Injection molding machine display

Abstract

To provide a technology that supports setting of control for releasing gas from an inside of a mold device to an outside.SOLUTION: A display device of an injection molding machine displays a screen. The screen has a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are arranged and a selection screen display area for displaying a selection screen selected for each tab. The tab display area has a first tab. A first selection screen displayed in the selection screen display area when the first tab is selected includes a plurality of input fields used for control of releasing gas from an inside of the mold device to an outside.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device for an injection molding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] The injection molding machine of Patent Document 1 is equipped with a display. The display shows an injection / measurement screen. The injection / measurement screen has a waveform display section that shows changes in the parting opening from the start of injection to the end of cooling. The parting opening is the size of the gap that occurs between the movable mold and the fixed mold. The clamping force can be set while checking the waveform (changes) of the parting opening. The clamping force is set so that the parting opening falls within a specified range. This ensures good degassing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-134442 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The display device of the injection molding machine displays a screen. The screen has a tab display area where multiple tabs are arranged, and a selection screen display area where a selection screen selected for each tab is displayed. The selection screen display area switches between multiple selection screens.

[0005] Conventionally, input fields used to control the release of gas from the inside to the outside of a mold device are scattered across multiple selection screens, making the settings for the release of gas cumbersome.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides techniques to assist in setting controls for venting gases from the interior to the exterior of a mold assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A display device for an injection molding machine according to one aspect of the present invention includes: A screen is displayed having a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are arranged, and a selection screen display area that displays a selection screen selected for each of the tabs. The tab display area has a first tab. The first selection screen that is displayed in the selection screen display area when the first tab is selected includes a plurality of input fields used for control of degassing from the inside to the outside of the mold device, and includes an input field used for first control of limiting the forward movement of the injection member in the pressure holding process. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, by providing a plurality of input fields used for gas release control together on the first selection screen, it is possible to assist in setting the gas release control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state when mold opening of an injection molding machine according to one embodiment is completed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of the injection molding machine according to one embodiment when clamping the mold. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of components of the control device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a molding cycle process. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of molding material flowing into the inside of a mold device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of the actual value of the mold clamping force. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the first selection screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the second selection screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0011] (injection molding machine) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state of an injection molding machine according to an embodiment when mold opening is completed. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of an injection molding machine according to an embodiment when mold clamping is performed. In this specification, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis direction and Y-axis direction represent horizontal directions, and the Z-axis direction represents vertical directions. When the mold clamping device 100 is of a horizontal type, the X-axis direction is the mold opening / closing direction, and the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the injection molding machine 10. The negative side of the Y-axis direction is called the operating side, and the positive side of the Y-axis direction is called the counter-operating side.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , injection molding machine 10 includes a mold clamping unit 100 that opens and closes mold apparatus 800, an ejector unit 200 that ejects a molded product molded by mold apparatus 800, an injection unit 300 that injects molding material into mold apparatus 800, a moving unit 400 that moves injection unit 300 forward and backward relative to mold apparatus 800, a control unit 700 that controls each component of injection molding machine 10, and a frame 900 that supports each component of injection molding machine 10. Frame 900 includes a mold clamping unit frame 910 that supports mold clamping unit 10 and an injection unit frame 920 that supports injection unit 300. Clamping unit frame 910 and injection unit frame 920 are each installed on floor 2 via leveling adjusters 930. Control unit 700 is disposed in the interior space of injection unit frame 920. Each component of injection molding machine 10 will be described below.

[0013] (mold clamping device) In the description of the mold clamping unit 100, the moving direction of the movable platen 120 during mold closing (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is defined as the front, and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 during mold opening (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is defined as the rear.

[0014] The mold clamping device 100 performs mold closing, pressure increase, mold clamping, depressurization, and mold opening of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 includes a fixed mold 810 and a movable mold 820.

[0015] The mold clamping unit 100 is, for example, a horizontal type, and the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal. The mold clamping unit 100 has a fixed platen 110 to which a fixed mold 810 is attached, a movable platen 120 to which a movable mold 820 is attached, and a movement mechanism 102 that moves the movable platen 120 relative to the fixed platen 110 in the mold opening and closing direction.

[0016] The stationary platen 110 is fixed to the mold clamping unit frame 910. A stationary mold 810 is attached to the surface of the stationary platen 110 that faces the movable platen 120.

[0017] The movable platen 120 is disposed so as to be movable in the mold opening / closing direction relative to the mold clamping unit frame 910. A guide 101 for guiding the movable platen 120 is installed on the mold clamping unit frame 910. A movable mold 820 is attached to the surface of the movable platen 120 facing the fixed platen 110.

[0018] The moving mechanism 102 moves the movable platen 120 forward and backward relative to the fixed platen 110, thereby performing mold closing, pressurization, mold clamping, depressurization, and mold opening of the mold apparatus 800. The moving mechanism 102 has a toggle support 130 arranged at a distance from the fixed platen 110, tie bars 140 connecting the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130, a toggle mechanism 150 that moves the movable platen 120 in the mold opening / closing direction relative to the toggle support 130, a mold clamping motor 160 that operates the toggle mechanism 150, a motion conversion mechanism 170 that converts the rotational motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into linear motion, and a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 that adjusts the distance between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130.

[0019] The toggle support 130 is disposed at a distance from the fixed platen 110 and is placed on the mold clamping unit frame 910 so as to be freely movable in the mold opening and closing direction. The toggle support 130 may be disposed so as to be freely movable along a guide laid on the mold clamping unit frame 910. The guide of the toggle support 130 may be the same as the guide 101 of the movable platen 120.

[0020] In this embodiment, the fixed platen 110 is fixed to the mold clamping unit frame 910, and the toggle support 130 is arranged so as to be freely movable in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the mold clamping unit frame 910, but the toggle support 130 may also be fixed to the mold clamping unit frame 910, and the fixed platen 110 may be arranged so as to be freely movable in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the mold clamping unit frame 910.

[0021] The tie bars 140 connect the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 at an interval L in the mold opening / closing direction. A plurality of tie bars 140 (for example, four) may be used. The plurality of tie bars 140 are arranged parallel to the mold opening / closing direction and extend according to the mold clamping force. At least one tie bar 140 may be provided with a tie bar strain detector 141 that detects strain in the tie bar 140. The tie bar strain detector 141 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the tie bar strain detector 141 is used to detect the mold clamping force, etc.

[0022] In this embodiment, the tie bar strain detector 141 is used as the mold clamping force detector that detects the mold clamping force, but the present invention is not limited to this. The mold clamping force detector is not limited to the strain gauge type, and may be a piezoelectric type, a capacitance type, a hydraulic type, an electromagnetic type, or the like, and the attachment position thereof is also not limited to the tie bar 140.

[0023] The toggle mechanism 150 is disposed between the movable platen 120 and the toggle support 130 and moves the movable platen 120 relative to the toggle support 130 in the mold opening / closing direction. The toggle mechanism 150 has a crosshead 151 that moves in the mold opening / closing direction and a pair of link groups that bend and extend with the movement of the crosshead 151. Each of the pair of link groups has a first link 152 and a second link 153 that are connected to bendable and extendable by a pin or the like. The first link 152 is attached to the movable platen 120 by a pin or the like so that it can swing freely. The second link 153 is attached to the toggle support 130 by a pin or the like so that it can swing freely. The second link 153 is attached to the crosshead 151 via a third link 154. When the crosshead 151 advances or retreats relative to the toggle support 130, the first link 152 and the second link 153 bend and extend, and the movable platen 120 advances or retreats relative to the toggle support 130.

[0024] The configuration of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, although each link group has five nodes in Figures 1 and 2, it may have four nodes, and one end of the third link 154 may be connected to the node between the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0025] The mold clamping motor 160 is attached to the toggle support 130 and operates the toggle mechanism 150. The mold clamping motor 160 moves the crosshead 151 forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130, thereby bending and extending the first link 152 and the second link 153 and moving the movable platen 120 forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130. The mold clamping motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but may also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt, a pulley, or the like.

[0026] The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotational motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into the linear motion of the crosshead 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 includes a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. A ball or roller may be interposed between the screw shaft and the screw nut.

[0027] The mold clamping unit 100 performs a mold closing process, a pressure increasing process, a mold clamping process, a pressure reducing process, a mold opening process, and the like under the control of the control device 700.

[0028] In the mold closing process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to move the crosshead 151 forward at a set movement speed to a mold closing completion position, thereby moving the movable platen 120 forward and bringing the movable mold 820 into contact with the fixed mold 810. The position and movement speed of the crosshead 151 are detected using, for example, a mold clamping motor encoder 161. The mold clamping motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the mold clamping motor 160 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700.

[0029] The crosshead position detector that detects the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead movement speed detector that detects the movement speed of the crosshead 151 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161, and general types can be used. Furthermore, the movable platen position detector that detects the position of the movable platen 120 and the movable platen movement speed detector that detects the movement speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161, and general types can be used.

[0030] In the pressure increasing step, the mold clamping motor 160 is further driven to move the crosshead 151 further forward from the mold closing completion position to the mold clamping position, thereby generating a mold clamping force.

[0031] In the mold clamping process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to maintain the position of the crosshead 151 at the mold clamping position. In the mold clamping process, the mold clamping force generated in the pressure increase process is maintained. In the mold clamping process, a cavity space 801 (see FIG. 2) is formed between the movable mold 820 and the fixed mold 810, and the injection device 300 fills the cavity space 801 with liquid molding material. The filled molding material is solidified to obtain a molded product.

[0032] The number of cavity spaces 801 may be one or more. In the latter case, multiple molded products are obtained at the same time. An insert material may be placed in a part of the cavity space 801, and another part of the cavity space 801 may be filled with a molding material. A molded product is obtained in which the insert material and the molding material are integrated.

[0033] In the depressurization process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to move the crosshead 151 back from the mold clamping position to the mold opening start position, thereby moving the movable platen 120 back and reducing the mold clamping force. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position may be the same position.

[0034] In the mold opening process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to move the crosshead 151 backward at a set moving speed from the mold opening start position to the mold opening completion position, thereby moving the movable platen 120 backward and separating the movable mold 820 from the fixed mold 810. Thereafter, the ejector unit 200 ejects the molded product from the movable mold 820.

[0035] The setting conditions for the mold closing process, pressure increase process, and mold clamping process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151 in the mold closing process and pressure increase process (including the mold closing start position, movement speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold clamping position), and the mold clamping force are set together as a series of setting conditions. The mold closing start position, movement speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold clamping position are arranged in this order from the rear side to the front, and represent the start and end points of the section for which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. The movement speed switching position does not have to be set. Only one of the mold clamping position and the mold clamping force may be set.

[0036] The setting conditions for the depressurization process and mold opening process are also set in a similar manner. For example, the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151 in the depressurization process and mold opening process (mold opening start position, movement speed switching position, and mold opening completion position) are set together as a series of setting conditions. The mold opening start position, movement speed switching position, and mold opening completion position are arranged in this order from the front to the rear, and represent the start and end points of the section for which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. The movement speed switching position does not have to be set. The mold opening start position and mold closing completion position may be the same position. Furthermore, the mold opening completion position and mold closing start position may be the same position.

[0037] It should be noted that the moving speed and position of the movable platen 120 may be set instead of the moving speed and position of the crosshead 151. Furthermore, the clamping force may be set instead of the position of the crosshead (e.g., clamping position) or the position of the movable platen.

[0038] The toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the mold clamping motor 160 and transmits it to the movable platen 120. The amplification factor is also called the toggle factor. The toggle factor changes depending on the angle θ between the first link 152 and the second link 153 (hereinafter also referred to as the "link angle θ"). The link angle θ is determined from the position of the crosshead 151. When the link angle θ is 180°, the toggle factor is maximum.

[0039] When the thickness of the mold device 800 changes due to replacement of the mold device 800 or a temperature change in the mold device 800, a mold thickness adjustment is performed so that a predetermined clamping force is obtained during mold clamping. In mold thickness adjustment, for example, the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 is adjusted so that the link angle θ of the toggle mechanism 150 becomes a predetermined angle at the time of mold touch when the movable mold 820 touches the fixed mold 810.

[0040] The mold clamping unit 100 has a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the mold thickness by adjusting the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130. The mold thickness adjustment is performed, for example, between the end of a molding cycle and the start of the next molding cycle. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 has, for example, a screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end of the tie bar 140, a screw nut 182 held rotatably and immovably by the toggle support 130, and a mold thickness adjustment motor 183 that rotates the screw nut 182 that is threaded onto the screw shaft 181.

[0041] A screw shaft 181 and a screw nut 182 are provided for each tie bar 140. The rotational driving force of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 may be transmitted to the plurality of screw nuts 182 via a rotational driving force transmission unit 185. The plurality of screw nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously. Note that by changing the transmission path of the rotational driving force transmission unit 185, the plurality of screw nuts 182 can also be rotated individually.

[0042] The rotational drive force transmission unit 185 is composed of, for example, gears. In this case, a driven gear is formed on the outer periphery of each screw nut 182, a drive gear is attached to the output shaft of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183, and an intermediate gear that meshes with the multiple driven gears and drive gear is rotatably held in the center of the toggle support 130. Note that the rotational drive force transmission unit 185 may be composed of a belt, a pulley, or the like instead of gears.

[0043] The operation of the mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 is controlled by a control device 700. The control device 700 drives a mold thickness adjustment motor 183 to rotate the screw nut 182. As a result, the position of the toggle support 130 relative to the tie bar 140 is adjusted, and the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 is adjusted. Note that a plurality of mold thickness adjustment mechanisms may be used in combination.

[0044] The gap L is detected using a mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184. The mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 detects the amount and direction of rotation of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183, and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 is used to monitor and control the position of the toggle support 130 and the gap L. Note that the toggle support position detector that detects the position of the toggle support 130 and the gap detector that detects the gap L are not limited to the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184, and general detectors can be used.

[0045] The mold clamping unit 100 may have a mold temperature regulator that regulates the temperature of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 has a flow path for a temperature regulation medium inside. The mold temperature regulator regulates the temperature of the mold device 800 by regulating the temperature of the temperature regulation medium supplied to the flow path of the mold device 800.

[0046] The mold clamping unit 100 of this embodiment is a horizontal type in which the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal, but it may also be a vertical type in which the mold opening and closing direction is vertical.

[0047] Although the mold clamping unit 100 of this embodiment has a mold clamping motor 160 as a drive unit, it may have a hydraulic cylinder instead of the mold clamping motor 160. Also, the mold clamping unit 100 may have a linear motor for opening and closing the mold, and an electromagnet for mold clamping.

[0048] (Ejector device) In describing the ejector device 200, similar to the description of the mold clamping device 100, the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (e.g., the positive direction of the X-axis) is defined as the front, and the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is opened (e.g., the negative direction of the X-axis) is defined as the rear.

[0049] The ejector unit 200 is attached to the movable platen 120 and moves forward and backward together with the movable platen 120. The ejector unit 200 has an ejector rod 210 that ejects a molded product from the mold device 800, and a drive mechanism 220 that moves the ejector rod 210 in the movement direction of the movable platen 120 (X-axis direction).

[0050] The ejector rod 210 is arranged so as to be able to move forward and backward in a through-hole of the movable platen 120. The front end of the ejector rod 210 contacts an ejector plate 826 of the movable mold 820. The front end of the ejector rod 210 may or may not be connected to the ejector plate 826.

[0051] The drive mechanism 220 includes, for example, an ejector motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the ejector motor into linear motion of the ejector rod 210. The motion conversion mechanism includes a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. Balls or rollers may be interposed between the screw shaft and the screw nut.

[0052] The ejector unit 200 performs an ejection process under the control of the control unit 700. In the ejection process, the ejector rod 210 is advanced from the standby position to the ejection position at a set moving speed, thereby advancing the ejector plate 826 and ejecting the molded product. After that, the ejector motor is driven to retract the ejector rod 210 at the set moving speed, and the ejector plate 826 is retracted to the original standby position.

[0053] The position and movement speed of the ejector rod 210 are detected using, for example, an ejector motor encoder. The ejector motor encoder detects the rotation of the ejector motor and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. Note that the ejector rod position detector that detects the position of the ejector rod 210 and the ejector rod movement speed detector that detects the movement speed of the ejector rod 210 are not limited to the ejector motor encoder, and general types can be used.

[0054] (injection device) In the description of the injection device 300, unlike the description of the mold clamping device 100 and the description of the ejector device 200, the movement direction of the screw 330 during filling (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is described as the forward direction, and the movement direction of the screw 330 during metering (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is described as the rearward direction.

[0055] The injection unit 300 is mounted on a slide base 301, and the slide base 301 is disposed so as to be able to move forward and backward relative to the injection unit frame 920. The injection unit 300 is disposed so as to be able to move forward and backward relative to the mold unit 800. The injection unit 300 touches the mold unit 800 and fills a cavity space 801 in the mold unit 800 with a molding material. The injection unit 300 includes, for example, a cylinder 310 that heats the molding material, a nozzle 320 provided at the front end of the cylinder 310, a screw 330 that is disposed so as to be able to move forward and backward and to be able to rotate within the cylinder 310, a metering motor 340 that rotates the screw 330, an injection motor 350 that moves the screw 330 forward and backward, and a load detector 360 that detects a load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330.

[0056] Cylinder 310 heats the molding material supplied to the interior through supply port 311. The molding material includes, for example, resin. The molding material is formed, for example, in the form of pellets and supplied to supply port 311 in a solid state. Supply port 311 is formed at the rear of cylinder 310. A cooler 312, such as a water-cooled cylinder, is provided on the outer periphery of the rear of cylinder 310. A first heater 313, such as a band heater, and a first temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of cylinder 310, ahead of cooler 312.

[0057] Cylinder 310 is divided into a plurality of zones in the axial direction (e.g., X-axis direction) of cylinder 310. A first heater 313 and a first temperature detector 314 are provided in each of the plurality of zones. A set temperature is set in each of the plurality of zones, and control device 700 controls first heater 313 so that the temperature detected by first temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0058] The nozzle 320 is provided at the front end of the cylinder 310 and is pressed against the mold device 800. A second heater 323 and a second temperature detector 324 are provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the second heater 323 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 becomes the set temperature.

[0059] The screw 330 is disposed within the cylinder 310 so as to be rotatable and movable forward and backward. When the screw 330 is rotated, the molding material is sent forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330. As the molding material is sent forward, it is gradually melted by the heat from the cylinder 310. As the liquid molding material is sent forward to the front of the screw 330 and accumulates in the front part of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is moved backward. Thereafter, when the screw 330 is moved forward, the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is injected from the nozzle 320 and filled into the mold device 800.

[0060] A backflow prevention ring 331 is attached to the front of the screw 330 so as to be movable back and forth as a backflow prevention valve for preventing the molding material from flowing back from the front to the rear of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is pushed forward.

[0061] When the screw 330 is moved forward, the backflow prevention ring 331 is pushed backward by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330, and moves back relative to the screw 330 to a blocking position (see FIG. 2) where it blocks the flow path of the molding material. This prevents the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 from flowing backward.

[0062] On the other hand, when the screw 330 is rotated, the backflow prevention ring 331 is pushed forward by the pressure of the molding material sent forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330, and moves forward relative to the screw 330 to the open position (see FIG. 1) where it opens the flow path of the molding material. This causes the molding material to be sent forward of the screw 330.

[0063] The backflow prevention ring 331 may be either a co-rotating type that rotates together with the screw 330 or a non-co-rotating type that does not rotate together with the screw 330.

[0064] The injection device 300 may have a drive source for moving the backflow prevention ring 331 back and forth relative to the screw 330 between the open position and the closed position.

[0065] The metering motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source for rotating the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340, and may be, for example, a hydraulic pump.

[0066] The injection motor 350 advances and retreats the screw 330. A motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the injection motor 350 into linear motion of the screw 330 is provided between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The motion conversion mechanism has, for example, a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. A ball or roller may be provided between the screw shaft and the screw nut. The drive source that advances and retreats the screw 330 is not limited to the injection motor 350 and may be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder.

[0067] The load detector 360 detects the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The detected load is converted into pressure by the control device 700. The load detector 360 is provided on the load transmission path between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330, and detects the load acting on the load detector 360.

[0068] The load detector 360 sends a signal of the detected load to the control device 700. The load detected by the load detector 360 is converted into pressure acting between the screw 330 and the molding material, and is used to control and monitor the pressure that the screw 330 receives from the molding material, the back pressure on the screw 330, the pressure that the screw 330 acts on the molding material, and the like.

[0069] The pressure detector that detects the pressure of the molding material is not limited to the load detector 360, and a general detector can be used. For example, a nozzle pressure sensor or a mold internal pressure sensor may be used. The nozzle pressure sensor is installed in the nozzle 320. The mold internal pressure sensor is installed inside the mold device 800.

[0070] The injection device 300 performs a metering process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, etc. under the control of the control device 700. The filling process and the pressure holding process may be collectively referred to as the injection process.

[0071] In the metering process, the metering motor 340 is driven to rotate the screw 330 at a set rotational speed, and the molding material is sent forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330. As this happens, the molding material gradually melts. As the liquid molding material is sent forward to the screw 330 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is moved backward. The rotational speed of the screw 330 is detected, for example, using a metering motor encoder 341. The metering motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the metering motor 340 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. Note that the screw rotational speed detector that detects the rotational speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341, and a general one can be used.

[0072] In the metering process, in order to restrict abrupt retraction of the screw 330, the injection motor 350 may be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330. The back pressure on the screw 330 is detected using, for example, a load detector 360. When the screw 330 retracts to the metering completion position and a predetermined amount of molding material accumulates in front of the screw 330, the metering process is completed.

[0073] The position and rotational speed of the screw 330 in the metering process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, a metering start position, a rotational speed switching position, and a metering completion position are set. These positions are arranged in this order from the front to the rear, and represent the start and end points of the section for which the rotational speed is set. The rotational speed is set for each section. There may be one or more rotational speed switching positions. The rotational speed switching position does not have to be set. In addition, a back pressure is set for each section.

[0074] In the filling process, the injection motor 350 is driven to move the screw 330 forward at a set moving speed, and the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is filled into the cavity space 801 in the mold device 800. The position and moving speed of the screw 330 are detected using, for example, an injection motor encoder 351. The injection motor encoder 351 detects the rotation of the injection motor 350 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. When the position of the screw 330 reaches a set position, a switch from the filling process to a pressure holding process (so-called V / P switch) is performed. The position at which the V / P switch is performed is also called the V / P switch position. The set moving speed of the screw 330 may be changed depending on the position of the screw 330, time, etc.

[0075] The position and movement speed of the screw 330 in the filling process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, a filling start position (also called an "injection start position"), a movement speed switching position, and a V / P switching position are set. These positions are arranged in this order from rear to front, and represent the start and end points of the section for which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. The movement speed switching position does not have to be set.

[0076] An upper limit value for the pressure of the screw 330 is set for each section in which the movement speed of the screw 330 is set. The pressure of the screw 330 is detected by a load detector 360. When the pressure of the screw 330 is equal to or lower than the set pressure, the screw 330 is advanced at the set movement speed. On the other hand, when the pressure of the screw 330 exceeds the set pressure, the screw 330 is advanced at a movement speed slower than the set movement speed so that the pressure of the screw 330 is equal to or lower than the set pressure, in order to protect the mold.

[0077] It should be noted that after the position of the screw 330 reaches the V / P switching position during the filling process, the screw 330 may be temporarily stopped at the V / P switching position, and then V / P switching may be performed. Immediately before V / P switching, instead of stopping the screw 330, the screw 330 may be moved forward or backward at a slow speed. Furthermore, the screw position detector that detects the position of the screw 330 and the screw movement speed detector that detects the movement speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351, and general detectors may be used.

[0078] In the dwelling step, the injection motor 350 is driven to push the screw 330 forward, maintaining the pressure of the molding material at the front end of the screw 330 (hereinafter also referred to as "holding pressure") at a set pressure, and pushing the molding material remaining in the cylinder 310 toward the mold device 800. This can replenish any molding material that is insufficient due to cooling contraction within the mold device 800. The holding pressure is detected, for example, using a load detector 360. The set value of the holding pressure may be changed depending on the elapsed time from the start of the dwelling step, etc. Multiple holding pressures and holding times for maintaining the holding pressure in the dwelling step may be set, or they may be set together as a series of setting conditions.

[0079] In the dwelling step, the molding material in the cavity space 801 in the mold device 800 is gradually cooled, and when the dwelling step is completed, the entrance to the cavity space 801 is blocked by the solidified molding material. This state is called a gate seal, and prevents the molding material from flowing back from the cavity space 801. After the dwelling step, the cooling step begins. In the cooling step, the molding material in the cavity space 801 is solidified. A metering step may be performed during the cooling step in order to shorten the molding cycle time.

[0080] Although the injection device 300 of this embodiment is of an in-line screw type, it may also be of a pre-plasticization type. A pre-plasticization type injection device supplies molding material molten in a plasticization cylinder to an injection cylinder, and injects the molding material from the injection cylinder into a mold device. A screw is disposed in the plasticization cylinder so that it can rotate freely but cannot move back and forth, or the screw is disposed so that it can rotate freely and move back and forth. Meanwhile, a plunger is disposed in the injection cylinder so that it can move back and forth.

[0081] Furthermore, although the injection unit 300 of this embodiment is a horizontal type in which the axial direction of the cylinder 310 is horizontal, it may be a vertical type in which the axial direction of the cylinder 310 is vertical. The mold clamping unit combined with the vertical injection unit 300 may be either a vertical type or a horizontal type. Similarly, the mold clamping unit combined with the horizontal injection unit 300 may be either a horizontal type or a vertical type.

[0082] (Mobile device) In the description of the moving device 400, similar to the description of the injection device 300, the moving direction of the screw 330 during filling (e.g., the negative X-axis direction) is defined as the front, and the moving direction of the screw 330 during metering (e.g., the positive X-axis direction) is defined as the rear.

[0083] The moving device 400 moves the injection device 300 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800. The moving device 400 also presses the nozzle 320 against the mold device 800 to generate nozzle touch pressure. The moving device 400 includes a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator, and the like.

[0084] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a bidirectional pump, and by switching the rotation direction of the motor 420, it draws in hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil) from one of the first port 411 and the second port 412 and discharges it from the other, thereby generating hydraulic pressure. Note that the hydraulic pump 410 can also draw in hydraulic fluid from a tank and discharge it from either the first port 411 or the second port 412.

[0085] The motor 420 operates the hydraulic pump 410. The motor 420 drives the hydraulic pump 410 in a rotational direction and with a rotational torque according to a control signal from the control device 700. The motor 420 may be an electric motor or an electric servo motor.

[0086] The hydraulic cylinder 430 has a cylinder body 431, a piston 432, and a piston rod 433. The cylinder body 431 is fixed to the injection device 300. The piston 432 divides the interior of the cylinder body 431 into a front chamber 435 as a first chamber and a rear chamber 436 as a second chamber. The piston rod 433 is fixed to the fixed platen 110.

[0087] A front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to a first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via a first flow path 401. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first flow path 401, thereby pushing the injection unit 300 forward. The injection unit 300 is moved forward, and the nozzle 320 is pressed against the fixed mold 810. The front chamber 435 functions as a pressure chamber that generates nozzle touch pressure of the nozzle 320 by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 410.

[0088] Meanwhile, the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the second port 412 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the second flow path 402. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second flow path 402, thereby pushing the injection unit 300 backward. The injection unit 300 is moved backward, and the nozzle 320 is separated from the fixed mold 810.

[0089] In this embodiment, the moving device 400 includes the hydraulic cylinder 430, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the hydraulic cylinder 430, an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into the linear motion of the injection device 300 may be used.

[0090] (Control device) The control device 700 is configured, for example, by a computer, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a storage medium 702 such as a memory, an input interface 703, and an output interface 704. The control device 700 performs various controls by causing the CPU 701 to execute a program stored in the storage medium 702. The control device 700 also receives signals from the outside via the input interface 703 and transmits signals to the outside via the output interface 704.

[0091] The control device 700 repeatedly manufactures molded products by repeating processes such as a metering process, mold closing process, pressure increase process, mold clamping process, filling process, pressure dwell process, cooling process, pressure release process, mold opening process, and ejection process. A series of operations required to obtain a molded product, such as the operations from the start of a metering process to the start of the next metering process, is also called a "shot" or "molding cycle." The time required for one shot is also called the "molding cycle time" or "cycle time."

[0092] One molding cycle includes, for example, a metering process, a mold closing process, a pressurization process, a mold clamping process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, a cooling process, a depressurization process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process, in this order. The order here refers to the order in which each process starts. The filling process, the pressure holding process, and the cooling process are performed during the mold clamping process. The start of the mold clamping process may coincide with the start of the filling process. The completion of the depressurization process coincides with the start of the mold opening process.

[0093] It should be noted that, in order to shorten the molding cycle time, multiple processes may be performed simultaneously. For example, the metering process may be performed during the cooling process of the previous molding cycle, or during the mold clamping process. In this case, the mold closing process may be performed at the beginning of the molding cycle. The filling process may be started during the mold closing process. The ejection process may be started during the mold opening process. If an on-off valve for opening and closing the flow path of the nozzle 320 is provided, the mold opening process may be started during the metering process. This is because, even if the mold opening process is started during the metering process, the molding material will not leak from the nozzle 320 as long as the on-off valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320.

[0094] One molding cycle may include steps other than the metering step, mold closing step, pressure increase step, mold clamping step, filling step, pressure holding step, cooling step, pressure release step, mold opening step, and ejection step.

[0095] For example, after the dwelling step is completed and before the metering step begins, a pre-metering suck-back step may be performed in which the screw 330 is retracted to a preset metering start position. This can reduce the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the metering step begins, and prevent the screw 330 from retracting suddenly at the start of the metering step.

[0096] Furthermore, after the metering step is completed and before the filling step begins, a post-metering suck-back step may be performed in which the screw 330 is retracted to a preset filling start position (also referred to as the "injection start position"). This can reduce the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the filling step begins, and can prevent the molding material from leaking from the nozzle 320 before the filling step begins.

[0097] The control device 700 is connected to an operation device 750 that accepts input operations by a user and a display device 760 that displays a screen. The operation device 750 and the display device 760 may be integrated, for example, by using a touch panel 770. The touch panel 770 serving as the display device 760 displays a screen under the control of the control device 700. The screen of the touch panel 770 may display information such as settings of the injection molding machine 10 and the current status of the injection molding machine 10. The screen of the touch panel 770 may also display operation units such as buttons and input fields that accept input operations by the user. The touch panel 770 serving as the operation device 750 detects input operations on the screen by the user and outputs signals corresponding to the input operations to the control device 700. This allows, for example, a user to operate the operation units provided on the screen while checking information displayed on the screen to perform settings of the injection molding machine 10 (including input of setting values). The user can also operate the operation units provided on the screen to cause the injection molding machine 10 to perform operations corresponding to the operation units. The operation of the injection molding machine 10 may be, for example, the operation (including stopping) of the clamping device 100, the ejector device 200, the injection device 300, the moving device 400, etc. The operation of the injection molding machine 10 may also be the switching of a screen displayed on the touch panel 770 serving as the display device 760, etc.

[0098] Although the operation device 750 and the display device 760 of this embodiment have been described as being integrated as the touch panel 770, they may be provided independently. Also, a plurality of operation devices 750 may be provided. The operation device 750 and the display device 760 are disposed on the operation side (negative Y-axis direction) of the mold clamping unit 100 (more specifically, the fixed platen 110).

[0099] (Details of the control device) Next, an example of the components of the control device 700 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. Note that each functional block shown in FIG. 3 is conceptual and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. All or part of each functional block can be configured by functionally or physically distributing or integrating in any unit. All or any part of the processing functions performed by each functional block can be realized by a program executed by a CPU, or can be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 700 includes, for example, a mold clamping control unit 711, an ejector control unit 712, an injection control unit 713, and a metering control unit 714. The mold clamping control unit 711 controls the mold clamping drive source of the mold clamping unit 100 and performs the mold closing process, pressurization process, mold clamping process, depressurization process, and mold opening process shown in FIG. 4. The mold clamping drive source is, for example, the mold clamping motor 160, but may also be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The ejector control unit 712 controls the ejector unit 200 and performs the ejection process. The injection control unit 713 controls the injection drive source of the injection unit 300 and performs the injection process. The injection drive source is, for example, the injection motor 350, but may also be a hydraulic cylinder or the like. The injection process includes a filling process and a pressure holding process. The injection process is performed during the mold clamping process. The metering control unit 714 controls the metering drive source of the injection unit 300 and performs the metering process. The metering drive source is, for example, a metering motor 340, but may also be a hydraulic pump, etc. The metering step is performed during the cooling step.

[0101] The filling process is a process of controlling the injection drive source so that the actual value of the moving speed of the injection member provided inside the cylinder 310 becomes a set value. The filling process is a process of moving the injection member forward to fill the interior of the mold device 800 with the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the injection member. The injection member is, for example, the screw 330 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), but may also be a plunger.

[0102] The moving speed of the injection member is detected using a speed detector. The speed detector is, for example, the injection motor encoder 351. In the filling step, as the injection member moves forward, the pressure acting from the injection member on the molding material (hereinafter also referred to as "filling pressure") increases. The filling step may include a step of temporarily stopping the injection member or a step of retracting the injection member immediately before the pressure holding step.

[0103] The pressure holding process is a process of controlling the injection drive source so that the actual value of the filling pressure becomes the set value. The pressure holding process is a process of pushing the injection member forward to replenish the molding material that is insufficient due to cooling contraction within the mold device 800. The filling pressure is detected using a pressure detector such as the load detector 360. A nozzle pressure sensor or a mold internal pressure sensor may be used as the pressure detector.

[0104] Next, an example of molding material M flowing into the mold device 800 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The molding material M is, for example, a resin. The molding material M flows into a cavity space 801 inside the mold device 800. The cavity space 801 is formed at a parting surface 830 between a fixed mold 810 and a movable mold 820. The parting surface 830 is generally called a parting line.

[0105] If the molding material M flows into the cavity space 801 too quickly, the gas in the cavity space 801 will not easily escape to the outside of the mold device 800 through the parting surface 830, etc. This will result in a defect known as gas burning. Gas burning is a phenomenon in which the gas in the cavity space 801 is compressed, generating heat and carbonizing the molding material M.

[0106] When gas burning occurs, the gas in the cavity space 801 is difficult to escape to the outside of the mold device 800 and tends to remain in the cavity space 801, which can cause a defect called a short circuit. A short circuit is a phenomenon in which the molding material M cools and solidifies before filling the entire cavity space 801.

[0107] The flow of molding material M varies depending on, for example, the moving speed of the injection member. The faster the forward speed of the injection member, the faster the flow of molding material M. In the pressure holding process, if the actual value of the filling pressure is smaller than the set value, the injection member is advanced so that the actual value of the filling pressure becomes the set value. If the injection member advances too quickly, the flow of molding material M will become too rapid.

[0108] The sudden advance of the injection member is likely to occur when switching from the filling process to the pressure holding process (so-called V / P switching). During V / P switching, a gap usually remains in the cavity space 801. During V / P switching, if the actual value of the filling pressure is smaller than the set value and the difference between the actual value and the set value is large, the sudden advance of the injection member may occur.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 700 has a limiting unit 715. The limiting unit 715 limits the forward movement of the injection member during the pressure holding process. For example, the limiting unit 715 sets an upper limit on the forward movement speed of the injection member during the pressure holding process. Even if the actual value of the filling pressure during the pressure holding process is smaller than the set value and the difference between the actual value and the set value is large, the forward movement speed of the injection member will not exceed the upper limit. As a result, gas burning can be suppressed. Not only gas burning but also the occurrence of short circuits can be suppressed.

[0110] Conventionally, gas burning has been suppressed by the restrictor 715 setting an upper limit on the forward speed of the injection member, but this suppression of gas burning has sometimes been insufficient. For example, even if the forward speed is below the upper limit, if the forward acceleration is high, the acceleration at the flow front of the molding material is high, and the gas is easily compressed.

[0111] Therefore, the limiting unit 715 of this embodiment sets an upper limit on the forward acceleration of the injection member during the pressure retention process. The upper limit on the forward speed of the injection member and the upper limit on the forward acceleration are set separately. Even if the actual value of the filling pressure during the pressure retention process is smaller than the set value and the difference between the actual value and the set value is large, the forward acceleration of the injection member will not exceed the upper limit. As a result, gas burning can be suppressed. Not only gas burning, but also the occurrence of short circuits can be suppressed.

[0112] Although the limiting unit 715 of this embodiment sets upper limits on both the forward movement speed and the forward movement acceleration of the injection member during the pressure holding process, there are cases where gas burning can be suppressed by setting an upper limit on either the forward movement speed or the forward movement acceleration. Therefore, it is sufficient for the limiting unit 715 to set an upper limit on at least one of the forward movement speed and the forward movement acceleration of the injection member during the pressure holding process.

[0113] Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 5, when molding material M flows into the mold device 800, if the filling pressure P1 is greater than the clamping pressure P2, the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 will open, causing the molding material M to leak out. As a result, a defect called burr will occur. Burr is a phenomenon in which molding material M leaks out between the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 and solidifies. To prevent the occurrence of burr, a clamping force F clamps the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 together. The clamping pressure P2 is the value obtained by dividing the clamping force F by the area S of the parting surface 830 (P2=F / S).

[0114] However, if the clamping pressure P2 and the clamping force F are too large, when the molding material M flows into the cavity space 801, the gas in the cavity space 801 is not easily released to the outside of the mold device 800 through the parting surface 830. As a result, a defect called gas burning occurs. In addition to gas burning, a defect called a short circuit may also occur.

[0115] After being injected by the injection device 300, the molding material M passes through a sprue (not shown) of the fixed mold 810 and flows into a cavity space 801 formed between the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820. Until the flow front of the molding material M reaches the parting surface 830 between the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820, the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 will not open and no flash will be generated, even if the mold clamping force F is low.

[0116] In order to suppress both flash and gas burns, the mold clamping control unit 711 may change the set value of the mold clamping force F from a first set value F1 (F1>0) to a second set value F2 (F2>F1) that is greater than the first set value F1 at a preset pressure increase timing during the filling process, as shown in Fig. 6. By setting the mold clamping force F low until the middle of the filling process, gas burns can be suppressed, and by setting the mold clamping force F high from the middle of the filling process, flash can be suppressed. By setting the mold clamping force F low until the middle of the filling process, not only gas burns but also short circuits can be suppressed.

[0117] The timing for increasing the clamping force F is set using, for example, the position of the injection member. The injection member is advanced after the filling process starts. The position of the injection member is detected using a position detector. The position detector is, for example, the injection motor encoder 351. When the position of the injection member reaches a set position (hereinafter also referred to as the clamping force switching position), the set value of the clamping force F is changed from a first set value F1 to a second set value F2.

[0118] The further forward the mold clamping force switching position is moved, the later the timing of pressure increase. Since the pressure increase timing is set during the filling process, the mold clamping force switching position is set forward of the filling start position and rearward of the V / P switching position. The pressure increase timing may also be set using the elapsed time from the start of the filling process. When the elapsed time reaches the set time, the set value of the mold clamping force F is changed from the first set value F1 to the second set value F2.

[0119] However, if the timing for increasing the clamping force F is too early, it becomes difficult for gas to escape from the inside of the mold apparatus 800 to the outside, and the gas is compressed inside the mold apparatus 800, generating heat and causing gas burns. Also, if the timing for increasing the clamping force F is too late, the molding material M leaks out between the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820, causing flash. Conventionally, the timing for increasing the pressure has been set by an expert based on his or her own experience, and it has been difficult for non-expert workers to set the timing for increasing the pressure.

[0120] As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 700 has a monitoring unit 716. The monitoring unit 716 monitors changes in the actual value of the mold clamping force F associated with changes in the set value of the mold clamping force F. When the set value of the mold clamping force F is changed, the actual value of the mold clamping force F changes, and the monitoring unit 716 monitors the subsequent changes. The monitoring unit 716 acquires the actual value of the mold clamping force F using a mold clamping force detector such as a tie bar strain detector 141. As will be described in detail later, the filling status of the molding material M can be estimated from changes in the actual value of the mold clamping force F. Therefore, monitoring changes in the actual value of the mold clamping force F can assist in setting the pressure increase timing.

[0121] The mold clamping control unit 711 converts, for example, the set value of the mold clamping force F into a set value of the crosshead position, and controls the mold clamping motor 160 so that the actual value of the crosshead position becomes the set value. The first set value F1 and second set value F2 of the mold clamping force F are converted into the first set value and the second set value of the crosshead position. The crosshead position is the relative position of the crosshead 151 with respect to the toggle support 130. The more the crosshead 151 advances, the greater the mold clamping force F becomes.

[0122] When the molding material M reaches the parting surface 830 between the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 and the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 open due to the filling pressure P1, the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 increases. The increase in distance L means that the tie bars 140 are stretched, and that the actual value of the mold clamping force F is increasing. Therefore, the filling status of the molding material M can be estimated from the change in the actual value of the mold clamping force F.

[0123] 6, if the pressure increase timing is suitably early, the actual value of the clamping force F will stabilize at the second set value F2 until the molding material M reaches the parting surface 830 between the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820. Thereafter, when the molding material M reaches the parting surface 830, the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 begin to open due to the filling pressure P1, and the actual value of the clamping force F begins to deviate from the second set value F2 toward a higher value. Note that the amount of opening between the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 is such that flash does not occur.

[0124] When the molding material M reaches the parting surface 830, the actual value of the mold clamping force F may begin to deviate from the second set value F2 toward a lower value. Such a case may occur, for example, when the center of the mold device 800 or the cavity space 801 is eccentric with respect to the center of the fixed platen 110 or the movable platen 120. In this case, when the molding material M reaches the parting surface 830, the distortion of some of the tie bars 140 may be alleviated, and the tensile stress acting on some of the tie bars 140 may become smaller. As a result, the detection value of the tie bar distortion detector 141 may become smaller, and the actual value of the mold clamping force F may become smaller.

[0125] After the set value of the mold clamping force F is changed from the first set value F1 to the second set value F2, the actual value of the mold clamping force F stabilizes at the second set value F2 in Fig. 6, but it may stabilize at a value F2' (F2' = F2 + E (E is a value other than zero)) shifted from the second set value F2. The error E is, for example, an error that occurs when converting the set value of the mold clamping force F into a set value of the crosshead position, or an error that occurs due to a dimensional change of the mold apparatus 800 caused by a temperature change.

[0126] Hereinafter, the timing t0 at which the actual value of the mold clamping force F starts to deviate from the reference value (e.g., F2 or F2') after stabilizing at the reference value will be referred to as the reference timing t0. The reference timing t0 represents the timing at which the molding material M reaches the parting surface 830. The reference timing t0 is, for example, the timing at which the time differential value of the actual value of the mold clamping force F exceeds a threshold value. The threshold value can be set or changed using an input field A13 (see FIG. 7) on a screen 761 described later.

[0127] After the actual value of the mold clamping force F exceeds a reference value (e.g., F2 or F2'), it remains constant while shifted from the reference value. This is because the mold clamping pressure P2 (P2 = F2 / S) is smaller than the filling pressure P1, and the fixed mold 810 and the movable mold 820 do not close after opening. Note that the actual value of the mold clamping force F may decrease toward the reference value after exceeding the reference value. This is because the reference timing t0 represents the timing at which the molding material M reaches the parting surface 830, regardless of the magnitude of the second set value F2.

[0128] 3, the control device 700 may have a setting change unit 717. The setting change unit 717 changes the setting of the pressure increase timing based on a change in the actual value of the mold clamping force F monitored by the monitoring unit 716. For example, the setting change unit 717 changes the pressure increase timing so that the arrival time t1 at which the actual value of the mold clamping force F reaches a reference value (e.g., F2 or F2') falls within an allowable range Δt1.

[0129] The allowable range Δt1 is set based on the reference timing t0. The allowable range Δt1 has a lower limit and an upper limit. If the arrival timing t1 falls within the allowable range Δt1, the pressure increase timing can be set as late as possible while suppressing the occurrence of burrs, and the occurrence of gas burns can also be suppressed. The pressure increase timing, which previously could only be set by an experienced person, can now be set automatically.

[0130] The allowable range Δt1 has a width and the lower limit and upper limit of the allowable range Δt1 are different, but the allowable range Δt1 may be a point, or the lower limit and upper limit of the allowable range Δt1 may be the same. The allowable range Δt1 is a range earlier than the reference time t0 as shown in Figure 6, but it may also be a range that includes the reference time t0.

[0131] A time difference Δt2 between the median value of the allowable range Δt1 and the reference timing t0 may be set. The time difference Δt2 may be a value input in an input field A12 (see FIG. 7) on a screen 761 described later, or a predetermined value. Which value to use can be selected using an input field A11 on the screen 761 described later.

[0132] If the arrival time t1 is earlier than the allowable range Δt1, the setting change unit 717 changes the boost timing to be later. On the other hand, if the arrival time t1 is later than the allowable range Δt1, the setting change unit 717 changes the boost timing to be earlier. The amount of setting change may be a fixed amount, or may be an amount corresponding to the amount of deviation between the arrival time t1 and the allowable range Δt1. In the latter case, the greater the deviation between the arrival time t1 and the allowable range Δt1, the greater the amount of setting change.

[0133] Changing the pressure increase timing to be earlier includes, for example, changing the mold clamping force switching position to be later. On the other hand, changing the pressure increase timing to be later includes, for example, changing the mold clamping force switching position to be earlier. Note that the pressure increase timing may be set using the elapsed time from the start of the filling process instead of the mold clamping force switching position, as described above.

[0134] The setting change unit 717 repeatedly changes the setting of the pressure increase timing until the arrival timing t1 falls within the allowable range Δt1. For example, the setting change unit 717 changes the setting of the pressure increase timing in the (n+1)th molding cycle and thereafter, based on the arrival timing t1 in the nth molding cycle (n is a natural number equal to or greater than 1).

[0135] (screen) Next, an example of a screen 761 displayed by the display device 760 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The screen 761 has, for example, an icon display area 762, a tab display area 763, and a selection screen display area 764, as shown in Fig. 7. The screen 761 is, for example, the screen of a touch panel 770 (see Figs. 1 and 2).

[0136] A plurality of icons I1 to I9 are arranged in the icon display area 762. An icon I1 to I9 is selected by, for example, the worker touching the icon while looking at the tab display area 763. The display control unit 720 (see FIG. 3) displays a tab in the tab display area 763 according to the input operation of the worker.

[0137] A plurality of tabs T1 to T4, which are selected for each of the icons I1 to I9, are arranged in the tab display area 763. The plurality of tabs T1 to T4 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are displayed in the tab display area 763 when the icon I4 is selected. The tabs T1 to T4 are selected, for example, by the worker touching a tab while looking at the tab display area 763. The display control unit 720 displays a selection screen in the selection screen display area 764 in accordance with an input operation by the worker.

[0138] A selection screen selected for each of tabs T1 to T4 is displayed in selection screen display area 764. The multiple selection screens are displayed in a switching manner in selection screen display area 764. Selection screen 765 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed in selection screen display area 764 when tab T3 is selected. Hereinafter, tab T3 will be referred to as the first tab T3, and selection screen 765 will also be referred to as the first selection screen 765.

[0139] 7, the first selection screen 765 includes a plurality of input fields A1 to A14 used for controlling degassing from the inside to the outside of the mold device 800. By collectively providing the plurality of input fields A1 to A14 used for controlling degassing on the first selection screen 765, it is possible to assist in setting the degassing control compared to when the plurality of input fields A1 to A14 are scattered across a plurality of selection screens.

[0140] The first tab T3 includes, for example, characters representing gas. Characters representing gas may be "gas" or "gas body." When an operator looks at the tab display area 763 and touches the first tab T3, the operator can easily understand that a first selection screen 765 used to control degassing will be displayed in the selection screen display area 764. The first tab T3 may include the characters "degassing" as shown in FIG. 7. The first tab T3 may also include the characters "gas burn," although not shown.

[0141] The control for releasing gas from the inside to the outside of the mold device 800 may include, for example, two or more selected from a first control, a second control, and a third control, which will be described later. By collectively providing multiple input fields A1 to A14 used for two or more controls on the first selection screen 765, it is possible to assist the user in setting the control for releasing gas, compared to when multiple input fields A1 to A14 are scattered across multiple selection screens.

[0142] The first control is a control that limits the forward movement of the injection member during a pressure holding process in which the injection drive source that moves the injection member back and forth is controlled so that the actual value of the pressure acting from the injection member on the molding material in front of the injection member becomes a set value. The injection member is, for example, a screw 330 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), but it may also be a plunger. The injection drive source is, for example, an injection motor 350, but it may also be a hydraulic cylinder or the like.

[0143] By performing the first control, even if the actual value of the filling pressure is smaller than the set value and the difference between the actual value and the set value is large during the pressure holding process, the forward speed or forward acceleration of the injection member does not exceed the upper limit. As a result, the molding material flows slowly into the cavity space 801, and the gas in the cavity space 801 easily escapes to the outside of the mold device 800.

[0144] The second control is a control that temporarily stops the injection member at the end of the filling process, controlling the injection drive source that moves the injection member back and forth so that the actual value of the movement speed of the injection member that pushes the molding material from rear to front becomes a set value. By temporarily stopping the injection member just before V / P switching, the flow of molding material into the cavity space 801 can be alleviated. This makes it easier for gas in the cavity space 801 to escape to the outside of the mold device 800.

[0145] The third control is a control for increasing the clamping force F at a predetermined pressure increase timing during the filling process, which controls the injection drive source that moves the injection member back and forth so that the actual value of the moving speed of the injection member that pushes the molding material from rear to front becomes a set value. By setting the clamping force F low until partway through the filling process, gas in the cavity space 801 can easily escape to the outside of the mold device 800. In addition, by setting the clamping force F high from partway through the filling process, the occurrence of burrs can be suppressed.

[0146] The first selection screen 765 includes a plurality of input fields A1 to A2 used for the first control. These input fields A1 to A2 are provided in the first input area 765a. In the input field A1, an upper limit value of the forward speed of the injection member during the pressure holding process is input. In the input field A2, an upper limit value of the forward acceleration of the injection member during the pressure holding process is input.

[0147] The limiting unit 715 limits the forward movement of the injection member in the pressure holding step in accordance with the settings input in the input fields A1 and A2.

[0148] The first selection screen 765 includes a plurality of input fields A3 to A5 used for the second control. These input fields A3 to A5 are provided in the second input area 765b. In the input field A3, a selection is made as to whether to set the stop time for temporarily stopping the injection member immediately before V / P switching to "automatic" or "manual."

[0149] The stop time to be set "automatically" is input into input field A4. Input field A4 is, for example, a switch-type or pull-down type input field, and is an input field in which one candidate is selected from a plurality of candidates registered in advance. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when "filling time ratio" is input into input field A4, a time having a predetermined ratio to the time of the filling process is used as the stop time. The stop time to be set "manually" is input into input field A5.

[0150] The injection control unit 713 temporarily stops the injection member immediately before V / P switching in accordance with the settings entered in input fields A3 to A5. Note that if "Manual" is entered in input field A3 and "0.0" is entered in input field A5, the injection control unit 713 does not temporarily stop the injection member immediately before V / P switching.

[0151] The first selection screen 765 includes multiple input fields A6 to A9 used for the third control. These input fields A6 to A9 are provided in the third input area 765c. In the input field A6, a selection is made as to whether or not to increase the mold clamping force F during the filling process, that is, whether or not to perform the third control. The input field A6 is, for example, a switch-type or pull-down-type input field, and is an input field that allows a user to select one option from multiple options registered in advance. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when "multi-toggle" is input in the input field A6, the third control is performed. Although not shown, when "off" is input in the input field A6, the third control is not performed.

[0152] A first set value F1 of the mold clamping force F is input in input field A7. The first set value F1 is input as a ratio to a second set value F2. A pressure increase timing is input in input field A8. The pressure increase timing is set using, for example, the position of the injection member. The pressure increase timing may also be set using the elapsed time from the start of the filling process. A second set value F2 of the mold clamping force F is input in input field A9.

[0153] When "multi-toggle" is input in the input field A6, the mold clamping control unit 711 increases the mold clamping force F during the filling process in accordance with the settings input in the input fields A7 to A9.

[0154] The first selection screen 765 includes a plurality of input fields A10 to A14 for automatically changing the setting of the third control, that is, for changing the setting of the third control by the setting change unit 717. These input fields A10 to A14 are provided in the fourth input area 765d.

[0155] In the input field A10, a selection is made as to whether or not to allow the setting of the third control to be changed. The input field A10 is, for example, a switch-type or pull-down-type input field, and allows the user to select one candidate from a plurality of candidates registered in advance. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when "Timing" is input in the input field A10, the setting of the third control is allowed to be changed. Although not shown, when "Off" is input in the input field A10, the setting of the third control is prohibited from being changed.

[0156] In the input field A11, a selection is made as to whether the time difference Δt2 is to be set "automatically" or "manually." For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when "automatic" is input in the input field A11, a time having a predetermined ratio to the time of the filling process is used as the time difference Δt2. In the input field A12, the time difference Δt2 to be set "manually" is input.

[0157] The input field A13 is used to input a threshold value to be referenced when determining the reference timing t0. The input field A13 is, for example, a switch-type or pull-down type input field, and allows the user to select one candidate from a plurality of pre-registered candidates. The candidates are displayed in a number of stages according to the magnitude of the threshold value, for example, in three stages: "high," "standard," and "low."

[0158] Input field A14 is a start button for starting to change the setting of control 3. When the start button of input field A14 is pressed with "Timing" entered in input field A10, setting change unit 717 starts to change the setting of control 3 according to the settings entered in input fields A11 to A13.

[0159] 8 is displayed in the selection screen display area 764 when tab T4 is selected. Hereinafter, tab T4 will be referred to as the second tab T4, and selection screen 766 will also be referred to as the second selection screen 766. The second selection screen 766 includes an input field A15 in which a selection as to whether or not to display first tab T3 in the tab display area 763 is entered.

[0160] The input field A15 is, for example, a switch-type or pull-down-type input field, and allows the user to select one candidate from a plurality of pre-registered candidates. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, when "ON" is entered in the input field A15, the first tab T3 is displayed in the tab display area 763. Although not shown, when "OFF" is entered in the input field A15, the first tab T3 is not displayed in the tab display area 763.

[0161] The input field A15 can be used to switch the display of the tab display area 763. When the worker does not use the first tab T3, the first tab T3 can be removed from the tab display area 763, thereby improving the visibility of the tab display area 763.

[0162] Although the embodiments of the display device for an injection molding machine according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations are possible within the scope of the claims. These changes also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 10 injection molding machine 760 Display device 761 screens 763 Tab display area 764 Selection screen display area 800 mold equipment T3 Tab 1

Claims

1. A display device for an injection molding machine that displays a screen having a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are arranged, and a selection screen display area in which a selection screen selected for each of the tabs is displayed, the tab display area has a first tab; A display device of an injection molding machine, wherein a first selection screen displayed in the selection screen display area when the first tab is selected includes a plurality of input fields used for control of venting gas from the inside of the mold device to the outside, and includes an input field used for first control of limiting the advancement of the injection member during the pressure holding process.

2. A display device for an injection molding machine that displays a screen having a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are arranged, and a selection screen display area in which a selection screen selected for each of the tabs is displayed, the tab display area has a first tab; A display device of an injection molding machine, wherein a first selection screen displayed in the selection screen display area when the first tab is selected includes a plurality of input fields used for control of venting gas from the inside of the mold device to the outside, and includes an input field used for second control of temporarily suspending the injection member at the end of the filling process.

3. A display device for an injection molding machine that displays a screen having a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are arranged, and a selection screen display area in which a selection screen selected for each of the tabs is displayed, the tab display area has a first tab; a display device of an injection molding machine, wherein a first selection screen displayed in the selection screen display area when the first tab is selected includes an input field used for a first control that limits the forward movement of the injection member in a pressure holding process, and an input field used for a second control that temporarily stops the injection member at the end of a filling process.

4. A display device for an injection molding machine that displays a screen having a tab display area in which a plurality of tabs are arranged, and a selection screen display area in which a selection screen selected for each of the tabs is displayed, the tab display area has a first tab and a second tab, a first selection screen displayed in the selection screen display area when the first tab is selected includes a plurality of input fields used for controlling degassing from the inside to the outside of the mold device; a second selection screen displayed in the selection screen display area when the second tab is selected includes an input field for inputting a selection of whether or not to display the first tab in the tab display area.

5. A display device for an injection molding machine that switches and displays multiple selection screens in response to input operations by an operator, the selection screen includes a first selection screen, The first selection screen includes a plurality of input fields used for control of venting gas from the inside of the mold device to the outside, and includes an input field used for first control of limiting the forward movement of the injection member during the pressure holding process.

6. A display device for an injection molding machine that switches and displays multiple selection screens in response to input operations by an operator, the selection screen includes a first selection screen, The first selection screen includes a plurality of input fields used for control of venting gas from the inside of the mold device to the outside, and includes an input field used for second control of temporarily suspending the injection member at the end of the filling process.

7. A display device for an injection molding machine that switches and displays multiple selection screens in response to input operations by an operator, the selection screen includes a first selection screen, The first selection screen includes an input field used for a first control that limits the forward movement of the injection member during a pressure holding process, and an input field used for a second control that temporarily stops the injection member at the end of a filling process.

Images