Operation authority management device, molding machine, operation authority management method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide an operation authority management device for determining the operation authority level of a user, and for limiting the setting items of an operable molding machine according to the operation authority level of each user, and for preventing any inappropriate setting operation by an unskilled person.SOLUTION: The processing unit authenticates a user of the molding machine, specifies an operation authority level of the user by referring to a user information file in which a user ID and the operation authority level of the user are associated with each other, and specifies a setting item for which an operation by the user is permitted or a setting item for which an operation by the user is prohibited by referring to an operation authority definition file in which a plurality of setting items in the molding machine and the operation authority level of the user are associated with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operation authority management device, a molding machine, an operation authority management method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Molding machines such as injection molding machines and extruders are equipped with a display device having a touch panel, and operate by accepting settings of operating conditions made by a user (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-154657 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an operation authority management device, a molding machine, an operation authority management method, and a computer program that can determine a user's operation authority level and limit the setting items of a molding machine that can be operated according to each user's operation authority level, thereby preventing inappropriate setting operations by inexperienced persons. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An operation authority management device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an operation authority management device that includes a processing unit that executes a process for managing the authority for setting change operations in a molding machine, wherein the processing unit authenticates a user of the molding machine, identifies the operation authority level of the user by referring to a user information file that associates a user ID with the user's operation authority level, and identifies setting items that the user is permitted to operate or setting items that the user is prohibited from operating by referring to an operation authority definition file that associates multiple setting items in the molding machine with the user's operation authority level.

[0006] A molding machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a molding machine equipped with a processing unit that executes a process for managing authority for setting change operations, and the processing unit authenticates a user of the molding machine, identifies the user's operation authority level by referring to a user information file that associates a user ID with the user's operation authority level, identifies setting items that the user is permitted to operate or setting items that the user is prohibited from operating by referring to an operation authority definition file that associates multiple setting items in the molding machine with the user's operation authority level, and accepts setting change operations for setting items that the user is permitted to operate and rejects setting change operations for setting items that the user is not permitted to operate.

[0007] An operation authority management method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an operation authority management method for managing authority for setting change operations in a molding machine, which authenticates a user of the molding machine, identifies the user's operation authority level by referring to a user information file that associates the user ID with the user's operation authority level, and identifies setting items that the user is permitted to operate or prohibited from operating by referring to an operation authority definition file that associates multiple setting items in the molding machine with the user's operation authority level.

[0008] A computer program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a computer program for causing a computer to execute a process for managing authority for setting change operations in a molding machine, and causes the computer to execute a process for authenticating a user of the molding machine, identifying the user's operation authority level by referring to a user information file that associates a user ID with the user's operation authority level, and identifying setting items that the user is permitted to operate or prohibited from operating by referring to an operation authority definition file that associates multiple setting items in the molding machine with the user's operation authority level. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine the level of operating authority of each user and restrict the setting items of the molding machine that can be operated according to each user's level of operating authority, thereby preventing inappropriate setting operations by inexperienced persons. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of an injection molding machine according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a user information file. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a first operation authority definition file. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a second operation authority definition file. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to operation authority management. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a user login screen and an authority management home screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a molding condition setting screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a temperature setting screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for editing authority for a setting change operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an authority setting list image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an authority setting list image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an authority setting list image according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for editing authority for a setting change operation according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an authority setting table image according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an authority setting table image according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a second operation authority definition file according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An operation authority management device, a molding machine, an operation authority management method, and a computer program according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. In addition, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0012] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an injection molding machine 1 according to embodiment 1. The injection molding machine 1 according to embodiment 1 includes a mold clamping device 2 that clamps a mold 21, an injection device 3 that melts and injects molding material, and a control device 4. In embodiment 1, the injection molding machine 1 will be described as an example, but the technology according to this embodiment may also be applied to an extruder.

[0013] The mold clamping device 2 includes a fixed platen 22 fixed on a bed 20, a mold clamping housing 23 slidably provided on the bed 20, and a movable platen 24 that similarly slides on the bed 20. The fixed platen 22 and the mold clamping housing 23 are connected by a plurality of, for example, four tie bars 25, 25, .... The movable platen 24 is configured to be slidable between the fixed platen 22 and the mold clamping housing 23. A mold clamping mechanism 26 is provided between the mold clamping housing 23 and the movable platen 24. The mold clamping mechanism 26 is configured, for example, by a toggle mechanism. Note that the mold clamping mechanism 26 may also be configured as a direct pressure type mold clamping mechanism, i.e., a mold clamping cylinder. A fixed mold 28 and a movable mold 27 are provided on the fixed platen 22 and the movable platen 24, respectively, and the mold 21 is opened and closed when the mold clamping mechanism 26 is driven. The mold clamping device 2 also includes an ejector pin for removing the molded product from the mold 21, and a drive motor for driving the ejector pin.

[0014] The injection device 3 is provided on a base 30. The injection device 3 includes a heating cylinder 31 having a nozzle 31a at its tip, and a screw 32 arranged within the heating cylinder 31 so as to be rotatable in both the circumferential and axial directions. A plurality of heaters for melting the molding material are provided inside or on the outer periphery of the heating cylinder 31. The heaters are arranged in a line in the longitudinal direction of the heating cylinder 31, and are configured to be able to control the temperature of each part of the heating cylinder 31 in the longitudinal direction. The screw 32 is driven in both the rotational and axial directions by a drive device 35.

[0015] A hopper 33 into which molding material is poured is provided near the rear end of the heating cylinder 31. The injection molding machine 1 also includes a nozzle touch device 34 that moves the injection unit 3 in the front-to-rear direction (the left-to-right direction in FIG. 1). When the nozzle touch device 34 is driven, the injection unit 3 moves forward and the nozzle 31a of the heating cylinder 31 touches the contact portion of the fixed platen 22.

[0016] The control device 4 is a computer that controls the operation of the injection molding machine 1 and includes a processing unit 41, a memory unit 42, a touch panel display 43, and a signal input / output unit 44. A user can set molding conditions (operating conditions) for operating the injection molding machine 1 by operating the touch panel display 43. The design conditions include multiple setting items, such as hopper temperature, cylinder temperatures at multiple locations, nozzle temperature, multiple injection speeds that are changed in multiple stages, dwell pressure, and dwell time. The control device 4 outputs command signals to the injection molding machine 1 based on various setting values ​​indicated by the molding conditions and detection values ​​of sensors (not shown) provided in the mold clamping unit 2 or the injection unit 3, and operates the injection molding machine 1.

[0017] The processing unit 41 is a processor and includes an arithmetic processing circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a multi-core CPU, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), an internal storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and an I / O terminal. The processing unit 41 functions as an operation authority management device according to this embodiment by executing a computer program P1 (a program product) stored in a storage unit 42 (described later). The processing unit 41, which executes the computer program P1, manages the authority to change the settings of molding conditions in the injection molding machine 1 and performs processing to restrict the setting change operations according to the user's operation authority level. The processing unit 41 also performs processing related to editing the user's operation authority level and the restricted range of the setting change operations. Furthermore, the processing unit 41 displays the status of the injection molding machine 1 on a touch panel display 43 and controls the operation of each component of the injection molding machine 1 according to operation operations on the touch panel display 43. Each functional unit of the control device 4 may be realized by software, by hardware, or by a combination of these.

[0018] The storage unit 42 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk, a flash memory, or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 42 stores a computer program P1, a user information file 42a, a first operation authority definition file 42b, a second operation authority definition file 42c, and various other programs and data referenced by the processing unit 41. The computer program P1 includes at least a program for managing the authority for changing the settings of the operating conditions of the injection molding machine 1 and for restricting the setting change operations according to the user's operation authority level. The computer program P1 also includes a program for editing the user's operation authority level and the restricted range of the setting change operations. Details of the user information file 42a, the first operation authority definition file 42b, and the second operation authority definition file 42c will be described later.

[0019] The computer program P1 may be provided by a non-transitory recording medium M1 on which the computer program P1 is readably recorded. The processing unit 41 stores the computer program P1 read from the recording medium M1 by a reading device (not shown). The recording medium M1 may be, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. The computer program P1 may also be downloaded from an external server connected to a communications network and stored in the storage unit 42. The computer program P1 may be a single computer program or may be composed of multiple computer programs, and may be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers interconnected by a communications network.

[0020] The touch panel display 43 includes a display panel 43a and a touch sensor 43b. The display panel 43a includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence (EL) display. In accordance with instructions from the processing unit 41, the touch panel display 43 displays a user login screen 5 related to user authority management for various setting change operations, an authority management home screen 6, a molding condition setting screen 7, an authority setting list image 8, etc., as well as a status screen showing the operating status of the injection molding machine 1. The touch sensor 43b is, for example, a touch panel device built into the display, and accepts tap operations by the user. The touch sensor 43b also accepts input of operating operations by the user and sends a command signal corresponding to the operation content to the processing unit 41.

[0021] Although the touch panel display 43 has been described as an example of a means for the user to operate the control device 4, it may be configured with a known display device and input device. The display device is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input device is a device such as hardware keys like a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0022] The signal input / output unit 44 includes a signal input terminal to which measurement value signals output from various sensors provided in the injection molding machine 1 are input, and a signal output terminal to which command signals for controlling the operation of the mold clamping unit 2 or the injection unit 3 are output to the drive unit of the mold clamping unit 2 or the injection unit 3 in accordance with the control of the processing unit 41.

[0023] 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the user information file 42a. The user information file 42a includes a table that associates user IDs, authentication information such as passwords, user operation authority levels, and user names.

[0024] In the first embodiment, for example, the operation authority level includes four levels. The higher the operation authority level, the higher the degree of freedom in setting change operations. More specifically, the operation authority levels include a level that prohibits setting change operations for all of the multiple setting items (hereinafter, operation authority level = 0), a level that permits setting change operations for some setting items (hereinafter, operation authority level = 1), a level that permits setting change operations for all setting items (or more setting items than operation authority level = 1) (hereinafter, operation authority level = 2), and an administrator level that permits setting change operations for all setting items and user information change operations (hereinafter, operation authority level = 3).

[0025] Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the first operation authority definition file 42b, and Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the second operation authority definition file 42c. The first operation authority definition file 42b and the second operation authority definition file 42c are files including a table that associates multiple setting items that define molding conditions for the injection molding machine 1, multiple variables corresponding to each setting item, operation authority levels of users who are permitted to change the setting items, and lower and upper limits of the settings that can be changed. Note that, if there are multiple operation authority levels at which change operations are permitted, the operation authority level of a user who is permitted to change the setting items is the lowest operation authority level among them.

[0026] The first operation authority definition file 42b and the second operation authority definition file 42c according to the first embodiment have the same configuration. However, the first operation authority definition file 42b is a file that cannot be changed by a user. The second operation authority definition file 42c is a file that can be changed by a user with administrator-level operation authority. However, the user operation authority level for each setting item defined in the second operation authority definition file 42c is always higher than the user operation authority level defined in the first operation authority definition file 42b. In other words, the processing unit 41 can change the operation authority level associated with each setting item within the range of the degree of freedom of operation defined in the first operation authority definition file 42b. For example, if the operation authority level at which a setting item can be changed is 2, the processing unit 41 cannot lower the operation authority level to 1, but can raise the operation authority level to 3.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to operation authority management, and FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a user login screen 5 and an authority management home screen 6. The processing unit 41 determines whether or not the device is in the user management mode (step S111). The user management mode is a mode that executes a process of restricting setting items that can be changed according to the user's operation authority level. For example, the storage unit 42 stores flag data that indicates whether or not the device is in the user management mode, and the processing unit 41 can determine whether or not the device is in the user management mode by referring to the flag data.

[0028] If it is determined that the mode is not the user management mode (step S111: NO), the processing unit 41 enables change operations for all setting items (step S112). In the changeable mode in which change operations for all setting items are permitted, the user can freely change the setting value of any setting item by operating the touch panel display 43. In the changeable mode, the processing unit 41 accepts setting change operations for any setting item without rejecting them, and stores the accepted changed setting value.

[0029] When it is determined in step S111 that the mode is the user management mode (step S111: YES), the processing unit 41 temporarily disables the operation to change all the setting items (step S113). When a user is not logged in to the control device 4 of the injection molding machine 1, the user cannot change the setting values ​​of all the setting items. In other words, when the mode is the user management mode and the user is not logged in, the processing unit 41 rejects the operation to change the setting of any setting item.

[0030] Next, the processing unit 41 executes user authentication processing (step S114). Specifically, the processing unit 41 displays a user login screen 5 on the display panel 43a as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 6. The user login screen 5 includes a user ID input field 51, a password input field 52, and a login button 53. The processing unit 41 accepts the user ID and password entered into the user login screen 5 on the touch panel display 43. The processing unit 41 refers to the user information file 42a and performs user authentication by comparing the entered user ID and password with the information registered in the user information file 42a.

[0031] If the user authentication is successful, the processing unit 41 identifies the operation authority level of the user by referring to the user information file 42a (step S115). Note that the processing unit 41 may simultaneously execute the user authentication process and the process of identifying the user's operation authority level.

[0032] After completing the authentication process and the process of specifying the operation authority level, the processing unit 41 displays the authority management home screen 6 on the display panel 43a, as shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 6. The authority management home screen 6 includes a user information display section 61, a logout button 62, an add user button 63, and an edit user button 64. The user information display section 61 displays information such as the authenticated user's username and operation authority level. The authority management home screen 6 also has a user management mode selection section 65 for selecting whether to enable the user management mode. The user management mode selection section 65 has, for example, a checkbox for selecting whether to enable or disable the user management mode.

[0033] The add user button 63, edit user button 64, and user management mode selection section 65 are buttons that become valid when a user with operation authority level=3, which is the administrator level, logs in.

[0034] When the add user button 63 is operated, the processing unit 41 displays a user registration screen (not shown), accepts the user ID, password, operation authority level, and user name, and registers the accepted content as user information in the user information file 42a.

[0035] When the user edit button 64 is operated, the processing unit 41 accepts changes to the user information already registered in the user information file 42 a and registers the changed user information in the user information file 42 a. For example, the processing unit 41 can change the operation authority level of the user.

[0036] When the user management mode selection unit 65 is operated, the processing unit 41 stores flag data indicative of whether the user management mode is enabled or disabled in the storage unit 42.

[0037] Returning to FIG. 5, after completing the process of step S115, the processing unit 41 determines whether the operation authority level of the logged-in user is the administrator level (step S116).

[0038] If it is determined that the level is not that of the administrator (step S116: NO), the processing unit 41 refers to the second operation authority definition file 42c and identifies the setting items for which change operations are permitted and the setting items for which change operations are prohibited (step S117).

[0039] Then, the processing unit 41 validates the change of the setting item for which the change operation is permitted (step S118), and invalidates the change of the setting item for which the change operation is prohibited (step S119).

[0040] A user who has logged in with non-administrator authority can change the setting values ​​of setting items for which change operations are permitted by operating the touch panel display 43. However, the range of change of the setting values ​​is limited to the range of setting changes defined in the first operation authority definition file 42b or the second operation authority definition file 42c.

[0041] In this way, the processing unit 41 accepts a setting change operation for a setting item for which a change operation is permitted, and rejects a setting change operation for a setting item for which a change operation is prohibited.

[0042] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a molding condition setting screen 7. Fig. 7A shows a state in which changing the cylinder temperature setting is permitted, and Fig. 7B shows a state in which changing the cylinder temperature setting is prohibited. The molding condition setting screen 7 includes a cylinder image 71 that resembles the heating cylinder 31 of the injection molding machine 1. The cylinder image 71 is divided into areas corresponding to the locations where multiple heaters are respectively provided, and includes a temperature display section 72 that displays the cylinder set temperature and actual measured temperature in each area.

[0043] Above the cylinder image 71, a plurality of temperature setting buttons 73 for setting the hopper temperature, cylinder temperature, and nozzle temperature in the above-mentioned plurality of regions are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder image 71. In FIG. 7, "HP" is the button for setting the hopper temperature. "H1," "H2," and "H3" are buttons for setting the cylinder temperature in each of the plurality of locations. "NH1" is specifically the button for setting the nozzle temperature. Note that the plurality of temperature setting buttons 73 may be arranged in a row above the cylinder image 71.

[0044] 7A, when the temperature settings are permitted to be changed, the processing unit 41 displays temperature setting buttons 73 that can be operated by the user. When the temperature settings are prohibited from being changed, the processing unit 41 displays temperature setting buttons 73 that are prohibited from being operated by the user. Temperature setting buttons 73 that are prohibited from being operated are, for example, grayed out.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a temperature setting screen 74. In FIG. 7, for example, when the cylinder temperature setting button "H3" is operated, the processing unit 41 displays the temperature setting screen 74 for that area as shown in FIG. 8 and accepts the cylinder temperature setting. The temperature setting screen 74 for the cylinder temperature includes, for example, a temperature setting location display section 74a, a set value operation section 74b, and a settable range display section 74c. The temperature setting location display section 74a displays the name of the location or area where the temperature setting is performed. The set value operation section 74b is, for example, a numeric keypad. The settable range display section 74c indicates the upper and lower limit values ​​(maximum and minimum values) to which the set value can be changed. The user can change the set value by operating the temperature setting screen 74, and the processing unit 41 accepts the input set value.

[0046] Returning to FIG. 5, if it is determined in step S116 that the level is administrator level (step S116: YES), the processing unit 41 enables editing operations of the operation authority second definition file 42c (step S120) and enables change operations for all setting items (step S121).

[0047] A user who logs in with administrator authority can change the setting values ​​of all setting items by operating the touch panel display 43. In addition, the user can edit the contents of the second operation authority definition file 42c and change the operation authority level required for changing each setting item. Next, the editing process of the second operation authority definition file 42c will be described.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to the authority editing of the setting change operation according to the first embodiment, and FIGS. 10 to 12 are schematic diagrams showing the authority setting list image 8 according to the first embodiment.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 10, the processing unit 41 displays an authority setting list image 8 in which a plurality of setting items are arranged in order of operation authority level (step S131). The authority setting list image 8 is an image formed by arranging a plurality of setting item blocks 81 corresponding to the plurality of setting items in a predetermined direction. The setting item blocks 81 are rectangular frame images displaying the names of the corresponding setting items. The plurality of setting item blocks 81 are arranged in order from those requiring a lower operation authority level to those requiring a higher operation authority level. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the setting item blocks 81 are arranged from top to bottom in order of increasing operation authority level. Note that, as will be described later, the arrangement order of the setting item blocks 81 can also be changed as appropriate.

[0050] Next, the processing unit 41 displays, on the authority setting list image 8, designation images 82 for designating boundaries along which the operation authority levels for a plurality of setting items change midway along the arrangement direction of the setting items (step S132). The designation images 82 are, for example, arrow-shaped images. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the processing unit 41 displays a first designation image 82 designating the boundary between operation authority level=0 and operation authority level=1, a second designation image 82 designating the boundary between operation authority level=1 and operation authority level=2, and a third designation image 82 designating the boundary between operation authority level=2 and operation authority level=3.

[0051] Next, the processing unit 41 accepts a slide operation of the designated image 82 along the arrangement direction of the plurality of setting items, thereby accepting a change in the operation authority level for the setting items (step S133), and changes the operation authority level of the user required for changing the setting items according to the position of the designated image 82 relative to the authority setting list image 8 (step S134). As shown in Fig. 11, the user can slide the designated image 82 in the arrangement direction of the setting item blocks 81, and by this slide operation, the operation authority level of the user required for changing the setting items can be changed.

[0052] Next, the processing unit 41 accepts a change in the arrangement order of the setting items in the authority setting list image 8 by a slide operation of the setting item block 81 (step S135), and changes the arrangement order of the setting item blocks 81 in the authority setting list image 8 (step S136). As shown in Fig. 10 and Fig. 12, the user can slide the setting item block 81 in the arrangement direction, and by this slide operation, the arrangement order of each setting item block 81 can be changed. In the example shown in Fig. 12, the order of the setting item block 81 for "third cylinder temperature" and the setting item block 81 for "nozzle temperature" has been changed.

[0053] Next, the processing unit 41 determines whether or not a confirmation operation for editing the operation authority level of the setting change operation has been performed (step S137). If it is determined that a confirmation operation has not been performed (step S137: NO), the processing unit 41 returns the process to step S133 and continues the editing process of the operation authority level. If it is determined that a confirmation operation has been performed (step S137: YES), the processing unit 41 stores the edited operation authority second definition file 42c in the storage unit 42 (step S138) and ends the process.

[0054] As described above, according to the injection molding machine 1 etc. of this embodiment 1, it is possible to determine the operation authority level of each user and limit the setting items of the injection molding machine 1 that can be operated according to each user's operation authority level, thereby preventing inappropriate setting operations by unskilled persons.

[0055] By an intuitive operation of sliding the instruction image 82 on the authority setting list image 8 as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the operation authority level required for the setting change operation for each of a plurality of setting items can be edited.

[0056] The first operation authority definition file 42b defines the minimum operation authority required for setting change operations for each of multiple setting items, so it is possible to prevent inappropriate operation authority from being granted to a user due to incorrect editing of the second operation authority definition file 42c.

[0057] Furthermore, the arrangement order of the setting item blocks 81 can be changed by sliding the setting item blocks 81 in the authority setting list image 8, allowing for more flexible editing of the operation authority level.

[0058] (Embodiment 2) The injection molding machine 1 according to the second embodiment differs from that according to the first embodiment in the method of editing the second operation authority definition file 42c. Since the other configurations of the injection molding machine 1 are the same as those of the injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for editing authority for setting change operations according to the second embodiment, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams showing an authority setting table image 9 according to the second embodiment.

[0060] The processing unit 41 displays an authority setting table image 9 for editing the operation authority levels on the display panel 43a (step S231). As shown in FIG. 14, the authority setting table image 9 includes a plurality of setting item images 91 arranged in a vertical direction (first direction), a plurality of authority level images 92 arranged in a horizontal direction (second direction), and a plurality of cell images 93. The plurality of setting item images 91 are rectangular images showing the names of a plurality of setting items, respectively, and are row items of the table image. The plurality of authority level images 92 are rectangular images showing a plurality of operation authority levels, respectively, and are column items of the table image. The plurality of cell images 93 are rectangular images in which a plurality of operation authority levels are associated with each of a plurality of setting items, and correspond to cells of the table image.

[0061] Next, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the processing unit 41 receives, through a cell selection operation on the touch panel display 43, the operation authority level required to change the setting of each setting item, i.e., the operation authority level at which the setting change operation is permitted (step S233). In FIGS. 14 and 15 , a hatched cell image 93 indicates that the setting value of the corresponding setting item can be changed. A blank cell image 93 indicates that the setting value of the corresponding setting item cannot be changed. Note that, when an operation authority level of N is selected as the level at which the setting change operation is permitted for a certain setting item, a cell image 93 corresponding to an operation authority level higher than the operation authority level of N is automatically selected. Furthermore, since the operation authority level defined by the first operation authority definition file 42 b is the lower limit of the operation authority level that can be changed in the authority setting table image 9, the cell image 93 may be displayed in a display manner that represents this lower limit. For example, the cell image 93 may be displayed with a pattern, line type, or color that is different from the other cell images 93.

[0062] For example, in FIG. 14, the setting changes of the third injection speed, dwell pressure, and dwell time were permitted at operation authority level = 2, but in FIG. 14, the operation authority level is raised to operation authority level = 3.

[0063] Next, the processing unit 41 determines whether or not a confirmation operation for editing the operation authority level of the setting change operation has been performed (step S234). If it is determined that a confirmation operation has not been performed (step S234: NO), the processing unit 41 returns the process to step S233 and continues the editing process of the operation authority level. If it is determined that a confirmation operation has been performed (step S234: YES), the processing unit 41 stores the edited operation authority second definition file 42c in the storage unit 42 (step S235) and ends the process.

[0064] According to the injection molding machine 1 etc. of embodiment 2, the operation authority level required for the setting change operation of each of multiple setting items can be edited by an intuitive operation of selecting a cell image 93 in the authority setting table image 9 as shown in Figures 14 and 15.

[0065] (Embodiment 3) The injection molding machine 1 according to the third embodiment differs from that according to the first embodiment in the method of editing the second operation authority definition file 42c. Since the other configurations of the injection molding machine 1 are the same as those of the injection molding machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same parts and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the second operation authority definition file 42c according to embodiment 3. The second operation authority definition file 42c according to embodiment 2 stores variables of a plurality of setting items, operation authority levels for changing the settings of the setting items, and changeable ranges of setting values ​​(or data indicating non-changeability) according to each operation authority level, in association with each other.

[0067] The range of changeable setting values ​​for each setting item defined in the second operation authority definition file 42c is narrower than the range of changeable setting values ​​for each setting item defined in the first operation authority definition file 42b according to each user operation authority level.

[0068] The first operation authority definition file 42b may also have a configuration similar to that of the first operation authority definition file 42b according to the third embodiment as shown in Fig. 16. That is, the first operation authority definition file 42b may store a changeable range of a setting value (or data indicating that the setting value cannot be changed) in association with each operation authority level.

[0069] The processing unit 41 refers to the second operation authority definition file 42c and determines whether or not to allow a setting change for each setting item based on the user's operation authority level, and even if a setting change is allowed, it accepts the setting change within the range corresponding to the user's operation authority level.

[0070] According to the injection molding machine 1 etc. according to the third embodiment, the setting items and setting change range of the injection molding machine 1 that can be operated can be limited according to the operation authority level of each user.

[0071] The means for solving the problems of the present disclosure are described below. (Appendix 1) An operation authority management device including a processing unit that executes a process for managing authority for setting change operations in a molding machine, The processing unit authenticating a user of the molding machine; Identifying the operation authority level of the user by referencing a user information file that associates the user ID with the operation authority level of the user; By referring to an operation authority definition file that associates a plurality of setting items in the molding machine with the operation authority level of the user, the setting items that are permitted to be operated by the user or the setting items that are prohibited from being operated by the user are identified. Operation authority management device. (Appendix 2) The operation authority definition file is It includes a first definition file that cannot be changed and a second definition file that can be changed by a user with administrator-level operating privileges. 2. The operation authority management device according to claim 1. (Appendix 3) The higher the operation authority level, the greater the freedom to change settings. The user operation permission level for each setting item defined in the second definition file is higher than the user operation permission level defined in the first definition file. 3. An operation authority management device according to claim 2. (Appendix 4) The processing unit A list image of multiple setting items arranged in order of operation authority level is displayed, a designation image for designating a boundary at which the operation authority level for a plurality of setting items changes midway in the arrangement direction of the setting items is displayed on the list image; Accepting a change in the arrangement order of the setting items, and changing the arrangement order of the setting items in the list image; By accepting a movement operation of the designated image along the arrangement direction of the plurality of setting items, the operation authority level for the setting items is changed. 4. An operation authority management device according to claim 2 or 3. (Appendix 5) The processing unit displaying a table image in which a plurality of setting items are arranged in a first direction and a plurality of cells indicating a plurality of operation authority levels for each setting item are arranged in a second direction; By accepting an operation on the cell, an operation authority level is set that allows a setting change operation for each setting item. 5. An operation authority management device according to any one of Supplementary Note 2 to Supplementary Note 4. (Appendix 6) The operation authority definition file is Multiple setting items, user operation authority levels, and the changeable range of setting values ​​corresponding to each operation authority level are stored in association with each other. 6. An operation authority management device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5. (Appendix 7) The operation authority definition file is The system includes a first definition file that cannot be changed and a second definition file that can be changed by a user having administrator-level operation authority, The higher the operation authority level, the greater the freedom to change settings. The changeable range of the setting value for each setting item defined in the second definition file according to each user operation authority level is narrower than the changeable range of the setting value for each setting item defined in the first definition file. 7. An operation authority management device according to claim 6. (Appendix 8) The operation authority level is a level at which setting change operations relating to all of the plurality of setting items are prohibited; a level at which setting change operations for some of the setting items are permitted among the plurality of setting items; a level at which setting change operations relating to more setting items than the partial setting items are permitted; an administrator level that allows setting change operations for all of the plurality of setting items and user information change operations; Contains 8. An operation authority management device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. (Appendix 9) The molding machine includes an injection molding machine and an extruder. 9. An operation authority management device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 8. (Appendix 10) the molding machine is an injection molding machine, The setting items include at least the cylinder temperature and the injection speed. 10. An operation authority management device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 9. (Appendix 11) Prevents users from changing multiple settings until they are authenticated 11. An operation authority management device according to any one of claims 1 to 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1: Injection molding machine 2: Mold clamping device 3: Injection device 4: Control device 5: User login screen 6: Permission Management Home Screen 7: Molding condition setting screen 8: Permission setting list image 9: Permission setting table image 41: Processing section 42: Storage section 42a: User information file 42b: Operation permission first definition file 42c: Operation permission second definition file 43: Touch panel display 44: Signal input / output section 81: Setting item block 82: Instruction image 91: Setting item image 92: Permission level image 93: Cell image P1: Computer Program

Claims

1. An operation authority management device including a processing unit that executes a process for managing authority for setting change operations in a molding machine, The processing unit authenticating a user of the molding machine; Identifying the operation authority level of the user by referencing a user information file that associates the user ID with the operation authority level of the user; By referring to an operation authority definition file that associates a plurality of setting items in the molding machine with the operation authority level of the user, the setting items that are permitted to be operated by the user or the setting items that are prohibited from being operated by the user are identified. Operation authority management device.

2. The operation authority definition file is The system includes a first definition file that cannot be changed and a second definition file that can be changed by a user with administrator-level operating authority. The operation authority management device according to claim 1 .

3. The higher the operation authority level, the greater the freedom to change settings. The user operation authority level for each setting item defined in the second definition file is higher than the user operation authority level defined in the first definition file. The operation authority management device according to claim 2 .

4. The processing unit A list image of multiple setting items arranged in order of operation authority level is displayed, a designation image for designating a boundary at which the operation authority level for a plurality of setting items changes midway in the arrangement direction of the setting items is displayed on the list image; Accepting a change in the arrangement order of the setting items, and changing the arrangement order of the setting items in the list image; By accepting a movement operation of the designated image along the arrangement direction of the plurality of setting items, the operation authority level for the setting items is changed. The operation authority management device according to claim 2 .

5. The processing unit displaying a table image in which a plurality of setting items are arranged in a first direction and a plurality of cells indicating a plurality of operation authority levels for each setting item are arranged in a second direction; By accepting an operation on the cell, an operation authority level is set that allows a setting change operation for each setting item. The operation authority management device according to claim 2 .

6. The operation authority definition file is Multiple setting items, user operation authority levels, and the changeable range of setting values ​​corresponding to each operation authority level are stored in association with each other. The operation authority management device according to claim 1 .

7. The operation authority definition file is The system includes a first definition file that cannot be changed and a second definition file that can be changed by a user having administrator-level operation authority, The higher the operation authority level, the greater the freedom to change settings. The changeable range of the setting value for each setting item defined in the second definition file according to each user's operation authority level is narrower than the changeable range of the setting value for each setting item defined in the first definition file. The operation authority management device according to claim 6.

8. The operation authority level is a level at which setting change operations relating to all of the plurality of setting items are prohibited; a level at which setting change operations for some of the setting items are permitted among the plurality of setting items; a level at which setting change operations relating to more setting items than the partial setting items are permitted; an administrator level that allows setting change operations for all of the plurality of setting items and user information change operations; Contains The operation authority management device according to claim 1 .

9. The molding machine includes an injection molding machine and an extruder.

3. The operation authority management device according to claim 1 or 2.

10. the molding machine is an injection molding machine, The setting items include at least the cylinder temperature and the injection speed.

3. The operation authority management device according to claim 1 or 2.

11. Prevents users from changing multiple settings until they are authenticated 3. The operation authority management device according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A molding machine including a processing unit that executes a process for managing authority to perform setting change operations, The processing unit authenticating a user of the molding machine; Identifying the operation authority level of the user by referencing a user information file that associates the user ID with the operation authority level of the user; By referring to an operation authority definition file that associates a plurality of setting items in the molding machine with the operation authority level of the user, the setting items that the user is permitted to operate or the setting items that the user is prohibited from operating are identified; Accepts setting change operations for setting items for which operations are permitted, and rejects setting change operations for setting items for which operations are not permitted. Molding machine.

13. The operation authority definition file is The system includes a first definition file that cannot be changed and a second definition file that can be changed by a user with administrator-level operating authority.

13. The forming machine of claim 12.

14. The higher the operation authority level, the greater the freedom to change settings. The user operation authority level for each setting item defined in the second definition file is higher than the user operation authority level defined in the first definition file.

14. The forming machine of claim 13.

15. An operation authority management method for managing authority for setting change operations in a molding machine, comprising: authenticating a user of the molding machine; Identifying the operation authority level of the user by referencing a user information file that associates the user ID with the operation authority level of the user; By referring to an operation authority definition file that associates a plurality of setting items in the molding machine with the operation authority level of the user, the setting items that are permitted to be operated by the user or the setting items that are prohibited from being operated by the user are identified. Operation authority management method.

16. The operation authority definition file is The system includes a first definition file that cannot be changed and a second definition file that can be changed by a user with administrator-level operating authority. The operation authority management method according to claim 15.

17. The higher the operation authority level, the greater the freedom to change settings. The user operation authority level for each setting item defined in the second definition file is higher than the user operation authority level defined in the first definition file. The operation authority management method according to claim 16.

18. A computer program for causing a computer to execute a process for managing authority to change settings in a molding machine, authenticating a user of the molding machine; Identifying the operation authority level of the user by referencing a user information file that associates the user ID with the operation authority level of the user; By referring to an operation authority definition file that associates a plurality of setting items in the molding machine with the operation authority level of the user, the setting items that are permitted to be operated by the user or the setting items that are prohibited from being operated by the user are identified. A computer program for causing the computer to execute a process.

19. The operation authority definition file is The system includes a first definition file that cannot be changed and a second definition file that can be changed by a user with administrator-level operating authority.

19. A computer program according to claim 18.

20. The higher the operation authority level, the greater the freedom to change settings. The user operation authority level for each setting item defined in the second definition file is higher than the user operation authority level defined in the first definition file.

20. A computer program according to claim 19.

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