Simulation device, simulation system, simulation method, simulation program, and storage medium

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of appropriately suppressing deformation of a molded article containing an insert material.SOLUTION: A simulation device (1) comprises an acquisition unit (11) and a shape design unit (12) The acquisition unit acquires information indicative of an initial shape of a molded article to be designed and including an insert material, molding conditions of the molded article, and the physical properties of a material of the molded article. The shape design unit performs shape design simulation of the molded article such that the amount of warpage deformation of the molded article falls within a predetermined range with reference to the information acquired by the acquisition unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a simulation device, a simulation system, a simulation method, a simulation program, and a recording medium for performing a simulation regarding a molded product. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for performing a simulation of a component such as a molded product to optimize the shape of the component. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method including the steps of: setting information indicating the shape of each part of the component as a plurality of parameters; extracting the relationship between the plurality of parameters and the deformation of the component; changing the value of at least one of the plurality of parameters in a direction that reduces the deformation of the component; and adjusting the volume of the component. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-66362 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 is intended to reduce the deformation of the component by changing the value of at least one of the multiple parameters in a direction that reduces the deformation of the component.

[0005] On the other hand, there is also known a technique of embedding a part or all of an insert material such as a reinforcing member or a fastening member into a molded product to form an integral mold (also called insert molding) in order to improve the strength of the molded product or to enable the molded product to be fastened to other parts in an appropriate manner.However, there is a problem with such insert molding in that even if the technique described in Patent Document 1 is used, it is not necessarily possible to appropriately reduce deformation of the molded product.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can suitably suppress deformation of a molded product that includes an insert material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a simulation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the initial shape of a molded product to be designed, which includes an insert material, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product, and a shape design unit that performs a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the acquisition unit so that the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product falls within a predetermined range.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a simulation system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating the initial shape of a molded product to be designed, which includes an insert material, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product, and a shape design unit that performs a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the acquisition unit so that the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product falls within a predetermined range.

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, a simulation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a simulation method executed by one or more computers, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating an initial shape of a molded product to be designed, which is a molded product including an insert material, molding conditions for the molded product, and physical properties of the material of the molded product, and a shape design step of performing a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired in the acquisition step so that the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product falls within a predetermined range.

[0010] The simulation device according to each aspect of the present invention may be realized by a computer. In this case, the scope of the present invention also includes a simulation program that causes the computer to operate as each part (software element) of the simulation device, thereby realizing the simulation device on the computer, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress warpage of a molded article while also ensuring the rigidity of the molded article. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a simulation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by the simulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing by the simulation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a simulation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by a simulation device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a simulation system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] [Embodiment 1] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The simulation device 1 according to this embodiment is a device that performs simulations of target parts, components, and the like. The simulation device 1 can be used to simulate molded products (e.g., molded products containing insert materials). While the following description primarily focuses on molded products, this does not limit the present embodiment. The simulation device 1 can also be used to simulate resin molded products (e.g., resin molded products containing insert materials). However, this does not limit the present embodiment. In the above description, the term "insert material" refers to a component that is molded integrally with a material other than the insert material (e.g., a resin material) during the manufacturing process of the molded product. It may also be referred to as an "insert part" or "insert material." Specific examples of the "insert material" are not particularly limited, but may include, for example, a component made of metal or a component made of a material other than resin.

[0014] <Configuration of Simulation Device 1> The configuration of the simulation device 1 will be specifically described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the simulation device 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the simulation device 1 includes, for example, a control unit 10, a storage unit 20, a communication unit 30, an input unit 40, and an output unit 50.

[0015] (Communication unit 30) The communication unit 30 is configured to communicate with devices external to the simulation device 1 via a communication line. The specific configuration of the communication line does not limit the present exemplary embodiment, but examples of the communication line include a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a wired LAN, a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination thereof. The communication unit 30 transmits data supplied from the control unit 10 to other devices, and supplies data received from other devices to the control unit 10.

[0016] (input unit 40) The input unit 40 is configured to receive input to the simulation device 1, and is configured to include, for example, input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touchpad. The input unit 40 may be configured to include, for example, an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), and to receive data from the input device via the interface.

[0017] (output unit 50) The output unit 50 is configured to perform output from the simulation device 1, and is configured to include, for example, an output device such as a display, a printer, a touch panel, etc. The input unit 40 may be configured to include, for example, an interface such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), and to output data to the output device via the interface.

[0018] (Storage unit 20) The storage unit 20 stores various types of information that are referenced by the control unit 10. Examples of such information include: Initial shape of the molded product to be designed Molding conditions for the molded product - Physical properties of the material of the molded product Examples of the data stored in the storage unit 20 include various data relating to the properties of the material of the molded article. At least a part of the storage unit 20 may be configured as a database. As an example, the storage unit 20 may be configured to store a database of the physical property values ​​of the material of the molded article, and the control unit 10 may be configured to retrieve information indicating the physical property values ​​of the material of the molded article by searching the database. Examples of molding conditions for the molded article include the load conditions, temperature conditions (mold temperature, temperature of the material constituting the molded article, etc.), molding time, etc., during molding of the molded article.

[0019] In addition, when the molded product includes an insert material, the above-mentioned "initial shape of the molded product to be designed" includes at least one of the initial shape of the insert material and information regarding the placement of the insert material in the molded product.

[0020] Furthermore, when the molded product includes an insert material, the "molding conditions for the molded product" include constraints on at least one of the insert material and the material (e.g., resin material) other than the insert material in the molded product. Here, examples of the constraints include: -Conditions regarding the contact area between the insert material and materials other than the insert material (e.g., resin material) in the molded product containing the insert material (adhesion, contact with friction, contact without friction, etc.); -Conditions regarding the contact area between the insert and the mold used to mold the molded product containing the insert (sticking, contact with friction, contact without friction, etc.); In the case of stiffness simulation, the conditions for the contact area between the insert material and the surface to which the load is applied (adhesion, contact with friction, contact without friction, etc.) However, these examples do not limit the present embodiment.

[0021] In addition, if the molded product contains an insert material, the above "physical properties of the molded product material" includes the following: -Physical properties of the insert material In addition, when the molded product contains an insert material, the above "physical property values ​​of the material of the molded product" are as follows: Physical properties determined by at least two of the insert material, the material other than the insert material in the molded product (e.g., resin material), and the mold used to mold the molded product The "physical property value defined by at least two" may include, for example, Physical properties (e.g., thermal conductivity) related to heat conduction between the insert material and materials other than the insert material in the molded product (e.g., resin materials), and Physical properties related to heat conduction between the insert material and the mold (e.g., thermal conductivity) At least one of the following is included.

[0022] The storage unit 20 may also be configured to store information about the molded product to be designed, such as the range of allowable deformation and the range of allowable rigidity. Here, the allowable deformation may be, for example, "warpage," but this does not limit the present embodiment.

[0023] (Control unit 10) The control unit 10 controls each unit of the simulation device 1. The control unit 10 also includes a data acquisition unit 11 (also simply referred to as the acquisition unit 11) and a shape design unit 12, as shown in FIG.

[0024] (Acquisition part 11) The acquisition unit 11 acquires various pieces of information referenced by the control unit 10. As an example, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information indicating the initial shape of the molded product to be designed, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical property values ​​of the material of the molded product. Specific examples of the "initial shape of the molded product to be designed," "molding conditions for the molded product," and "information indicating the physical property values ​​of the material of the molded product" have been described above, so a description thereof will be omitted here. The acquisition unit 11 may be configured to acquire this information input by a user of the simulation device 1 from the input unit 40, or may be configured to acquire this information stored in the memory unit 20. The acquisition unit 11 may also be configured to acquire this information from outside the simulation device 1.

[0025] (Shape design department 12) The shape design unit 12 performs a shape design simulation of the molded product so that the rigidity and warpage of the molded product fall within a predetermined range, with reference to the information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. As an example, the shape design unit 12 performs a shape design simulation of the molded product so that the rigidity and warpage of the molded product fall within a predetermined range, with reference to the information acquired by the acquisition unit 11. -Simulation of the warpage and rigidity (mechanical strength) of a molded product with a certain shape is performed. Evaluate the results of the above simulations - Change the shape of the molded product based on the evaluation results and then perform simulation and evaluation again. The above processing can be repeated.

[0026] According to the above configuration, the system is provided with a data acquisition unit 11 that acquires information indicating the initial shape of a molded product that is the design target and that includes an insert material, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product, and a shape design unit 12 that performs a shape design simulation for the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the data acquisition unit 11 so that the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product falls within a predetermined range, thereby making it possible to suitably suppress deformation of a molded product that includes an insert material.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the above configuration, a shape design simulation of the molded product is performed so that the rigidity and warpage of the molded product fall within a predetermined range, thereby making it possible to suppress warpage of the molded product while also ensuring the rigidity of the molded product.

[0028] 1, the shape design unit 12 may be configured to include, for example, a first evaluation unit 121, a second evaluation unit 122, and a design modification unit 123. Here, the first evaluation unit 121 is configured to perform simulation and evaluation regarding the rigidity of the molded product. The second evaluation unit 122 is configured to perform simulation and evaluation regarding the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product.

[0029] The first evaluation unit 121 may be configured to simulate and evaluate the rigidity of each of a plurality of shape candidates for the molded product by grid search, but this is not a limitation of this embodiment. Similarly, the second evaluation unit 122 may be configured to simulate and evaluate the warpage deformation amount of each of a plurality of shape candidates for the molded product by grid search, but this is not a limitation of this embodiment.

[0030] The design modification unit 123 is configured to modify the shape of the molded product in accordance with the evaluation result by one of the first evaluation unit 121 and the second evaluation unit 122.

[0031] As an example, the shape design unit 12 causes the design modification unit 123 to modify the shape of the molded product in accordance with the evaluation results of one of the first evaluation unit 121 and the second evaluation unit 122, and then causes at least one of the first evaluation unit 121 and the second evaluation unit 122 to perform simulation and evaluation.

[0032] According to the above configuration, the first evaluation unit 121 performs a simulation and evaluation regarding the rigidity of the molded product, the second evaluation unit 122 performs a simulation and evaluation regarding the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product, and the design modification unit 123 changes the shape of the molded product depending on the evaluation results of one of the first evaluation unit 121 and the second evaluation unit 122, so that warpage of the molded product can be suitably suppressed while also suitably ensuring the rigidity of the molded product.

[0033] <Processing example 1 by simulation device 1> The flow of processing performed by the simulation device 1 will be specifically described below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a flow chart showing the flow of processing performed by the simulation device 1.

[0034] (S101, S102) First, in step S101, the acquisition unit 11 acquires various information related to the initial shape of the molded product to be designed and the molding conditions for the molded product. Specific examples of the "initial shape of the molded product to be designed" and the "molding conditions for the molded product" have been described above, so explanations will be omitted here. Next, in step S102, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information indicating the physical property values ​​of the material of the molded product. Specific examples of the "information indicating the physical property values ​​of the material of the molded product" have been described above, so explanations will be omitted here.

[0035] Subsequently, in steps S103 to S108, the shape design unit 12 performs a shape design simulation of the molded product so that the rigidity and warpage deformation amount of the molded product fall within predetermined ranges.

[0036] (S103, S104, S107) More specifically, in step S103, the shape design unit 12 performs simulation and evaluation of the rigidity of the molded product using the first evaluation unit 121. Here, step S103 may be configured to branch the process depending on whether or not the molded product includes an insert material.

[0037] Specifically, when the molded product does not include an insert material, the first evaluation unit 121 performs simulation and evaluation of the rigidity of the molded product that does not include an insert material in step S103.

[0038] On the other hand, if the molded product includes an insert material, the first evaluation unit 121 performs a simulation and evaluation of the rigidity of the molded product including the insert material in step S103. Here, the information referenced by the first evaluation unit 121 to perform the simulation and evaluation includes at least one of the following information acquired in steps S101 and S102: - The initial shape of the insert material, Information about the placement of the insert in the molded product; -Constraint conditions between the insert material and materials other than the insert material in the molded product (e.g., resin materials), -Physical properties of the insert material. Here, the above-mentioned example can be cited as an example of the constraint conditions.

[0039] If the molded product includes an insert material, the first evaluation unit 121 may further refer to the following information in step S103. Physical property values ​​determined by at least two of the insert material, the material in the molded product other than the insert material (e.g., resin material), and the mold used to mold the molded product.

[0040] Here, the above-mentioned "physical property value defined by at least two" includes, for example, Physical properties (e.g., thermal conductivity) related to heat conduction between the insert material and materials other than the insert material in the molded product (e.g., resin materials), and Physical properties related to heat conduction between the insert material and the mold (e.g., thermal conductivity) At least one of the following is included.

[0041] Next, in step S104, the shape design unit 12 determines whether the evaluation result in step S103 is positive or negative. If the evaluation result in step S104 is positive (YES in S104), the process proceeds to step S105, and if not (NO in S105), the process proceeds to step S107. In step S107, the design related to the molded product is changed, and the process returns to step S103.

[0042] Note that, for example, the evaluation result in step S103 being positive means that the stiffness indicated by the evaluation result in step S103 is within a predetermined allowable range. Furthermore, although the specific processing related to the design change in step S107 does not limit the present embodiment, one example is processing in which the design modification unit 123 changes at least a part of the various parameters related to the molded product in a parameter space defined by the various parameters so that the stiffness of the molded product approaches the predetermined allowable range.

[0043] (S105, S106, S108) In step S105, the shape design unit 12 performs simulation and evaluation of the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product using the second evaluation unit 122. Here, step S105 may be configured to branch the process depending on whether or not the molded product includes an insert material. Specifically, when the molded product does not include an insert material, the second evaluation unit 122 performs simulation and evaluation on the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product that does not include an insert material in step S105.

[0044] On the other hand, if the molded product includes an insert material, the second evaluation unit 122 performs a simulation and evaluation of the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product including the insert material in step S105. Here, the information referred to by the second evaluation unit 122 for performing the simulation and evaluation includes at least one of the following information acquired in steps S101 and S102: - Initial shape of the insert material - Information about the placement of the insert material in the molded product -Constraint conditions between the insert material and materials other than the insert material in the molded product (e.g., resin material) -Physical properties of the insert material. Here, the above-mentioned example can be cited as an example of the constraint conditions.

[0045] If the molded product includes an insert material, the second evaluation unit 122 may further refer to the following information in step S105. Physical property values ​​determined by at least two of the insert material, the material in the molded product other than the insert material (e.g., resin material), and the mold used to mold the molded product.

[0046] Here, the above-mentioned "physical property value defined by at least two" includes, for example, Physical properties (e.g., thermal conductivity) related to heat conduction between the insert material and materials other than the insert material in the molded product (e.g., resin materials), and Physical properties related to heat conduction between the insert material and the mold (e.g., thermal conductivity) At least one of the following is included.

[0047] Next, in step S106, the shape design unit 12 determines whether the evaluation result in step S105 is positive or negative. If the evaluation result in step S105 is positive (YES in S106), the shape design unit 12 stores the various parameters used in the simulation in the storage unit 20 and then ends the simulation process. Here, the control unit 10 may be configured to present at least one of the various parameters and the shape of the molded product defined by the various parameters to the user via the output unit 50. As an example, the control unit 10 may visually present the shape of the molded product defined by the various parameters to the user via a display provided in the output unit 50. This configuration allows the user to easily understand the results of the simulation.

[0048] On the other hand, if the evaluation result in step S105 is not positive (NO in S106), the shape design unit 12 proceeds to step S108, where the design related to the molded product is changed, and the process returns to step S103.

[0049] Here, a positive evaluation result in step S105 means, for example, that the amount of warpage indicated by the evaluation result in step S105 is within a predetermined allowable range. Although the specific process for the design change in step S108 does not limit the present embodiment, one example is a process in which the design change unit 123 changes at least a part of the various parameters related to the molded product in a parameter space defined by the various parameters so that the amount of warpage of the molded product approaches the predetermined allowable range.

[0050] As described above, the shape design unit 12 If the evaluation by one of the first evaluation unit 121 and the second evaluation unit 122 is negative, the design modification unit 123 modifies the shape and then causes the one evaluation unit to perform a simulation again; If the evaluation by the one evaluation unit is positive, the design modification unit 123 does not change the shape, and the other evaluation unit of the first evaluation unit 121 and the second evaluation unit 122 performs a simulation.

[0051] As described above, the shape design unit 12 If the evaluation by the other of the first evaluation unit 121 and the second evaluation unit 122 is negative, the design modification unit 123 modifies the shape and then causes the one evaluation unit to perform a simulation; If the evaluation by the other evaluation section is positive, the shape design process is terminated.

[0052] According to the above configuration, the processing by the shape design unit 12 can suitably suppress warpage of the molded product while also suitably ensuring the rigidity of the molded product.

[0053] Furthermore, as described above, in a configuration in which the molded product to be designed contains an insert material, the information indicating the initial shape of the molded product to be designed, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product acquired by the data acquisition unit 11 includes information about the insert material and information about materials in the molded product other than the insert material, and the shape design unit 12 performs a shape design simulation for the molded product by referring to this information so that the rigidity and warpage of the molded product fall within predetermined ranges. Therefore, even when the molded product contains an insert material, it is possible to suitably suppress warpage of the molded product while also suitably ensuring the rigidity of the molded product.

[0054] Although detailed description will be omitted in this embodiment, after the process shown in FIG. 2 is completed (particularly if YES in step S106), an actual prototype of the molded product defined by the parameters that were positively evaluated in the simulation by the simulation device 1 is created, and then: ·Rigidity evaluation -Evaluation of warpage Overall rating Overall design decisions These steps may be performed by using part of the simulation device 1, or may be performed without using the simulation device 1.

[0055] <Processing example 2 by simulation device 1> The flow of the process performed by the simulation device 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned example. Figure 3 is a flow diagram showing another example of the flow of the process performed by the simulation device 1.

[0056] 3, in this processing example, steps S103, S104, and S107 and steps S105, S106, and S108 shown in FIG. 2 are interchanged. In this way, the shape design unit 12 may interchange steps S103 and S105, steps S104 and S106, and steps S107 and S108 in the processing flow shown in FIG. 2. Even in this configuration, the processing by the shape design unit 12 can suitably suppress warpage of the molded product while also suitably ensuring the rigidity of the molded product.

[0057] (Product to be simulated by simulation device 1) As already explained, the object of the simulation by the simulation device 1 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include the molded product described above. Furthermore, the material of the molded product is also not limited in this embodiment, but examples include resins such as rubber and plastic. In this case, the physical property values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 11 include physical property values ​​related to the resin. For example, if the molded product is a tire for a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle, the physical property values ​​acquired by the acquisition unit 11 include physical property values ​​of the resin used as the tire material and physical property values ​​of the tire components such as carcass cords, steel cords, and bead wires (in other words, physical property values ​​of the insert material). When using resin as the material, it is often important not only to consider the amount of warpage of the molded product but also to consider whether the rigidity of the molded product is within an acceptable range. Even in such application scenarios, the simulation device 1 can effectively suppress warpage of the molded product while also ensuring the rigidity of the molded product.

[0058] Furthermore, the shape of the molded product is not limited to that of the present embodiment. One example is a molded product having grooves formed therein. In this case, the initial shape acquired by the acquisition unit 11 includes data indicating the grooves. For example, if the molded product is a tire for a two-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, or the like, the initial shape acquired by the acquisition unit 11 includes the initial shape of the tire, including the grooves. For a molded product having grooves formed therein, it is often important not only to consider the amount of warpage of the molded product, but also to consider whether the rigidity of the molded product is within an allowable range. Even in such application scenarios, the simulation device 1 can effectively suppress warpage of the molded product while also ensuring the rigidity of the molded product.

[0059] [Embodiment 2] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0060] 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the simulation device 1a according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the configuration of the simulation device 1a according to this embodiment differs from the simulation device 1 according to the first embodiment in the following points.

[0061] That is, the simulation device 1a according to this embodiment does not include the first evaluation unit 121 in the simulation device 1 according to embodiment 1. Therefore, the simulation device 1a according to this embodiment does not perform simulation or evaluation of the rigidity of the molded product. On the other hand, the simulation device 1a according to this embodiment includes an evaluation unit 122a having the same function as the second evaluation unit 122 in the simulation device 1 according to embodiment 1.

[0062] The evaluation unit 122a included in the simulation device 1a according to this embodiment is configured to perform simulation and evaluation of the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product, similar to the second evaluation unit 122 according to embodiment 1. The specific processing by the evaluation unit 122a is similar to that of the second evaluation unit 122 described in embodiment 1, and therefore will not be described here.

[0063] The simulation device 1a configured as described above also includes a data acquisition unit 11 that acquires information indicating the initial shape of the molded product to be designed, which is a molded product containing an insert material, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product, and a shape design unit 12 that performs a shape design simulation for the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the data acquisition unit 11 so that the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product falls within a predetermined range, thereby making it possible to suitably suppress deformation of molded products containing insert materials.

[0064] <Processing example by simulation device 1a> Next, the flow of processing performed by the simulation device 1a according to this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram showing the flow of processing performed by the simulation device 1a.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 5, in this example, the processes of steps S103, S104, and S107 executed by the simulation device 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are not performed. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 5, in this example, steps S101, S102, S105, S106, and S108 described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are executed. The processes in these steps have been described in the first embodiment, so their description will be omitted here.

[0066] Even in the process configured as described above, information indicating the initial shape of the molded product to be designed, which is a molded product that includes an insert material, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product is obtained, and by referring to the obtained information, a shape design simulation of the molded product is performed so that the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product falls within a predetermined range, so that deformation of the molded product that includes an insert material can be suitably suppressed.

[0067] [Embodiment 3] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. For ease of explanation, the same reference numerals will be used to designate components having the same functions as those described in the above embodiment, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0068] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a simulation system 2 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the simulation system 2 includes a data acquisition unit 11, a shape design unit 12, a storage unit 20, an input unit 40, and an output unit 50. The configurations of the data acquisition unit 11, the shape design unit 12, the storage unit 20, the input unit 40, and the output unit 50 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described here. However, as in the second embodiment, the simulation system 2 may be configured such that the shape design unit 12 does not include the first evaluation unit 121. On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the data acquisition unit 11, the shape design unit 12, the storage unit 20, the input unit 40, and the output unit 50 are communicatively connected to one another via a communication network N. Specific examples of the communication network N are not intended to limit this embodiment, but include a wireless local area network (LAN), a wired LAN, a wide area network (WAN), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination thereof.

[0069] The simulation system 2 configured as described above includes a data acquisition unit 11 that acquires information indicating the initial shape of the molded product to be designed, which is a molded product containing an insert material, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product, and a shape design unit 12 that performs a shape design simulation for the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the data acquisition unit 11 so that the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product falls within a predetermined range, thereby making it possible to suitably suppress deformation of the molded product containing an insert material.

[0070] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the shape design unit 12 includes the first evaluation unit 121, the processing by the shape design unit 12 can suitably suppress warpage of the molded product while also suitably ensuring the rigidity of the molded product.

[0071] [Software implementation example] The functions of the simulation device 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program that causes a computer to function as the device, and a program that causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (particularly each part included in the control unit 10).

[0072] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control device (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control device and storage device execute the program, thereby realizing the functions described in each of the above embodiments.

[0073] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0074] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit in which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, the functions of the control blocks can also be realized by, for example, a quantum computer.

[0075] Furthermore, each process described in each of the above embodiments may be executed by AI (Artificial Intelligence). In this case, the AI ​​may run on the control device or on another device (for example, an edge computer or a cloud server).

[0076] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0077] <Additional Notes> The invention described in this specification includes the following configurations.

[0078] (Aspect 1) an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating an initial shape of a molded product that is a design target and includes an insert material, molding conditions for the molded product, and physical properties of the material of the molded product; a shape design unit that performs a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the acquisition unit so that the amount of warpage of the molded product falls within a predetermined range; A simulation device comprising:

[0079] (Aspect 2) The information indicating the initial shape of the molded product, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product includes information about the insert material and information about materials in the molded product other than the insert material. 2. The simulation device according to claim 1. (Aspect 3) The shape design unit a first evaluation unit that performs simulation and evaluation of the rigidity of the molded product; A second evaluation unit that performs simulation and evaluation of the amount of warpage deformation of the molded product; a design modification unit that modifies the shape of the molded product in accordance with an evaluation result by one of the first evaluation unit and the second evaluation unit, After the shape is changed by the design change unit, at least one of the first evaluation unit and the second evaluation unit is caused to perform simulation and evaluation. 3. The simulation device according to claim 1 or 2.

[0080] (Aspect 4) The shape design unit If the evaluation by the one evaluation unit is negative, the design modification unit modifies the shape and then causes the one evaluation unit to perform a simulation again; When the evaluation by the one evaluation unit is positive, the other evaluation unit of the first evaluation unit and the second evaluation unit is caused to perform a simulation without changing the shape by the design modification unit. The simulation device according to embodiment 3.

[0081] (Aspect 5) The shape design unit when the evaluation by the other evaluation unit is negative, the design modification unit modifies the shape and then causes the one evaluation unit to perform a simulation; If the evaluation by the other evaluation unit is positive, the shape design process is terminated. 5. The simulation device according to embodiment 4.

[0082] (Aspect 6) The information indicating the physical properties of the material of the molded article includes: Physical property values ​​determined by at least two of the insert material, the material other than the insert material in the molded product, and the mold for molding the molded product. Contains 6. The simulation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5. (Aspect 7) The molded product to be designed is a resin molded product, and the physical properties include physical properties related to the resin. 7. The simulation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 6.

[0083] (Aspect 8) The molded product to be designed is a molded product having grooves formed therein, and the grooves are included in the initial shape of the molded product. 8. The simulation device according to any one of aspects 1 to 7.

[0084] (Aspect 9) an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating an initial shape of a molded product that is a design target and includes an insert material, molding conditions for the molded product, and physical properties of the material of the molded product; a shape design unit that performs a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the acquisition unit so that the amount of warpage of the molded product falls within a predetermined range; A simulation system comprising:

[0085] (Aspect 10) 1. A simulation method executed by one or more computers, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating an initial shape of a molded product that is a design target and includes an insert material, molding conditions for the molded product, and physical properties of the material of the molded product; a shape design process of performing a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired in the acquisition process so that the amount of warpage of the molded product falls within a predetermined range; A simulation method comprising:

[0086] (Aspect 11) A simulation program for causing a computer to function as the simulation device according to aspect 1, the simulation program causing a computer to function as the acquisition unit and the shape design unit.

[0087] (Aspect 12) A computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon the simulation program according to embodiment 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1,1a Simulation device 10 Control Unit 11 Data acquisition unit (acquisition unit) 12 Shape design department 121 First Evaluation Section 122 Second Evaluation Section 123 Design Change Department 20 Memory section 30 Communications Department 40 Input section 50 Output section 2 Simulation System

Claims

1. an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating an initial shape of a molded product that is a design target and includes an insert material, molding conditions for the molded product, and physical properties of the material of the molded product; a shape design unit that performs a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the acquisition unit so that the amount of warpage of the molded product falls within a predetermined range; A simulation device comprising:

2. The information indicating the initial shape of the molded product, the molding conditions for the molded product, and the physical properties of the material of the molded product includes information about the insert material and information about materials in the molded product other than the insert material. The simulation device according to claim 1 .

3. The shape design unit a first evaluation unit that performs simulation and evaluation of the rigidity of the molded product; a second evaluation unit that performs simulation and evaluation of the amount of warpage of the molded product; a design modification unit that modifies the shape of the molded product in accordance with an evaluation result by one of the first evaluation unit and the second evaluation unit, After the design modification unit modifies the shape, at least one of the first evaluation unit and the second evaluation unit is caused to perform simulation and evaluation. The simulation device according to claim 2 .

4. The shape design unit If the evaluation by the one evaluation unit is negative, the design modification unit modifies the shape and then causes the one evaluation unit to perform a simulation again; When the evaluation by the one evaluation unit is positive, the other evaluation unit of the first evaluation unit and the second evaluation unit is caused to perform a simulation without changing the shape by the design modification unit. The simulation device according to claim 3 .

5. The shape design unit when the evaluation by the other evaluation unit is negative, the design modification unit modifies the shape and then causes the one evaluation unit to perform a simulation; If the evaluation by the other evaluation unit is positive, the shape design process is terminated. The simulation device according to claim 4.

6. The information indicating the physical properties of the material of the molded article includes: Physical property values ​​determined by at least two of the insert material, the material other than the insert material in the molded product, and the mold for molding the molded product. Contains The simulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The molded product to be designed is a resin molded product, and the physical properties include physical properties related to the resin. The simulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The molded product to be designed is a molded product having grooves formed therein, and the grooves are included in the initial shape of the molded product. The simulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating an initial shape of a molded product that is a design target and includes an insert material, molding conditions for the molded product, and physical properties of the material of the molded product; a shape design unit that performs a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired by the acquisition unit so that the amount of warpage of the molded product falls within a predetermined range; A simulation system comprising:

10. 1. A simulation method executed by one or more computers, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information indicating an initial shape of a molded product that is a design target and includes an insert material, molding conditions for the molded product, and physical properties of the material of the molded product; a shape design process of performing a shape design simulation of the molded product by referring to the information acquired in the acquisition process so that the amount of warpage of the molded product falls within a predetermined range; A simulation method comprising:

11. 2. A simulation program for causing a computer to function as the simulation device according to claim 1, the simulation program causing a computer to function as the acquisition unit and the shape design unit.

12. A computer-readable recording medium on which the simulation program according to claim 11 is recorded.

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