Injection molding machines, injection molding machine systems, control devices

Abstract

Provided is a technology that can automatically collect data related to an abnormality in an injection molding machine. When an event occurs that may cause abnormality, an injection molding machine 1 according to an embodiment starts to collect data related to the injection molding machine 1 having pre-regulated content. For example, the event that may cause abnormality includes a change (for example, a change in a control parameter) or an update (for example, updating of software) related to an operation of the injection molding machine 1 according to an input (for example, input received from a user, a signal received from a management device 2, and the like) from an external unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to injection molding machines and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, in industrial machinery such as an injection molding machine, there is known a technique in which, when an abnormality occurs, a user operates the machine according to instructions and collects data for diagnosing and analyzing the abnormality (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-133378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is desirable that data relating to anomalies be collected automatically.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology that can automatically collect data related to abnormalities in an injection molding machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, 、 gold a mold clamping device that clamps the mold device; an injection unit that fills the mold unit clamped by the mold clamping unit with a molding material; an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified; a first storage unit; Equipped with The condition of an event occurring that could cause an abnormality is met. doThen, we started to collect data on the injection molding machine based on the predetermined content, and collected the data multiple times. and completing data collection under the condition that a collection period registered in advance in the first storage unit has elapsed; the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The collection period is different between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. Ru, An injection molding machine is provided. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a mold clamping device that clamps the mold device; an injection unit that fills the mold unit clamped by the mold clamping unit with a molding material; an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified; a first storage unit, When a condition that an event that may be the cause of an abnormality has occurred is met, data collection related to the injection molding machine of predefined content is started, and the data is collected multiple times, and the data is collected so as to reduce the processing load related to the data collection depending on the elapse of time from the start of the data collection, and the data collection is completed when a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit has elapsed. An injection molding machine is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a mold clamping device that clamps the mold device; an injection unit that fills the mold unit clamped by the mold clamping unit with a molding material; an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified; a first storage unit, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality has occurred is met, the collection of data related to the injection molding machine having predefined content is started, the data is collected multiple times, and the collection of data is completed upon the lapse of a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit, the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The type of data to be collected differs between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. An injection molding machine is provided.

[0007] Ma In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, an injection molding machine having a mold clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the mold clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, and a management device that can communicate with the injection molding machine; The management device A first storage unit is provided, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is established, data relating to the injection molding machine having predetermined content is started to be collected, and the data is collected multiple times. The data collection is completed when the collection period registered in advance in the first storage unit has elapsed. The injection molding machine is controlled so that death, the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The collection period is different between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. Ru, An injection molding machine system is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, an injection molding machine having a mold clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the mold clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, and a management device that can communicate with the injection molding machine; The management device includes a first storage unit, and when a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is met, the management device starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine of predefined content, collects data multiple times, and collects data in such a way that the processing load related to data collection decreases depending on the elapsed time from the start of data collection, and controls the injection molding machine to finish collecting data when a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit has elapsed. An injection molding machine system is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, an injection molding machine having a mold clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the mold clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, and a management device that can communicate with the injection molding machine; the management device includes a first storage unit, and when a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is met, the management device starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine having predefined content, collects the data multiple times, and controls the injection molding machine so as to finish collecting the data when a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit has elapsed; the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The type of data to be collected differs between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. An injection molding machine system is provided.

[0008] Ma In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, The communication device is configured to be capable of communicating with an injection molding machine having a mold clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the mold clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, A first storage unit is provided, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is established, data relating to the injection molding machine having predetermined content is started to be collected, and the data is collected multiple times. The data collection is completed when a collection period registered in advance in the first storage unit has elapsed. The injection molding machine is controlled so that death, the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The collection period is different between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. Ru, A management device is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, The communication device is configured to be capable of communicating with an injection molding machine having a mold clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the mold clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, A first storage unit is provided, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is met, the injection molding machine starts to collect data of predefined content related to the injection molding machine, collects the data multiple times, and collects the data in such a way that the processing load related to the data collection decreases according to the elapse of time from the start of the data collection, and controls the injection molding machine to finish collecting the data when a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit has elapsed. A management device is provided. In still another embodiment of the present disclosure, The communication device is configured to be capable of communicating with an injection molding machine having a mold clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the mold clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, A first storage unit is provided, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is established, the injection molding machine starts to collect data related to the injection molding machine having predefined content, collects the data multiple times, and controls the injection molding machine so that the data collection ends upon the lapse of a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit; the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The type of data to be collected differs between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. A management device is provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to provide a technique that can automatically collect data related to abnormalities in an injection molding machine. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an injection molding machine management system including an injection molding machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an injection molding machine management system including an injection molding machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control system of an injection molding machine. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of data conditions and contents of collection target data for each of a plurality of target events. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing an example of information specifying a plurality of target events, and data collection conditions and content of collection target data for each of the plurality of target events. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Configuration of injection molding machine management system] First, the configuration of the injection molding machine management system SYS according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0013] Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of an injection molding machine management system SYS according to this embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1 depicts a side cross-sectional view showing the state of injection molding machine 1 when mold opening is complete, and Figure 2 depicts a side cross-sectional view showing the state of injection molding machine 1 when mold clamping is complete. Hereinafter, in the drawings of this embodiment, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to one another, the positive and negative directions of the X-axis (hereinafter simply referred to as the "X direction") and the positive and negative directions of the Y-axis (hereinafter simply referred to as the "Y direction") represent horizontal directions, and the positive and negative directions of the Z-axis (hereinafter simply referred to as the "Z direction") represent vertical directions.

[0014] The injection molding machine management system SYS (an example of an injection molding machine system) includes a plurality of injection molding machines 1 (three in this example) and a management device 2.

[0015] The injection molding machine management system SYS may include one or two injection molding machines 1, or may include four or more injection molding machines.

[0016] <Configuration of injection molding machine> The injection molding machine 1 performs a series of operations to obtain a molded product.

[0017] The injection molding machine 1 is communicably connected to the management device 2 through a predetermined communication line NW. The injection molding machine 1 may also be communicably connected to other injection molding machines 1 through the communication line NW. The communication line NW includes, for example, a local area network (LAN) within a factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed. The local network may be wired or wireless, or may be a form including both. The communication line NW may also include, for example, a wide area network (WAN) outside the factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed. The wide area network may include, for example, a mobile communication network terminated at a base station. The mobile communication network may include, for example, 4G (4G) including LTE (Long Term Evolution). th Generation) and 5G (5 thThe wide area network may be compatible with, for example, a satellite communication network that uses a communication satellite. The wide area network may be compatible with, for example, the Internet network. The communication line NW may be a short-range wireless communication line that is compatible with, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, WiFi communication, or the like.

[0018] For example, the injection molding machine 1 transmits (uploads) data regarding the operating status of the injection molding machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as "operating status data") to the management device 2 via the communication line NW. This allows the management device 2 (or its manager, operator, etc.) to grasp the operating status and manage the timing of maintenance of the injection molding machine 1 and the operating schedule of the injection molding machine 1. Furthermore, the management device 2 generates data regarding control of the injection molding machine 1 (for example, molding conditions, etc.) based on the operating status data of the injection molding machine 1 and transmits the data to the injection molding machine 1, thereby enabling control of the injection molding machine 1 from outside.

[0019] Furthermore, for example, the injection molding machine 1 may function as a master machine and monitor and control the operation of other injection molding machines 1 functioning as slave machines through the communication line NW. Specifically, the injection molding machine 1 (slave machine) may transmit operating status data to the injection molding machine 1 (master machine) through the communication line NW. This allows the injection molding machine 1 (master machine) to monitor the operation of the other injection molding machines 1 (slave machines). Furthermore, the injection molding machine 1 (master machine) may transmit control commands related to the operation to the other injection molding machines 1 (slave machines) through the communication line NW while grasping the operating status of the other injection molding machines 1 (slave machines) based on the operating status data. This allows the injection molding machine 1 (master machine) to control the operation of the other injection molding machines 1 (slave machines).

[0020] The injection molding machine 1 includes a mold clamping device 100, an ejector device 200, an injection device 300, a moving device 400, and a control device 700.

[0021] <<Mold clamping device>> The mold clamping unit 100 performs mold closing, mold clamping, and mold opening of the mold apparatus 10. 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, a movable platen 120, toggle supports 130, tie bars 140, a toggle mechanism 150, a mold clamping motor 160, a motion conversion mechanism 170, and a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180.

[0022] In the following description of the mold clamping device 100, the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (to the right in Figures 1 and 2) is referred to as the front, and the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is opened (to the left in Figures 1 and 2) is referred to as the rear.

[0023] The stationary platen 110 is fixed to the frame Fr. The stationary mold 11 is attached to the surface of the stationary platen 110 that faces the movable platen 120.

[0024] The movable platen 120 is movable relative to the frame Fr in the mold opening / closing direction. A guide 101 is installed on the frame Fr to guide the movable platen 120. A movable mold 12 is attached to the surface of the movable platen 120 facing the fixed platen 110.

[0025] The movable platen 120 is advanced or retreated relative to the fixed platen 110 to perform mold closing, mold clamping, and mold opening.

[0026] The mold device 10 includes a fixed mold 11 corresponding to a fixed platen 110 and a movable mold 12 corresponding to a movable platen 120 .

[0027] The toggle support 130 is connected to the fixed platen 110 at a predetermined distance L, and is placed on the frame Fr so as to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction. The toggle support 130 may be movable along a guide laid on the frame Fr, for example. In this case, the guide of the toggle support 130 may be the same as the guide 101 of the movable platen 120.

[0028] Although the fixed platen 110 is fixed to the frame Fr and the toggle support 130 is movable relative to the frame Fr in the mold opening / closing direction, the toggle support 130 may be fixed to the frame Fr and the fixed platen 110 may be movable relative to the frame Fr in the mold opening / closing direction.

[0029] 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. Each tie bar 140 is parallel to the mold opening / closing direction and extends according to the mold clamping force. At least one tie bar 140 is provided with a tie bar strain detector 141 that detects strain in the tie bar 140. The tie bar strain detector 141 is, for example, a strain gauge. 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, for example, to detect the mold clamping force.

[0030] Any clamping force detector that can be used to detect the clamping force may be used instead of or in addition to the tie bar strain detector 141. For example, the clamping force detector is not limited to the strain gauge type, but may be a piezoelectric type, a capacitance type, a hydraulic type, an electromagnetic type, or the like, and the attachment position thereof is not limited to the tie bar 140.

[0031] The toggle mechanism 150 is disposed between the movable platen 120 and the toggle support 130, and moves the movable platen 120 in the mold opening / closing direction relative to the toggle support 130. The toggle mechanism 150 is composed of a crosshead 151, a pair of link groups, etc. Each link group has a first link 152 and a second link 153 that are connected to each other so as to be flexible and extendable by a pin or the like. The first link 152 is attached to the movable platen 120 so as to be swingable by a pin or the like, and the second link 153 is attached to the toggle support 130 so as to be swingable by a pin or the like. The second link 153 is attached to the crosshead 151 via a third link 154. When the crosshead 151 is advanced or retreated relative to the toggle support 130, the first link 152 and the second link 153 are bent or retreated, and the movable platen 120 advances or retreats relative to the toggle support 130.

[0032] The configuration of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, although each link group has five nodes in Figures 1 and 2, it may have four nodes, and one end of the third link 154 may be connected to the node between the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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 171 and a screw nut 172 that screws onto the screw shaft 171. A ball or a roller may be interposed between the screw shaft 171 and the screw nut 172.

[0035] The mold clamping unit 100 performs a mold closing process, a mold clamping process, a mold opening process, etc. under the control of the control device 700.

[0036] In the mold closing process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to move the crosshead 151 forward at a set speed to a mold closing completion position, thereby moving the movable platen 120 forward and bringing the movable mold 12 into contact with the fixed mold 11. The position and speed of the crosshead 151 are detected, for example, using 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.

[0037] The crosshead position detector that detects the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead speed detector that detects the 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 speed detector that detects the speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161, and general types can be used.

[0038] In the mold clamping process, 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. During mold clamping, a cavity space 14 is formed between the movable mold 12 and the fixed mold 11, and the injection device 300 fills the cavity space 14 with liquid molding material. A molded product is obtained by solidifying the filled molding material. There may be multiple cavity spaces 14, in which case multiple molded products can be obtained simultaneously.

[0039] In the mold opening process, the mold clamping motor 160 is driven to move the crosshead 151 backward at a set speed to the mold opening completion position, thereby moving the movable platen 120 backward and separating the movable mold 12 from the fixed mold 11. Thereafter, the ejector unit 200 ejects the molded product from the movable mold 12.

[0040] The setting conditions for the mold closing process and the mold clamping process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the speed and position of the crosshead 151 in the mold closing process and the mold clamping process (including the mold closing start position, speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold clamping position), the mold clamping force, etc. are set together as a series of setting conditions. The mold closing start position, 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 speed is set. A speed is set for each section. There may be one or more speed switching positions. The speed switching position does not have to be set. Only one of the mold clamping position and the mold clamping force may be set.

[0041] The setting conditions for the mold opening process are also set in a similar manner. For example, the speed and position of the crosshead 151 in the mold opening process (including the mold opening start position, speed switching position, and mold opening completion position) are set together as a series of setting conditions. The mold opening start position, 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 speed is set. The speed is set for each section. There may be one or more speed switching positions. The speed switching position does not have to be set. The mold opening start position and the mold clamping position may be the same position. Furthermore, the mold opening completion position and the mold closing start position may be the same position.

[0042] It should be noted that the speed, position, etc. of the movable platen 120 may be set instead of the speed, position, etc. 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.

[0043] The toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the mold clamping motor 160 and transmits it to the movable platen 120. The amplification ratio is also called the toggle ratio. The toggle ratio changes depending on the angle θ between the first link 152 and the second link 153 (hereinafter referred to as the "link angle"). The link angle θ is determined from the position of the crosshead 151. When the link angle θ is 180°, the toggle ratio is maximum.

[0044] When the thickness of the mold device 10 changes due to replacement of the mold device 10 or a temperature change of the mold device 10, the mold thickness is adjusted 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 12 touches the fixed mold 11.

[0045] The mold clamping unit 100 has a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 that adjusts the mold thickness by adjusting the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 has a screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end of the tie bar 140, a screw nut 182 rotatably held by the toggle support 130, and a mold thickness adjustment motor 183 that rotates the screw nut 182 that is screwed onto the screw shaft 181.

[0046] A screw shaft 181 and a screw nut 182 are provided for each tie bar 140. The rotation of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 may be transmitted to the plurality of screw nuts 182 via a rotation transmission unit 185. The plurality of screw nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously.

[0047] It should be noted that by changing the transmission path of the rotation transmission unit 185, it is also possible to rotate the plurality of screw nuts 182 individually.

[0048] The rotation transmission unit 185 is configured, for example, with gears, etc. In this case, a passive 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 passive gears and drive gear is rotatably held in the center of the toggle support 130.

[0049] The rotation transmission unit 185 may be configured with a belt, pulleys, etc. instead of gears.

[0050] The operation of the mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 is controlled by a control device 700. The control device 700 drives the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 to rotate the screw nut 182, thereby adjusting the position of the toggle support 130, which rotatably holds the screw nut 182, relative to the fixed platen 110, and adjusting the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130.

[0051] The distance L is detected using a mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184. The mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 detects the amount of rotation and the 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 distance L.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the gap L by rotating one of a screw shaft 181 and a screw nut 182 that are screwed together. A plurality of mold thickness adjustment mechanisms 180 may be used, and a plurality of mold thickness adjustment motors 183 may be used.

[0054] The mold clamping unit 100 of this embodiment is a horizontal type in which the mold opening and closing direction is horizontal, but it may also be a vertical type in which the mold opening and closing direction is vertical.

[0055] Furthermore, the mold clamping unit 100 of this embodiment has a mold clamping motor 160 as a drive source, but may have a hydraulic cylinder instead of the mold clamping motor 160. Furthermore, the mold clamping unit 100 may have a linear motor for opening and closing the mold, and an electromagnet for mold clamping.

[0056] <<Ejector device>> After the molding material filled into the mold device 10 by the injection device 300 is cooled and solidified, the ejector device 200 ejects a molded product from the mold device 10. The ejector device 200 includes an ejector motor 210, a motion conversion mechanism 220, an ejector rod 230, and the like.

[0057] In the following description of the ejector device 200, as in the description of the mold clamping device 100, the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (to the right in Figures 1 and 2) is defined as the front, and the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is opened (to the left in Figures 1 and 2) is defined as the rear.

[0058] The ejector motor 210 is attached to the movable platen 120. The ejector motor 210 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 220, but may also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 220 via a belt, pulley, or the like.

[0059] The motion conversion mechanism 220 converts the rotational motion of the ejector motor 210 into the linear motion of the ejector rod 230. The motion conversion mechanism 220 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.

[0060] The ejector rod 230 is movable forward and backward in a through hole of the movable platen 120. The front end of the ejector rod 230 comes into contact with the movable member 15 that is disposed inside the movable mold 12 so as to be movable forward and backward. The front end of the ejector rod 230 may or may not be connected to the movable member 15.

[0061] The ejector device 200 performs the ejection process under the control of the control device 700.

[0062] In the ejection process, the ejector motor 210 is driven to advance the ejector rod 230 from the standby position to the ejection position at a set speed, thereby advancing the movable member 15 and ejecting the molded product. Thereafter, the ejector motor 210 is driven to retreat the ejector rod 230 at a set speed, and the movable member 15 is retreated to its original standby position. The position and speed of the ejector rod 230 are detected, for example, using an ejector motor encoder 211. The ejector motor encoder 211 detects the rotation of the ejector motor 210 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700.

[0063] The ejector rod position detector that detects the position of the ejector rod 230 and the ejector rod speed detector that detects the speed of the ejector rod 230 are not limited to the ejector motor encoder 211, and general types can be used.

[0064] <<Injection device>> The injection unit 300 is mounted on a slide base 301 that can move forward and backward relative to the frame Fr, and can move forward and backward relative to the mold device 10. The injection unit 300 comes into contact with the mold device 10 and fills the cavity space 14 inside the mold device 10 with molding material. The injection unit 300 includes, for example, a cylinder 310, a nozzle 320, a screw 330, a metering motor 340, an injection motor 350, and a pressure detector 360.

[0065] In the following description of the injection device 300, the direction in which the injection device 300 is brought closer to the mold device 10 (leftward in Figures 1 and 2) will be referred to as the front, and the direction in which the injection device 300 is brought away from the mold device 10 (rightward in Figures 1 and 2) will be referred to as the rear.

[0066] Cylinder 310 heats the molding material supplied to the interior through supply port 311. The molding material includes, for example, resin. The molding material is formed, for example, in the form of pellets and supplied to supply port 311 in a solid state. Supply port 311 is formed at the rear of cylinder 310. A cooler 312, such as a water-cooled cylinder, is provided on the outer periphery of the rear of cylinder 310. A 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.

[0067] The cylinder 310 is divided into a plurality of zones in the axial direction of the cylinder 310 (the left-right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2). Each zone is provided with a heater 313 and a temperature detector 314. For each zone, the control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the temperature detected by the temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0068] The nozzle 320 is provided at the front end of the cylinder 310 and is pressed against the mold device 10. 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.

[0069] 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 10.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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 or the like.

[0076] 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, a roller, or the like 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.

[0077] The pressure detector 360 detects the pressure transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The pressure detector 360 is provided on a force transmission path between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330, and detects the pressure acting on the pressure detector 360.

[0078] The pressure detector 360 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the pressure detector 360 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 exerts on the molding material, etc.

[0079] The injection unit 300 performs a metering process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, and the like under the control of the control unit 700.

[0080] In the metering process, the metering motor 340 is driven to rotate the screw 330 at a set rotation 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 rotation 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.

[0081] The screw rotation speed detector for detecting the rotation speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341, and a general one can be used.

[0082] During the metering process, the injection motor 350 may be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330 in order to restrict abrupt retraction of the screw 330. The back pressure on the screw 330 is detected, for example, by a pressure detector 360. The pressure detector 360 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. 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.

[0083] In the filling process, the injection motor 350 is driven to advance the screw 330 at a set speed, and the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is filled into the cavity space 14 in the mold device 10. The position and speed of the screw 330 are detected, for example, using 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, switching from the filling process to a pressure holding process (so-called V / P switching) is performed. The position at which V / P switching is performed is also referred to as a V / P switching position. The set speed of the screw 330 may be changed depending on the position of the screw 330, time, etc.

[0084] It should be noted that, after the screw 330 reaches a set position in the filling process, the screw 330 may be temporarily stopped at the set 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 slowly moved forward or backward. Furthermore, the screw position detector that detects the position of the screw 330 and the screw speed detector that detects the speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351, and general detectors may be used.

[0085] 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 "dwelling pressure") at a set pressure, and pushing the molding material remaining in the cylinder 310 toward the mold device 10. This can replenish any molding material that is insufficient due to cooling contraction within the mold device 10. The holding pressure is detected, for example, using a pressure detector 360. The pressure detector 360 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The set value of the holding pressure may be changed depending on the elapsed time from the start of the dwelling step, etc.

[0086] During the dwelling process, the molding material in the cavity space 14 inside the mold device 10 is gradually cooled, and when the dwelling process is completed, the entrance to the cavity space 14 is blocked with solidified molding material. This state is called a gate seal, and prevents the molding material from flowing back from the cavity space 14. After the dwelling process, the cooling process begins. During the cooling process, the molding material in the cavity space 14 is solidified. A metering process may be performed during the cooling process to shorten the molding cycle time.

[0087] Although the injection device 300 of this embodiment is of an in-line screw type, it may also be of a pre-plasticization type. A pre-plasticization type injection device supplies molding material molten in a plasticization cylinder to an injection cylinder, and injects the molding material from the injection cylinder into a mold device. A screw is disposed in the plasticization cylinder so as to be rotatable or so as to be rotatable and movable back and forth, and a plunger is disposed in the injection cylinder so as to be movable back and forth.

[0088] 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.

[0089] <<Mobile Device>> The moving device 400 moves the injection device 300 forward and backward relative to the mold device 10. The moving device 400 also presses the nozzle 320 against the mold device 10 to generate nozzle touch pressure. The moving device 400 has a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator, and the like.

[0090] In the following description of the moving device 400, as in the description of the injection device 300, the direction in which the injection device 300 is moved closer to the mold device 10 (leftward in Figures 1 and 2) will be referred to as the front, and the direction in which the injection device 300 is moved away from the mold device 10 (rightward in Figures 1 and 2) will be referred to as the rear.

[0091] Although the moving device 400 is arranged on one side of the cylinder 310 of the injection device 300 in FIGS. 1 and 2, it may be arranged on both sides of the cylinder 310, or may be arranged symmetrically with the cylinder 310 as the center.

[0092] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a pump that can rotate in both directions, 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. The hydraulic pump 410 can also draw in hydraulic fluid from a tank and discharge it from one of the first port 411 and the second port 412.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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 11. 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.

[0096] 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 11.

[0097] The moving device 400 is not limited to a configuration including the hydraulic cylinder 430. 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.

[0098] <<Control device>> The control device 700 directly transmits control signals to the mold clamping device 100, the ejector device 200, the injection device 300, the movement device 400, and the like, and performs various controls related to the injection molding machine 1.

[0099] The control device 700 may be realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software. The control device 700 is mainly configured with a computer having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a memory device 702, an auxiliary storage device 703, and an input / output interface device 704. The control device 700 performs various controls by causing the CPU 701 to execute a program installed in the auxiliary storage device 703. The control device 700 also receives external signals and outputs signals to the outside through the interface device 704. For example, the control device 700 is communicably connected to the management device 2 through a communication line NW based on the interface device 704. The control device 700 may also be communicably connected to another injection molding machine 1 (control device 700 of another injection molding machine 1) through the communication line NW based on the interface device 704. The control device 700 may also acquire a program from a predetermined recording medium through the interface device 704. The predetermined recording medium includes, for example, a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), an SD memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. Furthermore, the control device 700 may acquire (download) a program from an external computer (for example, the management device 2) via the interface device 704.

[0100] The functions of the control device 700 may be realized by a single controller, or may be shared among a plurality of controllers, as will be described later.

[0101] The control device 700 repeatedly manufactures molded products by causing the injection molding machine 1 to repeatedly perform a mold closing process, a mold clamping process, a mold opening process, etc. The control device 700 also causes the injection device 300 to perform a metering process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, etc. during the mold clamping process.

[0102] A series of operations to obtain a molded product, for example, the operations from the start of a metering process by an injection unit 300 to the start of a metering process by the next injection unit 300, is also called a "shot" or a "molding cycle." The time required for one shot is also called the "molding cycle time."

[0103] One molding cycle is composed of, for example, a metering process, a mold closing process, a mold clamping process, a filling process, a pressure dwell process, a cooling process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process, in this order. This order is the order in which each process starts. The filling process, pressure dwell process, and cooling process are performed from the start of the mold clamping process to the end of the mold clamping process. The end of the mold clamping process coincides with the start of the mold opening process.

[0104] In addition, to shorten the molding cycle time, multiple processes may be performed simultaneously. For example, the metering process may be performed during the cooling process of the previous molding cycle, in which 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. In addition, if an on-off valve that opens and closes the flow path of the nozzle 320 of the injection device 300 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, molding material will not leak from the nozzle 320 as long as the on-off valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320.

[0105] The control device 700 is connected to an operation device 750, a display device 760, and the like.

[0106] The operation device 750 (an example of an input unit) receives operation input from a user regarding the injection molding machine 1, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation input to the control device 700.

[0107] The display device 760 displays various images under the control of the control device 700 .

[0108] The display device 760 displays, for example, an operation screen relating to the injection molding machine 1 in response to an operation input on the operation device 750.

[0109] The operation screen displayed on the display device 760 is used for setting the injection molding machine 1. The setting for the injection molding machine 1 includes, for example, setting the molding conditions for the injection molding machine 1 (specifically, inputting set values). The setting also includes, for example, a setting for selecting the type of detected values ​​of various sensors, etc., for the injection molding machine 1 to be recorded as logging data during molding operations. The setting also includes, for example, a setting for displaying specifications on the display device 760 for detected values ​​(actual values) of various sensors, etc., for the injection molding machine 1 during molding operations (for example, the type of actual values ​​to be displayed and how they are displayed). A plurality of operation screens are prepared, and are displayed by switching between them on the display device 760 or by overlapping them. The user can perform settings for the injection molding machine 1 (including inputting set values) by operating the operation device 750 while viewing the operation screen displayed on the display device 760.

[0110] Further, under the control of the control device 700, the display device 760 displays, for example, an information screen that provides the user with various information corresponding to operations on the operation screen. A plurality of information screens are prepared, and are displayed by switching between them or overlapping them on the display device 760. For example, the display device 760 displays setting contents related to the injection molding machine 1 (for example, setting contents related to the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 1). Further, for example, the display device 760 displays management information (for example, information related to the operation record of the injection molding machine 1, etc.).

[0111] The operation device 750 and the display device 760 may be configured as, for example, a touch panel display and may be integrated together.

[0112] Although the operation device 750 and the display device 760 in this embodiment are integrated, they may be provided independently. Also, a plurality of operation devices 750 may be provided. Instead of or in addition to the operation device 750, another input device that accepts input other than the user's operation input may be provided. The other input device may include, for example, a voice input device that accepts the user's voice input, a gesture input device that accepts the user's gesture input, etc. The voice input device includes, for example, a microphone, etc. Also, the gesture input device includes, for example, a camera (image capture device), etc.

[0113] <Configuration of management device> As described above, the management device 2 is communicably connected to the injection molding machine 1 via the communication line NW.

[0114] The functions of the management device 2 are realized by any hardware or a combination of any hardware and software. For example, the management device 2 is primarily configured as a computer including a CPU, a memory device such as RAM, a non-volatile auxiliary storage device such as ROM, and an interface device for input / output with the outside. The management device 2 may realize various functions by loading a program installed in the auxiliary storage device into the memory device and executing the program on the CPU. The management device 2 may, for example, obtain the program to be installed in the auxiliary storage device from a predetermined recording medium via an interface device. Examples of the predetermined recording medium include a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), an SD memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, etc. The management device 2 may also obtain (download) the program to be installed in the auxiliary storage device from an external computer via the interface device.

[0115] The management device 2 is, for example, a server. The server may include, for example, a cloud server or an on-premise server installed in a remote location such as a management center outside the factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed. The server may also include, for example, an edge server installed inside the factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed or in a location relatively close to the factory (for example, a wireless base station or station building near the factory). The management device 2 is, for example, a terminal device (user terminal) used by a user, manager, etc. of the injection molding machine 1. The user terminal may include, for example, a stationary terminal device (for example, a desktop computer terminal) in the factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed. The user terminal may also include a portable terminal (for example, a smartphone, tablet terminal, laptop computer terminal, etc.) that can be carried by a user, manager, etc. of the injection molding machine 1.

[0116] The management device 2 may, for example, grasp the operating status of the injection molding machine 1 based on data transmitted (uploaded) from the injection molding machine 1, and manage the operating status of the injection molding machine 1. Furthermore, the management device 2 may perform various diagnoses of the injection molding machine 1, such as abnormality diagnosis, based on the grasped operating status of the injection molding machine 1.

[0117] Furthermore, the management device 2 may provide information on the operating status of the injection molding machine 1 to a user or manager of the injection molding machine 1, for example, based on data transmitted from the injection molding machine 1. Specifically, the management device 2 may provide information on the operating status of the injection molding machine 1 through a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display) or a sound output device (for example, a speaker) included in the management device 2 itself.

[0118] Furthermore, the management device 2 may receive input of operations and settings related to the injection molding machine 1 from a user or administrator of the injection molding machine 1 through an input device provided in the management device 2. This allows the user of the management device 2 to perform operations and settings related to the injection molding machine 1 from outside the injection molding machine 1.

[0119] Furthermore, the management device 2 may transmit control data (for example, data related to various setting conditions such as molding conditions) to the injection molding machine 1 via the communication line NW. This allows the management device 2 to control the operation of the injection molding machine 1.

[0120] [Data collection function] Next, the data collection function of the injection molding machine 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0121] <Example of data collection function> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration related to the data collection function of the injection molding machine 1. As shown in FIG.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 3, the injection molding machine 1 includes a control device 700, a driver 710, an encoder 720, an operation device 750, and a display device 760 as components related to the data collection function.

[0123] The control device 700 includes controllers 700A and 700B.

[0124] The controller 700A controls one or more controllers 700B and performs overall control of the injection molding machine 1. The controller 700A includes a data collection unit 7001, a data collection specification information storage unit 7002, a collected data storage unit 7003, a screen display processing unit 7004, and a specification information setting unit 7005. The functions of the data collection unit 7001, the screen display processing unit 7004, and the specification information setting unit 7005 are realized, for example, by loading various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 703 of the controller 700A into the memory device 702 and executing them on the CPU 701. The functions of the data collection specification information storage unit 7002 and the collected data storage unit 7003 are realized, for example, by storage areas defined in the auxiliary storage device 703 of the controller 700A.

[0125] The controller 700B controls the operation of various electric actuators (hereinafter simply referred to as "electric actuators") that realize the operation of the injection molding machine 1. The controller 700B is, for example, a motion controller. The electric actuators to be controlled include, for example, the above-mentioned mold clamping motor 160, mold thickness adjustment motor 183, ejector motor 210, metering motor 340, injection motor 350, motor 420, etc. The controller 700B generates control data related to the electric actuators to be controlled, and outputs (transmits) the control data to the driver 710. The controller 700B may also generate control data related to the encoder 720 (for example, data related to setting conditions such as the acquisition period of detection data) and transmit it to the encoder 720.

[0126] In this example, the controller 700B and the driver 710, and the driver 710 and the encoder 720 are connected by physical communication cables, and a logical network (field network) is configured that allows communication between the controller 700B and each of the driver 710 and the encoder 720.

[0127] Instead of constructing a field network, physical communication cables may be connected between the controller 700B and each of the driver 710 and the encoder 720.

[0128] The driver 710 drives the electric actuators. The electric actuators may include, for example, the above-mentioned mold clamping motor 160, mold thickness adjustment motor 183, ejector motor 210, metering motor 340, injection motor 350, motor 420, etc. The driver 710 outputs a drive current to the electric actuators based on control data received from, for example, the controller 700B. This allows the controller 700B to control the operation of the electric actuators to be controlled via the driver 710. The driver 710 may also transmit data relating to the actual operating status of the driver 710 (its own device) (for example, data such as a command value and actual value of the drive current) to the controller 700B.

[0129] The encoder 720 acquires detection data related to the mechanical position of the electric actuator. The encoder 720 may include, for example, the above-mentioned mold clamping motor encoder 161, mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184, ejector motor encoder 211, metering motor encoder 341, injection motor encoder 351, etc. The encoder 720 outputs (transmits) the detection data to the controller 700B. This allows the controller 700B to control the electric actuator while understanding the position and operating state (e.g., speed, acceleration, etc.) of the electric actuator based on the detection data related to the position of the electric actuator.

[0130] The data collection unit 7001 collects data related to the injection molding machine 1. Specifically, the data collection unit 7001 may collect data by transmitting a signal requesting transmission of the data to be collected to a device capable of primarily acquiring the data to be collected, and having the device transmit the data to be collected. The data collection unit 7001 may request transmission of the data to be collected from, for example, the controller 700B, the driver 710, the encoder 720, etc., and collect the data to be collected from these devices. Furthermore, as described below, if data collection conditions such as the timing of data collection are specified, the data collection unit 7001 may request the target device to transmit data in accordance with the data collection conditions, thereby having the target device transmit the data to be collected in accordance with the data collection conditions.

[0131] The controller 700B, the driver 710, and the encoder 720 are examples of data output devices that output various data to the controller 700A, and the controller 700A may collect various data from the above-mentioned other devices. The other devices may naturally include, for example, a device that measures the temperature state of the injection molding machine 1 (e.g., the temperature detector 314) and a device that measures the pressure state of the injection molding machine 1 (e.g., the pressure detector 360).

[0132] For example, when an event occurs that may cause an abnormality in the injection molding machine 1, the data collection unit 7001 starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine 1, the data being specified in advance, in accordance with predetermined data collection conditions. There may be multiple target events (hereinafter referred to as "target events"). For each of the multiple target events, the content of data to be collected in response to the occurrence of the target event (hereinafter referred to as "collected target data") is specified in advance. The data collected in response to the occurrence of the target event may include information necessary for, for example, causal analysis of an abnormality that may occur due to the target event. This allows the occurrence of the target event to be used as a trigger to start the collection of data necessary for, for example, causal analysis of the abnormality in advance. Therefore, when an abnormality actually occurs due to the target event, it is possible to perform, for example, causal analysis of the abnormality using data that has already been collected.

[0133] The data collection conditions include, for example, the timing of data collection (hereinafter referred to as "collection timing"). The collection timing includes, for example, a specific timing as well as a data collection cycle. The data collection conditions also include, for example, the period from the start of data collection to the end of collection (hereinafter referred to as "collection period"). This limits the period during which data collection is performed, so that the processing load on the controller 700A due to data collection can be reduced in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of data collection, and an increase in the processing load on the controller 700A can be suppressed. The collection period may be specified in advance to, for example, a value greater than the maximum expected period from the occurrence of a target event to the occurrence of an abnormality due to the occurrence of the target event.

[0134] Instead of or in addition to setting a collection period, other methods may be employed to reduce the processing load of the controller 700A related to data collection as time passes since the start of data collection. For example, data collection conditions may be specified so that the amount of data to be collected decreases as time passes since the start of data collection. Specifically, data collection conditions may be specified so that the number of types of data included in the collected data for each target event decreases as time passes since the start of data collection. For example, if the collected data for a target event includes a command value and an actual value of a predetermined parameter, the data collection conditions may be specified so that the command value is deleted from the collected data after a predetermined time has passed since the start of data collection, so that only the actual value remains. Furthermore, if the collected data for a target event includes data regarding the position and speed of the electric actuator to be controlled, the data collection conditions may be specified so that the speed data is deleted from the collected data after a predetermined time has passed since the start of data collection, so that only the position data remains. This is because speed data can be calculated from position data. Furthermore, for example, the data collection conditions may be defined so that the interval (cycle) between data collections, that is, the interval between the current data collection and the next data collection, becomes longer as time passes from the start of data collection.

[0135] For example, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data collection conditions and contents of collection target data for each of a plurality of target events.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 4 , multiple target events that trigger the start of data collection (collection start trigger) include, for example, software updates for the controller 700B and the driver 710. For example, if the software update is completed in an incomplete state or if the software itself has a bug or other defect, the software may not operate normally, potentially causing an abnormality in the injection molding machine 1. The software update may be performed manually by an operation of a user of the injection molding machine 1 (hereinafter referred to as the “molding machine user”), such as a service technician. In this case, an external device (e.g., a laptop computer terminal) used by the molding machine user may be connected to the control device 700 via a predetermined communication cable or the like. Then, software update data may be installed in the controller 700B and the driver 710 in response to a command input by the molding machine user's operation from the external device. Alternatively, the software update may be performed automatically by transmitting software update data from the management device 2 or the like to the injection molding machine 1 in response to a command input from a higher-level device, such as the management device 2 (an example of an external device) or the controller 700A.

[0137] Software updates that trigger data collection include, for example, software updates related to the interface of commands sent and received (command interface). In this example, the data collection conditions for software updates related to the command interface are specified as a collection period of one week and collection timing at the time of sending and receiving commands. Also, in this example, the content (type) of data to be collected for software updates related to the command interface is specified in the command log.

[0138] Furthermore, software updates that trigger data collection include, for example, software updates related to the motion control of electric actuators. In this example, the data collection conditions for software updates related to motion control are a collection period of one week, and the data collection cycle as the collection timing is specified as the control cycle of motion control (motion cycle). In this example, the content (type) of data to be collected for software updates related to motion control are specified as the speed command value, position command value, actual speed value, and actual position value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

[0139] Furthermore, software updates that trigger data collection include, for example, software updates related to the speed control of an electric actuator. In this example, the data collection conditions for software updates related to speed control are a collection period of one week, and the data collection period as the collection timing is specified as the control period (servo period) of the servo control of the electric actuator. In this example, the content (type) of data to be collected for software updates related to speed control are specified as the speed command value, actual speed value, and torque command value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

[0140] Furthermore, software updates that trigger data collection include, for example, software updates related to current control (torque control) of electric actuators. In this example, the data collection conditions for software updates related to current control are a collection period of one week, and the data collection cycle as collection timing is specified as the servo cycle. In this example, the content (type) of data to be collected for software updates related to current control include the current command value, actual current value, actual voltage value, and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) command value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

[0141] Furthermore, the multiple target events that trigger the start of data collection (collection start trigger) include, for example, changes in control parameters in the controller 700B or the driver 710. For example, if the control parameters are not set to appropriate values, the electric actuators may not be controlled appropriately, which may result in abnormal operation of the injection molding machine 1. The control parameters may be changed, for example, in response to a predetermined operation input by a molding machine user received through the operation device 750. In this case, the control parameters may be changed directly in response to the predetermined operation input by the molding machine user, or may be changed indirectly in accordance with molding conditions, etc., that are changed in response to the predetermined operation input by the molding machine user. Furthermore, the control parameters may be changed automatically in response to a command input from a higher-level device such as the management device 2 or the controller 700A.

[0142] A change in a control parameter that triggers data collection includes, for example, a change in a control parameter related to the acceleration or deceleration of the electric actuator to be controlled (a change in an acceleration / deceleration parameter). In this example, the data collection condition for a change in the acceleration / deceleration parameter is one month, and the data collection period as the collection timing is specified as the motion period. Also, in this example, the content (type) of data to be collected for a change in the acceleration / deceleration parameter is specified as the speed command value, position command value, actual speed value, and actual position value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

[0143] Furthermore, a change in a control parameter that triggers data collection includes, for example, a change in a control parameter (pressure control parameter change) related to the control of pressure generated by the operation of the electric actuator to be controlled. In this case, the electric actuator to be controlled is, for example, the injection motor 350, and as described above, the injection motor 350 is controlled so that the holding pressure in the pressure holding process is maintained at the set pressure. In this example, the data collection conditions for the change in pressure control parameter are specified as a collection period of one month and a data collection cycle as the collection timing, which is the control cycle related to pressure control (pressure control cycle). In this example, the content (type) of data to be collected for the change in pressure control parameter is specified as a pressure command value (pressure command value), actual pressure value (actual pressure value), and speed command value and actual speed value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

[0144] Furthermore, a change in control parameters as a trigger for data collection includes, for example, a change in control parameters related to the speed servo control of the electric actuator to be controlled (a speed servo control parameter change). In this example, the data collection conditions for a speed servo control parameter change are specified as a collection period of one month and a data collection cycle as the collection timing set to the servo cycle. Also, in this example, the content (type) of data to be collected for a speed servo control parameter change is specified as the speed command value, actual speed value, and torque command value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

[0145] Furthermore, a change in control parameters that triggers data collection includes, for example, a change in control parameters related to current servo control of the electric actuator to be controlled (current servo control parameter change). In this example, the data collection conditions for a change in current servo control parameters are specified as a collection period of one month and a data collection cycle as the collection timing set to the servo cycle. In this example, the data to be collected for a change in current servo control parameters are specified as the current command value, actual current value, actual voltage value, and PWM command value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

[0146] Returning to Figure 3, the data collection specification information storage unit 7002 (an example of a storage unit) stores information (hereinafter referred to as "data collection specification information") that specifies (specifies) multiple target events that trigger data collection, data collection conditions for each of the multiple target events, and the contents of the data to be collected.

[0147] The data collection designation information includes, for example, information that designates multiple target events (hereinafter referred to as "target event designation information"). The data collection designation information also includes, for example, information that designates (specifies) the data collection conditions and the content of the data to be collected for each of the multiple target events (hereinafter referred to as "collection condition / content designation information").

[0148] The data collection unit 7001, for example, refers to the target event designation information at each predetermined control cycle and determines whether any of the specified target events has occurred. When any of the target events designated in the target event designation information has occurred, the data collection unit 7001, for example, refers to the collection condition / content designation information corresponding to the target event that has occurred. Then, the data collection unit 7001 starts collecting collection target data of the designated content in accordance with the designated data collection conditions.

[0149] For example, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data collection designation information (data collection designation information 5000).

[0150] As shown in FIG. 5, data collection designation information 5000 includes target event designation information 5100 and collection condition / content designation information 5200.

[0151] 5, the target event designation information 5100 is provided as table information that lists the contents of a plurality of target events. In the target event designation information 5100, a change in current gain as a control parameter in the controller 700B ("current gain change"), an update of software related to the command interface ("command I / F update"), and the like are designated as target events.

[0152] Collection condition and content specification information 5200 is provided as table information that represents a list of data collection conditions and collection target data contents ("data type list") for each of multiple events specified in target event specification information 5100. Collection condition and content specification information 5200 includes collection condition and content specification information 5210 and 5220.

[0153] The collection condition and content specification information 5210 corresponds to the change in the current gain described above, which is specified in the target event specification information 5100. The data collection conditions in the collection condition and content specification information 5210 specify that the collection period is a period of 20 shots and the data collection cycle is 100 μsec (microseconds). Furthermore, the contents of the data to be collected in the collection condition and content specification information 5210 specify the torque command value and actual torque value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

[0154] The collection condition and content specification information 5220 corresponds to a change in software related to the above-mentioned command interface specified in the target event specification information 5100. The data collection conditions of the collection condition and content specification information 5220 specify that the collection period is one month and the collection timing is each communication between the controller 700B and the upper controller 700A and the lower driver 710. Furthermore, the contents of the data to be collected in the collection condition and content specification information 5220 specify command data to be sent to the upper controller 700A, command data received from the controller 700A, command data to be sent to the lower driver 710, and command data received from the driver 710.

[0155] The data collection unit 7001 determines whether or not any of the plurality of target events designated in the target event designation information 5100 has occurred at each predetermined control cycle.

[0156] When the data collection unit 7001 determines that a change has been made to the current gain related to the control of a specific electric actuator that is the control target of the controller 700B, it references the collection condition and content designation information 5210 corresponding to the change in current gain. The data collection unit 7001 then starts collecting the specified collection target data in accordance with the data collection conditions designated in the collection condition and content designation information 5210. Specifically, when the data collection unit 7001 determines that a change has been made to the current gain, it starts collecting the torque command value and the torque actual value of the target electric actuator at intervals of 100 microseconds. The data collection unit 7001 then ends data collection when a period of 20 shots has elapsed since the start of data collection.

[0157] Furthermore, when the data collection unit 7001 determines that the software related to the command interface in the controller 700B has been changed, it references the collection condition and content designation information 5220 corresponding to the change in the software related to the command interface. Then, the data collection unit 7001 starts collecting the specified collection target data in accordance with the data collection conditions specified in the collection condition and content designation information 5220. Specifically, when the data collection unit 7001 determines that the software related to the command interface in the controller 700B has been changed, it starts collecting transmission command data or reception command data between the communication target and the controller 700A and the driver 710 of the controller 700B for each communication. Then, the data collection unit 7001 ends the data collection one month after the start of the data collection.

[0158] The data collection conditions for each of the multiple target events may be uniformly defined. In this case, information regarding the data collection conditions does not need to be managed for each of the multiple target events, and the data collection designation information may define only the content of the data to be collected for each of the multiple target events.

[0159] Returning to FIG. 3 , the collected data storage unit 7003 cumulatively stores data collected by the data collection unit 7001. Specifically, as in the case of the software update described above, the data in the collected data storage unit 7003 may be retrieved by an external device used by the molding machine user connected to the control device 700 via a communication cable or the like, and the data may be retrieved by the external device through an operation of the external device by the molding machine user. Furthermore, the data in the collected data storage unit 7003 may be transmitted (uploaded) to the management device 2 in response to a request from the management device 2 or automatically. This allows, for example, when an abnormality or the like occurs due to a target event, a cause analysis of the abnormality or the like can be performed based on the data accumulated in the collected data storage unit 7003. Furthermore, the data accumulated in the collected data storage unit 7003 may be automatically deleted after a predetermined period has elapsed since it was stored in the collected data storage unit 7003. This is because, if a certain period of time has elapsed, it can be determined that the data has either already been retrieved externally or is no longer needed because no abnormality has occurred.

[0160] The screen display processing unit 7004 causes the display device 760 to display various information screens.

[0161] The screen display processing unit 7004, for example, causes the display device 760 to display a confirmation screen (hereinafter referred to as a "specification information confirmation screen") for the molding machine user to confirm the contents of the data collection specification information in the data collection specification information storage unit 7002. The screen display processing unit 7004 may also cause the display device 760 to display a setting screen (hereinafter referred to as a "specification information setting screen") for setting (newly adding or changing) the contents of the data collection specification information in the data collection specification information storage unit 7002. This allows the molding machine user to operate the specific information setting screen via the operation device 750 and set the contents of the data collection specification information. The specific information confirmation screen and the specific information setting screen may be screens with the same content. The following description will be given on the assumption that the specific information confirmation screen and the specific information setting screen have the same content.

[0162] The designation information setting unit 7005 (an example of a setting unit) sets (changes) the content of the data collection designation information in response to a predetermined operation input from the molding machine user received through the operation device 750. The designation information setting unit 7005 may, for example, change the setting of the data collection conditions for each target event and the (contents of) the data to be collected in response to a predetermined operation input from the molding machine user received through the operation device 750. Furthermore, the designation information setting unit 7005 may, for example, perform setting to add a new target event and the corresponding data collection conditions and the content (type) of the data to be collected, or perform setting to delete a target event in response to a predetermined operation input from the molding machine user received through the operation device 750.

[0163] Specifically, the designation information setting unit 7005 may set the content of the data collection designation information in accordance with the operation content of the designation information setting screen described above, which is received through the operation device 750 .

[0164] The designation information setting screen may display, for example, a list of target events and table information including the data collection conditions and the contents of the data to be collected for each target event, as shown in Fig. 4. This allows the molding machine user to check the contents of the current data collection designation information.

[0165] Furthermore, the data collection conditions and the content of the data to be collected of the table information on the specified information setting screen may be changeable by the user via the operation device 750. Then, when a confirmation operation is performed via the operation device 750 while the changed content is displayed, the specified information setting unit 7005 may change the setting of the content of the data collection specified information and update the data collection specified information in the data collection specified information storage unit 7002. This allows the molding machine user to change the data collection conditions and the content of the data to be collected via the specified information setting screen.

[0166] Furthermore, a row corresponding to a new target event may be added to the table information on the designation information setting screen in response to a predetermined input received through the operation device 750. The content of the new target event, the data collection conditions, and the content (type) of data to be collected may be input into the newly added row of the table information in response to a predetermined input received through the operation device 750. Then, when a confirmation operation is performed through the operation device 750 while the new input content is displayed, the designation information setting unit 7005 may add and set the new target event and the corresponding data collection conditions and the content (type) of data to be collected to the data collection designation information, and update the data collection designation information in the data collection designation information storage unit 7002. Similarly, a row corresponding to a specific target event may be deleted from the table information on the designation information setting screen in response to a predetermined input received through the operation device 750. Then, when a confirmation operation is performed via the operation device 750 with the row corresponding to the specific target event deleted, the designation information setting unit 7005 may perform deletion settings for the specific target event in the data collection designation information and the corresponding data collection conditions and content (type) of collection target data, and update the data collection designation information in the data collection designation information storage unit 7002. This allows the molding machine user to add a new target event or delete an unnecessary target event via the designation information setting screen.

[0167] The designation information setting screen may be displayed on a display device provided in the management device 2 (e.g., a server, a stationary terminal device, a mobile terminal, etc.). That is, the functions of the data collection designation information storage unit 7002, the screen display processing unit 7004, and the designation information setting unit 7005 may be provided in the management device 2. This allows a user of the management device 2 (e.g., an operator or manager of the injection molding machine 1) to check the data collection designation information from outside the injection molding machine 1 or to set (change) the data collection designation information through an input device provided in the management device 2. In this case, the management device 2 transmits the data collection designation information set (changed) in response to input from the user to the injection molding machine 1, and reflects the set (changed) data collection designation information on the injection molding machine 1 side. Furthermore, data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be transmitted to the management device 2, and the management device 2 may essentially collect data related to the injection molding machine 1. In this case, the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be transmitted to the management device 2 in response to a request (command) from the management device 2, or may be automatically transmitted to the management device 2. In the latter case, for example, the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be transmitted to the management device 2 at a predetermined timing afterwards, or the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be transmitted to the management device 2 in real time.

[0168] <Other examples of data collection functions> A part of the functions of the data collection unit 7001 may be transferred to the management device 2.

[0169] Specifically, the management device 2 may determine the occurrence of a target event based on operating status data uploaded from the injection molding machine 1 and information regarding various changes and updates to the injection molding machine 1 managed by the management device 2, and control the injection molding machine 1 to start collecting data corresponding to the target event. In this case, the functions of the data collection specification information storage unit 7002, the screen display processing unit 7004, and the specification information setting unit 7005 are transferred to the management device 2. Then, in response to a command from the management device 2, the data collection unit 7001 of the controller 700A may collect data of the content specified in the command in accordance with data collection conditions that are specified in advance or specified in the command, and record the data in the collected data storage unit 7003.

[0170] Furthermore, as in the above example, the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be transmitted to the management device 2, and the data relating to the injection molding machine 1 may be essentially collected by the management device 2.

[0171] [Effect] Next, the operation of the injection molding machine management system SYS (injection molding machine 1, management device 2) according to this embodiment will be described.

[0172] In this embodiment, when a target event that may be the cause of an abnormality occurs, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine 1, the data having predefined contents.

[0173] For example, if data is needed to analyze the cause of an abnormality after the occurrence of the abnormality, the user must operate the injection molding machine 1, reproduce the abnormality, and collect specific data. Therefore, collecting data for analyzing the cause of the abnormality may require a relatively large amount of effort. Furthermore, the user must first understand the content of the data required for analyzing the cause of the abnormality. This may require the operation of a specialized service technician, or the molding machine user may need to operate the machine in accordance with instructions from the service technician, raising concerns that the work involved in collecting data may become more complex and sophisticated.

[0174] On the other hand, it is possible to collect necessary data at all times in preparation for an abnormality, but this increases the processing load on the control device 700, which may affect the actual operation of the injection molding machine 1. Furthermore, since the capacity of the non-volatile storage medium (e.g., auxiliary storage device 703, etc.) in the control device 700 is limited, it may not be practical to collect necessary data at all times in the first place.

[0175] Furthermore, through empirical and statistical verification, it has become clear that there is a high possibility that an event that causes a change in the injection molding machine 1 (for example, a part replacement, a change in control parameters, a software update, etc.) will trigger a problem such as an abnormality in the injection molding machine 1. Therefore, even if the injection molding machine 1 has been in use for some time since it was shipped from the factory, there may be situations in which the possibility of an abnormality occurring is low and there is little need to collect data, while there may also be situations in which the possibility of an abnormality occurring is high and there is a high need to collect data even if the period of use is short. Therefore, it is desirable to collect data in accordance with situations in which there is a high possibility of an abnormality occurring.

[0176] In contrast, in this embodiment, even in a situation where there are no signs of an abnormality, the occurrence of a target event that could be the cause of the abnormality can be used as a trigger to start collecting data necessary for abnormality cause analysis and the like in advance. Therefore, if an actual abnormality occurs after the occurrence of the target event, the necessary data has already been acquired, and the collected data can be used as is for abnormality cause analysis and the like. In other words, the injection molding machine 1 can automatically collect necessary data related to an abnormality. Furthermore, data collection is limited to the occurrence of a target event that could be the cause of an abnormality, thereby suppressing an increase in the processing load on the control device 700 (controller 700A). Furthermore, there is no need to collect data continuously, and there is no need to collect data pinpointed in response to the occurrence of an abnormality or its signs. Data can be automatically collected in accordance with situations where an abnormality is empirically or statistically likely to occur. Therefore, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700) can efficiently and easily collect data for abnormality cause analysis and the like.

[0177] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target event may include a change or update related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1, which is performed in response to an external input. Specifically, a change related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 that triggers data collection may include a change in the control parameters of the injection molding machine 1. Furthermore, an update related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 that triggers data collection may include a software update.

[0178] This is because when a change or update related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 is made, the change or update may trigger an abnormality in the operation of the injection molding machine 1.

[0179] Note that the change related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 that triggers data collection may include other changes related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 instead of or in addition to a change in the control parameters of the injection molding machine 1. Examples of other changes related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 include, for example, changes (replacements) of field devices such as the driver 710 and the encoder 720, or the controller 700B. In this case, when the field devices or the controller 700B are changed, reconfiguration of the communication (network configuration) between the controller 700A and the changed devices is performed manually or automatically. Therefore, for example, the controller 700A may determine the change (replacement) of these devices from the reconfiguration of the communication and recognize the occurrence of a trigger (target event) for data collection. Furthermore, the update related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 that triggers data collection may include, instead of or in addition to a software update, other updates related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 (e.g., updates of data used for control other than software).

[0180] In this embodiment, information specifying the content of collection target data for each of a plurality of target events (data collection specification information) is stored in the data collection specification information storage unit 7002. When a target event occurs, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may start collecting collection target data of the content specified in advance in the data collection specification information for the event that has occurred.

[0181] This allows the injection molding machine 1 to collect collection target data with content suited to each of a plurality of target events.

[0182] In this embodiment, the data collection designation information designates data collection conditions in addition to the content of data to be collected for each of a plurality of target events. When a target event occurs, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may start collecting data of the content designated in the data collection designation information in accordance with the data collection conditions designated in the data collection designation information for the event that has occurred.

[0183] This allows the injection molding machine 1 to collect data for each of a plurality of target events under conditions suited to the target event.

[0184] In this embodiment, the operation device 750 accepts input from a user. The designation information setting unit 7005 may change at least one of the data collection conditions for each of a plurality of target events and the contents of data to be collected, which are designated by the data collection designation information, in response to a predetermined input accepted by the operation device 750.

[0185] This allows the molding machine user to change the data collection conditions for each target event and the contents of the data to be collected in the injection molding machine 1.

[0186] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 may collect data so that the processing load related to data collection decreases as time passes from the start of data collection.

[0187] This allows the injection molding machine 1 to reduce the overall processing load caused by data collection.

[0188] In this embodiment, a data collection period may be defined in advance, and the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may end data collection when the collection period has elapsed since the start of data collection.

[0189] This allows the injection molding machine 1 to specifically reduce the overall processing load due to data collection.

[0190] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may reduce the amount of data to be collected in accordance with the elapse of time from the start of data collection.

[0191] This allows the injection molding machine 1 to specifically reduce the overall processing load due to data collection.

[0192] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may lengthen the data collection cycle in accordance with the elapsed time from the start of data collection.

[0193] This allows the injection molding machine 1 to specifically reduce the overall processing load due to data collection.

[0194] In addition, in this embodiment, the management device 2 is configured to be able to communicate with the injection molding machine 1, and when a target event occurs in the injection molding machine 1 that could cause an abnormality, the management device 2 may control the injection molding machine 1 to begin collecting data related to the injection molding machine 1 of pre-specified content.

[0195] As a result, the injection molding machine management system SYS can collectively manage, for example, the processing related to data collection for each of the multiple injection molding machines 1 on the management device 2 side.

[0196] [Transformation, Change] Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist described in the claims.

[0197] For example, in the above embodiment, the data collection method was described with the injection molding machine 1 as the target, but a similar method may be applied to any machine (e.g., other industrial machine) or device (e.g., home appliance). Other industrial machine includes, for example, stationary machines installed in factories, such as machine tools and production robots. Other industrial machine also includes, for example, mobile work machines. Mobile work machines include, for example, construction machines such as shovels and bulldozers, agricultural machines such as combine harvesters, and transport machines such as mobile cranes.

[0198] Finally, this application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-065109, filed on March 31, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 1 injection molding machine 2 Management device 100 Mold clamping device 200 Ejector device 300 Injection device 400 Mobile Device 700 control device 701 CPU 702 Memory Device 703 Auxiliary storage 704 Interface Device 710 Driver 720 Encoder 750 Operating device (input section) 760 Display device 7001 Data Collection Department 7002 Data collection designation information storage unit (storage unit) 7003 Collected data storage unit 7004 Screen display processing unit 7005 Designation information setting unit (setting unit) SYS Injection molding machine management system (injection molding machine system)

Claims

1. a mold clamping device that clamps the mold device; an injection unit that fills the mold unit clamped by the mold clamping unit with a molding material; an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified; a first storage unit, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality has occurred is met, data collection related to the injection molding machine having predefined content is started, the data is collected multiple times, and the data collection is completed upon the lapse of a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit, the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; the collection period is different between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs; Injection molding machine.

2. A mold clamping device that clamps a mold device; an injection unit that fills the mold unit clamped by the mold clamping unit with a molding material; an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified; a first storage unit, When a condition that an event that may be the cause of an abnormality has occurred is met, data collection related to the injection molding machine of predefined content is started, and the data is collected multiple times, and the data is collected so as to reduce the processing load related to the data collection depending on the time that has passed since the start of the data collection, and the data collection is completed when a collection period that is pre-registered in the first storage unit has passed. Injection molding machine.

3. A mold clamping device that clamps a mold device; an injection unit that fills the mold unit clamped by the mold clamping unit with a molding material; an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified; a first storage unit, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality has occurred is met, data collection related to the injection molding machine having predefined content is started, the data is collected multiple times, and the data collection is completed upon the lapse of a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit, the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The type of data to be collected differs between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. Injection molding machine.

4. The collection period is predefined for each of the plurality of events.

4. The injection molding machine according to claim 1.

5. When the condition of the occurrence of the event is met, the collection of data relating to the injection molding machine having predefined content is started, and the data is collected multiple times at predefined intervals; The period is predefined for each of the plurality of events.

5. The injection molding machine according to claim 1.

6. the event includes a change related to the operation of the injection molding machine; 6. The injection molding machine according to claim 1.

7. the change is made in response to data representing a change in the operation of the injection molding machine, which is input from an external device through a predetermined communication line.

7. The injection molding machine according to claim 6.

8. The change includes at least one of changing a control parameter related to the operation of the injection molding machine, updating software related to the operation of the injection molding machine, and replacing a part related to the operation of the injection molding machine.

7. The injection molding machine according to claim 6.

9. the control parameter is a parameter related to acceleration of an actuator to be controlled that operates the injection molding machine, a parameter related to deceleration of the actuator, a parameter related to control of pressure generated by operation of the actuator, a parameter related to velocity servo control of the actuator, or a parameter related to current servo control of the actuator; 9. The injection molding machine according to claim 8.

10. The software update is a software update related to an interface for sending and receiving commands, a software update related to motion control of an actuator to be controlled that operates the injection molding machine, a software update related to speed control of the actuator, or a software update related to current control of the actuator.

10. The injection molding machine according to claim 8 or 9.

11. a second storage unit that stores information specifying the content of data to be collected for each of the plurality of events; When the condition of the occurrence of the event is met, start collecting data of the content specified in the information for the event that has occurred.

11. An injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The information specifies data collection conditions in addition to the contents of data to be collected for each of the plurality of events, When the condition of the occurrence of the event is met, start collecting data of the content specified in the information in accordance with the collection conditions specified in the information for the event that has occurred.

12. The injection molding machine according to claim 11.

13. an input unit that accepts input from a user; a setting unit that changes settings of data to be collected for each of the plurality of events, the data being specified by the information, in accordance with a predetermined input received by the input unit; 13. The injection molding machine according to claim 11 or 12.

14. Collecting data so that the processing load related to data collection decreases as time passes from the start of data collection.

4. The injection molding machine according to claim 1 or 3.

15. The amount of data to be collected is reduced according to the elapsed time from the start of data collection, or the data collection period is lengthened according to the elapsed time from the start of data collection.

15. The injection molding machine according to claim 2 or 14.

16. an injection molding machine having a mold clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the mold clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, and a management device that can communicate with the injection molding machine; the management device includes a first storage unit, and when a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is met, the management device starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine having predefined content, collects the data multiple times, and controls the injection molding machine so that the data collection ends when a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit has elapsed; the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; the collection period is different between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs; Injection molding machine system.

17. An injection molding machine having a clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, and a management device that can communicate with the injection molding machine, the management device includes a first storage unit, and when a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is met, the management device starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine of predefined content, collects data multiple times, and collects data in such a way that the processing load related to data collection decreases depending on the elapse of time from the start of data collection, and controls the injection molding machine to finish collecting data when a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit has elapsed. Injection molding machine system.

18. An injection molding machine having a clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, and a management device that can communicate with the injection molding machine, the management device includes a first storage unit, and when a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is met, the management device starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine having predefined content, collects the data multiple times, and controls the injection molding machine so as to finish collecting the data when a collection period pre-registered in the first storage unit has elapsed; the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The type of data to be collected differs between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. Injection molding machine system.

19. The communication device is configured to be capable of communicating with an injection molding machine having a mold clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the mold clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified, A first storage unit is provided, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is established, the injection molding machine starts to collect data related to the injection molding machine having predetermined content, collects the data multiple times, and controls the injection molding machine so that the collection of data ends upon the lapse of a collection period that is registered in advance in the first storage unit; the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; the collection period is different between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs; Management device.

20. An injection molding machine configured to be able to communicate with the machine, which has a clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified; A first storage unit is provided, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is met, the data collection unit starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine having predefined content, collects the data multiple times, and collects the data in such a way that the processing load related to the data collection decreases depending on the time that has passed since the start of the data collection, and controls the injection molding machine to finish collecting the data when a collection period that is pre-registered in the first storage unit has elapsed. Management device.

21. An injection molding machine configured to be able to communicate with the machine, the injection molding machine having a clamping device that clamps a mold device, an injection device that fills a molding material into the mold device clamped by the clamping device, and an ejector device that removes a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device has cooled and solidified; A first storage unit is provided, When a condition that an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine is established, the injection molding machine starts to collect data related to the injection molding machine having predetermined content, collects the data multiple times, and controls the injection molding machine so that the collection of data ends upon the lapse of a collection period that is registered in advance in the first storage unit; the events are a plurality of events including a first event and a second event; The type of data to be collected differs between when the first event occurs and when the second event occurs. Management device.

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