injection molding machine

Abstract

This injection molding machine has a nozzle, a nozzle temperature detection unit, an in-mold temperature detection unit, and a control device. The nozzle is provided to an injection device that fills cavity space inside a mold device with a molding material. The nozzle temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the nozzle. The in-mold temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the molding material within the mold device. The control device controls the temperature of the nozzle on the basis of a nozzle detection temperature detected by the nozzle temperature detection unit and an in-mold detection temperature representing the temperature detected by the in-mold temperature detection unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection molding machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, injection molding machines require appropriate temperature control of the molding material to produce molded products. To address this, the temperature of the nozzle that injects the molding material is measured, and a heater attached to the nozzle is controlled to ensure that the injected molding material maintains an appropriate temperature.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an injection molding machine equipped with a nozzle heater for heating the nozzle and a cylinder heater for heating the cylinder. The technology described in Patent Document 1 proposes a technique in which the nozzle heater and the cylinder heater are brought into close contact with the mold device before the start of actual molding, thereby stabilizing the temperature of the mold device, etc., in advance. This proposes a technology that shortens the time until molding can begin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-136378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a technology for shortening the time by using a nozzle heater and a cylinder heater to heat a mold device, etc., but does not take into consideration adjusting the temperature of the molding material injected from the nozzle.

[0006] In other words, even if the temperature set in the nozzle heater is a predetermined temperature, the temperature of the molding material injected into the mold device may differ from the expected temperature or may vary due to individual differences in the injection molding machine or disturbances such as the outside temperature. Note that individual differences in the injection molding machine may be due, for example, to differences in the way the thermocouple used to detect the temperature in the nozzle is installed.

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a technique for suppressing variations in the temperature of a molding material filled into a mold device, thereby improving the molding stability of a molded product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An injection molding machine according to one aspect of the present invention has a nozzle, a nozzle temperature detection unit, an in-mold temperature detection unit, and a control device. The nozzle is provided in an injection device that moves forward and backward relative to a mold device and fills the mold device with molding material, and is pressed against the mold device as the injection device moves forward. The nozzle temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the nozzle. The in-mold temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the molding material in the mold device. The control device calculates the nozzle temperature detected by the nozzle temperature detection unit and the temperature detected by the in-mold temperature detection unit. , the molding material in the mold device during filling The nozzle temperature is controlled based on the temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, the temperature variation of the molding material filled into the mold device is suppressed, thereby improving the molding stability of the molded product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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 diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement around a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a molding material filled in a cavity space provided in a mold device in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement around a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a molding material in a flow path provided in a mold device in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a change in temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor when the molding material is filled into the mold device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a change in temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor for each shot of molding material filled into the mold device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temperature setting screen for controlling the nozzle temperature, which is displayed by the display control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a temperature setting screen for controlling the temperatures of the nozzle and the cylinder, which is displayed by the display control device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 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 or corresponding reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0012] (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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] (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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] The configuration of 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 third link 154 may be connected to a node between first link 152 and second link 153.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 1 and 2 show an example in which there are multiple cavity spaces 801, but there may also be one. In the former case, multiple molded products are obtained at the same time. An insert material may be placed in a portion of the cavity space 801, and another portion of the cavity space 801 may be filled with a molding material. A molded product in which the insert material and molding material are integrated is obtained.

[0034] In this embodiment, a surface temperature detection sensor 861 for detecting the temperature of the molding material filled into the cavity space 801, a temperature measuring device 862, and a conversion cable 863 (see FIG. 3) are provided.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 (for example, the clamping position) or the position of the movable platen.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The rotational drive force transmission unit 185 is configured with, 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 configured with a belt, pulleys, or the like instead of gears.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] Although the mold clamping unit 100 of this embodiment is a horizontal type in which the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal, it may also be a vertical type in which the mold opening and closing direction is vertical.

[0049] 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.

[0050] (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.

[0051] 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).

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] (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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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 is 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 heater 313, such as a band heater, and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of cylinder 310, ahead of cooler 312.

[0059] Cylinder 310 is divided into a plurality of zones in the axial direction (e.g., X-axis direction) of cylinder 310. Each of the plurality of zones is provided with a heater 313 and a temperature detector 314. A set temperature is set for each of the plurality of zones, and control device 700 controls heater 313 so that the temperature detected by temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0060] In this embodiment, the cylinder 310 and the nozzle 320 are divided into five zones (zone Z1 to zone Z5) in the axial direction (for example, the X-axis direction) of the cylinder 310. Note that the divisions in this embodiment are shown as an example, and the number of divisions may be three or less, or six or more.

[0061] The nozzle 320 is provided at the front end of the cylinder 310 and is pressed against the mold device 800. A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 becomes the set temperature.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The pressure detector for detecting 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] Note 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The injection device 300 of this embodiment is of an in-line screw type, but 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] (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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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.

[0093] (Control device) The control device 700 is configured, for example, by a computer, and has a control circuit 701, a storage medium 702 such as a memory, an input interface 703, and an output interface 704 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The control circuit 701 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a hard-wired circuit. For example, the control device 700 performs various controls by causing the CPU provided as the control circuit 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.

[0094] 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."

[0095] 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.

[0096] In addition, multiple processes may be performed simultaneously in order to shorten the molding cycle time. 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 that opens and closes 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.

[0097] Note that 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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.

[0101] 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).

[0102] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement around a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of a molding material filled in a cavity space 801 provided in a mold device 800 in this embodiment.

[0103] In this embodiment, the nozzle 320 is divided into five zones, zone Z1 to zone Z5. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the nozzle 320 is divided into zone Z5. The nozzle 320 is provided with a heater 313_5 (an example of a nozzle heating unit) for zone Z5 and a temperature detector 314_5 (an example of a nozzle temperature detecting unit) for zone Z5.

[0104] Furthermore, a heater 313_4 for zone Z4 and a temperature detector 314_4 (an example of a cylinder temperature detector) for zone Z4 are provided in zone Z4 of the cylinder 310. A heater 313_3 for zone Z3 and a temperature detector 314_3 (an example of a cylinder temperature detector) for zone Z3 are provided in zone Z3 of the cylinder 310. A heater 313_2 for zone Z2 and a temperature detector 314_2 (an example of a cylinder temperature detector) for zone Z2 are provided in zone Z2 of the cylinder 310. Similarly, a heater 313_1 for zone Z1 and a temperature detector 314_1 (an example of a cylinder temperature detector) for zone Z1 are provided in zone Z1 of the cylinder 310.

[0105] The surface temperature detection sensor 861 (an example of an in-mold temperature detection unit) detects the temperature of the molding material inside the mold device 800. The surface temperature detection sensor 861 is designed to withstand the temperature rise control of the mold device 800 and the pressure of the molding material in the cavity space 801. As shown in Fig. 3, the surface temperature detection sensor 861 is provided to detect the temperature of the molding material inside the cavity space 801 from the ejector plate 826.

[0106] The temperature measuring device 862 calculates the detected temperature of the molding material from the signal input from the surface temperature detecting sensor 861, and outputs the calculated temperature to the control device 700. The surface temperature detecting sensor 861 and the temperature measuring device 862 are connected by a conversion cable 863. The conversion cable 863 shown in this embodiment is arranged to pass through a passage provided in the ejector plate 826.

[0107] The control device 700 according to this embodiment controls the temperature of the nozzle 320 using the heater 313_5 for zone Z5 based on the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 (an example of the nozzle detected temperature) detected by the temperature detector 314_5 for zone Z5 and the detected temperature of the molding material (an example of the temperature detected inside the mold) detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861. In this embodiment, the nozzle temperature is controlled taking into consideration the detected value of the temperature of the molding material inside the cavity space 801. Therefore, the control device 700 according to this embodiment can suppress variations in the temperature of the molding material filled into the mold device 800, improve the stability of molding of molded products, and achieve more appropriate temperature control.

[0108] FIG. 3 shows an example of the placement of the surface temperature detection sensor 861, the temperature measuring device 862, and the conversion cable 863, and any placement may be used as long as it is possible to acquire the temperature of the molding material inside the mold device 800.

[0109] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement of a temperature sensor and its surroundings for detecting the temperature of the molding material in the flow path provided in the mold device 800 in a modified example of this embodiment.

[0110] In this modification, the cylinder 310 is also divided into five zones, zone Z1 to zone Z5. The nozzle 320 divided into zone Z5 is provided with a heater 313_5 for zone Z5 and a temperature detector 314_5 (an example of a nozzle temperature detector) for zone Z5. The cylinder 310 is provided with heaters 313_1 to 313_4 and temperature detectors 314_1 to 314_4 for each zone (zones Z4 to Z1).

[0111] The surface temperature detection sensor 864 (an example of a mold internal temperature detection unit) is configured to detect the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800, that is, the temperature of the molding material in the flow path 869 for guiding the molding material from the fixed mold 810 to the cavity space 801.

[0112] The temperature measuring device 865 calculates the detected temperature of the molding material from the signal input from the surface temperature detecting sensor 864 and outputs it to the control device 700. The surface temperature detecting sensor 864 and the temperature measuring device 865 are connected by a conversion cable 866. The conversion cable 866 shown in this embodiment is arranged to pass through a passage provided in the fixed mold 810.

[0113] The control device 700 according to this modification uses the heater 313_5 for zone Z5 to control the temperature of the nozzle 320 based on the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 detected by the temperature detector 314_5 for zone Z5 (an example of the nozzle detected temperature) and the detected temperature of the molding material detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 864 (an example of the temperature detected inside the mold). In this modification, the surface temperature detection sensor 864 can be easily arranged by being provided on the flow path of the mold device 800. Furthermore, because the surface temperature detection sensor 864 is not arranged in the cavity space 801, the influence of the surface temperature detection sensor 864 on the molded product can be suppressed.

[0114] In this way, the surface temperature detection sensor for measuring the temperature of the molding material may be positioned in any way as long as it can detect the temperature of the molding material inside the mold device 800. Furthermore, the surface temperature detection sensor is not limited to a method of directly detecting the temperature of the molding material inside the mold device 800, and the detected temperature of the mold device 800 near the molding material may be obtained as the detected temperature of the molding material, or the temperature of the molding material transmitted through the mold device 800 may be obtained.

[0115] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 700 according to this embodiment. The configuration shown in Fig. 5 may be realized by hardware wiring, by software control, or by a combination of hardware wiring and software control.

[0116] 5, the control device 700 includes a feedback value calculator 711, an update switch 712, a feedback value holder 713, a set temperature correction unit 714, an upper / lower limit filtering unit 715, a calculator 716, a compensator 717, a target value calculator 718, a display control device 719, an operation processing unit 720, and a solid-state relay 723. Furthermore, the storage medium 702 stores a nozzle temperature set value 721 and a molding material temperature set value 722. The set temperature correction unit 714 is configured to correct the nozzle temperature set value 721 based on the temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861, and includes a calculator 731, a compensator 732, a correction selector switch 733, and an adder 734.

[0117] The nozzle temperature set value 721 is a value set by the user and is a target temperature set to control the heater 313_5 provided in the nozzle 320. The molding material temperature set value 722 is a value set by the user and is a target temperature set for the molding material in the mold device 800.

[0118] The display control device 719 controls the display of the screen of the display device 760. The operation processing unit 720 processes operation information input from the operation device 750.

[0119] A feedback value calculator (an example of a calculation unit) 711 calculates a feedback value for correcting the molding material temperature set value 722 based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800 measured by a temperature measuring device 862. The feedback value will be described later.

[0120] The update switch 712 is a switch that is turned on at the timing when the feedback value calculator 711 calculates a feedback value (an example of a correction value).

[0121] Feedback value holder (an example of a holder) 713 is a holder that holds a feedback value for correcting nozzle temperature set value 721. The feedback value held by feedback value holder 713 is updated to the feedback value calculated by feedback value calculator 711 when update switch 712 is turned on.

[0122] The set temperature correction unit 714 corrects the nozzle temperature set value 721 set as a target for the nozzle 320 based on the difference between the molding material temperature set value 722 and the feedback value held in the feedback value holder 713. As described above, the feedback value is a value calculated based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800 measured by the temperature measuring device 862.

[0123] Before explaining specific feedback values, the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800 will be explained.

[0124] 6 is a diagram illustrating changes in temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861 when molding material is filled into the mold device 800. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents temperature. Time "0" indicates the start of filling.

[0125] Then, around time "t1", as shown in frame 1601, the molding material 1651 begins to be filled from the nozzle 320 into the mold device 800, and the surface temperature detection sensor 861 detects a rise in temperature due to heat beginning to be transmitted to the mold device 800.

[0126] Then, near time "t2," as shown in box 1602, molding material 1652 is filled into cavity space 801 of mold device 800, so surface temperature detection sensor 861 directly detects the temperature of the molten molding material. Then, immediately after filling of cavity space 801 of mold device 800 with molding material is completed, surface temperature detection sensor 861 detects the maximum temperature value "Tp." Thereafter, the temperature of the molding material gradually decreases.

[0127] Then, around time "t3", as shown in a box 1603, the surface temperature detection sensor 861 detects the temperature of the cooled molding material.

[0128] In this way, the detected temperature of the molding material filled in the cavity space 801 of the mold apparatus 800 changes over time. For this reason, in order to detect changes in the temperature of the molding material in the mold apparatus 800 due to disturbances, it is necessary to determine a reference for the detected temperature. Therefore, in this embodiment, any one of the maximum value, average value, and gradient of the temperature of the molding material is used as the reference for the detected temperature. Possible disturbances include, for example, individual differences in temperature control of the mold apparatus 800, individual differences in the outside air and the flow path shape of the mold apparatus 800, and the position of the temperature detector 314_5 (how the thermocouple, which is the temperature detector 314_5, is inserted).

[0129] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the change in temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861 for each shot of molding material filled into the mold device 800. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents temperature. Temperature change 1701 represents the first shot, temperature change 1702 represents the second shot, and temperature change 1703 represents the third shot. FIG. 7 shows an example in which the changes over time for three shots are displayed together. Furthermore, to make it easier to understand the differences in the changes over time for each shot, the temperature changes for each shot are shifted along the horizontal axis.

[0130] For example, when the maximum temperature of the molding material is used, a target value representing the maximum temperature of the molding material is set as the molding material temperature set value 722 in the storage medium 702. Then, the feedback value calculator 711 calculates the maximum detected temperature 1711 of the temperature change 1701 in the first shot as the feedback value. Then, the set temperature corrector 714 corrects the nozzle temperature set value 721 in the first shot based on the difference between the molding material temperature set value 722 and the maximum value 1711 (feedback value) in the first shot.

[0131] Similarly, for the second shot, feedback value calculator 711 calculates maximum value 1712 of the detected temperature of temperature change 1702 for the second shot as a feedback value, and set temperature correction unit 714 corrects nozzle temperature set value 721 based on the difference between molding material temperature set value 722 and maximum value 1712 (feedback value) for the second shot. For the third shot, maximum value 1713 of the detected temperature of temperature change 1703 for the third shot is calculated as a feedback value, and then similar processing is performed.

[0132] As another example, when the average temperature of the molding material is used, a target value representing the average temperature of the molding material is set as the molding material temperature set value 722 in the storage medium 702. Then, the feedback value calculator 711 calculates the average temperature 1721 of the detected temperature of the temperature change 1701 in the first shot as the feedback value. The period for calculating the average may be the period from the detection of the temperature increase for each shot to the time when cooling is completed, but may be set according to the embodiment. Then, the set temperature correction unit 714 corrects the nozzle temperature set value 721 in the first shot based on the difference between the molding material temperature set value 722 and the average temperature 1721 (feedback value) in the first shot.

[0133] Similarly, for the second shot, feedback value calculator 711 calculates average value 1722 of detected temperatures of temperature change 1702 for the second shot as a feedback value. Then, set temperature correction unit 714 corrects nozzle temperature set value 721 based on the difference between molding material temperature set value 722 and average value 1722 for the second shot (feedback value). For the third shot, similar processing is performed after average value 1723 of detected temperatures of temperature change 1703 for the third shot is calculated as a feedback value.

[0134] As yet another example, when the temperature gradient of the molding material is used, a target value representing the maximum temperature of the molding material is set in the molding material temperature set value 722 of the storage medium 702. Then, the feedback value calculator 711 calculates the temperature gradient 1731 based on the time it takes for the temperature to change from the first reference temperature TL to the second reference temperature TH in the temperature change 1701 of the first shot. Note that the first reference temperature TL and the second reference temperature TH are preset temperatures that are determined according to the embodiment, such as the melting point of the molding material.

[0135] Furthermore, the feedback value calculator 711 estimates the maximum temperature of the molding material as the feedback value from the temperature gradient 1731 of the molding material. Any method may be used to estimate the maximum temperature from the temperature gradient, and the maximum value may be calculated using a mathematical model that represents the temperature change, or the maximum value may be obtained from the correspondence relationship between the temperature gradient and the maximum temperature value.

[0136] Then, the set temperature correction unit 714 corrects the nozzle temperature set value 721 based on the difference between the molding material temperature set value 722 and the maximum temperature value (feedback value) estimated for the first shot.

[0137] Similarly, for the second shot, feedback value calculator 711 calculates slope 1732 of the detected temperature of temperature change 1702 for the second shot, and then estimates the maximum temperature value as the feedback value from slope 1732. Then, set temperature correction unit 714 corrects nozzle temperature set value 721 based on the difference between molding material temperature set value 722 and the maximum value (feedback value) estimated for the second shot. For the third shot, similar processing is performed after calculating slope 1733 of the detected temperature of temperature change 1703 for the third shot.

[0138] The feedback value calculator 711 according to this embodiment calculates a feedback value for correcting the nozzle temperature setpoint 721 based on the temperature detected while the surface temperature detection sensor 861 is detecting a temperature change due to the filling of the molding material. In other words, the feedback value calculator 711 calculates a feedback value for correcting the nozzle temperature setpoint 721 based on the temperature detected while the molding material is being filled into the cavity space 801. The period during which the molding material is being filled refers to, for example, the time from the start of filling to the completion of cooling, and may also be the time when the molding material is present in the mold device 800. The time for detecting the temperature can be set arbitrarily from the time when the molding material is being filled.

[0139] Furthermore, the timing at which the feedback value is calculated differs depending on which of the maximum value, average value, or slope of the molding material temperature is used as the reference for the detected temperature. For example, when the slope is used, the feedback value calculator 711 can calculate the feedback value at the timing when the temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861 exceeds the second reference temperature TH. When the maximum value is used, the feedback value calculator 711 can calculate the feedback value at the timing when the temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861 begins to decrease. When the average value is used, the feedback value calculator 711 can calculate the feedback value at the timing when the decrease in the temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861 has finished (when cooling has been completed).

[0140] In this embodiment, the nozzle temperature set value 721 is corrected at the timing when the feedback value is calculated. In other words, the speed at which the nozzle temperature set value 721 corresponding to the shot is corrected is determined in the order of slope, maximum value, and average value. For example, when the slope is used, the correction by the nozzle temperature set value 721 can be performed most quickly. This allows the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800 to be quickly stabilized.

[0141] Returning to FIG. 5, the following describes the calculator 731, compensator 732, correction changeover switch 733, and adder 734 provided in the set temperature correction unit 714 as components for correcting the nozzle temperature set value 721.

[0142] The calculator 731 subtracts the feedback value (maximum or average value) held in the feedback value holder 713 from the molding material temperature setting value 722 (maximum or average value set as the molding material target) to calculate the difference between the target value and the actual measured value of the molding material.

[0143] The compensator 732 performs compensation control on the difference value calculated by the calculator 731. Any method may be used for the compensation control, and for example, PID control is used.

[0144] The correction changeover switch 733 is a switch that switches the mode of whether or not to correct the nozzle temperature setting value 721 in accordance with operation information input from the operation device 750 via the operation processing unit 720 .

[0145] When the correction changeover switch 733 is switched to a mode for correcting the nozzle temperature set value 721 , the adder 734 adds the difference value compensated for and controlled by the compensator 732 to the nozzle temperature set value 721 .

[0146] In other words, when the feedback value (maximum or average value of the molding material for the previous shot) is lower than the molding material temperature setting value 722 (maximum or average value set as the target for the molding material), the adder 734 controls the nozzle temperature setting value 721 to be increased by the difference value.

[0147] In addition, when the feedback value (maximum or average value of the molding material for the previous shot) is greater than the molding material temperature setting value 722 (maximum or average value set as a target for the molding material), the adder 734 controls the nozzle temperature setting value 721 to be smaller by the difference value.

[0148] In this way, the nozzle temperature setting value 721 is corrected according to the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800, so that the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800 can be controlled to be the setting value, thereby stabilizing the temperature of the molding material.

[0149] The upper and lower limit filtering unit 715 determines whether the nozzle temperature setting value 721 corrected by the set temperature correction unit 714 is within a predetermined temperature range. If the upper and lower limit filtering unit 715 determines that the nozzle temperature setting value 721 is not within the range, it changes the nozzle temperature setting value 721 so that it is within the range. The temperature range is set by the user based on the characteristics of the molding material, etc. As for the temperature range, for example, an upper limit temperature is set so that it does not exceed the temperature at which the molding material decomposes, and a lower limit temperature is set so that it does not fall below the temperature at which the molding material solidifies.

[0150] The upper and lower limit filtering unit (an example of a filter unit) 715 changes the nozzle temperature setting value 721 so that it falls within the temperature range, thereby preventing overcorrection based on the abnormal value, even if the surface temperature detection sensor 861 detects an abnormal value, for example.

[0151] Furthermore, even if the surface temperature detection sensor 861 detects an appropriate value, if a load is placed on other components, the upper and lower limit filtering unit 715 can prevent such a load from being placed on other components by changing the nozzle temperature setting value 721 so that it is included in the temperature range.

[0152] The calculator 716 subtracts the temperature of the nozzle 320 detected by the temperature detector 314_5 for zone Z5 from the nozzle temperature setting value 721 output from the upper and lower limit filtering unit 715, and calculates a difference value for adjusting the heater 313_5 for zone Z5.

[0153] The compensator 717 performs compensation control on the difference value for adjusting the heater 313_5 calculated by the calculator 716.

[0154] A solid state relay (SSR) 723 controls the on / off of the heater 313_5 for the zone Z5 in accordance with the difference value input from the compensator 717.

[0155] By having the above-described configuration, the control device 700 can control the temperature of the nozzle 320 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 detected by the temperature detector 314_5 for zone Z5 becomes the nozzle temperature set value 721 corrected by the set temperature correction unit 714.

[0156] The reached value calculator (an example of a shot number calculation unit) 718 calculates, for example, the number of shots required to fill the cavity space 801 with molding material until the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 detected by the temperature detector 314_5 for zone Z5 reaches the nozzle temperature set value 721 corrected and changed by the set temperature correction unit 714 and the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715. The reached value calculator 718 according to this embodiment calculates the number of shots required to reach the nozzle temperature set value 721 output from the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715, based on the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 detected during the previous shot, the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 this time, and the temperature between the nozzle temperature set value 721 output from the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715. For example, the temperature rise during one shot can be determined from the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 detected during the previous shot and the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 detected during the current shot. Then, the reached value calculator 718 calculates the number of shots from the difference between the nozzle temperature setting value 721 output from the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715 and the current detected temperature of the nozzle 320, and the temperature rise during one shot. Note that the method for calculating the number of shots is not limited to this calculation method, and any method may be used, regardless of whether it is a well-known method.

[0157] The reached value calculator 718 is not limited to calculating the number of shots required to reach the nozzle temperature set value 721 corrected by the set temperature correction unit 714, but may also calculate the time required to reach the nozzle temperature set value 721 or the percentage required to reach it.

[0158] Next, user operations will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a temperature setting screen displayed by the display control device 719 for controlling the temperature of the nozzle 320. As shown in FIG. 8, the temperature setting screen displays a molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device and a target value selection field 1802. The temperature setting screen also displays, as molding material temperature fields, an actual measurement value field 1811 and a molding material temperature set value field 1812. The temperature setting screen also displays, as nozzle temperature fields, an actual measurement value field 1821, a nozzle temperature set value (after correction) field 1822, a nozzle upper limit temperature field 1823, a nozzle lower limit temperature field 1824, and a target initial value (pre-correction nozzle temperature set value) field 1825. The temperature setting screen also displays a molding material temperature adjustment completion time 1831. The operation processing unit 720 updates the setting values ​​according to the values ​​entered in the input fields among these fields, and issues instructions to the components included in the control device 700. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the shaded fields are display fields, and the blank fields are input fields.

[0159] The molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is displayed with the option "ON" or "OFF." "ON" is a selection item for correcting the nozzle temperature setting value 721 by the set temperature correction unit 714, and "OFF" is a selection item for not correcting the nozzle temperature setting value 721 by the set temperature correction unit 714.

[0160] When the operation processing unit 720 receives the selection of "OFF", it instructs the correction selector switch 733 to be turned off. Then, the display control device 719 displays a temperature setting screen in which the molding material temperature set value field 1812 and the nozzle temperature set value (after correction) field 1822 are hidden, and the target initial value (nozzle temperature set value before correction) field 1825 is switched to an input field. In other words, the molding material temperature set value field 1812 for correcting the molding material temperature set value 722 is hidden, and the target initial value (nozzle temperature set value before correction) field 1825 for inputting the nozzle temperature set value 721 is displayed.

[0161] When the operation processing unit 720 receives the selection of "ON", it instructs the correction selector switch 733 to be turned on. Then, the display control device 719 switches the display field to the target initial value (pre-correction nozzle temperature set value) field 1825, disabling input, and displays a temperature setting screen in which the molding material temperature set value field 1812 is displayed as an input field and the nozzle temperature set value (post-correction) field 1822 is displayed as a display field. In other words, the molding material temperature set value field 1812 for correcting the nozzle temperature set value 721 is displayed.

[0162] The target value selection field 1802 displays "maximum value," "average value," and "slope" so that the user can select from them. The operation processing unit 720 instructs the feedback value calculator 711 to calculate a feedback value according to the selected item from "maximum value," "average value," and "slope."

[0163] The actual measurement value field 1811 is a display field that displays the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800 calculated by the temperature measuring device 862.

[0164] The molding material temperature set value field 1812 is an input field for receiving input of the molding material temperature set value 722 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "ON."

[0165] The actual measurement value field 1821 is a display field for displaying the temperature of the nozzle 320 calculated by the temperature detector 314_5 for the zone Z5.

[0166] The nozzle temperature set value (corrected) column 1822 is a display column that displays the nozzle temperature set value 721 corrected by the set temperature correction unit 714 when the molding material temperature control column 1801 in the mold device is "ON".

[0167] The nozzle upper limit temperature field 1823 is an input field that receives input of an upper limit temperature used for filtering by the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715. The nozzle lower limit temperature field 1824 is an input field that receives input of a lower limit temperature used for filtering by the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715.

[0168] The target initial value (pre-correction nozzle temperature set value) field 1825 is an input field that accepts input of the nozzle temperature set value 721 to be stored in the storage medium 702 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "off." Furthermore, the target initial value (pre-correction nozzle temperature set value) field 1825 is a display field that displays the nozzle temperature set value 721 to be stored in the storage medium 702 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "on." The target initial value (pre-correction nozzle temperature set value) field 1825 requires initial input when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "off." When the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "on," the target initial value (pre-correction nozzle temperature set value) field 1825 may be an input field until the initial input is accepted, and may be a display field after the input is accepted.

[0169] The molding material temperature adjustment completion time 1831 is a display field that displays the number of shots, time, or percentage calculated by the target value calculator 718 until the nozzle temperature set value 721 corrected by the set temperature correction unit 714 is reached. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the number of shots until the nozzle temperature set value 721 is reached is displayed. For example, by displaying the number of shots until the nozzle temperature set value 721 is reached, the user can understand the molded product that has been molded until the conditions are met.

[0170] The display control device 719 of this embodiment displays the temperature setting screen shown in Figure 8, allowing the user to recognize the current temperature status of the injection molding machine 10 and easily set the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800.

[0171] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800 is stabilized by correcting the nozzle temperature set value 721 based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800. However, the above-described embodiment is not limited to an example in which the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800 is stabilized by correcting the nozzle temperature set value 721.

[0172] That is, it is sufficient that the control device 700 generates a control command for the heater 313_5 for zone Z5 based on the detected temperature detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861. As another method, for example, the control device 700 may correct the control command for the heater 313_5 based on the temperature detected by the temperature detector 314_5 for zone Z5 in accordance with the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800. For example, a value corresponding to the difference between the set value of the temperature of the molding material of the mold device 800 (molding material temperature set value 722) and the detected temperature may be added to the temperature of the nozzle 320 detected by the temperature detector 314_5.

[0173] In this way, any method may be used as long as it is a method for adjusting the temperature of the heater 313_5 for the zone Z5 based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800.

[0174] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the temperature of the heater 313_5 for the zone Z5, in other words, the nozzle 320, is adjusted based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold apparatus 800. However, the temperature adjustment is not limited to the nozzle 320 alone, and may be performed on the cylinder 310 itself. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the temperatures of the nozzle 320 and the cylinder 310 are adjusted based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold apparatus 800.

[0175] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device 700 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 9, a control circuit 701 provided in the control device 700 realizes the configuration shown in Fig. 9.

[0176] 9, the control device 700 includes a feedback value calculator 711, an update switch 712, a feedback value holder 713, a set temperature correction unit 1714, upper and lower limit filtering units 715_5 to 715_3, calculators 716_5 to 716_3, compensators 717_5 to 717_3, a reached value calculator 1718, a display control device 1719, an operation processing unit 720, and a solid-state relay 723. Furthermore, the storage medium 702 stores a molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle, a molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder, a molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder, and a molding material temperature set value 722. The set temperature correction unit 1714 includes a calculator 731, compensators 732_5 to 732_3, correction switches 733_5 to 733_3, and adders 734_5 to 734_3. Based on the detected temperatures detected by the surface temperature detection sensor 861, the set temperature correction unit 1714 corrects the Z5 nozzle molding material temperature set value 721_5, the Z4 cylinder molding material temperature set value 721_4, and the Z3 cylinder molding material temperature set value 721_3, which are set to control the heaters 313_5 to 313_3. While the present embodiment exemplifies the heater 313_5 being provided with a solid-state relay 723, other heaters (e.g., heaters 313_4 to 313_3) may also be provided with solid-state relays. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0177] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, the case of adjusting the temperatures of adders 734_5 to 734_3 in zones Z5 to Z3 is described, but the temperature in zones Z2 to Z1 is also adjusted in the same way as in zones Z5 to Z3, so the description will be omitted.

[0178] The molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle is a value set by the user and is a target temperature set to control the heater 313_5 provided in the nozzle 320. The molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder is a target temperature set to control the heater 313_4 provided in zone Z4 of the cylinder 310. The molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder is a target temperature set to control the heater 313_3 provided in zone Z3 of the cylinder 310.

[0179] The set temperature correction unit 1714 corrects the molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle, the molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder, and the molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder based on the difference between the molding material temperature set value 722 and the feedback value held in the feedback value holder 713.

[0180] Of the set temperature corrector 1714, the compensators 732_5 to 732_3, the correction selector switches 733_5 to 733_3, and the adders 734_5 to 734_3 are provided for each of the zones Z5 to Z3. The compensators 732_5 to 732_3, the correction selector switches 733_5 to 733_3, and the adders 734_5 to 734_3 perform the same processing as the compensator 732, the correction selector switch 733, and the adder 734 of the first embodiment, except that they are provided for each zone. Furthermore, a configuration in which the correction amount differs for each zone may be adopted. For example, a gain calculation unit with a different correction amount (e.g., a multiplier that multiplies an input value by the correction amount) may be provided on the path for each zone. An example of a different correction amount for each zone is to increase or decrease the correction amount depending on the distance from the mold device 800.

[0181] As a result, the molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle, the molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder, and the molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder are corrected according to the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800, thereby stabilizing the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800.

[0182] Upper and lower limit filtering units 715_5 to 715_3 determine whether or not each of the Z5 nozzle molding material temperature set value 721_5, the Z4 cylinder molding material temperature set value 721_4, and the Z3 cylinder molding material temperature set value 721_3 corrected by the set temperature correction unit 714 is included within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature range is set by the user for each zone.

[0183] When the upper and lower limit filtering units 715_5 to 715_3 determine that the molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle, the molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder, and the molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder are not included in the ranges set for each zone, they change them so that they are included in the ranges.

[0184] The calculators 716_5 to 716_3 subtract the temperatures (cylinder detected temperatures) detected by the temperature detectors 314_5 to 314_3 from the molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle, the molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder, and the molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder output from the upper and lower limit filtering units 715_5 to 715_3, respectively, and calculate difference values ​​for adjusting the heaters 313_5 to 313_3 for each zone.

[0185] The compensators 732_5 to 732_3 perform compensation control on the adjustment difference values ​​of the heaters 313_5 to 313_3 calculated by the calculators 716_5 to 716_3.

[0186] By having the above-described configuration, the control device 700 can control the temperatures of the nozzle 320 and the cylinder 310 based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800.

[0187] The reached value calculator 1718 calculates, for each of the zones Z5 to Z3, the number of shots, the time, or the percentage until the temperatures detected by the temperature detectors 314_5 to 314_3 reach the corrected molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle, the molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder, and the molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder.Then, it outputs any one of the number of shots, the time, or the percentage until the temperatures reach the corrected values ​​calculated for each zone to the display control device 719. For example, when the reached value calculator 1718 outputs the number of shots, it may output the largest number of shots among the numbers of shots calculated for each zone.

[0188] Next, user operations will be described. Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a temperature setting screen displayed by the display control device 1719 for controlling the temperatures of the nozzle 320 and the cylinder 310. As shown in Fig. 10, the temperature setting screen displays an in-mold molding material temperature control field 1801 and a target value selection field 1802. The temperature setting screen also displays, as fields for the molding material temperature, an actual measurement field 1811 and a molding material temperature set value field 1812. The temperature setting screen also displays, as fields for the nozzle temperature of zone Z5, an actual measurement field 1821_5, a zone temperature set value (after correction) field 1822_5, a zone upper limit temperature field 1823_5, a zone lower limit temperature field 1824_5, and a target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) field 1825_5. Furthermore, the temperature setting screen displays, as columns for the cylinder temperature of zone Z4, an actual measurement value column 1821_4, a zone temperature set value (after correction) column 1822_4, a zone upper limit temperature column 1823_4, a zone lower limit temperature column 1824_4, and a target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) column 1825_4. Furthermore, the temperature setting screen displays, as columns for the cylinder temperature of zone Z3, an actual measurement value column 1821_3, a zone temperature set value (after correction) column 1822_3, a zone upper limit temperature column 1823_3, a zone lower limit temperature column 1824_3, and a target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) column 1825_3. Furthermore, the temperature setting screen displays a molding material temperature adjustment completion time 1831. The operation processing unit 720 performs update processing according to values ​​entered in the input columns of these columns. The same reference numerals are assigned to the same fields as in FIG. 8, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0189] The actual measurement value field 1821_5 is a display field that displays the temperature of the nozzle 320 calculated by the temperature detector 314_5 for zone Z5. The actual measurement value field 1821_4 is a display field that displays the temperature of the cylinder 310 calculated by the temperature detector 314_4 for zone Z4. The actual measurement value field 1821_3 is a display field that displays the temperature of the cylinder 310 calculated by the temperature detector 314_3 for zone Z3.

[0190] The zone temperature set value (corrected) field 1822_5 for zone Z5 is a display field that displays the molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle corrected by the set temperature correction unit 1714 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "on." The zone temperature set value (corrected) field 1822_4 for zone Z4 is a display field that displays the molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder corrected by the set temperature correction unit 1714 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "on." The zone temperature set value (corrected) field 1822_3 for zone Z3 is a display field that displays the molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder corrected by the set temperature correction unit 1714 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "on."

[0191] The zone upper limit temperature field 1823_5 for zone Z5 is an input field that accepts input of an upper limit temperature used for filtering by the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715_5 for zone Z5. The zone lower limit temperature field 1824_5 for zone Z5 is an input field that accepts input of a lower limit temperature used for filtering by the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715_5 for zone Z5.

[0192] The zone upper limit temperature field 1823_4 for zone Z4 is an input field that accepts input of an upper limit temperature used for filtering by the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715_4 for zone Z4. The zone lower limit temperature field 1824_4 for zone Z4 is an input field that accepts input of a lower limit temperature used for filtering by the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715_4 for zone Z4.

[0193] The zone upper limit temperature field 1823_3 for zone Z3 is an input field that accepts input of an upper limit temperature used for filtering by the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715_3 for zone Z3. The zone lower limit temperature field 1824_3 for zone Z3 is an input field that accepts input of a lower limit temperature used for filtering by the upper / lower limit filtering unit 715_3 for zone Z3.

[0194] The target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) field 1825_5 for zone Z5 is an input field that accepts input of the molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle to be stored in the storage medium 702 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "off." Also, the target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) field 1825_5 is a display field that displays the molding material temperature set value 721_5 for the Z5 nozzle to be stored in the storage medium 702 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "on."

[0195] The target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) field 1825_4 for zone Z4 is an input field that accepts input of the molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder to be stored in the storage medium 702 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "off." Also, the target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) field 1825_4 is a display field that displays the molding material temperature set value 721_4 for the Z4 cylinder to be stored in the storage medium 702 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "on."

[0196] The target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) field 1825_3 for zone Z3 is an input field that accepts input of the molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder to be stored in the storage medium 702 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "off." Also, the target initial value (zone temperature set value before correction) field 1825_3 is a display field that displays the molding material temperature set value 721_3 for the Z3 cylinder to be stored in the storage medium 702 when the molding material temperature control field 1801 in the mold device is "on."

[0197] The display control device 719 of this embodiment displays the temperature setting screen shown in Figure 10, allowing the user to recognize the current temperature status of the injection molding machine 10 and easily set the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800.

[0198] In the above embodiment, the control device 700 adjusts the temperatures of all heaters 313_1 to 313_5 in zones Z1 to Z5 based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device 800. However, there is no limitation on the heaters whose temperatures are adjusted. That is, any combination of heaters in zones controlled based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device can be used. For example, the control device 700 may adjust the temperatures of the heaters 313_1 to 313_4 in zones Z1 to Z4 without adjusting the nozzle 320. Furthermore, the control device 700 may adjust the temperatures of one or more of the heaters 313_1 to 313_4 in zones Z1 to Z4. As another example, the control device 700 may adjust the temperatures of the heater 313_5 in zone Z5 and one or more of the heaters 313_1 to 313_4 in zones Z1 to Z4 in combination.

[0199] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which one surface temperature detection sensor is provided in the mold device 800. However, the number of surface temperature detection sensors provided in the mold device 800 is not limited to one, and multiple sensors may be provided.

[0200] In the above-described embodiment, the temperature of at least one of the nozzle 320 and the cylinder 310 is adjusted in accordance with the surface temperature detection sensor in the mold device 800, thereby suppressing variations in the temperature of the molding material filled into the mold device 800 and improving the molding stability of the molded products. This makes it possible to achieve a stable supply of molded products.

[0201] While the embodiments of the 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.

[0202] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-062410, filed on March 31, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 10···Injection molding machine 313_1 to 313_5··Heaters 314_1 to 314_5··Temperature detector 700··Control device 701··Control circuit 702··Storage medium 711··Feedback value calculator 712··Update switch 713··Feedback value holder 714, 1714··Set temperature correction unit 715, 715_5 to 715_3··Upper and lower limit filtering unit 716, 716_5 to 716_3··Calculator 717, 717_5 to 717_3··Compensator 718, 1718··Attained value calculator 719, 1719··Display control device 720··Operation processing unit 731··Calculator 732, 732_5 to 732_3 Compensator 733, 733_5 to 733_3 Correction switch 734, 734_5 to 734_3 Adder 861, 864 Surface temperature detection sensor 862, 865 Temperature measuring device

Claims

1. a nozzle provided in an injection device that moves forward and backward relative to a mold device and fills the mold device with a molding material, the nozzle being pressed against the mold device as the injection device moves forward; a nozzle temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the nozzle; a mold in-temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the molding material in the mold device; a control device that controls the temperature of the nozzle based on the nozzle detected temperature detected by the nozzle temperature detection unit and the temperature of the molding material inside the mold device during filling detected by the mold in-mold temperature detection unit; An injection molding machine having:

2. The control device a set temperature correction unit that corrects a set temperature of the nozzle based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device during filling, detected by the mold in-mold temperature detection unit; controlling the temperature of the nozzle so that the nozzle detected temperature detected by the nozzle temperature detection unit becomes the corrected set temperature; 2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a nozzle heating unit that heats the nozzle, the control device generates a control command for the nozzle heating unit based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device during filling, which is detected by the mold in-mold temperature detection unit.

2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1.

4. The control device controlling the temperature of the nozzle based on the nozzle detected temperature and the temperature of the molding material inside the mold device when the molding material is being filled into the mold device; 2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1.

5. a calculation unit that calculates a correction value for the set temperature of the nozzle based on the temperature of the molding material in the mold device during filling, which is detected by the mold in-mold temperature detection unit; and a holding unit that holds the correction value calculated by the calculation unit, the set temperature correction unit corrects the set temperature based on the correction value stored in the storage unit.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 2.

6. a shot number calculation unit that calculates, based on the nozzle detected temperature detected by the nozzle temperature detection unit, the number of shots required for the temperature of the nozzle to reach the set temperature corrected by the set temperature correction unit; 3. The injection molding machine according to claim 2.

7. The temperature setting device further includes a filter unit that determines whether the set temperature corrected by the set temperature correction unit is within a predetermined temperature range, and when it determines that the set temperature is not within the range, changes the set temperature so that it is within the range.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 2.

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