Molding support device, molding machine, and molding support system

Abstract

This increases the possibility of improving workers' work efficiency and transferring know-how from the work site to the next level. [Solution] A molding support device comprising: an objective information acquisition unit that acquires objective information indicating the purpose of work on a molding apparatus; an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operator's operations during the work; and a writing unit that writes the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit to a storage unit in association with the objective information acquired by the objective information acquisition unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a molding support device, a molding machine, and a molding support system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a method of displaying a setting screen. In this display method, a predetermined setting screen is formed on the display unit based on an operation of an operation unit by an operator. Further, in this display method, when a predetermined setting item of molding conditions is selected by the operator and a confirmation operation element is pressed, a guidance screen is formed corresponding to the setting item in a part of the area of the setting screen. Furthermore, in this display method, guidance information is read from a recording unit and displayed on the guidance screen.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes a method of supporting setting of an injection molding machine. As a basic concept of this setting support method, first, it is described that resin material data Dr... related to the resin decomposition rate Sx with respect to the temperature Ht corresponding to the type of resin material is set in advance in a database in a molding machine controller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional molding machines did not employ a configuration that collected and provided operator input in relation to the purpose of the work. For example, they did not employ a configuration that collected and provided operator input in relation to problems that were about to be solved or problems that had been solved in the past. Therefore, conventional molding machines could not improve the efficiency of operators' work or increase the possibility of transferring know-how from the work site.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to improve the work efficiency of workers and to increase the possibility of transferring know-how from the work site to the next level. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To this end, the present invention provides a molding support apparatus comprising: an objective information acquisition unit that acquires objective information indicating the purpose of work on a molding apparatus; an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operator's operations during the work; and a writing unit that writes the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit to a storage unit in association with the objective information acquired by the objective information acquisition unit.

[0008] The molding support device may further include an attribute information acquisition unit that acquires attribute information indicating the attributes of the work, and a writing unit that writes operation information to a storage unit, further associating it with the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit. In this case, the attribute information may indicate at least one of the attributes of the work itself, the attributes of the worker, and the attributes of the place where the work is performed.

[0009] The present invention also provides a molding support device comprising: a reading unit that reads operation information associated with purpose information from a storage unit that stores operation information indicating the operator's actions during work in association with purpose information indicating the purpose of work on a molding apparatus; and an output unit that outputs operation information read by the reading unit or derived information derived from operation information.

[0010] The reading unit may read attribute information associated with operation information from a storage unit that stores operation information, further associating it with attribute information indicating the attributes of the work, and the output unit may output operation information or derived information using the attribute information read by the reading unit. In this case, the attribute information may indicate at least one of the attributes of the work itself, the attributes of the worker, and the attributes of the place where the work is performed. The output unit may also output the attribute information read by the reading unit in association with operation information or derived information. Furthermore, the output unit may output derived information derived from operation information based on the attribute information read by the reading unit. The output unit may output derived information, which is the result of machine learning based on the operation information. The output unit may also output information indicating the amount of operation information.

[0011] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a molding machine comprising any of the above-described molding support devices, a molding device, and a control device for controlling the molding device.

[0012] The present invention also provides a molding support device comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires association information, which is a combination of purpose information indicating the purpose of the work performed on the molding apparatus and operation information indicating the operator's actions during the work; and a writing unit that writes the association information acquired by the acquisition unit to a storage unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a molding support system comprising: an objective information acquisition unit that acquires objective information indicating the purpose of work on a molding apparatus; an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operator's operations during the work; a generation unit that generates association information by associating the objective information acquired by the objective information acquisition unit with the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit; and a writing unit that writes the association information generated by the generation unit to a storage unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, there is a high possibility of improving the work efficiency of workers and passing on the know-how at the work site.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an injection molding machine to which this embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a control device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a data processing device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a molding support device. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer that realizes a control device, a data processing device, and a molding support device. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operation information collection processing performed by an operation information collection device. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the flow of operation information providing processing performed by an operation information providing device. [Figure 8] (a) and (b) are diagrams showing the screens displayed on a display device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Device Configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an injection molding machine 10 to which this embodiment is applied. The injection molding machine 10 includes an injection device 20, a mold clamping device 30, a control device 100, a data processing device 200, a display device 300, and a molding support device 400. In the following description, the direction from the injection device 20 to the mold clamping device 30 may be referred to as the front. The injection molding machine 10 is an example of a molding machine. The injection device 20 and the mold clamping device 30 are examples of molding devices.

[0017] The injection device 20 is composed of a cylinder for heating a molding material, a screw that is rotatable within this cylinder and is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in the axial direction, a rotary motor for driving the screw in the rotational direction, a motor for driving the screw in the axial direction, etc. The molding material is, for example, a resin or the like. The injection device 20 injects the molding material that has been heated and liquefied within the cylinder by advancing forward while rotating the screw, and fills it into the mold of the mold clamping device 30 arranged in front of the injection device 20. The injection device 20 performs, for example, a metering process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, etc. in the manufacturing process of the molded product. The filling process and the pressure holding process are collectively also called the injection process.

[0018] The mold clamping device 30 is composed of a mold, a clamping mechanism for clamping the mold, a motor for driving this clamping mechanism, etc. The mold clamping device 30 closes the mold and receives the molding material injected from the injection device 20 inside the mold. At this time, the mold clamping device 30 clamps the mold by the clamping mechanism so that the mold does not open due to the filling of the molding material (mold clamping). The molded product is generated when the molding material filled in the mold solidifies. After this, the mold clamping device 30 opens the mold and sends out the generated molded product. The mold clamping device 30 performs, for example, a mold closing process, a pressure boosting process, a mold clamping process, a pressure releasing process, a mold opening process, etc. in the manufacturing process of the molded product.

[0019] The control device 100 controls the operation of the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. The data processing device 200 processes data obtained as the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 operate. The display device 300 displays information related to the control of the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 by the control device 100, data acquired by the data processing device 200, and the processing results of the data processing device 200. The display device 300 also displays an operation screen for inputting commands and data to the control device 100 and the data processing device 200. The display device 300 also displays information on advice provided to the user. The molding support device 400 is a device that supports the molding work performed by the user of the injection molding machine 10. Specifically, the molding support device 400 determines information on advice to be provided to the user and displays it on the display device 300. Note that the advice information may also be displayed on a display screen other than the display device 300.

[0020] <Configuration of control device 100> Figure 2 shows the configuration of the control device 100. The control device 100 controls the operation of the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. The control device 100 is implemented, for example, by a computer. The control device 100 comprises a control information acquisition unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130. The control device 100 controls the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 to repeatedly manufacture molded products by repeatedly performing the processes related to the manufacture of molded products. The processes related to the manufacture of molded products include a metering process, a mold closing process, a pressurizing process, a mold clamping process, a filling process, a holding pressure process, a cooling process, a depressurizing process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process. Hereinafter, these manufacturing processes may be collectively referred to as the "manufacturing process." Also, a series of operations to obtain a molded product, for example, the operations from the start of one metering process to the start of the next metering process in the above manufacturing process, may be referred to as a "shot," "molding cycle," etc. Note that the above processes for manufacturing molded products are merely examples. For example, other processes not included above may be included as processes performed in one shot.

[0021] The control information acquisition unit 110 acquires control information used to control the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. The control information consists of user-set conditions, which are input by the user using, for example, an input device (not shown). The control information includes molding conditions such as resin temperature, mold temperature (cylinder temperature), injection holding pressure time, metering value, VP switching position, holding pressure, injection speed (filling speed), screw rotation speed, screw back pressure, and clamping force. Multiple combinations of these molding conditions are determined depending on the molded product and mold. This combination data of molding conditions will be referred to as the molding condition dataset below. The control information acquisition unit 110 stores the acquired control information as the molding condition dataset in the storage unit 130.

[0022] The control unit 120 controls the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 using the above-mentioned molding condition dataset, and carries out the processes related to the manufacture (shot) of molded products, including the above-mentioned steps. At the start of manufacturing a molded product, the control unit 120 reads the molding condition dataset corresponding to the molded product to be manufactured from the storage unit 130. Then, the control unit 120 controls the operation of the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 based on the control information read. Specifically, the control unit 120 controls the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 so that the data obtained from the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30 during the manufacturing process matches the set values ​​in the molding condition dataset. The control unit 120 may also display the molding condition dataset read from the storage unit 130 on the display device 300. The user may refer to the molding condition data displayed on the display device 300 and perform operations such as correcting the values ​​as necessary.

[0023] The memory unit 130 holds the control information 131 acquired by the control information acquisition unit 110. The molding condition data set included in the control information 131 is prepared in association with the molded product and mold to be manufactured. The memory unit 130 holds the molding condition data set for each molded product and mold to be manufactured. Although not shown in the figures, the memory unit 130 also holds the program for the control unit 120 to control the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. As will be described in more detail later, the control device 100's processor reads and executes the program held in the memory unit 130, thereby realizing the functions of the control unit 120.

[0024] <Configuration of data processing device 200> Figure 3 shows the configuration of the data processing device 200. The data processing device 200 acquires and processes data obtained as the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30 perform operations in the process of manufacturing the molded product described above. The data processing device 200 is implemented, for example, by a computer. The data processing device 200 comprises an acquisition unit 210, a processing unit 220, a storage unit 230, and a display control unit 240.

[0025] The acquisition unit 210 acquires data to be processed from the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. Various sensors and detectors are attached to the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30. The data acquired by these sensors and detectors (hereinafter referred to as "acquired data") is information representing the molding results by the injection unit 20 and the clamping unit 30, and is used for quality control of molded products. Specifically, it includes, for example, the weight of the molded product, the dimensions of the molded product, the in-mold pressure, the minimum cushion position, and characteristic waveforms of the filling pressure. This acquired data is actual values ​​obtained in the manufacturing process of molded products. The acquisition unit 210 receives the acquired data transmitted from the sensors and detectors and stores it in the storage unit 230.

[0026] The processing unit 220 processes the acquired data stored in the storage unit 230. Specifically, the processing unit 220 extracts representative values ​​from the acquired data in each process and generates time-series data by serializing the acquired data in each process. In extracting representative values, the processing unit 220 performs statistical processing on the acquired data, such as calculating the average value, identifying the range of values, and identifying the maximum and minimum values.

[0027] The storage unit 230 stores representative values, time-series data, statistical data, etc., processed by the processing unit 220. These data are associated with the original acquired data, for example. Specifically, these data may be stored in the data file of the corresponding original acquired data. Alternatively, the data file containing these data may be associated with the data file of the original data. In this way, each data generated by the processing unit 220 is also stored in association with the molded product or mold that was manufactured in the shot from which the original acquired data was obtained. The data format of the data file stored in the storage unit 230 may include, for example, CSV (Comma Separated Values), XML (Extensible Markup Language), JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), etc.

[0028] Although not shown in the diagram, the storage unit 230 also holds a program for the processing unit 220 to perform data processing. As will be explained in more detail later, the processing unit 220's functions are realized when the processor in the data processing device 200 reads and executes the program held in the storage unit 230.

[0029] The display control unit 240 displays acquired data and data resulting from processing by the processing unit 220 on the display device 300. The data to be displayed includes setting information in the control information used by the control device 100 to control the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. The setting information (setting values) can be acquired from the control device 100. The display control unit 240 acquires this data from the storage unit 230 and the storage unit 130 of the control device 100 and displays it on the display device 300.

[0030] <Configuration of the molding support device 400> Figure 4 shows the configuration of the molding support device 400. The molding support device 400 includes an operation information collection device 410, a storage device 420, and an operation information provision device 430.

[0031] The operation information collection device 410 collects operation information indicating operations performed on the control device 100. Here, operations performed on the control device 100 refer to operations performed by the user (molding operator) on the control device 100 in order to perform molding work using the injection device 20 and the clamping device 30. Hereinafter, "molding work" will be simply referred to as "work," and "molding operator" will be simply referred to as "operator." The operation information collection device 410 comprises a target information receiving unit 411, an attribute information receiving unit 412, an operation information acquisition unit 413, and a writing unit 414.

[0032] The purpose information receiving unit 411 receives purpose information indicating the purpose of the work to be performed or the purpose of the work that has been performed so far. Here, the purpose of the work is, for example, to resolve a certain molding defect or to appropriately determine a certain setting value. The purpose information receiving unit 411 may receive purpose information in response to an operation in which an operator inputs the purpose of the work. Alternatively, the purpose information receiving unit 411 may receive purpose information in response to an operation in which a supervisor of the operator inputs the purpose of the work via a management device (not shown). The management device is, for example, a device that manages the injection molding machine 10. As long as the operation information can be collected in association with the purpose of the work performed by the operator, the means are not limited as long as the purpose of the work performed by the operator can be grasped. The purpose information receiving unit 411 is an example of a purpose information acquisition unit that acquires purpose information indicating the purpose of the work performed on the molding device.

[0033] The attribute information receiving unit 412 receives attribute information indicating the attributes of the work to be performed and the attributes of the work that has been performed so far. Here, the attributes of the work include, first, the attributes of the work itself. Attributes of the work itself include, for example, information about the type of mold, screw, or resin used in the work, and information about the molded product obtained from the work. The attributes of the work also include the attributes of the worker. Attributes of the worker include, for example, the worker's name, position, and skill level. Furthermore, the attributes of the work also include the attributes of the location where the work is performed. Attributes of the location where the work is performed include, for example, the name of the factory. The attributes of the work may consist of at least one of the attributes of the work itself, the attributes of the worker, and the attributes of the location where the work is performed. The attribute information receiving unit 412 may receive attribute information in response to operations such as entering attribute information into an input field, selecting from a pull-down menu, or voice input. In addition, if the attributes of the work are molds or screws, QR codes (registered trademarks) or RFID tags may be attached to them. Furthermore, the attribute information receiving unit 412 may receive information on the combination of mold and screw by reading a QR code or the like with a reader installed in the control device 100. The attribute information receiving unit 412 is an example of an attribute information acquisition unit that acquires attribute information indicating the attributes of the work.

[0034] The operation information acquisition unit 413 acquires operation information indicating the operations performed by the worker to achieve the purpose of the work. For example, if the purpose of the work is to resolve molding defects, the operations performed by the worker would be the operations performed until the molding defects were resolved. The operation information acquisition unit 413 may terminate the acquisition of operation information when the problem is resolved and the worker declares the end of the operation. Alternatively, the operation information acquisition unit 413 may terminate the acquisition of operation information when no operations are performed for a certain period of time. In that case, the operation information acquisition unit 413 may consider that the problem was resolved by the operations performed until no operations were performed for a certain period of time, and consider those operations as operations performed to resolve the problem. In that case, after the operation information acquisition unit 413 acquires the operation information, the purpose information receiving unit 411 may receive purpose information and the attribute information receiving unit 412 may receive attribute information. The operation information acquisition unit 413 is an example of an operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operations performed by the worker in a work.

[0035] The writing unit 414 writes the purpose information received by the purpose information receiving unit 411 and the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving unit 412 to the storage device 420. Then, the writing unit 414 writes the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit 413 to the storage device 420 in association with the purpose information and attribute information. For example, if the purpose of the work is to resolve molding defects, the writing unit 414 writes the operations up to the resolution of the molding defects to the storage device 420 in association with the attributes of the work. The writing unit 414 may also write negative information to the storage device 420, such as a new problem occurring after changing certain molding conditions. The writing unit 414 is an example of a writing unit that writes operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit to the storage unit in association with the purpose information acquired by the purpose information acquisition unit. The writing unit 414 is also an example of a writing unit that writes operation information to the storage unit in association with attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit.

[0036] The storage device 420 stores information that is written by the operation information collection device 410 and read by the operation information provision device 430. Specifically, the storage device 420 stores the purpose information, attribute information, and operation information written by the writing unit 414 in association with each other.

[0037] The operation information providing device 430 provides past operation information related to the purpose of the work as advice information. The operation information providing device 430 comprises a purpose information receiving unit 431, an attribute information receiving unit 432, a reading unit 433, and a display control unit 434.

[0038] The objective information receiving unit 431 receives objective information indicating the purpose of the work to be performed. Here, the purpose of the work is, for example, to resolve a molding defect or to appropriately determine a certain setting value. The objective information receiving unit 431 may receive objective information in response to an operation in which the worker inputs the purpose of the work. Alternatively, the objective information receiving unit 431 may receive objective information in response to an operation in which the worker's superior manager or the like inputs the purpose of the work via a management device (not shown). The management device is, for example, a device that manages the injection molding machine 10. As long as the operator's purpose of the work can be understood, the means are not limited as long as the operator's purpose of the work can be grasped, as long as operational information can be provided in response to the operator's purpose of the work.

[0039] The attribute information receiving unit 432 receives attribute information indicating the attributes of the work required by the worker. Here, the attributes of the work include, first, the attributes of the work itself. Attributes of the work itself include, for example, information about the type of mold, screw, or resin used in the work, and information about the molded product obtained from the work. The attributes of the work also include the attributes of the worker. Attributes of the worker include, for example, the worker's name, position, and skill level. Furthermore, the attributes of the work also include the attributes of the location where the work is performed. Attributes of the location where the work is performed include, for example, the name of the factory. The attributes of the work may consist of at least one of the attributes of the work itself, the attributes of the worker, and the attributes of the location where the work is performed. The attribute information receiving unit 432 may receive attribute information in response to operations such as entering attribute information into an input field, selecting from a pull-down menu, or voice input. In addition, if the attributes of the work are molds or screws, QR codes (registered trademarks) or RFID tags may be attached to them. Furthermore, the attribute information receiving unit 432 may receive information on the combination of mold and screw by reading a QR code or the like with a reader installed in the control device 100. In addition, the attribute information receiving unit 432 may count the setting items that have been changed for the combination of resin and defect, and receive the resin of the higher setting item as attribute information. In this case, the attribute information receiving unit 432 may receive information managed by the resin supply device as information on the type of resin.

[0040] The reading unit 433 searches for operation information from the storage device 420 based on the purpose information received by the purpose information receiving unit 431 and the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving unit 432. The reading unit 433 then reads the retrieved operation information from the storage device 420. The reading unit 433 may also read attribute information associated with the retrieved operation information from the storage device 420. Here, it is preferable that the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving unit 432 and the attribute information read by the reading unit 433 are different. For example, the former attribute information may be information about the molded product, and the latter attribute information may be information about the operator. The reading unit 433 is an example of a reading unit that reads operation information associated with purpose information from a storage device that stores operation information indicating the operator's operations in an operation, in association with purpose information indicating the purpose of the operation on the molding apparatus. The reading unit 433 is also an example of a reading unit that reads attribute information associated with operation information from a storage device that stores operation information, in association with attribute information indicating the attributes of the operation.

[0041] The display control unit 434 displays the operation information read by the reading unit 433 on the display device 300. Alternatively, the display control unit 434 may display derived information derived from the operation information read by the reading unit 433 on the display device 300. For example, the display control unit 434 may provide the operator with information such as the order and magnitude of condition changes made up to the resolution of a problem in the past, and the screens that were confirmed, by displaying them on the display device 300. In this case, the display control unit 434 is an example of an output unit that outputs operation information read by the reading unit or derived information derived from operation information.

[0042] In this case, the display control unit 434 may associate the attribute information read by the reading unit 433 with operation information or derived information and display it on the display device 300. In this case, the display control unit 434 is an example of an output unit that outputs the attribute information read by the reading unit in association with operation information or derived information. The display control unit 434 is also an example of an output unit that outputs operation information or derived information using the attribute information read by the reading unit.

[0043] For example, consider a case where attribute information includes the worker's name, position, and skill level. In this case, the display control unit 434 should display information on the display device 300 indicating who performed the work and which person, in terms of position or skill level, performed the work. This increases the reliability of the displayed operation information or derived information, making it easier for the worker to adopt that information. Alternatively, the display control unit 434 may also display on the display device 300 that the operation was performed by a worker with a low skill level. Past operations may include, for example, what conditions the worker changed in the past and the magnitude of the changes made when those conditions were changed. Past operations may also include, for example, the order in which the worker changed the screens to be displayed and the order in which the worker made setting changes. Furthermore, past operations may also include, for example, problems that arose as a result of setting changes, and setting changes that resulted in small fluctuations in logging. This information, such as which condition changes should not be made and the magnitude of the changes, helps to narrow down the worker's options for changing conditions. Therefore, this information is also useful for improving work efficiency. As a result, the display control unit 434 may gray out the conditions that should not be changed and display them on the display device 300, or hide them on the display device 300. The display control unit 434 may highlight the conditions that should be changed and display them on the display device 300.

[0044] Furthermore, the display control unit 434 may cause the display device 300 to display derived information derived from the operation information based on the attribute information read by the reading unit 433. In this case, the display control unit 434 is an example of an output unit that outputs derived information derived from the operation information based on the attribute information read by the reading unit. The display control unit 434 is also an example of an output unit that outputs operation information or derived information using the attribute information read by the reading unit.

[0045] Here, the derived information may be information obtained by narrowing down the operation information based on the attribute information. For example, consider a case where attribute information includes the worker's name, position, and skill level. In this case, the display control unit 434 narrows down the display to show only the operation information of a specific person on the display device 300. This "someone" could be someone the worker trusts, someone they consider to have high skill levels, or someone they want to refer to. This allows the worker to know whose operation the derived information is based on, that is, whether the derived information is reliable. Therefore, it can be expected that this kind of information will make it easier for the worker to adopt the advice provided by the machine. For example, consider a case where attribute information indicates a factory that is highly relevant to the machine or product currently being handled. In this case, the display control unit 434 derives derived information from the operation information that is associated with this factory, that is, information collected within a somewhat closed area such as this factory.

[0046] Furthermore, the derived information may also be difference information of operation information for each attribute information. Difference information is information that shows the difference between operation information associated with a certain attribute value of that attribute information and operation information associated with another attribute value of that attribute information. This allows us to see things like whether someone has done a task that someone else has not, or whether a certain task is done by people with a high skill level but not by people with a low skill level.

[0047] Furthermore, the display control unit 434 may display on the display device 300 the derived information, which is the result of machine learning of the operation information read by the reading unit 433. This provides useful advice for improving work efficiency. In this case, the display control unit 434 is an example of an output unit that outputs derived information, which is the result of machine learning of the operation information.

[0048] Furthermore, the display control unit 434 may also display information on the display device 300 indicating the amount of operation information read by the reading unit 433. This is to allow the operator to judge the reliability of the information by showing how many pieces of operation information the advice is based on. Alternatively, the display control unit 434 may also display information on the display device 300 indicating the amount of operation information for each attribute. In this case, the display control unit 434 is an example of an output unit that further outputs information indicating the amount of operation information.

[0049] <Hardware configuration of the computer that realizes the control device 100, data processing device 200, and molding support device 400> Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a computer 500 that implements a control device 100, a data processing device 200, and a molding support device 400. The computer 500 shown in Figure 5 comprises a processor 501, which is an arithmetic means, and a main memory 502 and an auxiliary memory 503, which are storage means. Various arithmetic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) can be used as the processor 501. The processor 501 reads programs stored in the auxiliary memory 503 into the main memory 502 and executes them. For example, RAM (Random Access Memory) can be used as the main memory 502. For example, a magnetic disk drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used as the auxiliary memory 503.

[0050] Furthermore, the computer 500 includes a display device (display) 504 and an input device 505 on which the user performs input operations. For example, a keyboard or mouse can be used as the input device 505. Alternatively, a touch panel integrated with the display device 504 may be used as the input device 505. The display device 504 may be implemented using the display device 300 shown in Figure 1. Note that the configuration of the computer 500 shown in Figure 5 is merely an example, and the computer 500 used in this embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 5. For example, it may be configured to include non-volatile memory such as flash memory or ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage device.

[0051] When the control device 100 is implemented by the computer shown in Figure 5, the control information acquisition unit 110 is implemented, for example, by a processor 501 that reads and executes a program and an input device 505. The functions of the control unit 120 are implemented, for example, by the processor 501 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 130 is implemented, for example, by an auxiliary storage device 503.

[0052] When the data processing device 200 is implemented by the computer shown in Figure 5, the functions of the acquisition unit 210 and the processing unit 220 are implemented, for example, by the processor 501 reading and executing a program. The storage unit 230 is implemented, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 503. The display control unit 240 is implemented by the processor 501 which reads and executes a program.

[0053] When the molding support device 400 is implemented by the computer 500 shown in Figure 5, the functions of the operation information collection device 410 and the operation information provision device 430 are implemented, for example, by the processor 501 reading and executing a program. The storage device 420 is implemented, for example, by the auxiliary storage device 503.

[0054] <Operation Information Collection Process> Figure 6 shows an example of the flow of operation information collection processing performed by the operation information collection device 410.

[0055] In Figure 6, first, the objective information receiving unit 411 receives objective information indicating the purpose of the work to be performed (step 601). The objective information receiving unit 411 may, for example, receive objective information in response to an operation in which the worker inputs the purpose of the work.

[0056] Next, the attribute information receiving unit 412 receives attribute information indicating the attributes of the task to be performed (step 602). The attribute information receiving unit 412 may, for example, receive attribute information in response to an operation in which the worker inputs the attributes of the task.

[0057] Next, the operation information collection device 410 determines whether or not the operator has instructed the start of collecting operation information (step 603).

[0058] First, let's explain what happens when an operator instructs the start of collecting operational information. In this case, first, the operation information acquisition unit 413 acquires operation information indicating the operation performed by the operator (step 604).

[0059] Next, the writing unit 414 acquires the target information received in step 601, the attribute information received in step 602, and the operation information acquired in step 604. Then, the writing unit 414 associates these and writes them to the storage device 420 (step 605).

[0060] Subsequently, the operation information collection device 410 determines whether or not the problem has been input by the operator (step 606). If the operator inputs a solution to the problem, the operation information collection device 410 terminates the operation information collection process.

[0061] On the other hand, if the operator has not entered a problem resolution, the operation information collection device 410 determines whether or not an operation has been performed by the operator within a certain period of time up to the present (step 607). If no operator activity is observed within a certain period of time, the operation information collection device 410 determines that the problem has been resolved and terminates the operation information collection process. On the other hand, if an operation is performed by an operator within a certain period of time, the operation information collection device 410 returns to step 604 and continues the operation information collection process.

[0062] Next, we will explain the case where the operator has not instructed the start of collecting operational information. In this case, first, the operation information collection device 410 determines whether or not to automatically determine whether to start collecting operation information (step 608).

[0063] If the system does not automatically determine when to start collecting operation information, the attribute information receiving unit 412 first receives attribute information indicating the attributes of the work (step 609). The attribute information receiving unit 412 may, for example, receive attribute information in response to an operation in which an operator inputs the attributes of the work.

[0064] Next, the operation information acquisition unit 413 acquires operation information indicating a series of operations performed by the operator (step 610). Here, the operation information acquisition unit 413 should only execute this process if the attribute information received in step 609 matches the attribute information received in step 602.

[0065] Next, the writing unit 414 acquires the target information received in step 601, the attribute information received in step 602, and the operation information acquired in step 610. Then, the writing unit 414 associates these and writes them to the storage device 420 (step 611).

[0066] On the other hand, when the system automatically determines when to start collecting operation information, the operation information acquisition unit 413 first acquires operation information indicating a series of operations performed by the operator (step 610). Here, the operation information acquisition unit 413 should only execute this process if the automatically detected attribute information matches the attribute information received in step 602. The automatically detected attribute information is, for example, information on the type of resin obtained from the resin supply device.

[0067] Next, the writing unit 414 acquires the target information received in step 601, the attribute information received in step 602, and the operation information acquired in step 610. Then, the writing unit 414 associates these and writes them to the storage device 420 (step 611).

[0068] In Figure 6, the operation information collection device 410 is shown to acquire operation information after receiving the target information, but this is not limited to this configuration. The operation information collection device 410 may also acquire operation information before receiving the target information.

[0069] Furthermore, in Figure 6, the operation information collection device 410 is shown to acquire operation information after receiving attribute information, but this is not limited to this. The operation information collection device 410 may also accept attribute information after acquiring operation information.

[0070] <Operation Information Provision Processing> Figure 7 shows an example of the flow of operation information provision processing performed by the operation information provision device 430.

[0071] In Figure 7, first, the objective information receiving unit 431 receives objective information indicating the purpose of the work to be performed (step 701). The objective information receiving unit 431 may, for example, receive objective information in response to an operation in which the worker inputs the purpose of the work.

[0072] Next, the attribute information receiving unit 432 receives attribute information indicating the attributes of the work required by the worker (step 702). The attribute information receiving unit 432 may, for example, receive attribute information in response to an operation in which the worker inputs the attributes of the work required.

[0073] Next, the reading unit 433 acquires the target information received in step 701 and the attribute information received in step 702. Then, the reading unit 433 reads the operation information stored in the storage device 420 in association with these (step 703).

[0074] Subsequently, the display control unit 434 displays the operation information read in step 703 on the display device 300 (step 704).

[0075] In Figure 7, the display control unit 434 displays the operation information on the display device 300 in step 704, but this is not limited to this. The display control unit 434 may also display the derived information derived from the operation information on the display device 300 in step 704.

[0076] Furthermore, although Figure 7 shows that the reading unit 433 reads only operation information in step 703, it is not limited to this. In step 703, the reading unit 433 may also read attribute information stored in the storage device 420 in association with the operation information, in addition to the operation information. Here, it is preferable that the attribute information received in step 702 and the attribute information read in step 703 are different. For example, the former attribute information may be used as information about the molded product, and the latter attribute information may be used as information about the operator.

[0077] Then, in step 704, the display control unit 434 may associate the attribute information read in step 703 with the operation information or derived information and display it on the display device 300. Figure 8(a) shows the screen 801 displayed on the display device 300 in this case. On screen 801, attribute information A is shown associated with operations 11, 12, 13, ... and attribute information B is shown associated with operations 21, 22, 23, ... Attribute information A and B may be, for example, people's names.

[0078] Furthermore, in step 704, the display control unit 434 may display on the display device 300 the derived information obtained by narrowing down the operation information using the attribute information read in step 703. Figure 8(b) shows the screen 802 displayed on the display device 300 in this case. On screen 802, operations 11, 12, 13, ... are shown as a result of narrowing down the operation information using attribute information A. Attribute information A may be, for example, a person's name.

[0079] <Summary> In this embodiment, it is expected that the working time required to resolve problems such as molding defects will be shortened and the number of wasted shots will be reduced. Furthermore, in this embodiment, know-how possessed by a particular person, know-how unique to that factory or molding site, and know-how specific to each mold will be provided to the worker via the injection molding machine 10. This is expected to have the effect of naturally transferring technical knowledge.

[0080] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the operation information collection device 410 collects operation information and then the operation information providing device 430 provides that operation information, but this is not limited to this configuration. The operation information collection device 410 may collect operation information while the operation information providing device 430 provides operation information that has been collected in the past.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, all functions of the molding support device 400 were realized by devices within the injection molding machine 10, but this is not the only possible embodiment.

[0083] For example, all the functions of the molding support device 400 may be implemented by a terminal device such as a PC, smartphone, or tablet connected to the injection molding machine 10 via a communication line. Alternatively, all the functions of the molding support device 400 may be implemented by a server computer connected to the injection molding machine 10 via a communication line.

[0084] Alternatively, some functions of the molding support device 400 may be implemented by devices or terminal devices within the injection molding machine 10, while other functions of the molding support device 400 may be implemented by a server computer.

[0085] Specifically, the objective information receiving unit 411, the attribute information receiving unit 412, and the operation information acquisition unit 413 may be implemented in a device or terminal within the injection molding machine 10. Furthermore, the writing function of the writing unit 414, the storage device 420, and the reading unit 433 may be implemented in a server computer. Additionally, the objective information receiving unit 431, the attribute information receiving unit 432, and the display control unit 434 may be implemented in a device or terminal within the injection molding machine 10.

[0086] On the other hand, the association function of the writing unit 414 may be implemented by a device or terminal device within the injection molding machine 10, or it may be implemented by a server computer.

[0087] In the former case, purpose information, attribute information, and operation information are associated by a device or terminal device within the injection molding machine 10. In this case, the function of associating purpose information and operation information is an example of a generation unit that generates association information in which purpose information indicating the purpose of the work on the molding device and operation information indicating the operator's actions during the work are associated. Furthermore, association information, which links objective information, attribute information, and operation information, may be temporarily stored in volatile memory within the injection molding machine 10 or in a terminal device. In this case, the function of storing association information in volatile memory is an example of a writing unit that writes operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit to the storage unit, in association with the objective information acquired by the objective information acquisition unit. The function of storing association information in volatile memory is also an example of a writing unit that writes operation information to the storage unit, in further association with the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit. Furthermore, association information, which links objective information, attribute information, and operation information, is received by the server computer and written to the storage device 420. In this case, the function for receiving association information is an example of an acquisition unit that acquires association information, which is a combination of objective information indicating the purpose of the work on the molding apparatus and operation information indicating the operator's actions during the work. The function for writing association information to the storage device 420 is an example of a writing unit that writes the association information acquired by the acquisition unit to the storage unit.

[0088] In the latter case, the objective information, attribute information, and operation information are associated by the server computer and written to the storage device 420. In this case, the function of associating the objective information and operation information is an example of a generation unit that generates association information in which objective information indicating the purpose of the work on the molding apparatus and operation information indicating the operator's actions during the work are associated.

[0089] Furthermore, although the above embodiments were applied to operations in the injection molding machine 10, they are not limited to this. The above embodiments may also be applied to operations in peripheral equipment other than the injection molding machine 10. Examples of peripheral equipment include temperature controllers, resin dryers, crushers, and extraction machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 10…Injection molding machine, 20…Injection device, 30…Clamping device, 100…Control device, 110…Control information acquisition unit, 120…Control unit, 130…Storage unit, 200…Data processing device, 210…Acquisition unit, 220…Processing unit, 230…Storage unit, 240, 434…Display control unit, 300…Display device, 400…Molding support device, 410…Operation information collection device, 411, 431…Purpose information receiving unit, 412, 432…Attribute information receiving unit, 413…Operation information acquisition unit, 414…Writing unit, 420…Storage device, 430…Operation information providing device, 433…Reading unit

Claims

1. A purpose information acquisition unit that acquires purpose information indicating the purpose of the work performed on the molding apparatus, An operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operator's actions in the aforementioned work, A writing unit writes the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit to the storage unit in association with the purpose information acquired by the purpose information acquisition unit, A molding support device equipped with the following features.

2. The system further includes an attribute information acquisition unit that acquires attribute information indicating the attributes of the aforementioned operation, The molding support apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the writing unit writes the operation information to the storage unit in association with the attribute information acquired by the attribute information acquisition unit.

3. The molding support apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the attribute information indicates at least one of the attributes of the work itself, the attributes of the worker, and the attributes of the place where the work is performed.

4. A reading unit reads operation information associated with purpose information from a storage unit that stores operation information indicating the operator's actions during a task, in association with purpose information indicating the purpose of the work on the molding apparatus. An output unit that outputs the operation information read by the reading unit or derived information derived from said operation information, A molding support device equipped with the following features.

5. The reading unit further associates the attribute information indicating the attributes of the operation with the attribute information associated with the operation information, and reads the attribute information associated with the operation information from the storage unit that stores the operation information, The molding support apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit outputs the operation information or the derivation information using the attribute information read by the reading unit.

6. The molding support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the attribute information indicates at least one of the attributes of the work itself, the attributes of the worker, and the attributes of the place where the work is performed.

7. The molding support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the output unit outputs the attribute information read by the read unit in association with the operation information or the derivation information.

8. The molding support apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the output unit outputs the derived information derived from the operation information based on the attribute information read by the reading unit.

9. The molding support apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit outputs the derived information which is the result of machine learning of the operation information.

10. The molding support apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the output unit further outputs information indicating the amount of the operation information.

11. A molding support apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The molding apparatus and, A control device for controlling the molding apparatus, A molding machine equipped with the following features.

12. An acquisition unit acquires association information which is a combination of purpose information indicating the purpose of the work on the molding apparatus and operation information indicating the operator's actions during the work. A writing unit writes the association information acquired by the acquisition unit to the storage unit, A molding support device equipped with the following features.

13. A purpose information acquisition unit that acquires purpose information indicating the purpose of the work performed on the molding apparatus, An operation information acquisition unit that acquires operation information indicating the operator's actions in the aforementioned work, A generation unit generates association information which is an association between the objective information acquired by the objective information acquisition unit and the operation information acquired by the operation information acquisition unit. A writing unit writes the association information generated by the generation unit to the storage unit, A molding support system equipped with the following features.

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