (hot air generator). The temperature of the resin material inside the hopper 24 is measured by a temperature sensor provided in the hopper 24 or estimated by a dry air temperature sensor provided in the air temperature adjustment device 36.

[0024] The temperature control device 30 constituting the injection molding system 1 controls the temperature of each heating target part to an initial temperature set corresponding to the work start time. Furthermore, the temperature control device 30 of the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment controls the temperature rise start time of each heating target part so that the temperature rise of the heating target part is completed in time for the start time of the molding work in which the injection molding system 1 forms a molded product.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the temperature control device 30 of the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment. The temperature control device 30 and its temperature rise timing control unit 31 may be incorporated into a control device installed in the injection molding machine 2. Alternatively, they may be incorporated into the control devices of peripheral devices, such as a water supply temperature control device 32 or a hot runner heater temperature control device 33, which are components of the injection molding machine 3. The temperature rise timing control unit 31 may also be incorporated into a computer in a central processing room within a factory. As shown in FIG. 2, the mold clamping unit 10 includes the temperature rise timing control unit 31, multiple temperature control devices, an environmental information acquisition unit 37, an input unit 38, and a display unit 39. Each of the multiple temperature control devices heats a target area using a method corresponding to the target area and acquires the temperature of the heated area measured by a temperature sensor corresponding to the target area. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the multiple temperature control devices include a water supply temperature control device 32, a heater temperature control device 33, a hydraulic oil temperature control device 34, a heater temperature control device 35, and a blower temperature control device 36. It should be noted that the water supply temperature adjustment device 32 and the heater temperature adjustment device 33 may be supplied together with the mold 15. In this way, when the water supply temperature adjustment device 32, the heater temperature adjustment device 33 and the injection molding machine 2 are supplied by different manufacturers, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 may communicate with the water supply temperature adjustment device 32 and the heater temperature adjustment device 33 and control the temperature rise start time and temperature adjustment sequence of the water supply temperature adjustment device 32 and the heater temperature adjustment device 33 according to a preset protocol.

[0026] The water supply temperature regulator 32 heats or adjusts the temperature of water supplied to the mold 15 and acquires the temperature from the water using a temperature sensor (not shown). The water supply temperature regulator 32 transmits the acquired water temperature as hot water temperature Tw to the heating timing controller 31, thereby performing closed-loop control of the temperature of the mold 15. The water supply temperature regulator 32 also adjusts the temperature of the hopper lower portion 25 of the injection unit 20 and acquires the temperature using a temperature sensor (not shown). The hydraulic oil temperature regulator 34 heats the hydraulic oil stored in the oil storage tank and acquires the hydraulic oil temperature using a temperature sensor (not shown). The hydraulic oil temperature regulator 34 transmits the acquired hydraulic oil temperature as hydraulic oil temperature To to the heating timing controller 31, thereby performing closed-loop control of the hydraulic oil temperature. The heater temperature regulator 33 controls the heaters 16a provided in each zone of the hot runner 16 to individually perform closed-loop control of the temperature of the target area. The heater temperature adjustment device 35 individually controls the heaters 21a provided in each zone of the heating cylinder 21 and the heaters 22a provided in each zone of the injection nozzle 22, thereby individually performing closed-loop control of the temperature of the target area. Furthermore, the heater temperature adjustment devices 33 and 35 individually acquire the temperature of the heating target area from temperature sensors provided corresponding to the heaters in each zone, and transmit the acquired temperature of the target area as the heater heated area temperature Th to the heating timing control device 31. The blower temperature adjustment device 36 acquires the temperature rise of the drying air blown from the hot air generator to the hopper 24 and the temperature of the drying air. The blower temperature adjustment device 36 then transmits the acquired temperature of the drying air to the heating timing control device 31 as the hot air temperature Ta.

[0027] The temperature-rise timing control unit 31 of the temperature control device 30 operates the mold clamping unit 10 and injection unit 20 of the injection molding machine 2, and calculates a temperature-rise start time for each temperature adjustment device to start heating the heating target portions of the injection molding device 3 based on the operation start time when a molding operation using the mold 15 attached to the mold clamping unit 10 is started. The temperature-rise timing control unit 31 also applies a measured time (such as the current time or stop time) of the injection molding device 3, an external temperature (such as the ambient temperature), a detected temperature of the heating target portions, and a preset heating completion temperature of the heating target portions to a pre-prepared relational function to calculate the temperature-rise start time or generate temperature-rise control conditions for each temperature adjustment device, and controls the temperature rises of each temperature adjustment device so that the heating of all of the heating target portions is completed by the operation start time. When the current time reaches the temperature-rise start time, the temperature-rise timing control unit 31 outputs control signals to the water supply temperature adjustment device 32, hydraulic oil temperature adjustment device 34, heater temperature adjustment devices 33 and 35, and air supply temperature adjustment device 36 to start heating. Specifically, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 outputs a temperature rise start control signal Sw to the water supply temperature adjustment device 32 when the temperature rise start time for the mold 15 arrives. The water supply temperature adjustment device 32 starts heating the temperature control medium and supplying water in response to this temperature rise start control signal Sw. The temperature rise timing control unit 31 outputs a temperature rise start control signal So to the hydraulic oil temperature adjustment device 34 when the temperature rise start time for the hydraulic oil arrives. The hydraulic oil temperature adjustment device 34 starts heating the hydraulic oil in response to this temperature rise start control signal So. The temperature rise timing control unit 31 outputs a temperature rise start signal Sh to the heater temperature adjustment devices 33 and 35 when the temperature rise start temperatures for each heating target component, such as the heating cylinder 21, injection nozzle 22, hot runner manifold, and hot runner nozzle of the injection molding device 3, are reached. The heater temperature adjustment devices 33 and 35 start heating the heating target component specified by the temperature rise start signal Sh. The temperature rise timing control unit 31 outputs a temperature rise start control signal Sa to the air blowing temperature adjustment device 36 in response to the arrival of the temperature rise start time for the hopper 24. In response to this temperature rise start control signal Sa, the air blowing temperature adjustment device 36 starts heating the resin material inside the hopper 24 by blowing dry air.The temperature rise timing control unit 31 grasps the operating status of the injection molding apparatus 3 based on an operating status notification signal OC sent from an operation control unit that controls the mold clamping unit 10 and the injection unit 20.

[0028] The environmental information acquisition unit 37 of the injection molding system 1 acquires the temperature (external temperature) of the factory where the injection molding apparatus 3 is installed as one piece of environmental information Iamb and transmits it to the temperature rise timing control unit 31. The environmental information acquisition unit 37 may acquire temperature-related information such as meteorological information and date information in addition to temperature via a network and include the acquired information in the environmental information Iamb. The input unit 38 is an input interface that accepts operations from an operator, accepts input of at least the operation start time, and transmits the operation start time to the temperature rise timing control unit 31. Furthermore, the heating target parts of the injection molding apparatus 3 are not fixed from the beginning. Therefore, the heating target parts to be controlled may be input from the input unit 38 depending on the usage status of the injection molding apparatus 3. The display unit 39 is a user interface that can display information such as the operation start time provided to the temperature rise timing control unit 31, the temperature rise start time calculated by the temperature rise timing control unit 31, and the progress of the heating operation of each heating target part. In addition, the display unit 39 may notify the operator of the operating status, including the temperature rise completion status, of each heated object member of the injection molding device 3 in a manner that does not rely on text information displayed on a display, such as an operating status indicator light.

[0029] The temperature rise timing control unit 31 will now be described in detail. As described above, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 calculates the temperature rise start time for each heating target area so that the temperature rise of the heating target area is completed under the optimal temperature rise control conditions without wasting time relative to the work start time. In this case, the heating target area may be selected by an operator's input via the input unit 38, as described above, or the heating target area may be automatically selected by the temperature rise timing control unit 31 without operator input. The temperature rise timing control unit 31 includes, for example, a calculation unit 311 capable of executing a program, a timer 312 for measuring time, and a memory 313 for storing data used for calculations such as the program and temperature, the time period and electricity rate if a time-based electricity rate is adopted, and the target heating target area. The calculation unit 311 executes the temperature rise timing control program, thereby realizing the function of the temperature rise timing control unit 31.

[0030] The temperature rise timing control unit 31 performs the following calculations: Specifically, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 applies the work start time to preset conditions and calculates the temperature rise completion time corresponding to the work start time for each temperature adjustment device for the heated part. The temperature rise completion time corresponding to the work start time may be set automatically using a pre-stored calculation formula or by an individual operator. In this case, it is preferable that at least one of the temperature rise completion times for the heated part be set to a predetermined time earlier than the work start time via a setting screen for the injection molding system 1 (e.g., the input unit 38 in the temperature control device 30 or an input unit (not shown) provided in the injection molding machine 2). The temperature rise start time, which is estimated to be when the temperature rise of the heated part will be completed at the temperature rise completion time, is calculated for each temperature adjustment device by applying environmental condition values, including at least the current temperature of the heated part and the external temperature (e.g., the ambient temperature including the temperature inside the factory where the heated part is installed), to a pre-prepared relational function. When the current time reaches the temperature rise start time, the control unit instructs each temperature adjustment device to start heating. As for the external temperature, various information that can be used to estimate the temperature can be used, such as the factory temperature obtained from a thermometer installed in the factory, the equipment ambient temperature obtained from a thermometer installed near the injection molding device 3, and predicted temperature information around the factory obtained from an external weather information service.

[0031] Here, the temperature rise start time calculated by the temperature rise timing control unit 31 will be explained using a timing chart. FIG. 3 shows a timing chart illustrating the temperature rise operation in the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 calculates a fourth temperature rise completion time from a first temperature rise completion time corresponding to the operation start time. The first temperature rise completion time is the time at which the temperature rise of the resin material in the hopper 24 is completed. The second temperature rise completion time is the time at which the temperature rise of the hydraulic oil, the mold, and the heating cylinder is completed. The third temperature rise completion time is the time at which the temperature rise of the injection nozzle and the hot runner manifold (the region of the hot runner closer to the nozzle hole) is completed. The fourth temperature rise completion time is the time at which the temperature rise of the hot runner nozzle (the region of the hot runner closer to the cavity CAB) is completed. In this case, it is desirable to set the temperature rise completion time relative to the operation start time earlier (for example, 5 to 20 minutes before) for parts with relatively low temperatures and large thermal volumes, such as the hopper 24 and the mold 15. However, since the set temperature of the hot runner nozzle and the injection nozzle 22 of the injection unit 20 are relatively high, reaching and maintaining the set temperature too quickly can lead to deterioration of the resin material and increased power consumption. Therefore, it is desirable to set the temperature rise completion time relatively close to the start time of the operation (for example, 0 to 5 minutes before). Furthermore, the temperature rise completion time should be flexibly adjusted. For example, if molding is unstable at start-up and the defect rate is high, this may be due to delayed temperature rise in the heated area far from the area directly measured by the temperature sensor. In this case, the temperature rise completion time should be adjusted to be even earlier than the operation start time set by the operator. Alternatively, both the temperature rise start time and the temperature rise completion time may be adjusted forward by calculating backward from the time required for molding to stabilize.

[0032] The temperature rise timing control unit 31 then calculates a temperature rise start time so that the temperature of the heated part reaches the set temperature rise completion temperature at each temperature rise completion time. In the example shown in FIG. 3, a temperature rise start time T1 is calculated for the drying air blown into the hopper 24. A temperature rise start time T2 is calculated for the heating cylinder. A temperature rise start time T3 is calculated for the hydraulic oil. A temperature rise start time T4 is calculated for the mold. A temperature rise start time T5 is calculated for the injection nozzle. A temperature rise start time T6 is calculated for the hot runner manifold. A temperature rise start time T7 is calculated for the hot runner nozzle.

[0033] In FIG. 3, for simplicity, the heating start temperatures of all the heating target parts are assumed to be the same. However, in reality, the heating start temperatures of the heating target parts are different. It can be seen that the length of the required heating time required to bring the heating target part to the heating completion temperature can be roughly calculated by dividing the difference between the heating completion temperature and the heating start temperature by the heating rate of the heating target part (this relationship is referred to as the first relationship function). Here, the heating rate can be calculated by verifying in advance how much the temperature of the heating target part will rise in a given time. Also, referring to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the heating start time can be calculated by subtracting the required heating time from the heating completion time (this relationship is referred to as the second relationship function). The heating timing control program executed by the heating timing control unit 31 includes code for calculating the heating start time based on the first relationship function and the second relationship function.

[0034] The temperature rise timing control unit 31 calculates the temperature rise start time for each temperature control device by applying a pre-prepared relationship function to the external temperature of the heated object, the detected temperature of the heated object, and the preset temperature at which the heated object is heated. The ambient temperature of the heated object is used as the external temperature, but the temperature rise rate of the heated object varies depending on the temperature inside the factory where the injection molding machine 3 is installed. Therefore, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 corrects the temperature rise rate using the factory temperature as an example of the ambient temperature. Possible methods for correction include preparing a first relationship function for each specified temperature range or multiplying the temperature rise rate by a coefficient corresponding to the temperature. Note that when calculating the temperature rise start time for a hot runner, it is preferable to use the mold temperature as the external temperature. When calculating the temperature rise start time for a mold, the temperature of tap water may also be used as the external temperature.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 3, if the difference between the work start time and each of the first to fourth temperature rise completion times is set to zero, it is possible to set all of the temperature rise operations for the heating target parts to coincide with the work start time. However, in practice, taking into account factors such as the heating margin, which is the margin until each mechanism is sufficiently warmed up, and the drying time required to dry the material, it is preferable that each of the first to fourth temperature rise completion times be a time somewhat earlier than the work start time, as shown in Figure 3.

[0036] For simplicity's sake, FIG. 3 shows an example in which the temperature continues to rise toward the heating completion temperature. However, in the injection molding apparatus 3, it is sufficient for each heating target to reach the heating completion temperature by the heating completion time. Various heating patterns are possible for each heating target, such as once raising the temperature, maintaining the temperature for a while (including natural cooling), and then raising the temperature again. In other words, in the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to raise the temperature so that the temperature of the heating target reaches the heating completion temperature several times. However, the heating completion temperature refers to the time at which the temperature of the heating target reaches the heating completion temperature closest to the operation start time. From another perspective, the heating completion time can also be considered the time for the temperature of the heating target to reach the heating completion temperature in a case in which the temperature of the heating target is maintained at the heating completion temperature until the operation starts after reaching the heating completion temperature.

[0037] Next, the operation of the temperature control device 30 will be described in more detail. Therefore, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, when the temperature rise timing control unit 31 detects from the operation status notification signal OC that a molding operation in the injection molding apparatus 3 has ended, it presents the operator with a screen for setting the operation start time for the next molding operation (step S1). The operation start time in step S1 can be set by the operator inputting a single operation start time via the input unit 38 on the setting screen, or by reading it from a work schedule stored in the memory 313 or the like. Furthermore, the operation start time setting may use the data from the previous day as is, unless there is a change between the previous day and the next day. In this case, there is no need to request a new input.

[0038] Next, the operator sets the molding conditions for the first molded product of the following day. This allows the temperature control device 30 to read the heating completion temperatures for each temperature adjustment device (step S2). As with the operation start time, if the previous day's molding conditions are used, new input is not required. The heating completion temperature can also be set separately for each operation start temperature. Therefore, the heating completion temperature for the heated part may be the molding temperature at which the molding operation is immediately started, or it may be a standby temperature slightly lower than the molding temperature. Even if the heating completion temperature is a standby temperature slightly lower than the molding temperature, it is still within the scope of the present invention, since it is a temperature that can be immediately raised to the molding temperature. For example, in the case of a hot runner nozzle, if the heating completion temperature is the molding temperature, there is a problem of molten resin unintentionally flowing into the cavity or the resin material deteriorating over time. If such unintentional resin flow into the cavity is observed at the end of the heating operation on the previous day, measures such as lowering the heating completion temperature of the hot runner nozzle can be taken. On the other hand, for a large volume portion such as the mold 15, it is not possible to rapidly increase the temperature in a short time, so it is desirable to use the temperature at which the temperature increase is completed as the molding temperature.

[0039] Next, the temperature control device 30 determines the temperature rise completion time and the calculation start time for each temperature adjustment device from the operation start time set in step S1 (step S3). The difference between each temperature rise completion time and the operation start time is a specified value determined by the specifications of the heated object. Therefore, in step S3, the temperature control device 30 calculates the temperature rise completion time for each temperature adjustment device by subtracting the specified value applied to each temperature adjustment device from the operation start time (or, if manually corrected, follows that). Furthermore, the calculation start time for the temperature rise start time is set to a time that has sufficient margin for the estimated required temperature rise time for the temperature rise operation and is as close as possible to the predicted actual calculated temperature rise start time. For example, the difference between the calculation start time for the temperature rise start time and the temperature rise completion time is preset as a specified value by the manufacturer or operator of the injection molding machine 2.

[0040] Next, in the injection molding system 1, the mold clamping unit 10 and the injection unit 20 are powered off, and the heating units of each temperature control device are turned off (step S4). Then, in the temperature control device 30, the calculation unit 311 measures time until the calculation start time for the temperature rise start time is reached (steps S5 and S6). If it is determined in step S6 that the current time has reached the calculation start time for the temperature rise start time, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 acquires the heated portion temperature from each temperature control device and also acquires air temperature information, which is one of the external temperatures, from the input unit 38 (step S7). Note that the air temperature information, which is the external temperature, may be continuously acquired at predetermined intervals after the power is turned off and used for temperature rise control. Then, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 calculates the temperature rise start temperature for each temperature control device at which the temperature rise operation starts (step S8).

[0041] Thereafter, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 sequentially instructs the temperature adjustment devices whose current time has reached the temperature rise start time calculated in step S8 to start a temperature rise operation (step S10).Then, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 continues the processing of steps S9 and S10 until the temperature rise of all the heating target parts is completed.Furthermore, when the temperature rise of all the heating target parts is completed, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 notifies the operator or the operation control unit that controls the molding operation of the mold clamping unit 10 and the injection unit 20 (step S11).

[0042] As explained above, in the injection molding system 1 having the temperature rise timing control unit 31 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to automatically start the temperature rise operation for a plurality of heating target parts at an efficient time calculated backward from the work start time, simply by setting the operation start time for starting the next molding operation by the injection molding device 3. This makes it easier to operate the injection molding system 1, as it is not necessary to perform temperature rise start work for each heating target part based on empirical values.

[0043] Furthermore, in the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment, the temperature rise operation of the multiple heating target parts is started at an efficient time calculated backward from the operation start time, thereby reducing the energy loss required for temperature rise. That is, in the first embodiment, it is preferable to determine the temperature rise start time and temperature rise time so that the amount of energy, such as the power consumption, required to raise the temperature of each heating target part to the temperature rise completion time by the temperature rise completion time is minimized.

[0044] Furthermore, in the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment, the relational function used to calculate the temperature rise start time includes a term that takes into account the ambient temperature (external temperature) of the part to be heated, which has a large effect on the temperature rise rate. As a result, in the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of deviation between the actual temperature rise completion time, when the temperature rise is actually completed, and the temperature rise completion time set in step S3 of Fig. 4.

[0045] Furthermore, the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment calculates the temperature rise start time using the work start time input from the operation screen (for example, input unit 38). At this time, the injection molding system 1 according to the first embodiment calculates the temperature rise start time by counting backward from the work start time intended by the operator, so that the temperature rise will be completed within an efficient time. This has the effect of eliminating the need for the operator to operate the injection molding system 1 during the time between the end of work and the start of work.

[0046] In the first embodiment, the temperature-rise timing control unit 31 calculates the temperature-rise start time. It is desirable to control the temperature-rise completion timing under optimal temperature control conditions, such as those for energy conservation. However, the temperature-rise start time may be set either fixedly or flexibly based on energy cost factors, such as the time-of-day electricity rate (1 kWh). Specifically, this applies to cases where electricity rates vary by time period, although this varies depending on the country and power company. For example, even if the molding start time is set to 7:30, if the electricity rate from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM is very low, the target area may be heated to a certain extent between 6:00 AM and 7:00 AM, and the remaining heating may be completed between 7:00 AM and the end of the heating period, just before the start of the operation at 7:30 AM. When electricity rates vary by time period, the temperature-rise start time is determined by taking into account the required time for heating, based on the end time of the time period with low electricity rates. Furthermore, when taking electricity rates into account, it is desirable to heat up the target area to a predetermined temperature before the operation start time. This is because the target area has a large thermal volume, and therefore the temperature drop is small even if heating is stopped. Specifically, molds and hydraulic oils are heating target parts that are preferably heated first. Furthermore, the temperature rise of the heating target parts, taking into account the electricity rates for each time period, is affected by the rate at which electricity rates differ between time periods and the temperature, which affects the results of generating temperature rise control conditions, including the temperature rise start time. Because the calculation of the temperature rise start time and temperature rise control conditions, taking into account energy cost factors such as electricity rates for each time period, involves complex elements, it is preferable to use a learning unit (e.g., learning unit 413, described below) that performs deep learning. The learning model of learning unit 413 updates the relationship function if there is a difference between the temperature rise start time when the environmental condition values used to calculate the temperature rise start time are input into the relationship function and the actual temperature rise completion time (actual temperature rise time), enabling the generation of temperature rise control conditions with even lower power consumption.

[0047] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, after turning off the heating unit of the injection molding apparatus 3 (step S4), it is also possible to infer the external temperature from the degree of temperature change (the temperature difference between the molding temperature and the current temperature) of the part to be heated and the time that has passed since then. In particular, in areas where the injection molding apparatus 3 is located in an environment where there is little temperature change due to the seasons or day and night, such as tropical regions, it is possible to calculate a stable temperature rise start time without using the external temperature. Therefore, the stop time or current time of the injection molding apparatus 3 (collectively referred to as clock time) can be used to calculate or generate the temperature rise start time, and it is possible to use these as a substitute for the external temperature.

[0048] Embodiment 2 In the second embodiment, a description will be given of another example of the procedure for calculating the temperature rise start time in the temperature rise timing control unit 31 of the injection molding system 1. In the description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used for the components and procedures described in the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted.

[0049] The operation of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 of the first embodiment. The second embodiment is used during relatively short periods of shutdown (pause) of the injection molding apparatus 3, such as during mold replacement or other maintenance, or during lunch breaks, when the device is less susceptible to the effects of external temperatures. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, step S7 of the flowchart in FIG. 4, "acquiring the ambient temperature," is not performed. The operator sets the operation start time in the temperature control device 30 from the setting device of the injection molding apparatus 3 (step S1). This setting may be omitted if the operation starts at the same time every day. Therefore, the temperature rise timing control program may use at least one of the operation stop time of the injection molding apparatus 3 and the external temperature. Then, at least one of the operation stop time and the external temperature, the detected temperatures of the heating target portions, and the heating completion temperatures set for each heating target portion are applied to a relational function prepared in advance to generate heating control conditions for each heating target portion so that the temperatures of all heating target portions reach the heating completion temperature by the operation start time.

[0050] Next, the temperature at which each temperature control device reaches its end is read (Step S2). If the end temperature is the molding temperature, no new input is required; instead, the stored molding condition set temperature or the detected temperature when the heater or other device is turned off is used. The time to reach the end of the temperature is then automatically determined from the start time of the operation (Step S3). After Step S3 is completed or simultaneously with Step S3, the operator turns off the power to the heater or other device (Step S4). When the power to the heater or other device is turned off during these relatively short periods of operation, the temperature of the heating cylinder 21 drops. However, a lower limit temperature may be set within a range that does not cause deterioration of the resin material, and the heater may be turned on and off to maintain that temperature once the lower limit is reached. Furthermore, since it takes time for the mold 15 to reheat to the temperature required for stable molding once the temperature drops, temperature control may be continued at all times. Then, time measurement begins simultaneously with turning off the power to the heater or other device (Step S5).

[0051] Then, either simultaneously with the start of time measurement or a predetermined time later, when the temperature rise start time arrives (step S6), the temperatures of the heating parts, such as the heating cylinder 21, injection nozzle 22, and hot runner 16, are measured and acquired by temperature sensors (step S7). In the second embodiment, the time from power OFF to the start of work is relatively short, so measuring the external temperature is not essential. The subsequent steps from calculation of the temperature rise start time (step S8) onwards are the same, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0052] Embodiment 3 In the third embodiment, a description will be given of yet another example of the procedure for calculating the temperature rise start time in the temperature rise timing control unit 31 of the injection molding system 1. In the description of the third embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used to designate the components and procedures described in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, in the temperature rise timing control unit 31 according to the third embodiment, the processes of steps S20 to S22 are added to the temperature rise timing control unit 31 according to the first embodiment.

[0054] Step S20 is a process for determining whether a preset temperature measurement time has been reached after the start of time measurement in step S5. In the third embodiment, temperature measurement is periodically performed during the period from the start of time measurement (step S5) until the calculation start time for the temperature rise start time (step S6). In the third embodiment, the environmental information acquisition unit 37 measures the temperature each time the current time reaches the temperature measurement time (step S21). If the temperature acquired in step S21 is lower than a predetermined reference temperature, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 corrects the calculation start time to be earlier (step S22). Alternatively, if the temperature acquired in step S21 is higher than the predetermined reference temperature, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 may correct the calculation start time to be later (step S22). The processes in steps S20 to S22 are repeatedly performed until the current time reaches the calculation start time for the temperature rise start time. Furthermore, analyzing the change trend of the temperature measured multiple times can determine whether the temperature will tend to rise or fall in the future, which is thought to be useful for accurately setting the temperature rise start time.

[0055] In this way, in the heating timing control unit 31 of the third embodiment, by adjusting the calculation start time of the heating start time in response to the temperature fluctuations, it becomes possible to calculate the heating start time based on the heated area temperature and the ambient temperature at a timing close to the heating start time, thereby making it possible to calculate the heating start time with higher accuracy than the injection molding system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0056] Embodiment 4 In the fourth embodiment, a description will be given of another example of the procedure for calculating the temperature rise start time in the temperature rise timing control unit 31 of the injection molding system 1. In the description of the fourth embodiment, the components and procedures described in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the temperature control device according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, in the temperature rise timing control unit 31 according to the fourth embodiment, the processes of steps S30 to S32 are added to the temperature rise timing control unit 31 according to the first embodiment.

[0058] Step S30 is a process performed after the calculation start time for the temperature rise start time is determined in step S3. Temperature adjustment devices whose calculation start time is earlier than the current time are set as temperature adjustment devices to be excluded. If such temperature adjustment devices to be excluded exist (YES in step S30), the temperature adjustment processing devices to be excluded are instructed to perform a heat-keeping operation (step S31). The temperature adjustment processing devices to be excluded are also excluded from the calculation of the temperature rise start time performed in step S8 (step S32). For temperature adjustment devices determined not to be temperature adjustment devices to be excluded in step S30, the processes from step S4 onward are performed. That is, the temperature rise timing control unit 31 calculates a calculation start time for the temperature rise start time that has a predetermined time difference with the temperature rise completion time and is earlier than the temperature rise start time. If the calculation start time satisfies the exclusion condition that the calculation start time is earlier than the calculated calculation start time, the temperature adjustment device to be excluded that meets the exclusion condition is instructed to perform a heat-keeping operation and the excluded temperature adjustment device is excluded from the calculation of the temperature rise start time.

[0059] If the length of the downtime between the end of one task and the start of the next is short, it is possible that the temperature rise start time calculated in step S8 will be a time that has already passed, resulting in a problem where the temperature rise of all the heated parts is not complete by the time the next task starts. However, by using the temperature rise timing control unit 31 according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to avoid the problem of the temperature rise of all the heated parts not being complete by the time the task starts.

[0060] Fifth embodiment In the fifth embodiment, a temperature control device 40 will be described that includes a heating timing control unit 41, which is another embodiment of the heating timing control unit 31 of the injection molding system 1. In the description of the fifth embodiment, the components and procedures described in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] First, FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a temperature control device 40 according to a fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the temperature control device 40 according to the fifth embodiment is configured by replacing the temperature rise timing control unit 31 of the temperature control device 30 according to the first embodiment with a temperature rise timing control unit 41. The temperature rise timing control unit 41 is configured by replacing the calculation unit 311 of the temperature rise timing control unit 31 with a calculation unit 411. The calculation unit 411 implements a temperature rise start time calculation unit 412 and a learning unit 413 by executing a program. The calculation unit 411 including the temperature rise start time calculation unit 412 and the learning unit 413, or the learning unit 413, may be provided in a computer in a central processing room connected to the injection molding apparatus 3, or in a server or the like located outside the factory where the injection molding apparatus 3 is installed and directly or indirectly connectable to the injection molding apparatus 3. In this case, the injection molding system 1 according to the present invention is configured by the components including the learning unit 413 provided in the server or the like.

[0062] Heat-up start time calculation unit 412 may perform rule-based processing that processes the first relational function and the second relational function described in embodiment 1 as mathematical expressions, or may apply artificial intelligence technology that realizes the first relational function and the second relational function using the network configuration and parameters of a neural network. When environmental condition values (including at least the heated portion temperature and the air temperature) at the time the heat-up start time was calculated are input to the relational function on heat-up start time calculation unit 412, learning unit 413 updates the relational function on heat-up start time calculation unit 412 so that the estimated heat-up time, which indicates the difference between the heat-up start time and the heat-up completion time output from the relational function, approaches the actual heat-up time, which indicates the difference between the heat-up start time and the actual completion time, which is the time when the heat-up operation is actually completed.

[0063] The parameter of the relationship function updated by the learning unit 413 is, for example, the temperature rise rate when the temperature rise start time calculation unit 412 performs rule-based processing. Furthermore, in the update processing performed by the learning unit 413, a new addition term or subtraction term may be added to the relationship function used in the rule-based processing, or a coefficient to be multiplied by the temperature rise rate may be added.

[0064] Furthermore, when the heating start time calculation unit 412 is an application of artificial intelligence technology, the update process performed by the learning unit 413 may be backpropagation learning, which updates the parameters in the neural network by backpropagating the difference between the estimated heating time and the actual heating time as an error value, or reinforcement learning, which updates the parameters in the neural network using the error value as an evaluation value (reward) so that the error value becomes smaller.

[0065] In addition, it is useful to use a learning model using a neural network, such as deep learning, especially when adjusting the start time or completion time of the heating of the heated parts among multiple injection molding devices 3, calculating the start time or completion time of the heating of the injection molding device 3 (including calculating the heating time) taking into account the electricity rates for each time period and the power consumption of the entire factory, or generating optimal heating control conditions.

[0066] Next, FIG. 8 shows a flowchart illustrating the operation of the temperature control device 40 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the temperature control device 40 according to the fifth embodiment, step S40 is added to the process of the temperature control device 30 according to the first embodiment. Step S40 is a process performed after the temperature rise of all the heating target portions is completed. In step S40, for example, the difference between the target temperature rise completion time and the actual temperature rise completion time is calculated. Then, in step S40, the calculated difference is sent to the learning unit 413 along with each condition used when calculating the temperature rise start time. The learning unit 413 then performs learning to improve the calculation accuracy of the temperature rise start time calculation unit 412 based on the actual value of the temperature rise process. In this way, by updating the relationship function each time the temperature rise of all the heating target portions is completed, the accuracy of the temperature rise start time can be maintained at a high level.

[0067] Injection molding system 1 is installed in a variety of environments, and a predetermined relationship function may result in a large error between the estimated temperature rise time and the actual temperature rise time. However, by updating the relationship function using learning unit 413, this error can be reduced. In particular, injection molding system 1 is expected to use a wide variety of resin materials, and the temperature control zone setting temperatures and thermal properties vary depending on the resin material. Therefore, a relationship function using a reference heating cylinder 21 and injection nozzle 22 is set at the time of shipment of injection molding system 1. Then, while operating injection molding system 1, the calculation unit 411, which includes learning unit 413, reduces the error value due to differences in resin materials, enabling the calculation of a highly accurate temperature rise start time corresponding to the type of resin material. To more accurately address errors due to the resin material, for example, a resin material number may be set and input as a parameter used in calculating the temperature rise start temperature. This makes it possible to generate an optimal relationship function for each resin material.

[0068] In addition, molding conditions are set for each mold, so the relationship functions are updated and corrected according to the molding conditions, just like with resin materials. By entering the mold number, it is possible to generate and call up the optimal relationship functions.

[0069] Furthermore, since the temperature rise operation is performed frequently during operation of the injection molding system 1, a large amount of data that can be used for the update process can be collected. Therefore, by performing the update process based on a large amount of data in the injection molding system 1, it is easy to improve the accuracy of the temperature rise start time.

[0070] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. The present invention also applies to combinations of the above-described embodiments and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the injection molding system of the present invention is not limited to those that mold resin materials, but may also mold metal materials. [Explanation of symbols]

[0071] 1. Injection molding system 2 Injection molding machine 3 Injection molding equipment 10 Mold clamping device 11 Fixed plate 12 Movable plate 13 Taiba 14 Locking mechanism 15 Molds 15a Fixed mold 15b Movable mold 16 Hot Runner 16a Heater 17 nozzle hole 19 type opening / closing mechanism 20 Injection device 21 Heating cylinder 21a Heater 22 Injection nozzle 22a Heater 23 Drive mechanism 24 Hopper 25 Lower hopper 30 Temperature control device 31 Temperature rise timing control section 311 Arithmetic unit 312 Timer 313 memory 32 Water supply temperature adjustment device 33 Heater temperature control device 34 Hydraulic oil temperature control device 35 Heater temperature control device 36 Air blow temperature adjustment device 37 Environmental Information Acquisition Department 38 Input section 39 Display section 40 Temperature control device 41 Temperature rise timing control section 411 Arithmetic section 412 Temperature rise start time calculation unit 413 Learning Department CAB cavity

Claims

1. a mold clamping device to which a mold forming a cavity for molding a molded product is attached; and an injection device that supplies a resin that will become the molded product to the cavity of the mold; a temperature control device that controls the temperatures of a plurality of heating target portions provided in association with at least one of the mold clamping device, the injection device, and the mold, The temperature control device includes: a temperature rise timing control unit that starts heating each of the heating target portions with a temperature rise completion time corresponding to a set work start time as a target; The temperature rise timing control unit calculating a temperature rise start time for each of the heating target portions by applying a relational function prepared in advance to the external temperature, the detected temperature for each of the heating target portions, and the temperature rise completion temperature for each of the heating target portions that has already been set; an injection molding system that starts raising the temperature of each of the heating target portions in response to the current time reaching the heating start time;

2. 2. The injection molding system according to claim 1, wherein the operation start time is inputted from a setting screen provided in the injection molding system and is a time that can be changed by an operator.

3. 2. The injection molding system according to claim 1, wherein the external temperature is at least one of the air temperature in a factory in which an injection molding machine equipped with the clamping device and the injection device and an injection molding device including the mold are installed, or the air temperature in the area in which the injection molding device is installed, which can be obtained as external information, the temperature of a component related to the heated area, and the temperature of a fluid sent to the heated area.

4. 2. The injection molding system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the temperature rise completion times of the heating target portion is set to a time that is earlier than the operation start time by a predetermined time.

5. The temperature rise timing control unit calculating a temperature rise start time that has a predetermined time difference with respect to the temperature rise completion time and that is a time before the temperature rise start time; 2. The injection molding system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature rise start time is calculated in response to the current time reaching the calculation start time.

6. 4. The injection molding system according to claim 3, wherein, when an exclusion condition is satisfied that the calculation start time is a time before the time at which the calculation start time is calculated, the temperature rise timing control unit instructs an excluded temperature control device that satisfies the exclusion condition to perform a heat retention operation and excludes the excluded temperature control device from the calculation of the temperature rise start time.

7. 2. The injection molding system according to claim 1, wherein the temperature rise timing control unit includes a learning unit that updates the relationship function when the external temperature at the time when the temperature rise start time is calculated is input to the relationship function so that the estimated temperature rise time, which indicates the difference between the temperature rise start time and the temperature rise completion time output from the relationship function, approaches the actual temperature rise time when the temperature rise operation is actually completed.

8. A temperature rise timing control program executed by a calculation unit incorporated in an injection molding system including a mold clamping device to which a mold constituting a cavity for molding a molded product is attached, and an injection device that supplies a resin that will become the molded product to the cavity of the mold, the program being used to control temperature rise of a plurality of heating target portions provided in association with at least one of the mold clamping device, the injection device, and the mold, The temperature rise timing control program a temperature control condition generation process for applying at least one of the operation stop time of the injection molding machine including the mold clamping device and the injection device and the injection molding device including the mold, and the external temperature, the detected temperature for each of the heated parts, and the temperature rise completion temperature set for each of the heated parts to a relational function prepared in advance, to generate a temperature rise control condition for each of the heated parts so that the temperatures of all of the heated parts will reach the temperature rise completion temperature by the set operation start time; a temperature rise control process for performing temperature rise control for each of the heating target portions in accordance with the temperature control conditions; A temperature rise timing control program.

9. A temperature rise timing control method for controlling temperature rise of a plurality of heating target portions provided in association with at least one of a mold clamping device, the injection device, and the mold, by automatic processing using a calculation unit incorporated in an injection molding system including: a mold clamping device to which a mold constituting a cavity for molding a molded product is attached; and an injection device that supplies a resin to be the molded product to the cavity of the mold; applying to a previously prepared relational function at least one of the operation stop time of the injection molding machine including the mold clamping device and the injection device and the injection molding device including the mold, and the external temperature, the detected temperature for each of the heated parts, and the temperature rise completion temperature set for each of the heated parts, a temperature rise control condition for each of the heated parts is generated so that the temperatures of all of the heated parts will reach the temperature rise completion temperature by the set operation start time; A temperature rise timing control method for controlling temperature rise for each of the heating target portions in accordance with the temperature control conditions.

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