Forming Machine

Abstract

To provide a molding machine which enables occurrence factors of abnormalities to be specified easily.SOLUTION: In a die-cast machine 1, a control unit 5 receives a detection signal SG1 input from a sensor 31 and outputs a control signal SG2 to a drive part 33. In the control unit 5, a PLC 21 has registers 35. A ring buffer 37 retains time sequence data D5 which is updated by storing new information about a state of one or more objects, including a first object which is one of the detection signal SG1, the control signal SG2, and the registers 35 and deleting old information from hour to hour in conjunction with proceeding of a mold cycle. The control unit 5 stops update of the time sequence data D5 provided that predetermined stop conditions are satisfied. The display 17 displays the state of the first object based on the time sequence data D5 in which the update is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a molding machine. The molding machine is, for example, a die-casting machine that molds metal or an injection molding machine that molds resin. [Background technology]

[0002] Various techniques for collecting data related to the operation of industrial equipment are known (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 4). In addition, techniques for displaying changes over time in the state of a molding machine using waveforms are known (for example, Patent Documents 5 to 8). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-211555 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-123230 A [Patent Document 3] WO 2020 / 44908 [Patent Document 4] WO 2020 / 44909 [Patent Document 5] JP 2004-155065 A [Patent Document 6] JP 2015-142977 A [Patent Document 7] International Publication No. 2014 / 76752 [Patent Document 8] JP 2019-13933 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, there is a demand for a molding machine that makes it easier to identify the cause of an abnormality or the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A molding machine according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a machine body having a sensor and a drive unit, a control unit which receives a detection signal from the sensor and outputs a control signal to the drive unit, and a display controlled by the control unit, wherein the control unit comprises a PLC having a register, and a memory which holds time series data regarding the status of one or more objects including a first object which is one of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register, the time series data being updated from moment to moment as the molding cycle progresses by storing new information and erasing old information, and wherein updating of the time series data is stopped when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, and the display displays the status of the first object based on the time series data for which updating has been stopped. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the above configuration, the cause of the occurrence of an abnormality or the like can be easily identified. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a configuration of a die casting machine according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a signal processing system of the die casting machine of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] An example of a waveform display screen for the die casting machine in Figure 1. [Figure 4] 2 is another example of a waveform display screen in the die casting machine of FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 13 is yet another example of a waveform display screen in the die casting machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] An example of the settings screen for the die casting machine in Figure 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording target in the die casting machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a recording target in the die casting machine of FIG. [Figure 9]2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a recording pattern in the die casting machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart showing an overview of a procedure of a process executed by a control unit to realize a recording operation in the die casting machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overview of a configuration for saving settings in the die casting machine of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, a number of aspects according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, for aspects that are described relatively later among the multiple aspects, basically, only differences from the previously described aspects will be described. Matters that are not specifically mentioned may be the same as the previously described aspects or may be inferred from the previously described aspects. In addition, for configurations that correspond to each other in multiple aspects, the same reference numerals may be used for convenience, even if there are differences.

[0009] (Overview of the molding machine according to the embodiment) 1 is a side view (partly a cross-sectional view or a block diagram) showing the configuration of a die-casting machine 1 (an example of a molding machine) according to an embodiment. The up-down direction in the figure is the vertical direction.

[0010] The die casting machine 1 produces a die cast product (a molded product in a higher concept) by filling a mold 101 (space 107) with molten metal (metal in a molten state) (not shown). The die casting machine 1 has a machine main body 3 that performs mechanical operations, and a control unit 5 that controls the machine main body 3. The die casting machine 1 also has an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 13 that mediates between the control unit 5 and an operator (a user in a higher concept). The HMI 13 has, for example, an input device 15 that accepts operations from the operator, and a display 17 that displays any image.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a signal processing system of the die casting machine 1.

[0012] The machine body 3 has a plurality of sensors 31 (only one is illustrated in FIG. 2) that detect the state of each part of the machine body 3, and a plurality of drive units 33 (only one is illustrated in FIG. 2) that drive each part of the machine body 3. In the following description, for convenience, one sensor 31 and one drive unit 33 may be taken as an example unless otherwise specified. The control unit 5 has, for example, a controller 19 that directly controls the machine body 3, and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) that realizes sequence control by controlling the machine body 3 via the controller 19.

[0013] The controller 19 receives a detection signal SG1 from the sensor 31 and outputs a control signal SG2 to the drive unit 33. The PLC 21 receives an input signal SG3 from the controller 19 and outputs an output signal SG4 to the controller 19. The input signal SG3 includes, for example, information used to determine whether or not to proceed with each control stage in the PLC 21. The output signal SG4 includes, for example, a command to proceed with each control stage. The controller 19 generates the control signal SG2 based on the detection signal SG1 and the output signal SG4.

[0014] The PLC 21 has a number of registers 35. The terms including register for PLC may differ depending on the manufacturer of the PLC. As will be described in detail later, each register 35 is, for example, a memory corresponding to a function called a device by the manufacturer. The information stored in the register 35 is used, for example, to determine whether or not to proceed to each stage of control.

[0015] In the description of the embodiment, for convenience, the various signals (SG1 to SG4) and the register 35 may be referred to as "objects" or the like. The controller 19 has a memory (e.g., ring buffer 37) that always (in other words, continuously) stores information on the "state of the object" of at least one of the various objects described above. The state of the object is, for example, the potential, voltage, or current of the object, and usually corresponds to information held by the object. The information stored in the ring buffer 37 may be information on the state itself (e.g., potential, voltage, or current), or may be information held by the object due to its state (e.g., speed or pressure). The state of the object may be a broader concept including a state in which a signal (object) is not output, a state in which the object does not hold information, and the like.

[0016] More specifically, the ring buffer 37 holds, for example, the latest time-series data on the state of the target. Specifically, the ring buffer 37 stores new information on the state of the target from time to time as the molding cycle progresses, and erases old information. As a result, the time-series data held by the ring buffer 37 is updated from time to time and maintained as the latest.

[0017] The controller 19 stops updating the time series data when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied. There are various possible stop conditions, as described later, but here, for simplicity, a mode in which updating of the time series data is stopped when an abnormality occurs is taken as an example. Then, the controller 19 causes the display 17 to display information on the target state based on the time series data for which updating has been stopped.

[0018] This allows, for example, when an abnormality occurs, the state of the die-casting machine 1 up until the occurrence of the abnormality can be grasped after the fact. Therefore, the need to grasp the state of the die-casting machine 1 by performing a test to reproduce the state in which the abnormality occurs is reduced. As a result, the cause of the abnormality can be easily identified. In addition, even if a reproduction test is performed, the same abnormality does not necessarily occur, so it may take time to identify the cause of the abnormality. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cause of the abnormality can be identified early. In addition, for example, since the state of the object is recorded while erasing old information, the state when the abnormality occurs can be recorded for the state of a large number of objects while saving memory capacity. When the cause of the abnormality is unexpected, it is difficult to identify the cause. However, by being able to grasp the changes over time of a large number of objects, the cause of the abnormality can be easily and / or quickly identified.

[0019] The above is an overview of the die casting machine 1 according to the embodiment. The following will roughly explain the following order. 1. Machine body (Fig. 1) 1.1. Machine body in general 1.2.Sensor and drive unit 2. Control unit (Fig. 2) 2.1. Control unit in general 2.2. Ring buffer and registers 3. HMI (Figure 2) 4. Screen examples (Figures 3 to 6) 4.1. Screen in general 4.2. Waveform display 4.2.1. Waveform display in general 4.2.2. First Waveform Image (Figures 3 and 4) 4.2.3. Second Waveform Image (Figure 5) 4.3. Numeric image (cursor value display, Fig. 3) 5. Objects to be recorded (Figures 7 and 8) 5.1. General subject matter to be recorded 5.2. How the object to be recorded is selected (Figure 8) 6. Recording stop conditions 6.1. Recording Pattern (Figure 9) 6.2. Examples of Stop Conditions 6.3. Example of the stop condition setting screen (Figures 4 and 6) 6.3.1. General stop condition setting screen 6.3.2. Register trigger setting screen 7. Example of recording procedure (Fig. 10) 8. Using past settings (Figure 11) 9. Export function (Figure 2) 10. Summary of the embodiment

[0020] (1. Machine body) (1.1. Machine body in general) The machine body 3 shown in Fig. 1 holds the above-mentioned die 101. The die 101 is replaced depending on the product. Therefore, the machine body 3 (from another point of view, the die casting machine 1) may be defined excluding the die 101, or may be defined including the die 101. In the explanation of the embodiment, the former may be taken as an example unless otherwise specified.

[0021] Similarly, the sensor 31 and the drive unit 33 associated with the die 101 may or may not be regarded as components of the machine body 3. In the description of the embodiments, the former may be taken as an example unless otherwise specified. Examples of the sensor 31 associated with the die 101 include a sensor that detects the arrival of the molten metal at a predetermined position, and a sensor that detects the temperature of the die 101. Examples of the drive unit 33 associated with the die 101 include a drive unit that drives a core, and a drive unit that applies local pressure.

[0022] The die 101 includes, for example, a fixed die 103 and a movable die 105. As indicated by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1, the die casting machine 1 brings the movable die 105 close to the fixed die 103 and brings them into contact with each other (performs die closing). As a result, a space 107 having the same shape as the shape of the molded product is formed between the fixed die 103 and the movable die 105.

[0023] As described above, the machine body 3 fills the space 107 with molten metal (performs injection). The molten metal filled in the space 107 solidifies as heat is absorbed by the mold 101. This produces a molded product. After that, the machine body 3 separates the movable mold 105 from the fixed mold 103 (performs mold opening) in order to remove the molded product.

[0024] The machine body 3 repeats a molding cycle in which, for example, the above-mentioned mold closing, injection, and mold opening are performed in sequence. The molding cycle is realized by the control unit 5 controlling various driving parts 33 of the machine body 3. The molten metal is, in a higher-level concept, a molding material in an unhardened state. The unhardened state includes not only a liquid state, but also a solid-liquid coexistence state.

[0025] In order to realize the above-mentioned operations, the machine body 3 has, for example, a clamping device 7 that opens / closes and clamps the die 101, an injection device 9 that injects molten metal into the die 101, and an extrusion device 11 that extrudes the die-cast product from the fixed die 103 or the movable die 105 (movable die 105 in FIG. 1). These configurations may be in various forms and may be known configurations.

[0026] For example, the mold clamping device 7 may be one that performs mold opening / closing and mold clamping using a toggle mechanism (illustrated example), or one that does not have a toggle mechanism. In the latter embodiment, mold opening / closing and mold clamping may be performed by separate drive sources. Also, for example, the drive system of the mold clamping device 7 may be an electric system, a hydraulic system (hydraulic system), or a hybrid system that combines these.

[0027] The injection device 9 may be, for example, for a cold chamber machine (example of FIG. 1), for a hot chamber machine, or a hybrid type that combines both. Also, for example, the drive system of the injection device 9 may be an electric type, a hydraulic type, or a hybrid type that combines these.

[0028] The extrusion device 11 may be, for example, one that extrudes a molded product from a movable die 105 (the example in FIG. 1), or one that extrudes a molded product from a fixed die 103. In addition, for example, the extrusion device 11 may be one that has an electric or hydraulic (hydraulic) drive source, or one that utilizes mold opening by a mold clamping device 7 (one that does not have a drive source).

[0029] (1.2. Sensor and drive unit) The sensor 31 (FIG. 2) measures, for example, a physical quantity related to a molding cycle. In other words, the physical quantity is, for example, a physical quantity whose value changes as the molding cycle progresses and / or whose value differs between molding cycles. The multiple sensors 31 may be of various types, for example, known sensors.

[0030] Specific examples of the sensor 31 are given below: a sensor that detects the injection speed, a sensor that detects the injection pressure, a sensor that detects the mold clamping force, a sensor that detects the pressure or flow rate at an appropriate position in the hydraulic circuit that constitutes the drive unit 33, a sensor that detects the torque of the electric motor that constitutes the drive unit 33, and a limit switch that detects when a predetermined member reaches a predetermined position.

[0031] As can be understood from the above, the sensor 31 (e.g., a position sensor or a pressure sensor) may be, for example, a sensor that continuously detects a physical quantity at a predetermined sampling period and outputs a detection signal SG1 in a state corresponding to the value of the detected physical quantity. Also, the sensor 31 (e.g., a limit switch) may be a sensor that outputs the detection signal SG1 only when it is ON or OFF, or a sensor that outputs a detection signal SG1 in a state different from each other when it is ON and OFF.

[0032] The sensor 31 may have only a transducer that converts a physical quantity into an electrical signal, or may have a processing unit that performs processing such as amplification and / or calculation on the electrical signal in addition to the transducer. The transducer and the processing unit may be fixed to each other and disposed together at a specific position on the machine body 3, or only the transducer may be disposed at the specific position. In either arrangement, unlike the above description, the processing unit may be considered to be a part of the control unit 5, not a part of the sensor 31. In other words, as long as the sensor 31 includes a transducer, the boundary between the sensor 31 and the control unit 5 (or the controller 19) may be defined appropriately, regardless of the hardware configuration, etc.

[0033] As can be understood from the above description, the control signal SG1 input from the sensor 31 to the control unit 5 may be an analog signal or a digital signal. The digital signal may be binary or multi-valued. The control signal SG1 may include one bit of information (e.g., ON and OFF) or may include two or more bits of information (e.g., a numerical value). The description in this paragraph may be applied to other signals (e.g., SG2 to SG8) as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0034] The drive unit 33 (FIG. 2) generates a drive force related to the molding cycle. Specific examples of the drive unit 33 are given below. One or more drive units provided in the mold clamping device 7 and related to the movement of a movable die plate that holds the movable die 105. One or more drive units provided in the injection device 9 and related to the movement of a plunger that pushes the molten metal into the space 107. One or more drive units provided in the extrusion device 11 and related to the movement of an ejector pin that pushes the product out of the die. More specifically, the one or more drive units of each of the above devices are, for example, an electric motor that directly moves the moving object (e.g., the movable die plate, the plunger, or the ejector pin), an electric motor that drives a pump, or a valve that controls the flow of a hydraulic fluid (e.g., hydraulic oil).

[0035] The driving section 33 has, for example, elements (such as an electric motor and a valve) that directly generate a driving force, and a driver that supplies power to the above elements. A control signal SG2 output from the control unit 5 (or the controller 19) to the driving section 33 is, for example, input to the driver. However, the control unit 5 may be defined to include the driver.

[0036] (2. Control Unit) (2.1. Control unit in general) The control unit 5 (FIG. 2) has, for example, the controller 19 and the PLC 21 as described above. However, unlike the illustrated embodiment, the control unit 5 may have a configuration including a controller having a PLC function (including an embodiment in which the control unit 5 is the controller itself having the PLC function). When it is said that the control unit has a PLC, the PLC may be a controller having the PLC function as described above, or may be one of the PLC functions. In the description of the embodiment, for convenience, the illustrated embodiment (an embodiment in which the controller 19 and the PLC 21 are provided) is basically taken as an example.

[0037] The controller 19 may be configured by, for example, a computer. The computer includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an auxiliary storage device, not shown. The CPU executes a program stored in the ROM and / or the auxiliary storage device, thereby constructing various functional units that perform various calculations. For example, a storage control unit that controls recording of the state of the target in the ring buffer 37 and a display control unit that controls the display 17 are constructed. The controller 19 may include a logic circuit that performs only certain processes.

[0038] The PLC 21 is configured by a computer, for example, like the controller 19. The computer of the PLC 21 is also configured to include, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an auxiliary storage device. The CPU executes programs stored in the ROM and / or the auxiliary storage device to construct various functional units that perform various calculations. The PLC 21 may also include a logic circuit that performs only certain processes. However, in more detail, the computer of the PLC 21 may differ from the computer of the controller 19 in the configuration of the memory used, depending on the durability required for the PLC 21, etc. Also, the PLC 21 uses a program (e.g., a ladder program) configured using a programming language for sequence control.

[0039] The controller 19 and the PLC 21 may be appropriately distributed. From another point of view, the controller 19 in the description of the embodiment may be a single controller consisting of a plurality of controllers. The same applies to the PLC 21. For example, the controller 19 may include a plurality of controllers corresponding to the clamping unit 7, the injection unit 9, and the extrusion unit 11, respectively. These multiple controllers are synchronized by operating in response to an output signal SG4 from the PLC 21, for example. The controller 19 including a plurality of controllers may have a function for achieving more precise synchronization. The division of roles between the controller 19 and the PLC 21 may be appropriately set.

[0040] The control unit 5 is provided, for example, in a control panel (not shown). A part of the control unit 5 may be combined with the HMI 15 in terms of hardware. A part of the control unit 5 may be disposed in another appropriate position apart from the control panel.

[0041] (2.2. Ring buffer and registers) As is well known, and as shown in FIG. 7 described later, the ring buffer 37 (FIG. 2) is a buffer (storage area) configured by a plurality of element buffers 37a conceptually connected in a ring shape. The plurality of element buffers 37a each have a predetermined capacity, for example, and are physically lined up from the leading element buffer 37a to the trailing element buffer 37a. The leading and trailing ends are also logically connected. Then, information is stored in the element buffers 37a in order from the leading end to the trailing end, and when the trailing end is reached, the storage of information returns to the leading end and continues.

[0042] The control unit 5 records information on the states of all objects intended to be recorded in one element buffer 37a every time a predetermined sampling period elapses. In this way, time series data is held in the ring buffer 37. Once the information reaches the last element buffer 37a in the recording order, the old information is overwritten with new information. In this way, the time series data is updated. As can be understood from the above explanation, the diagram showing the ring buffer 37 (plurality of element buffers 37a) in FIG. 7 may be considered as a diagram that diagrammatically shows the time series data D5.

[0043] The memory in which new information is stored and old information is erased from time to time regarding the status of the targets (SG1 to SG4, 35, etc.) may be realized by a memory other than the ring buffer 37. Also, in the description of the embodiment, for convenience, the so-called surplus portion of the storage area used by the ring buffer 37 may be ignored. The element buffer 37a when recording to the ring buffer 37 starts does not have to be the first element buffer 37a. However, for convenience, the two may be expressed on the assumption that they are the same, without any special mention.

[0044] As described above, one element buffer 37a records information on the states of all targets intended to be recorded for each predetermined sampling period (for convenience, sometimes referred to as one point in time). In other words, one ring buffer 37 corresponds to all targets intended to be recorded. However, multiple ring buffers 37 may be provided, with one ring buffer 37 provided for each target, or one ring buffer 37 provided for a predetermined number of targets. However, multiple ring buffers may also be regarded as one ring buffer. In addition, in the description of the embodiment, for convenience, expressions may be used assuming that one ring buffer 37 is provided, without any particular notice.

[0045] The capacity of the ring buffer 37 may be set by the manufacturer of the control unit 5, may be set by the user through an operation on the input device 15 or the like, or may be set by the control unit 5 based on various information. In the case where the capacity can be set by the user and / or the control unit 5, the maximum value (in other words, the capacity of the storage area prepared for the ring buffer 37) is set, for example, by the manufacturer. In the explanation of the embodiment, unless otherwise specified, expressions may be used on the premise that the capacity of the ring buffer 37 is set to the maximum value.

[0046] The capacity and / or the maximum value of the ring buffer 37 may be any size. For example, the capacity and / or the maximum value of the ring buffer 37 may be a capacity capable of storing time series data of one or more (in other words, one or more) molding cycles. As described later, the objects to be stored may be selectable by the user. In this case, for example, when all selectable objects are selected, the maximum capacity of the ring buffer 37 may or may not be capable of storing time series data of one or more (in other words, one or more) molding cycles. Note that even if the objects to be stored are not selectable by the user, the maximum capacity of the ring buffer 37 may only be capable of storing time series data of less than one molding cycle.

[0047] As described above, one element buffer 37a records the state of each object in one sampling period. However, information of two or more consecutive sampling periods may be recorded in one element buffer 37a. Also, for example, in a mode in which the detection period in which the control unit 5 obtains information from the detection signal SG1 of the sensor 31 is less than half the above sampling period, the information recorded in one element buffer 37a may be two or more pieces of information obtained in two or more detection periods included in one sampling period, or one piece of information appropriately selected from the above two or more pieces of information. Although the detection signal SG1 is taken as an example, the same applies to other objects.

[0048] The sampling period may be the same as or different from the control period. In the latter case, the subject that sets the sampling period is arbitrary. For example, the sampling period may be set by the manufacturer of the control unit 5, may be set by the user through the operation of the input device 15, or may be set by the control unit 5 according to the casting conditions, etc.

[0049] As described later, the target whose state is recorded in the ring buffer 37 may be selectable (in other words, changeable) by an operation on the input device 15. In this case, the capacity of the element buffer 37a may be changed according to the selection result, or may be constant regardless of the selection result. From another perspective, the element buffer 37a may or may not have an unused storage area.

[0050] As described above, the register 35 (FIG. 2) is a memory corresponding to a function that some PLC manufacturers refer to as a device. Examples of such devices include a bit device having a storage capacity of 1 bit, or a byte or word device having a storage capacity of multiple bits (e.g., 8 or 16 bits). Examples of bit devices include an internal relay (sometimes called an auxiliary relay or virtual relay). Examples of byte or word devices include a timer, a counter, and a memory that stores an arbitrary numerical value (e.g., the number of rotations of an electric motor, etc.) (some manufacturers refer to this memory as a register, such as a data register).

[0051] The information stored in the register 35 is used, for example, as described above, to determine whether or not to advance to each control stage. Therefore, the register 35 can also be considered as a memory that realizes the elements located within the horizontal lines in a ladder diagram.

[0052] In the PLC 21, the input relay to which the input signal SG3 is input and the output relay to which the output signal SG4 is output are not functional units realized by a program but are physical devices, and therefore are generally distinguished from the register 35 (device) as described above. However, the information held by the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 is temporarily stored in the memory of the PLC 21 for processing. The concept of the register 35 may be extended to this memory. In other words, it may be considered that the register 35 is provided corresponding to the input relay and the output relay. In the description of the embodiment, unless a contradiction occurs, the state of the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 may be considered to be equivalent to the state of the register 35 corresponding to the input relay and the output relay.

[0053] As described above, the control unit 5 may have a configuration including a controller having a PLC function. In this case, the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 are not generated, and input relays and output relays for these signals are not provided. However, information corresponding to the information held by the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 is temporarily stored in a memory for processing. Therefore, as in the previous paragraph, it may be considered that a register 35 corresponding to the input relay and the output relay is provided. And, as in the embodiment in which the controller 19 and the PLC 21 are separate, the storage and display of the state of the register 35 realizes an operation equivalent to the storage and display of the state of the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4.

[0054] The physical configuration of the register 35 (and the elements associated with the register 35) is arbitrary. For example, the register 35 may be capable of retaining information even if a power outage occurs, or may not be capable of retaining information, or the user may be able to select whether or not the register 35 can retain information depending on the user's settings. In addition, the multiple registers 35 may differ from each other in whether or not the register 35 can retain information in the event of a power outage.

[0055] (3. HMI) The HMI 13 (FIGS. 1 and 2) may be configured in various ways, for example, it may be a known configuration. The term HMI here may be interpreted broadly. For example, HMI includes not only those configured specifically for the configuration of the machine body 3, but also those configured with a touch panel type PC (Personal Computer) and a PC of a general configuration (including a keyboard and display). FIG. 1 shows an example of an HMI dedicated to the die casting machine 1.

[0056] As described above, the HMI 13 has the input device 15 and the display 17. Although not specifically shown, the HMI 13 may also have, in addition to the above, lamps (e.g., LEDs) that present information depending on their lighting state, and devices that present information acoustically (e.g., speakers).

[0057] The configurations of the input device 15 and the display 17 are also arbitrary. For example, the input device 15 may be configured to include a touch panel and a mechanical switch. Furthermore, for example, the display 17 may include a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display 17 may constitute a display unit of the above-mentioned touch panel.

[0058] The input device 15 generates, for example, a signal SG5 in response to an operation by an operator, and outputs the signal SG5 to the controller 19. The display 17 displays an image based on a signal SG6 input from the controller 19, for example.

[0059] The HMI 13 may be disposed at any position. In Fig. 1, the HMI 13 is fixed to a stationary part (fixed die plate) of the mold clamping device 7. Unlike the illustrated example, the HMI 13 may be located in a control panel (not shown), or may be located away from the machine body 3, separate from the control panel.

[0060] The roles of the HMI 13 and the controller 19 may be appropriately determined. For example, the controller 19 may generate image data based on information on the state of the target (SG1 to SG4 and 35) and output a signal SG6 including the image data information to the HMI 13. Alternatively, the controller 19 may output a signal SG6 including information on the state of the target, and the HMI 13 may generate the image data based on the signal SG6.

[0061] Unlike the description in the previous paragraph, the boundary between controller 19 and HMI 13 may be defined as appropriate, regardless of the hardware configuration. For example, regardless of whether the CPU that generates the image data is located in a control panel that clearly includes at least a part of controller 19, or in a touch panel PC (different from the example in FIG. 1) having display 17, the part that generates the image data may be defined as controller 19.

[0062] (4. Screen example) (4.1. Screen in general) 3 to 6 show examples of screens displayed on display 17. In the explanation of the screens shown in these figures, unless otherwise specified, an example will be taken in which display 17 is a display unit of a touch panel. Note that the term "touch panel" in the following explanation may be replaced with the term "input device 15" in relation to input, and may be replaced with the term "display 17" in relation to display, unless a contradiction occurs.

[0063] 3, 4 and 5 respectively show screens 201A, 201B and 201C which show the state of the target (SG1 to SG4 and 35) based on the information (time series data) of the state of the target recorded in the ring buffer 37 after recording of the state of the target is stopped. Fig. 6 shows a screen 201D for setting a condition for stopping recording by the ring buffer 37. Here, the screens 201A to 201C will be mainly described. Screen 201D will be described in the description of the recording stop condition in Section 6 which will be described later.

[0064] Each of the screens 201A to 201C (images) is displayed, for example, on the entire screen (surface that displays the image) of the display 17. Then, the screens are selectively displayed on the display 17 by operating the input device 15. For example, by operating one of a plurality of buttons BT1 at the bottom right of each screen (image), the screen is switched to one of the other screens (images).

[0065] Each of the screens 201A to 201C includes an image showing a change over time in the state of an object by a waveform (line Ln1 or Ln3). The screens 201A and 201B include a first waveform image 203A showing the state of the detection signal SG1 and / or the control signal SG2 by, for example, one or more lines Ln1 (three are illustrated in the figure). The screen 201C includes a second waveform image 203C showing the state of the register 35 (which may include the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4) by, for example, one or more lines Ln3 (four are illustrated in the figure) (including Ln3a and 3b).

[0066] Screens 201A and 201B have a common first waveform image 203A. In addition, the areas other than first waveform image 203A (in other words, parts of the screens) contain different images. Specifically, for example, screen 201A contains number image 205A showing the target state with numbers (characters in a higher concept), whereas screen 201B contains setting image 205B showing settings related to recording by ring buffer 37. Details of setting image 205B will be described later in the description of recording stop conditions in Section 6, rather than here (Section 4).

[0067] Various known methods for image display may be applied when displaying the various screens (201A to 201D). For example, the range in which the waveform is displayed may be changeable by a scroll bar (not shown). This allows, for example, an arbitrary partial range of the vertical or horizontal axis of an image showing the waveform to be displayed, or a partial waveform among a plurality of waveforms (see screen 201C) displayed in different regions to be displayed.

[0068] In the description of the present disclosure, the display 17 may be expressed as performing a display based on information (time-series data D5) stored in the ring buffer 37. In this case, as is clear from the fact that the HMI 13 does not have the ring buffer 37, the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 does not need to be directly used for the display. The display may be performed based on the signal SG6 from the controller 19 to the HMI 13 and / or another memory that holds information copied from the ring buffer 37. Even if the display is performed based on the time-series data D5 copied to another memory, the display is still based on the time-series data D5 in the ring buffer 37.

[0069] (4.2. Waveform display) (4.2.1. Waveform display in general) In first waveform image 203A and second waveform image 203C, the horizontal axis indicates time t. The vertical axis indicates a value corresponding to the state of the object being displayed. The value on the vertical axis may be the state of the object itself (e.g., the potential, voltage, or current of a signal), or may be information corresponding to the state (e.g., speed or pressure). The specific shapes (display manner) of the horizontal and vertical axes are arbitrary. For example, they may be axial as in the illustrated example, or may be the outer edge of the area displaying the waveform.

[0070] The start point, end point and / or scale of the horizontal and vertical axes (the relative relationship between the range of values ​​indicated by the axis and the length of the axis on the screen (number of pixels)) may be changeable as appropriate. For example, by operating any of the multiple buttons BT1, an image for changing the start point, end point and / or scale may be displayed instead of number image 205A. In other words, a screen different from screens 201A-201C may be displayed. Then, the start point, end point and / or scale may be specified on that screen.

[0071] The sampling period in which recording is performed in sequence in the multiple element buffers 37a is, for example, constant. Therefore, there is a linear relationship between the order of the element buffers 37a and the elapsed time, and the multiple element buffers 37a (target state) can be easily associated with time t (horizontal axis). The controller 19 may appropriately associate a predetermined point in time (e.g., the start point of recording) with the order of the element buffers 37a, for example, by acquiring information (e.g., an address, index, or pointer) that identifies the element buffer 37a in which recording was performed when recording in the ring buffer 37 was started.

[0072] The recording start time point may or may not be set to zero on the horizontal axis (time t) when displaying the waveform. Also, on the horizontal axis, other information (e.g., information indicating the stage of sequence control such as "injection start") may be displayed in addition to or instead of time t. In an embodiment in which the other information is displayed instead of time t, the position on the horizontal axis and the elapsed time do not need to have a linear relationship. Even in such an embodiment, it may be considered that a waveform indicating the change over time in the state of the subject is displayed.

[0073] When displaying the waveform, various known methods for waveform display may be appropriately applied. For example, points and / or lines may be drawn using only the original data, or points and / or lines may be drawn by interpolating between data or, conversely, by thinning out the data.

[0074] (4.2.2. First Waveform Image) As described above, first waveform image 203A (FIGS. 3 and 4) shows, for example, the state of detection signal SG1 and / or control signal SG2. From another point of view, first waveform image 203A shows not a binary state as in the illustrated example, but a time-dependent change in a state that can take various analog or digital values. However, first waveform image 203A may show a time-dependent change in a binary state. For example, multiple waveforms are displayed in the same area by sharing the horizontal and vertical axes. However, multiple waveforms may be displayed in different areas, as in second waveform image 203C described later.

[0075] The target displayed in first waveform image 203A may be selectable from the targets whose states are recorded in ring buffer 37. For example, by operating a plurality of buttons BT3 (four are illustrated here) arranged directly below first waveform image 203A on screen 201A, any target may be selected from the plurality of targets whose states are recorded, and only the selected target may be displayed.

[0076] (4.2.3. Second Waveform Image) As described above, second waveform image 203C (FIG. 5) shows, for example, the state of register 35. As described above, register 35 holds one bit of information or two or more bits of information. From another perspective, second waveform image 203C may show a change over time in a binary state (line Ln3a) or a change over time in a state that can take on various digital values ​​(line Ln3b). For example, the start and end points of the horizontal axis of the multiple waveforms are displayed in different areas from each other while sharing the same position in the horizontal direction of the screen. This makes it easier to view the multiple waveforms showing the binary states. However, multiple waveforms may be displayed in a common area, as in first waveform image 203A.

[0077] The target to be displayed in second waveform image 203C may be selectable from the targets whose states are recorded in ring buffer 37 by an appropriate operation on input device 15. For example, register 35 whose waveform is to be displayed may be selected by inputting information (referred to as a label or address, for example) designating register 35 into a plurality of input fields IF1 arranged in the left portion of second waveform image 203C on screen 201C.

[0078] In the illustrated example, the input field IF1 into which information specifying the register 35 has been input and the waveform of the state of the specified register 35 are displayed at the same height on the screen. From another perspective, the two are adjacent to each other. No waveform is displayed next to the blank input field IF1.

[0079] (4.3. Numeric image (cursor value display)) Number image 205A (FIG. 3) displays, for example, a value (e.g., speed or pressure) indicating the state of the object at the time when cursor 207 on first waveform image 203A is pointed to, as a number (for convenience, circles are drawn instead of numbers in FIG. 3). The object whose value is displayed as a number is, for example, all (or some) of the objects whose waveforms are displayed in number image 205A. Note that number image 205A may display a value calculated from the states of two or more objects (for example, the difference between the detection values ​​of two pressure sensors) rather than the state of the object.

[0080] The specific shape and operation method of cursor 207 may take various forms. In the illustrated example, cursor 207 is configured by a line parallel to the vertical axis and extending over the length of the vertical axis. Also, cursor 207 can be moved along the time axis (horizontal axis) by, for example, an appropriate operation on input device 15 (e.g., swiping on a touch panel). Unlike the illustrated example, cursor 207 may be configured by an arrow, and any one of a plurality of waveforms may be selectable. In this case, the state of the selected waveform at the time of selection may be displayed by a number in number image 205A.

[0081] (5. What is recorded) (5.1. General subject matter to be recorded) 7 and 8 are schematic diagrams for explaining objects whose states are recorded in the ring buffer 37, and are also block diagrams of the control unit 5. For convenience, the control unit 5 shown in Fig. 7 may be referred to as control unit 5A, and the control unit 5 shown in Fig. 8 may be referred to as control unit 5B.

[0082] Fig. 7 illustrates an example in which the states of all of the various signals SG (SG1 to SG4) are recorded. Meanwhile, Fig. 8 illustrates an example in which the states of some of the various signals SG are recorded. As described above, in an example in which the control unit 5 includes a controller having a PLC function (or in an example in which the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4 are generated), instead of recording the states of the input signal SG3 and the output signal SG4, the states of the registers 35 corresponding to the input relay and the output relay may be recorded.

[0083] Unless otherwise specified, the types of signals SG here include distinctions based on the major categories of detection signals SG1, control signals SG2, input signals SG3, and output signals SG4, as well as distinctions based on subcategories within the above four types of signals. Specifically, detection signals SG1 that have different output sources, namely, sensors 31, are of different types. Control signals SG2 that have different output destinations, namely, drive units 33, are of different types. Input signals SG3 that have different input relays of the PLC 21 are of different types. Output signals SG4 that have different output relays of the PLC 21 are of different types.

[0084] Regarding the embodiment of FIG. 7, to confirm, the control unit 5A records the states of all types of detection signals SG1, all types of control signals SG2, all types of input signals SG3, and all types of output signals SG4.

[0085] 7 and 8, in addition to the signals SG (SG1 to SG4), the states of the registers 35 may be recorded in the ring buffer 37. In this case, in either of the embodiments shown in Fig. 7 and 8, the states of all the registers 35 may be recorded, or only the states of some of the registers 35 may be recorded.

[0086] All of the one or more objects whose states are recorded in the ring buffer 37 may be made displayable on the display 17 by one or more screens (images). Therefore, in the description of the embodiment, the term of the recorded object may be replaced with the term of the object that is made displayable, unless a contradiction occurs. However, unlike the description of the embodiment, there may be objects that are recorded in the ring buffer 37 but are made undisplayable. Information on the state of such objects may be used, for example, by an external support device that can communicate with the control unit 5.

[0087] (5.2. How the subject to be recorded is selected) In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the signal SG whose state is recorded in the ring buffer 37 may be any appropriate signal. For example, the recorded signal SG may be one that is highly related to an abnormality. More specifically, for example, the control unit 5B has an abnormality detection unit 41 that detects an abnormality based on information held by the signal SG (exemplified as signal SGa in Fig. 8). The recorded signal SG may be the signal SGa used to detect an abnormality and / or a signal SG that is highly correlated with the signal SGa.

[0088] The abnormality detection unit 41 may realize functions from various viewpoints. Examples of such functions include the following: An alarm function provided as a basic function in the control unit 5B (or in another viewpoint, the controller 19 and / or the PLC 21; the same applies in this paragraph). A function added to the control unit 5B in consideration of circumstances specific to the die casting machine 1. A production management function and / or a quality management function.

[0089] A specific example of the operation of the abnormality detection unit 41 will be given. For example, the abnormality detection unit 41 determines that an abnormality has occurred when the detection value of the injection speed and / or the injection pressure (from another point of view, the state of the detection signal SG1) falls outside a predetermined range. Also, for example, the abnormality detection unit 41 determines that an abnormality has occurred when the number of pieces produced per unit time grasped from an appropriate signal (for example, the input signal SG3) falls outside a predetermined range. In various abnormality determinations, the above-mentioned predetermined range (threshold value from another point of view) may be set by the manufacturer, may be set by the user via the input device 15, etc., or may be set by the control unit 5B (or an external support device capable of communicating with the control unit 5B) according to the casting conditions, etc.

[0090] In the embodiment of Fig. 8, the subject that selects the signal SG to be recorded is arbitrary. For example, the signal SG to be recorded may be selected by the manufacturer of the control unit 5B (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "first embodiment"), may be selected by an operator through an operation on the input device 15 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "second embodiment"), or may be selected by the control unit 5B (or an external support device that can communicate with the control unit 5B) based on past abnormalities or the like using AI (artificial intelligence) technology.

[0091] In Fig. 8, an example of the first embodiment and an example of the second embodiment are illustrated in schematic form. Specifically, they are as follows.

[0092] First, an example of the first aspect will be described. Since the abnormality detection unit 41 judges the presence or absence of an abnormality based on the signal SGa, it naturally holds (stores) information (usage information D1) that specifies the signal SGa. Then, the storage control unit 43 of the control unit 5B selects the signal SGa as the signal SG whose state is recorded in the ring buffer 37 based on the usage information D1 held by the abnormality detection unit 41. Which signal SG the abnormality detection unit 41 judges the abnormality based on is usually set by the manufacturer of the control unit 5B. Therefore, this aspect may be taken as an example of the first aspect. Note that the storage control unit 43 may refer to the usage information D1 stored in a storage area different from the storage area referred to by the abnormality detection unit 41.

[0093] Next, an example of the second mode will be described. The input device 15 accepts an operation to select a signal SG whose state is to be recorded in the ring buffer 37. The control unit 5B stores selection information D3 that specifies the signal SG selected by the operation. Then, the storage control unit 43 selects the signal SG whose state is to be recorded in the ring buffer 37 based on the selection information D3. Note that, unlike the illustrated example (different from the description in the previous paragraph), the storage control unit 43 does not need to refer to the usage information D1. Then, the signal SGa used for the abnormality determination by the abnormality detection unit 41 may be selected by an operation on the input device 15, and the state of the signal SGa may be recorded in the ring buffer 37 by referring to the selection information D3.

[0094] In the above explanation, the embodiment of Fig. 8 has been explained as one in which the states of some of the various signals SG are recorded, but the states of some of the various signals SG and the various registers 35 may also be recorded. In this regard, for example, recording of all signals SG may not be performed, and the states of some or all of the registers 35 may be recorded. Also, in the above explanation (Section 5.2), the term "signal SG" may be replaced with the term "signal SG and register 35" or the term "register 35" unless a contradiction or the like arises.

[0095] (6. Recording stop conditions) 6.1. Recording Patterns 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating patterns when the states of the targets (SG1 to SG4 and 35) are recorded in the ring buffer 37. The diagrams of each pattern are imagined as time passing from left to right. The range in which the arrows are drawn indicates the period during which recording is being performed.

[0096] The first pattern includes the aspects described in the description of the outline of the embodiment. In this pattern, recording may start at any time. For example, recording may start when the molding cycle starts. Then, recording is stopped when a predetermined trigger occurs (in FIG. 9, "failure" is shown as an example). In other words, recording is performed "before" the trigger. As a result, information on the target state is stored with a capacity according to the capacity of the ring buffer 37 until just before the trigger occurs. In this pattern, the occurrence of the trigger and the stop condition for stopping recording may be regarded as the same thing.

[0097] The second pattern is the opposite of the first pattern. Specifically, when a trigger occurs (in FIG. 9, "ejection start" is shown as an example), recording to the ring buffer 37 starts. Then, when a predetermined capacity (for example, the capacity of the ring buffer 37) of information is recorded, recording is stopped. That is, recording is performed "after" the trigger. In this pattern, the stop condition can be said to be "recording to the ring buffer 37 has progressed to a predetermined criterion since the trigger occurred." Note that the predetermined criterion can also be an elapsed time (or an event correlated therewith) instead of a capacity.

[0098] The third pattern is a combination of the first and second patterns. In this pattern, recording may start at any time, as in the first pattern. After recording starts, when a predetermined trigger (shown as "a certain state" in FIG. 9) occurs, recording is stopped when information smaller than the capacity of the ring buffer 37 (e.g., half the capacity) is recorded. That is, recording is performed "before and after" the trigger. Note that, as in the second pattern, the stop condition can be said to be "recording has progressed to a predetermined standard (specifically, a standard different from that in the second pattern) since the trigger occurred."

[0099] (6.2. Examples of Stop Conditions) As described above, the stop condition is exemplified by the occurrence of a trigger and the progress of recording from the occurrence of the trigger to a predetermined standard. Also, as the trigger, the detection of an abnormality, a failure (which may be regarded as a type of abnormality), and the start of injection have been exemplified.

[0100] The trigger may be any of various other events. For example, other examples of triggers include the following: start of a molding cycle by the die casting machine 1, start of high-speed injection by the injection device 9, start of boosted injection by the injection device 9, start of supplying molten metal to the injection device 9 by a molten metal supply device (not shown), stop of the die casting machine 1 (normal stop or abnormal stop), and a predetermined operation on the input device 15. The occurrence of these triggers can be determined based on any of various signals (SG1 to SG4) and various registers 35.

[0101] From another point of view, the trigger may be when the state of one or more targets (sometimes called "targets of judgment") selected from the various signals (SG1 to SG4) and the various registers 35 becomes a specific state. If there is only one target of judgment, the specific state here is the state of that target of judgment, and if there are multiple targets of judgment, it is the state of the multiple targets of judgment as a whole (a combination of multiple states). This specific state does not have to correspond to an event that can be grasped by a clear concept as described in the previous paragraph. For more information on specific states, see also Section 6.3.2 below.

[0102] The above-mentioned determination target may be selected, for example, only from targets recorded in the ring buffer 37, or may be selected from various targets without such restrictions. Also, in the above, the determination target is selected from various signals (SG1 to SG4) and various registers 35, but it may be selected only from a specific number of targets. For example, the determination target may be selected only from various signals (SG1 to SG4) or only from various registers 35.

[0103] (6.3. Example of the stop condition setting screen) (6.3.1. General stop condition setting screen) The entity that sets the stop condition (trigger and / or pattern) is arbitrary. For example, the stop condition may be set by the manufacturer of the control unit 5, may be set by the user through an operation on the input device 15, or may be set by the control unit 5 (or an external support device that can communicate with the control unit 5) based on past abnormalities, etc., using AI technology.

[0104] The following describes a specific example of how the stop condition is set by the operator via the input device 15. Here, reference is made to Figs.

[0105] As described above, the setting image 205B of the screen 201B in Fig. 4 displays the setting status of various items related to recording. The various items displayed include, for example, the recording stop conditions. The setting image 205B also serves as an area for receiving operations to set the various items.

[0106] In the illustrated example, the setting image 205B is in a table format, with the left column showing items related to recording, and the right column showing the setting status of the items shown in the left column.

[0107] Examples of items in the left column include "trigger," "pattern," and "sampling." "Trigger" and "pattern" are as explained with reference to Fig. 9. "Sampling" indicates the sampling period when recording the state of the target in the ring buffer 37.

[0108] In the example of FIG. 4, a state in which a "register" is set is illustrated as a "trigger." A "register" is an aspect in which the trigger is the state of one or more determination targets selected from a plurality of registers 35 becoming a specific state. In addition, various triggers exemplified in the previous section may be set as a "trigger." The trigger item may be set, for example, by an operation of selecting one from a plurality of options prepared in advance. In more detail, for example, a list of options may be displayed by tapping on a square in which "register" is written, and a trigger may be set by tapping on any option in the list.

[0109] Also, in the example of FIG. 4, a state in which "before and after" is set as the "pattern" is illustrated. That is, the third pattern is set. Other settings include "before" (first pattern) and "after" (second pattern). The item of the pattern may be set by selecting one from three options prepared in advance, similar to the item of the trigger.

[0110] 4, a state in which "100 ms" is set as "sampling" is illustrated. The sampling period may be set by inputting a numerical value into the box (blank space) in which "100 ms" is written, for example.

[0111] The setting image 205B may be modified in various ways. For example, the setting image 205B may display items other than the items exemplified in FIG. 4. For example, an item for displaying (and even setting) a predetermined criterion (volume and / or elapsed time) for stopping recording after a trigger occurs in the second and / or third patterns may be added. Conversely, as can be understood from the above description, some of the items exemplified in FIG. 4 may not be items that can be set by the user. Also, for example, the setting image 205B may be capable of setting multiple triggers. The multiple triggers may be used for AND conditions and / or OR conditions (see the description of triggers by the register 35 in the next section 6.3.2).

[0112] (6.3.2. Register trigger setting screen) Screen 201D shown in Fig. 6 is an example of a screen for making specific settings when one or more states of determination targets selected from a plurality of registers 35 become a specific state as a trigger in setting image 205B shown in Fig. 4. Screen 201D is displayed on the entire screen (surface that displays an image) of display 17, for example, similar to screens 201A to 201C. Then, screen 201D is selectively displayed on display 17 by an operation on input device 15. For example, an operation on button BT5 of screens 201A to 201C switches from these screens to screen 201D, and an operation on button BT5 of screen 201D returns to the original screen.

[0113] At the leftmost side of the screen 201D, a row of input fields IF3 for inputting information (e.g., called a label or address) for identifying the register 35 is arranged. In the input field IF3, for example, after tapping on the input field IF3, characters (including numbers and symbols) are input via a software keyboard. To the right of the input field IF3, a row of check boxes BX1 for specifying whether or not to use the register 35 identified by the input field IF3 as a determination target is arranged. The check boxes BX1 are switched between a selected state and a non-selected state, for example, each time they are tapped. To the right of the check boxes BX1, a row of buttons TA1 for specifying which state of the register 35 (ON or OFF in the illustrated example) is set as a trigger occurrence condition is arranged. The button TA1 is switched between ON and OFF, for example, each time it is tapped. Although not particularly illustrated, when a register capable of holding a numerical value is designated as the register 35, an input field for inputting a threshold value or the like may be arranged instead of the button TA1.

[0114] As can be seen from the above, the operator can select a judgment target from a plurality of registers 35 by operating the input device 15. More specifically, the input field IF3 and check box BX1 allow a two-step operation: an operation of selecting candidates for the judgment target, and an operation of actually selecting the judgment target from the selected candidates. This facilitates trial and error in investigating when an abnormality or the like occurs.

[0115] In the example of FIG. 6, it is possible to set whether the state of each of the multiple judgment targets is an AND condition or an OR condition. Specifically, for example, a button TA3 is arranged on the top row, and each time it is tapped, the AND condition and the OR condition are switched. FIG. 6 illustrates a state in which the OR condition is selected. Just to be clear, the AND condition is a condition in which a trigger is determined to have occurred (the states of the multiple judgment targets have become a specific state) when all of the multiple judgment targets have become a specified state. The OR condition is a condition in which a trigger is determined to have occurred (the states of the multiple judgment targets have become a specific state) when at least one of the multiple judgment targets has become a specified state.

[0116] In the example of Fig. 6, the pattern ("before and after") and sampling ("100 ms") are also displayed. These are set on screen 201B (Fig. 4), but may also be set on this screen 201D.

[0117] The example screens shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, or the setting methods derived from these screens, may be modified in various ways.

[0118] For example, the two-step operation of selecting candidates for the judgment target and selecting the judgment target to be actually used from the candidates may be treated as a one-step operation. More specifically, for example, the check box BX1 may be eliminated, and the register 35 specified by the input field IF3 may be treated as the judgment target as it is.

[0119] Also, for example, the AND condition and the OR condition may not be switchable. For example, only one of them may be forced. Conversely, the AND condition and the OR condition may be more flexibly settable. For example, it may be possible to set an AND condition within each group including multiple (or one) judgment targets and set an OR condition for multiple groups, or conversely, to set an OR condition within each group and set an AND condition for multiple groups.

[0120] Also, for example, the specific elements for operation (input field IF3, check box BX1, button TA1, etc.) may be other various types of elements. For example, instead of the input field IF3, an element for selecting one from a list of multiple options may be arranged.

[0121] 4 and 6, the trigger is set to be one or more determination targets selected only from the plurality of registers 35 satisfying a specific state. As described above, the range in which the determination targets are selected may include various signals.

[0122] (7. Examples of Recording Procedures) 10 is an example of a flowchart showing an outline of a procedure of a process executed by the control unit 5 to realize the above-mentioned operation related to recording. This process may be started, for example, when the power of the die casting machine 1 (control unit 5) is turned on or when the first molding cycle is started.

[0123] In step ST1, the control unit 5 starts recording the states of the targets (SG1 to SG4 and 35) in the ring buffer 37. As described above, in the first and third patterns (FIG. 9), step ST1 may be executed at any time. For example, it may be executed simultaneously with the start of the process shown in FIG. 10. Also, in the second pattern, step ST1 is executed when a trigger occurs.

[0124] In step ST2, the control unit 5 determines whether or not a stop condition for stopping recording to the ring buffer 37 has been satisfied. For example, if it is the first pattern, it determines whether or not a trigger has occurred. If it is the second pattern, it determines whether or not recording from the trigger (step ST1) has continued up to a predetermined criterion. If it is the third pattern, it determines whether or not recording from the trigger has continued up to a predetermined criterion (which may be different from the second pattern). If the determination is positive, the control unit 5 proceeds to step ST3, and if the determination is negative, it repeats step ST2 (continues recording).

[0125] In step ST3, the control unit 5 stops recording in the ring buffer 37. Then, in step ST4, the control unit 5 displays the information recorded in the ring buffer 37, as shown in the example screens in FIGS.

[0126] 10, when recording is stopped, a process is executed to automatically display the information recorded in the ring buffer 37. Unlike the illustrated example, the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 may be displayed when a predetermined operation is performed on the input device 15 after recording is stopped.

[0127] Unlike the example of Fig. 10, it is also possible to display the target state before stopping recording. For example, the target state may be displayed by reading information from an element buffer 37a that is distant from the element buffer 37a in which information is recorded in the ring buffer 37. However, even in this case, if the display is maintained even after recording is stopped or is redisplayed after recording is stopped, the requirement that the display is performed after recording is stopped is satisfied, and this is included in the technology disclosed herein.

[0128] Also, after the stop condition is satisfied and recording in the ring buffer 37 is stopped, the information stored in the ring buffer 37 can be copied to another memory, recording in the ring buffer 37 can be resumed, and then, while recording is being performed in the ring buffer 37, display can be performed based on the information stored in the other memory. Even in this case, the display is still performed after recording in the ring buffer 37 is (temporarily) stopped.

[0129] (8. Use of past settings) It has been explained with reference to Figures 3 to 5 etc. that the targets (SG1 to SG4 and 35) whose states are displayed on the display 17 may be selected by the user. It has also been explained with reference to Figures 4 and 6 etc. that the stop condition for stopping recording in the ring buffer 37 may be set by the user. It has also been mentioned that this stop condition may be that one or more judgment targets selected from a plurality of targets have reached a specific state.

[0130] The settings relating to the display and / or stop conditions as described above may be made saveable and retrievable. This reduces the need for the user to make settings from scratch every time an abnormality or the like is investigated, for example. In particular, the number of objects recorded in the ring buffer 37 (or objects selectable as objects to be recorded) is enormous in the die casting machine 1, and convenience for the user is significantly improved. The number of settings that can be saved may be one or more.

[0131] 11 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration for realizing the above-mentioned functions. In the following explanation, first, settings related to display will be explained.

[0132] The control unit 5 stores information (current settings D11) related to the current setting state related to the display in the first memory M1. The first memory M1 is, for example, a volatile memory (for example, a RAM). The current settings D11, for example, include at least information specifying an object selected as a display object. For example, in the case of the register 35, it includes information inputted into the input field IF1 of FIG. 5. The current settings D11 may further include information specifying a display mode. For example, it may include information specifying the scale of the horizontal axis (time t).

[0133] The control unit 5 displays on the display 17 the state recorded in the ring buffer 37 for the display target specified by the current setting D11. Furthermore, if the current setting D11 specifies a display mode (scale, etc.), the control unit 5 reflects that display mode. Furthermore, if the display target (and display mode) is changed (set) by an operator's operation on the input device 15, the control unit 5 updates the contents of the current setting D11. Note that the initial contents (default) of the current setting D11 may be any appropriate content.

[0134] When a predetermined operation is performed on the input device 15, the control unit 5 stores the contents of the current settings D11 in the second memory M2 as information specifying a past setting state (past settings D13). The second memory M2 is, for example, a non-volatile memory (for example, an auxiliary storage device). The second memory M2 is capable of storing, for example, a plurality of past settings D13.

[0135] The control unit 5 can accept an operation to select an arbitrary past setting D13 from the multiple past settings D13 stored in the second memory M2 via the input device 15. When any past setting D13 is selected, the control unit 5 copies the selected past setting D13 to the first memory M1 as the current setting D11. This causes a display based on the past setting D13 to be performed.

[0136] Unlike the above description, if the second memory M2 can store only one past setting D13, for example, when the display of the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 is finished, the current setting D11 may be automatically stored as the past setting D13. Also, when the display of the information recorded in the ring buffer 37 is started, the past setting D13 may be automatically set as the current setting D11.

[0137] Furthermore, in the case where the second memory M2 stores a plurality of past settings D13, any of the past settings D13 may or may not be automatically used when starting to display the information recorded in the ring buffer 37. An example of the latter is a mode in which the previous setting automatically stored separately from the past settings D13 is automatically used (a mode similar to the mode described in the previous paragraph).

[0138] FIG. 11 can be used for setting the stop condition. The above description may be used by replacing the word "display" with the word "stop condition" as long as no contradiction occurs. For the sake of completeness, the following provides an overview of the above description, including the differences when the above description is used for the stop condition.

[0139] The current setting D11 includes information related to the current setting state related to the stop condition. For example, the current setting D11 includes information identifying the type and pattern of a trigger. If the trigger includes one or more judgment targets becoming a specific state, the current setting D11 includes, for example, information identifying the one or more judgment targets and the specific state.

[0140] As described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, when the stop condition is set, the control unit 5 performs a display reflecting the contents of the current setting D11. When the stop condition is changed (set), the control unit 5 updates the contents of the current setting D11. Thereafter, when the process described with reference to Fig. 10 is executed, the stop condition (trigger and / or pattern in another respect) specified in the current setting D11 is used in step ST1 and / or step ST2.

[0141] The control unit 5 stores the current setting D11 as a past setting D13 in the second memory M2 in response to an appropriate operation on the input device 15. Also, the control unit 5 copies any one of the multiple past settings D13 stored in the second memory M2 to the first memory M1 as the current setting D11 in response to an appropriate operation on the input device 15. The previous setting may or may not be automatically used for the current setting.

[0142] (9. Export function) In the above description, it has been mainly assumed that the information stored in the ring buffer 37 is used as is within the control unit 5. However, as shown in Fig. 2, the information stored in the ring buffer 37 may be exportable to an external recording medium 45. This makes it possible to store results that exceed the capacity of the ring buffer 37, for example, and enables the accumulation of cases and / or statistical analysis.

[0143] The external recording medium 45 is, for example, an external element seen from the control unit 5 (or the controller 19). The external recording medium 45 may be a component of the die casting machine 1, or may be an element external to the die casting machine 1. In FIG. 2, the external recording medium 45 is depicted as an element external to the die casting machine 1 for the sake of convenience.

[0144] An example of a mode in which the external recording medium 45 is a component of the die casting machine 1 is a mode in which the external recording medium 45 is under the control of either the control unit 5 or the HMI 13. An example of a mode in which the external recording medium 45 is an element external to the die casting machine 1 is a mode in which the external recording medium 45 is an independent unit on a network.

[0145] In relation to the above, the export may be performed by the control unit 5 (controller 19), as indicated by the solid arrow signal in Fig. 2, or may be performed by the HMI 13, as indicated by the dashed-dotted arrow signal. In addition, for example, in a mode in which the external recording medium 45 is an independent unit on the network, the data may be saved from either the control unit 5 or the HMI 13.

[0146] The export may be performed automatically and / or by an operation on the input device 15 when recording to the ring buffer 37 is stopped. And / or the export may be performed automatically and / or by an operation on the input device 15 when a predetermined amount of information is accumulated in the ring buffer 37. The predetermined amount may be based on, for example, the capacity or the number of element buffers 37a (which are essentially the same). Alternatively, the number of molding cycles or the like may be used as a reference.

[0147] The information to be exported may take various forms. For example, the information stored in the ring buffer 37 (digital values ​​indicating the state of the target) may be exported as is. Also, for example, data of a part or all of an image (for example, an image with a function similar to a screenshot) of the screen displaying the waveform shown in FIG. 3 or the like may be exported.

[0148] (10. Summary of the embodiment) As described above, in this embodiment, the molding machine (die-casting machine 1) has the machine body 3, the control unit 5, and the display 17. The machine body 3 has the sensor 31 and the drive unit 33. The control unit 5 receives the detection signal SG1 from the sensor 31 and outputs a control signal SG2 to the drive unit 33. The display 17 is controlled by the control unit 5. The control unit 5 has the PLC 21 and a memory (ring buffer 37). The PLC 21 has a register 35. The ring buffer 37 holds time-series data D5, which is updated by storing new information from time to time and erasing old information as the molding cycle progresses, for the state of one or more objects including a first object that is one of the detection signal SG1, the control signal SG2, and the register 35. The time-series data D5 is updated by storing new information from time to time and erasing old information as the molding cycle progresses. The control unit 5 stops updating the time-series data D5 on the condition that a predetermined stop condition is satisfied (steps ST2 and ST3). The display 17 displays the state of the first object based on the time-series data D5 for which updating has been stopped.

[0149] Therefore, for example, as described in the outline of the embodiment, it becomes easier to grasp the situation after the fact, and it becomes easier and / or faster to identify the cause of an abnormality or the like.

[0150] The memory may be a ring buffer 37 .

[0151] In this case, for example, it is possible to perform continuous recording while reducing the load on the control unit 5.

[0152] The display 17 may display a waveform (lines Ln1 and Ln3) showing the change over time in the condition of the first subject.

[0153] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to grasp the change over time in the condition of the subject, improving the above-mentioned effects.

[0154] The display 17 may display a cursor 207 that indicates an arbitrary time point of the waveform, and may display the state of the first object at the time point indicated by the cursor 207 using a number (number image 205A).

[0155] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to grasp the condition of the subject more specifically, and the above-mentioned effects are improved.

[0156] The memory (ring buffer 37) may hold time-series data D5 regarding the state of the detection signal SG1 and the state of the register 35. The display 17 may display, based on the time-series data D5, a waveform (line Ln1) indicating the change over time of the state of the detection signal SG1 and a waveform (line Ln3) indicating the change over time of the state of the register 35 on separate screens (screens 201A and 201C).

[0157] The detection signal SG1 intended to be displayed is relatively likely to have multiple values. On the other hand, the register 35 intended to be displayed is likely to have two values. Therefore, for example, by displaying both on separate screens 201A and 201C, visibility is improved. In turn, it becomes easier to grasp the state of the target, and the above-mentioned effect is improved.

[0158] The first object may be a register 35 .

[0159] In general, the values ​​detected by the sensor 31, such as the injection speed and injection pressure, are often displayed as waveforms. However, the state of the register 35 is usually not displayed as a waveform. By displaying the state of the register 35 as a waveform, it becomes possible to grasp the situation in a way that was previously impossible. Also, for example, even if an abnormality occurs whose cause is difficult to predict, it becomes possible to identify the cause early on.

[0160] The memory (ring buffer 37) may hold time-series data D5 for all states of the detection signal SG1, the control signal SG2, and the register 35. The display 17 may display all states of the detection signal SG1, the control signal SG2, and the register 35 on one or more screens based on the time-series data D5.

[0161] Typically, a die casting machine 1 uses a plurality of detection signals SG1, a plurality of control signals SG2, and a plurality of registers 35. In the previous paragraph, "all" does not mean all of these, but means one detection signal SG1, one control signal SG2, and one register 35. In other words, it means that at least one of each of the above three types of objects is selected as an object intended to be recorded.

[0162] In this embodiment, it can be said that various objects are intended to be recorded and displayed. This makes it possible, for example, to grasp a situation that was previously impossible. Also, for example, even if an abnormality occurs whose cause is difficult to predict, it becomes possible to identify the cause early. In particular, this effect is improved when all the detection signals SG1, all the control signals SG2, and all the registers 35 are targeted for recording, as described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0163] The control unit 5 may perform abnormality detection based on one or more specific targets among a plurality of types and a plurality of targets, including a plurality of detection signals SG1 from a plurality of sensors 31, a plurality of control signals SG2 to a plurality of driving units 33, and a plurality of registers 35. The memory (ring buffer 37) may hold time-series data D5 on the states of some of the plurality of types and a plurality of targets, including the one or more specific targets (see FIG. 8). The display 17 may display the states of the some of the targets on one or more screens (201A to 201C) based on the time-series data D5.

[0164] In this case, the capacity of the ring buffer 37 when recording the time series data D5 for a predetermined period can be made smaller than when, for example, all the detection signals SG1, all the detection signals SG1, all the control signals SG2, and all the registers 35 are targeted for recording. From another perspective, the time series data D5 can be recorded for a long period by the ring buffer 37 having a predetermined capacity. Note that the "one or more specific targets" in the previous paragraph may be some or all of the various targets in a mode in which various targets are used for anomaly detection.

[0165] The molding machine (die-casting machine 1) may have an input device 15. The input device 15 may receive an operation to select one or more recording targets from a plurality of types and a plurality of targets, including a plurality of detection signals SG1 from a plurality of sensors 31, a plurality of control signals SG2 to a plurality of driving units 33, and a plurality of registers 35 (FIG. 8). The memory (ring buffer 37) may hold time-series data D5 on the states of some of the plurality of types and a plurality of targets, including the one or more recording targets. The display 17 may display the states of the some of the targets on one or more screens (201A-201C) based on the time-series data D5.

[0166] In this case, the user can select the target to be investigated. As a result, the capacity of the ring buffer 37 can be made smaller, for example, compared to a mode in which the states of all targets are recorded. On the other hand, for example, the states of various targets can be grasped, for example, compared to a mode in which only the states of some targets set in advance by the manufacturer are recorded. As a result, for example, it becomes easier to identify the cause of an abnormality that was difficult to identify only from the states of some targets set in advance by the manufacturer.

[0167] The stop condition (step ST2) may include that the control unit 5 detects an abnormality.

[0168] In this case, for example, when an abnormality occurs, recording to the ring buffer 37 can be automatically stopped. Furthermore, for example, the time-series data D5 before or around the detection of the abnormality is saved. As a result, the need for a reproduction test in which the same abnormality is caused to identify the cause of the abnormality is reduced.

[0169] The stopping condition may include that the time-series data D5 has been updated to a predetermined standard since a predetermined first condition was satisfied (since a predetermined trigger occurred) (second and third patterns).

[0170] In this case, for example, not only the time-series data before the occurrence of a trigger but also the time-series data after the occurrence of a trigger or before and after the occurrence of a trigger can be obtained. As a result, for example, in a situation where the change in the state of the target that is the cause of an abnormality is small before the occurrence of the abnormality and large after the occurrence of the abnormality, it is easy to identify the cause of the abnormality.

[0171] The molding machine (die-casting machine 1) may have an input device 15. The input device 15 may receive an operation to select one or more judgment targets and a specific state of the one or more judgment targets from a plurality of types and a plurality of targets including a plurality of detection signals SG1 from a plurality of sensors 31, a plurality of control signals SG2 to a plurality of drive units 33, and a plurality of registers 35 (FIG. 6). The stop condition may include that the one or more judgment targets have entered the specific state.

[0172] In this case, for example, a user can refer to time-series data based on various triggers. As a result, for example, the cause of an abnormality that was previously difficult to identify can be identified, or the cause of the abnormality can be identified early on with ease. Note that the operation of selecting one or more judgment targets may be an operation of selecting the number of judgment targets and the types of judgment targets (example of FIG. 6), or may be an operation of selecting a predetermined number (one or two or more) of types of judgment targets.

[0173] The control unit 5 may store a plurality of stop conditions (a plurality of past settings D13) each having a different combination of the one or more determination targets and a specific state of the one or more determination targets. The input device 15 may accept an operation to select a stop condition (current setting D11) to be used next from the plurality of stop conditions stored in the control unit 5.

[0174] In this case, as already mentioned, for example, the necessity for the user to set the stop conditions from scratch every time an abnormality or the like is investigated is reduced. As a result, for example, past investigation experience can be easily utilized. Also, for example, when an abnormality reproduction test is performed and the capacity of the ring buffer 37 is insufficient for one molding cycle, it is possible to easily collect information before, after, or before and after various events by sequentially calling up a plurality of past settings D13 and repeatedly performing the reproduction test. As a result of the above, for example, early identification of the cause of an abnormality is facilitated.

[0175] Examples of situations in which the combination of one or more judgment targets and the specific state of the one or more judgment targets differ among a plurality of stop conditions include the following: A situation in which the number of one or more judgment targets and / or at least some of the types of the one or more judgment targets differ from each other. A situation in which the number and types of one or more judgment targets are the same, but the specific state (a state set for at least one judgment target) differs from each other.

[0176] The molding machine (die-casting machine 1) may have an input device 15. The input device 15 may accept an operation to select one or more display objects, the state of which is displayed by the display 17 based on the time-series data D5, from among a plurality of types and a plurality of objects, including a plurality of detection signals SG1 from a plurality of sensors 31, a plurality of control signals SG2 to a plurality of driving units 33, and a plurality of registers 35 (see a plurality of buttons BT3 in FIG. 3 and an input field IF1 in FIG. 5). The display 17 may display the state of the one or more display objects based on a current selection state (current setting D11). The control unit 5 may store information on a plurality of selection states (a plurality of past settings D13) in which the one or more display objects are different from each other. The input device 15 may accept an operation to apply one of a plurality of selection states (a plurality of past settings D13) stored in the control unit 5 to the current selection state (current setting D11).

[0177] In this case, as already mentioned, for example, the need for the user to perform display-related settings from scratch every time an abnormality or the like is investigated is reduced. As a result, for example, past investigation experience can be easily utilized. Also, for example, by sequentially calling up and displaying a plurality of past settings D13, it is easy to visually confirm changes over time in the states of various objects from a plurality of viewpoints. As a result, for example, early identification of the cause of an abnormality is facilitated. Note that, examples of the manner in which one or more display objects differ from one another among a plurality of selection states include a manner in which the number of one or more determination objects and / or at least some of the types of one or more determination objects differ from one another.

[0178] The control unit 5 may export the information indicating the state of the first object stored in the memory (ring buffer 37) to an external recording medium (external recording medium 45).

[0179] In this case, for example, as described above, results exceeding the capacity of the ring buffer 37 can be stored, allowing accumulation of cases and / or statistical analysis.

[0180] In the above embodiment, the die casting machine 1 is an example of a molding machine. The ring buffer 37 is an example of a memory.

[0181] The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned exemplary embodiments, and may be implemented in various embodiments.

[0182] The molding machine is not limited to a die-casting machine. For example, the molding machine may be another metal molding machine, an injection molding machine for molding resin, or a molding machine for molding a material in which wood powder is mixed with thermoplastic resin. In addition, the molding machine is not limited to a horizontal clamping and horizontal injection type, and may be, for example, a vertical clamping and vertical injection type, a vertical clamping and horizontal injection type, or a horizontal clamping and vertical injection type. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 1...die-casting machine (molding machine), 3...machine body, 5...control unit, 17...display, 21...PLC, 31...sensor, 33...drive unit, 35...register, 37...ring buffer (memory), D5...time-series data, SG1...detection signal, SG2...control signal.

Claims

1. A machine body having a sensor and a drive unit; a control unit to which a detection signal from the sensor is input and which outputs a control signal to the drive unit; a display controlled by the control unit; It has The control unit includes: a PLC having a register; and a memory for retaining time-series data regarding the states of one or more objects including a first object which is one of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register, the time-series data being updated by storing new information from time to time as the molding cycle progresses and erasing old information, Stopping the update of the time series data when a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied; The display displays a state of the first object based on the time-series data whose updating has been stopped; the memory holds the time series data regarding the state of the detection signal and the state of the register; The display displays, on separate screens, a waveform showing the change over time in the state of the detection signal and a waveform showing the change over time in the state of the register, based on the time-series data. Molding machine.

2. A machine body having a sensor and a drive unit; a control unit to which a detection signal from the sensor is input and which outputs a control signal to the drive unit; a display controlled by the control unit; It has The control unit includes: a PLC having a register; and a memory for retaining time-series data regarding the states of one or more objects including a first object which is one of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register, the time-series data being updated by storing new information from time to time as the molding cycle progresses and erasing old information, Stopping the update of the time series data when a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied; The display displays a state of the first object based on the time-series data whose updating has been stopped; The first object is the register. Molding machine.

3. A machine body having a sensor and a drive unit; a control unit to which a detection signal from the sensor is input and which outputs a control signal to the drive unit; a display controlled by the control unit; It has The control unit includes: a PLC having a register; and a memory for retaining time-series data regarding the states of one or more objects including a first object which is one of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register, the time-series data being updated by storing new information from time to time as the molding cycle progresses and erasing old information, Stopping the update of the time series data when a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied; The display displays a state of the first object based on the time-series data whose updating has been stopped; the memory holds the time series data for all states of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register; The display displays all of the states of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register on one or more screens based on the time series data. Molding machine.

4. A machine body having a sensor and a drive unit; a control unit to which a detection signal from the sensor is input and which outputs a control signal to the drive unit; a display controlled by the control unit; It has The control unit includes: a PLC having a register; and a memory for retaining time-series data regarding the states of one or more objects including a first object which is one of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register, the time-series data being updated by storing new information from time to time as the molding cycle progresses and erasing old information, Stopping the update of the time series data when a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied; The display displays a state of the first object based on the time-series data whose updating has been stopped; The stopping condition includes that the time series data has been updated to a predetermined standard after a predetermined first condition has been satisfied. Molding machine.

5. A machine body having a sensor and a drive unit; a control unit to which a detection signal from the sensor is input and which outputs a control signal to the drive unit; a display controlled by the control unit; an input device that accepts user operations; It has The control unit includes: a PLC having a register; and a memory for retaining time-series data regarding the states of one or more objects including a first object which is one of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register, the time-series data being updated by storing new information from time to time as the molding cycle progresses and erasing old information, Stopping the update of the time series data when a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied; The display displays a state of the first object based on the time-series data whose updating has been stopped; When a first condition is that a determination target included in the one or more targets is in a specific state, one of the stop conditions may include the first condition for a plurality of the determination targets, the control unit is capable of storing a plurality of the stop conditions, in which at least some of the first conditions are different from each other, in response to an operation on the input device; The input device accepts an operation for selecting the stop condition to be used next from the plurality of stop conditions stored in the control unit. Molding machine.

6. A machine body having a sensor and a drive unit; a control unit to which a detection signal from the sensor is input and which outputs a control signal to the drive unit; a display controlled by the control unit; It has The control unit includes: a PLC having a register; and a memory for retaining time-series data regarding the states of one or more objects including a first object which is one of the detection signal, the control signal, and the register, the time-series data being updated by storing new information from time to time as the molding cycle progresses and erasing old information, Stopping the update of the time series data when a predetermined stopping condition is satisfied; The display displays a state of the first object based on the time-series data whose updating has been stopped; an input device that receives an operation of selecting one or more display objects, the state of which is to be displayed by the display based on the time-series data, from a plurality of types and a plurality of objects including a plurality of the detection signals from the plurality of the sensors, a plurality of the control signals to the plurality of the drive units, and a plurality of the registers; The display displays a state of the one or more display objects based on a current selection state; the control unit is capable of storing a plurality of pieces of selection state information in which at least some of the plurality of display objects are different from each other in response to an operation on the input device; The input device accepts an operation for applying one of the plurality of selection states stored in the control unit to a current selection state. Molding machine.

7. The memory is a ring buffer. The molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The display displays a waveform showing the change in the condition of the first subject over time. The molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

9. The display displays a cursor indicating an arbitrary time point of the waveform, and displays a number indicating the state of the first object at the time point indicated by the cursor. The molding machine according to claim 8.

10. the control unit performs an abnormality detection based on one or more specific targets among a plurality of types and a plurality of targets including a plurality of the detection signals from a plurality of the sensors, a plurality of the control signals to a plurality of the drive units, and a plurality of the registers; the memory holds the time-series data regarding states of some objects including the one or more specific objects among the plurality of types and plurality of objects; The display displays the state of the part of the objects on one or more screens based on the time series data. The molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. An input device that accepts an operation of selecting one or more recording targets from a plurality of types and a plurality of targets, the plurality of detection signals from the plurality of sensors, the plurality of control signals to the plurality of drive units, and the plurality of registers; The memory holds the time series data regarding states of some of the multiple types and multiple objects, including the one or more recording objects; The display displays the state of the part of the objects on one or more screens based on the time series data. The molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

12. The stop condition includes that an abnormality is detected by the control unit. The molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

13. an input device that receives an operation of selecting one or more determination targets and specific states of the one or more determination targets from a plurality of types and a plurality of targets including a plurality of the detection signals from a plurality of the sensors, a plurality of the control signals to a plurality of the drive units, and a plurality of the registers; The stop condition includes that the one or more determination targets are in the specific state. The molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

14. The control unit exports information indicating the state of the first object stored in the memory to an external recording medium. The molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images