Cooling device, injection molding machine, control device, and cooling system

Abstract

To reduce user burden related to cooler replacement.SOLUTION: A cooling device 200 includes a first fan 541 that cools a first servo amplifier 531, a second fan 542 that cools a second servo amplifier 532, and a control device 40. The control device 40 performs a replacement operation for replacing the first fan 541 and the second fan 542 when a condition based on a degree of deterioration of the first fan 541 being greater than the degree of deterioration of the second fan 542 is established.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling device, an injection molding machine, a control device, and a cooling system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-222808 (Patent Document 1) discloses a cooler for cooling a servo amplifier used in an injection molding machine. The cooler cools the servo amplifier that generates heat.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, the replacement of the cooler was not considered. Therefore, there may arise a problem that the burden on the user regarding the replacement of the cooler increases.

[0005] This invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cooling device, an injection molding machine, a control device, and a cooling system that reduce the burden on the user regarding the replacement of the cooler.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A cooling device, an injection molding machine, a control device, and a cooling system according to an embodiment execute a replacement process for replacing a first cooler with a second cooler when a condition based on the degree of deterioration of the first cooler being greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler is satisfied.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, the burden on users regarding the replacement of coolers can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the injection molding machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic block diagram of an injection molding machine. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of the cooling system, etc. [Figure 4] This is an example of a pulse signal output by a rotation speed sensor. [Figure 5] This is an example of a fan database. [Figure 6] This figure shows the time progression of the total rotation speed of each fan. [Figure 7] This is an example of a swap screen. [Figure 8] This is an example of the exchange screen for a mass exchange notification. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the control system. [Figure 10] This figure shows the time progression of the total rotation speed of each fan in the comparative example. [Figure 11] This is a functional block diagram of the cooling device and other components of the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows the time progression of the total rotation speed of each fan in the third embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an injection molding system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated.

[0010] [First Embodiment] <Injection molding machine> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an injection molding machine 100 according to the present embodiment. The injection molding machine 100 includes an injection molding mechanism 50, a display device 30, a control device 40, and the like. The injection molding mechanism 50 executes an injection molding process. The injection molding mechanism 50 includes a mold clamping device 10 for clamping a mold and an injection device 20 for melting and injecting an injection material.

[0011] The injection molding machine 100 is placed on the XY plane. The direction perpendicular to the XY plane is defined as the Z-axis direction. In FIG. 1, the positive direction of the Z-axis may be referred to as the upper surface side or the upper direction, and the negative direction may be referred to as the lower surface side or the lower direction.

[0012] The mold clamping device 10 includes a bed 11, a fixed platen 12, a mold clamping housing 13, a movable platen 14, tie bars 15, a mold clamping mechanism 16, molds 17 and 18, and a ball screw 51. The bed 11 supports the components of the mold clamping device 10 such as the fixed platen 12, the mold clamping housing 13, and the movable platen 14. The fixed platen 12 is fixed to the bed 11. The mold clamping housing 13 is configured to be slidable in the X-axis direction on the bed 11. Similarly, the movable platen 14 is configured to be slidable in the X-axis direction on the bed 11.

[0013] The tie bars 15 are disposed between the fixed platen 12 and the mold clamping housing 13 and connect the fixed platen 12 and the mold clamping housing 13. The tie bars 15 include a plurality of bars. The injection molding machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with tie bars 15 including four bars. Note that the tie bars 15 may include five or more bars.

[0014] The movable platen 14 is configured to be slidable in the X-axis direction between the fixed platen 12 and the mold clamping housing 13. The mold clamping mechanism 16 is provided between the mold clamping housing 13 and the movable platen 14. The mold clamping housing 13 in the first embodiment is configured to include a toggle mechanism.

[0015] The molds 17 and 18 are provided between the fixed platen 12 and the movable platen 14. The molds 17 and 18 are configured to be opened and closed by the mold clamping mechanism 16. The ball screw 51 opens and closes the mold clamping mechanism 16 by converting the rotational motion of the motor 60 into a linear motion. Note that the mold clamping mechanism 16 may include a direct pressure type mold clamping mechanism. The direct pressure type mold clamping mechanism means, that is, a mold clamping cylinder.

[0016] The injection device 20 includes a base 21, a heating cylinder 22, a screw 23, a drive mechanism 24, a hopper 25, an injection nozzle 26, a nozzle touch device 27, and a sensor 55. The base 21 is disposed on the positive X-axis side of the bed 11 and supports the drive mechanism 24 and the like. The screw 23 is disposed inside the heating cylinder 22. The drive mechanism 24 rotates the screw 23 about the X-axis direction as the central axis and drives the screw 23 itself to slide in the X-axis direction.

[0017] The hopper 25 is located on the positive Z-axis side of the heating cylinder 22. The injection nozzle 26 is located at the negative X-axis end of the heating cylinder 22. The nozzle touch device 27 slides the injection device 20 in the X-axis direction to bring the injection nozzle 26 into contact with the sprue bush of the mold 18. The nozzle touch device 27 is configured, for example, by a mechanism using a hydraulic cylinder or a mechanism using a ball screw. The nozzle touch device 27 connects the drive mechanism 24 and the fixed platen 12 of the clamping device 10. If the nozzle touch device 27 is configured by a mechanism using a ball screw, the nozzle touch device 27 is driven by the servo motor of the drive mechanism 24, which moves the drive mechanism 24 and the heating cylinder 22 in the X-axis direction. Note that the configuration of the nozzle touch mechanism is not limited to the configuration in which the entire injection device is moved by a ball screw placed between the fixed platen 12 and the drive mechanism 24 as described above, but may be configured in other ways. For example, the device frame and the fixing member at the rear of the heating cylinder may be connected using a ball screw, and the heating cylinder itself may be moved toward the mold. Alternatively, the slide base on which the injection device is mounted may be connected to the device frame using a ball screw, and the injection device may be moved together with the slide base to bring the injection nozzle into contact with the mold. In one example, the sensor 55 is a thermocouple placed near the injection nozzle 26. A thermocouple is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature at the location where it is placed. Note that the sensor 55 may be a temperature sensor other than a thermocouple.

[0018] The base 21 contains a control device 40, a converter 153, N servo amplifiers 53n (n=1,...,N), and N cooling fans 54n, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, for example, N=18.

[0019] The control device 40 includes a control board 52. The control board 52 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory, etc. The control device 40 acquires detection values ​​from various sensors, such as the rotation speed sensor described later, and comprehensively controls the injection molding machine 100. The detection values ​​from the various sensors include, for example, the rotation speed of the fan 54n, the temperature information of the heating cylinder 22, or the position information of various movable parts such as the clamping mechanism 16, molds 17 and 18, and injection nozzle 26.

[0020] The converter 153 converts three-phase AC power into DC power and supplies it to the servo amplifiers 53n. Each of the N servo amplifiers 53n includes an inverter that supplies three-phase AC power to the corresponding N motors (motors 24n in Figure 2, described later). The fan 54n cools the servo amplifiers 53n by blowing air onto them to prevent them from overheating. The N motors drive, for example, the injection molding mechanism 50.

[0021] The display device 30 is located on the negative side of the Y-axis of the injection molding machine 100. The display device 30 comprises a display 31 and an input device 32. The input device 32 is configured, for example, to include a plurality of buttons. In some cases, the display device 30 may also include a plurality of displays and speakers, etc. Alternatively, the display 31 and the input device 32 may be integrated as a touch panel.

[0022] <Schematic block diagram of an injection molding machine> Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the injection molding machine 100. The control device 40 comprises a storage unit 44 and a control board 52. The storage unit 44 may be configured to include, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Flash Solid State Drive), etc. The control board 52 is equipped with an arithmetic unit 41, an input interface 42, and an output interface 43. The arithmetic unit 41 comprises a CPU 41a and a memory 41b.

[0023] Memory 41b includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores programs executed by CPU 41a. CPU 41a loads the programs stored in ROM into RAM and executes them.

[0024] The arithmetic unit 41 may be configured using a dedicated hardware circuit. That is, the arithmetic unit 41 can be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like. Alternatively, the arithmetic unit 41 may be implemented by appropriately combining a processor, memory, ASIC, FPGA, etc.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 2, the drive mechanism 24 includes N motors 24n. Each of the N servo amplifiers 53n supplies three-phase AC power to the corresponding N motors 24n. A temperature sensor 59n is also located on each of the servo amplifiers 53n. The temperature sensor 59n detects the temperature of the corresponding servo amplifier 53n. The N temperatures detected by each of the temperature sensors 59n are input to the input interface 42.

[0026] Each fan 54n cools the corresponding servo amplifier 53n by blowing air onto it. The thick arrows in Figure 2, etc., indicate airflow. The control device 40 feedback-controls the fans 54n based on predetermined parameters so that the temperature of the servo amplifier 53n reaches a set temperature. In this embodiment, the predetermined parameter is the temperature of the servo amplifier 53n detected by the temperature sensor 59n. The set temperature is set by the user or the like. The predetermined parameter may be other parameters, for example, the current value input to the servo amplifier 53n. In this case, a current sensor for detecting the current value is provided at each servo amplifier 53n.

[0027] In other words, the control device 40 controls the fan 54n so that the higher the temperature of the servo amplifier 53n (temperature detected by the temperature sensor 59n), the greater the degree of cooling by the fan 54n. The degree of cooling by the fan 54n is determined by the rotation speed of the fan 54n's propeller (hereinafter also referred to as "fan 54n rotation speed"). By performing feedback control on the fan 54n based on predetermined parameters, the control device 40 can maintain the temperature of the servo amplifier 53n at the set temperature. Therefore, the control device 40 can drive the injection molding mechanism 50 effectively.

[0028] Furthermore, the amount of drive provided by the motor 24n differs for each of the N servo amplifiers 53n. Consequently, the amount of heat generated by the N servo amplifiers 53n differs. Therefore, the rotational speed of the fan 54n corresponding to each servo amplifier 53n differs. Consequently, the degree of deterioration of the fan 54n differs. In this embodiment, the "degree of deterioration" is also referred to as the "degree of deterioration."

[0029] Furthermore, the rotation speed sensor 55n detects the rotation of the corresponding fan 54n (for example, one revolution). Each time the rotation speed sensor 55n detects the rotation of the fan 54n, it transmits a pulse signal (see Figure 4) to the control device 40. This pulse signal is input to the input interface 42 of the control device 40. Based on this pulse signal, the control device 40 stores the total number of rotations for each fan 54n. The total number of rotations is, for example, the sum of rotations since the rotation speed of each fan 54n was 0 (for example, when the injection molding machine 100 was shipped from the factory).

[0030] <Cooling device> Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the cooling system 200 of the injection molding machine 100. As shown in Figure 3, N motors are shown as the first motor 241, the second motor 242, the third motor 243, ..., the nth motor 24N. Also, N servo amplifiers are shown as the first servo amplifier 531, the second servo amplifier 532, the third servo amplifier 533, ..., the nth servo amplifier 53N. Also, N fans are shown as the first fan 541, the second fan 542, the third fan 543, ..., the nth fan 54N. Also, N rotational speed sensors are shown as the first rotational speed sensor 551, the second rotational speed sensor 552, the third rotational speed sensor 553, ..., the nth rotational speed sensor 55N.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first servo amplifier 531, the second servo amplifier 532, and the third servo amplifier 533 correspond to the first object, the second object, and the third object of the Disclosure, respectively. The first fan 541, the second fan 542, and the third fan 543 correspond to the first cooler, the second cooler, and the third cooler, respectively.

[0032] In this disclosure, 1, ..., N are collectively referred to as "n". That is, N motors are also referred to as motor 24n, N servo amplifiers are also referred to as servo amplifier 53n, N fans are also referred to as fan 54n, and N rotational speed sensors are also referred to as rotational speed sensors 55n. That is, fan 54n cools servo amplifier 53n. Rotational speed sensors 55n measure the rotational speed of fan 54n. In this embodiment, rotational speed sensors 55n are attached to fan 54n. The cooling device 200 of this embodiment comprises fan 54n (N fans), rotational speed sensors 55n (N rotational speed sensors), and a control device 40.

[0033] The rotation speed sensor 55n outputs a pulse signal to the control device 40. The acquisition unit 102 acquires the pulse signal from the rotation speed sensor 55n. The acquired pulse signal is output to the processing unit 104. The acquisition unit 102 corresponds to the input interface 42.

[0034] Furthermore, the memory unit 44 stores the fan DB (Date Base). The fan DB will be explained in Figure 5 below. The processing unit 104 performs processing based on the total rotation speed of each fan, the first to third thresholds (described later), and the limit values ​​specified in the fan DB. The control unit 106 displays an image on the display device 30 based on the processing results of the processing unit 104. Details of the processing of the processing unit 104 and the control unit 106 will be described later.

[0035] Figure 4 shows an example of a pulse signal output by the rotation speed sensor 55n. In the example in Figure 4, an example is shown where the voltage levels of the pulse signal are high level VH and low level VL. In the example in Figure 4, one pulse signal is output from the rotation speed sensor 55n when the propeller of fan 54n rotates half a turn. In Figure 4, intervals T1 to T4 are shown. Interval T1 is the output interval of the first pulse signal. Interval T2 is the interval between the first pulse signal and the second pulse signal. Interval T3 is the output interval of the second pulse signal. Interval T4 is the interval between the second pulse signal and the first pulse signal of the next rotation. The rotation speed sensor 55n also outputs these signals.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 4, one pulse signal indicates that the fan's propeller has rotated half a turn, but the rotational speed indicated by one pulse signal may be any other value. For example, one pulse signal may indicate that the fan's propeller has rotated one full turn.

[0037] Figure 5 shows an example of a fan database. In this embodiment, each of the fans 54n is associated with information for identifying the fan. This information is also referred to as the fan ID (identification).

[0038] In the example in Figure 5, each fan ID is associated with the total rotational speed of the fan indicated by that fan ID. The total rotational speed of the fan is the sum of the rotational speeds since the fan was installed on the injection molding machine 100. In the example in Figure 5, the fan ID is defined as the reference code of the fan shown in Figure 3.

[0039] Generally, fans degrade more as their total rotational speed increases. Therefore, in this embodiment, the total rotational speed is considered to be the "degree of degradation" as defined in this disclosure.

[0040] The processing unit 104 is capable of identifying the fan corresponding to the rotational speed sensor that is the source of the pulse signal output. For example, the control device 40 has N input ports to which each of the N rotational speed sensors 55n is connected. Based on these input ports, a configuration is adopted to identify the fan corresponding to the rotational speed sensor that is the source of the pulse signal output. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the rotational speed sensor outputs the fan ID of the fan corresponding to the rotational speed sensor and a pulse signal.

[0041] Each time the processing unit 104 acquires a pulse signal, it increases the total rotational speed of the fan corresponding to the rotational speed sensor that outputs the pulse signal. In this embodiment, two pulse signals correspond to one rotation. Therefore, each time the processing unit 104 acquires two pulse signals, it increases the total rotational speed of the fan with the fan ID included in the pulse signal by 1. The control device 40 can identify the total rotational speed of all fans by having a fan database.

[0042] In the example in Figure 5, the total rotational speed R1 is that of fan ID 541 (i.e., the first fan 541), and the total rotational speed R2 is that of fan ID 542 (i.e., the second fan 542). Also, the total rotational speed R3 is that of fan ID 543 (i.e., the third fan 543), and the total rotational speed RN is that of fan ID 54N (i.e., the nth fan 54N).

[0043] Furthermore, as described above, the control device 40 controls the fan 54n to increase the degree of cooling provided by the fan 54n as the temperature of the servo amplifier 53n (temperature detected by the temperature sensor 59n) increases. Also, since the servo amplifier 53 under heavy load tends to get hotter, it is cooled more effectively. In other words, the total rotational speed of the fans corresponding to the servo amplifier 53 under heavy load tends to increase.

[0044] Furthermore, a limit value is defined for the total rotational speed of each fan 54n. When the total rotational speed of a fan reaches this limit value, it is determined that the fan has reached the end of its lifespan. Also, all fans 54n are identical. Therefore, the limit values ​​for all fans 54n are the same. Consequently, the total rotational speed of the fan corresponding to the high-load servo amplifier 53 will reach its limit value sooner than the total rotational speed of the other fans.

[0045] In the following, for the sake of simplicity, we will assume N=3. We will also assume that after the injection molding machine 100 leaves the factory, the first servo amplifier 531 will have the highest load and the highest total rotational speed of the first fan 541. Furthermore, we will assume that the third servo amplifier 533 will have the second highest load and the second highest total rotational speed of the third fan 543. We will assume that the second servo amplifier 532 will have the lowest load and the lowest total rotational speed of the second fan 542.

[0046] In such cases, the cooling device 200 performs a swapping process to swap the first fan 541 and the second fan 542 when predetermined swapping conditions are met. The swapping process in this embodiment is to prompt the user to swap the first fan 541 and the second fan 542. The notification in this embodiment is to display the notification screen on the display 31. However, the notification may be by other means. Other methods may include, for example, displaying the screen on an information processing device held by the user (for example, a smartphone and a tablet). Other methods may also include delivering the notification by voice. The notification is also referred to as a "swap notification".

[0047] Furthermore, each fan 54n is positioned to be easily replaced by the user. For example, each fan 54n is secured by a fastening means (e.g., a screw). This fastening means can be released by the user.

[0048] Furthermore, the configuration allows users to recognize the ID of each fan 54n. For example, each fan 54n has a label with its fan ID attached, and the user can recognize the fan ID by visually inspecting this label.

[0049] <Conditions for replacing fans> Here, we will explain the fan replacement conditions. Figure 2 will be referenced as appropriate in the following explanation. The replacement condition is based on the fact that the degree of deterioration (total rotations) of the first fan 541 is greater than the degree of deterioration (total rotations) of the second fan 542. Specifically, a first threshold, a second threshold, and a third threshold are defined as thresholds for the total rotations. The first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold are collectively referred to as "stage thresholds." The first threshold corresponds to the "first value" in this disclosure. The limit value corresponds to the "second value" in this disclosure. The number of stage thresholds may be the same as the number of fans, or it may be a different value from the number of fans. In this embodiment, since there are three fans, there are also three stage thresholds. Therefore, the first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold are defined as three stage thresholds.

[0050] Figure 6 shows the temporal changes in the total rotational speed of each fan. The horizontal axis in Figure 6 represents the time axis, and the vertical axis represents the total rotational speed. In the example in Figure 6, it is assumed that the first threshold < second threshold < third threshold < limit value. The above replacement condition includes the condition that the degree of deterioration (total rotational speed) of the first fan 541 reaches the first predetermined value before the degree of deterioration (total rotational speed) of the second fan 542 (i.e., the condition that timing t1 in Figure 6 is reached).

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 6, at timing t1, the total rotational speed of the first fan 541 reaches the first threshold before the total rotational speeds of the other fans (second fan 542 and third fan 543). If the processing unit 104 determines at timing t1 that the total rotational speed of the first fan 541 has reached the first threshold before the total rotational speeds of the other fans, it transmits first information indicating this determination and second information indicating the fan with the lowest total rotational speed (second fan 542) to the control unit 106.

[0052] The control unit 106 displays a swap screen on the display 31 of the display device 30, which swaps the fan indicated in the first information (i.e., the first fan 541 whose total rotation speed reached the first threshold first) with the fan indicated in the second information (i.e., the second fan 542 whose total rotation speed is the lowest).

[0053] Figure 7 shows an example of a replacement screen. In this example, the text image "Please swap the first fan with the second fan" is displayed. By viewing this replacement screen, the user understands that "it is preferable to swap the first fan with the second fan."

[0054] Assume that at timing t1 in Figure 6, the swap screen shown in Figure 7 is displayed, and the first fan 541 and the second fan 542 have been swapped by the user. Therefore, the second fan 542 will cool the first servo amplifier 531, which is under the highest load.

[0055] Then, the injection molding machine 100 continues processing, and the total rotational speed of the second fan 542 reaches the second threshold before the total rotational speeds of the other fans (first fan 541 and third fan 543). In the example in Figure 6, this timing is shown as timing t2. At this timing t2, if the processing unit 104 determines that the total rotational speed of the second fan 542 has reached the second threshold before the total rotational speeds of the other fans, it transmits first information indicating this determination and second information indicating the fan with the lowest total rotational speed (third fan 543) to the control unit 106.

[0056] The control unit 106 displays a swap screen on the display 31 of the display device 30, which swaps the fan indicated in the first information (i.e., the second fan 542 whose total rotation speed reached the second threshold first) with the fan indicated in the second information (i.e., the third fan 543 whose total rotation speed is the lowest).

[0057] Then, the injection molding machine 100 continues processing, and the total rotational speed of the third fan 543 reaches the third threshold before the total rotational speeds of the other fans (first fan 541 and second fan 542). In the example in Figure 6, this timing is shown as timing t3. At this timing t3, if the processing unit 104 determines that the total rotational speed of the third fan 543 has reached the third threshold before the total rotational speeds of the other fans, it transmits first information indicating this determination and second information indicating the fan with the lowest total rotational speed (first fan 541) to the control unit 106.

[0058] The control unit 106 displays a swap screen on the display 31 of the display device 30, which swaps the fan indicated in the first information (i.e., the third fan 543 whose total rotation speed reached the third threshold first) with the fan indicated in the second information (i.e., the first fan 541 whose total rotation speed is the lowest).

[0059] Then, let's assume that the total rotational speed of one of the fans (in the example in Figure 6, the first fan 541) reaches its limit. In the example in Figure 6, timing t4 is shown as the timing when the total rotational speed reaches its limit.

[0060] In this case, it is assumed that the total rotational speed of the other fans is close to the limit, although it has not yet reached it. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the processing unit 104 determines that the total rotational speed of any of the fans has reached the limit, it executes a mass replacement notification. The mass replacement notification is a notification that prompts the user to replace all fans with new fans. Here, a new fan is, for example, "a fan other than the fans provided in the cooling device 200".

[0061] Figure 8 shows an example of the replacement screen displayed in a mass replacement notification. In the example in Figure 8, the text image "Please replace all fans with new fans" is displayed. By viewing this replacement screen, the user understands that "it is preferable to replace all fans with new fans."

[0062] Thus, after the control device 40 has performed one or more replacement processes (three replacement notifications in this embodiment), it issues a simultaneous replacement notification when the total rotation speed of any of the fans reaches a limit value.

[0063] <Fan replacement process> Next, we will explain the flow of the fan replacement process. Figure 9 is a flowchart of the control device 40. The flowchart in Figure 9 shows the processes that the control device 40 executes at predetermined intervals (for example, every 0.1 seconds). In parallel with the processes in Figure 9, the control device 40 also executes a process to increase the total rotational speed of the fan DB (see Figure 5) in accordance with the pulse signal.

[0064] In the example in Figure 9, the step threshold is also referred to as the m-th threshold. In the example in Figure 6, m = 1 to 3. In step S12, which will be described later, m is initialized to "1". Also, when the injection molding machine 100, including the control device 40, is shipped from the factory, m is also initialized to "1".

[0065] First, in step S2, the control device 40 determines whether the total rotational speed of any of the fans 54n has reached a limit value (see Figure 6). If the total rotational speed of the fans has not reached a limit value in step S2 (NO in step S2), then in step S4, the control device 40 determines whether the rotational speed of any of the fans has reached the mth threshold.

[0066] If, in step S4, the total rotational speed of any of the fans has not reached the mth threshold (NO in step S4), the process terminates. If, in step S4, the total rotational speed of any of the fans has reached the mth threshold (YES in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0067] In step S6, the control device 40 performs a swap notification (see Figure 7) for the fan whose total rotational speed has reached the m-th threshold and the fan whose total rotational speed is the lowest. Next, in step S8, the control device 40 increments m by 1. Then the process ends.

[0068] Furthermore, if the total fan rotation speed reaches the limit value in step S2 (YES in step S2), in step S10, the control device 40 executes a mass replacement notification (see Figure 8). Next, in step S12, the control device 40 initializes m to 1. Then, the process ends.

[0069] <Effects and Actions> Next, the operation and effects of the cooling device 200 of this embodiment will be explained. First, the cooling device of the comparative example will be explained. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the time progression of the total rotation speed of each fan in the comparative example. As a cooling device of the comparative example, a configuration that notifies the user that "a fan that has reached its limit should be replaced with a new fan" is conceivable. In the example in Figure 10, it is shown that the first fan has reached its limit at timing t5. In other words, in the cooling device of the comparative example, at timing t5, a notification such as "Please replace the first fan with a new fan" will be issued.

[0070] However, in this configuration, each time the user receives a notification, they need to replace the fan indicated in the notification (the first fan whose total rotational speed has reached its limit) with a new fan. Therefore, the user needs to order a new fan, for example, and cannot use the injection molding machine 100 until the new fan arrives. Alternatively, the user could stock new fans, but this would require space to store them. Thus, the cooling system in the comparative example may result in an increased burden on the user regarding fan replacement.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 10, if the second fan reaches its limit, a notification will be issued stating, "Please replace the second fan with a new fan." Similarly, if the third fan reaches its limit, a notification will be issued stating, "Please replace the third fan with a new fan." Each time these notifications are issued, the user must replace the fan in question with a new one.

[0072] Therefore, in order to solve these problems, the cooling device 200 of this embodiment performs a replacement process to replace the first fan 541 with the second fan 542 when the replacement condition is met based on the fact that the degree of deterioration of the first fan 541 is greater than the degree of deterioration of the second fan 542, as explained in Figure 6, etc. This allows the cooling device 200 to ensure that the second fan 542 cools the first servo amplifier 531, which has a high thermal load, before the first fan 541 reaches its limit. Consequently, there is no need to frequently replace the fans with new ones, and the burden on the user regarding fan replacement can be reduced.

[0073] Furthermore, there is generally a limit to the total rotational speed of a fan. However, if a servo amplifier with a high thermal load is continuously cooled by a fan, depending on the fan's structure, a problem may arise where the fan fails due to its lifespan before the total rotational speed reaches the limit. However, the cooling device 200 of this embodiment can suppress the continuous cooling of a servo amplifier with a high thermal load by the fan, thereby preventing such problems from occurring.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the swapping process is a process that prompts the user to swap the first fan 541 and the second fan 542. In this embodiment, the cooling device 200 displays a screen as shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the user can be made aware that they are swapping the first fan 541 and the second fan 542.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the replacement condition includes the condition that the total rotational speed of the first fan 541 reaches a first value (first threshold) before the total rotational speed of the second fan 542. Therefore, the cooling device 200 can determine the replacement timing of the first fan 541 and the second fan 542 by a simple process of comparing the total rotational speed of each fan with the first value.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the cooling device 200 has performed replacement processing once or more times (three times in the example of Figure 6), if the total rotational speed of any of the first fans 541 to the third fans 543 reaches a limit value, the cooling device 200 performs simultaneous replacement processing. Therefore, since the cooling device 200 can replace multiple fans 54n with new fans in just one instance, the burden on the user regarding fan replacement can be reduced.

[0077] Furthermore, the simultaneous replacement process is a process that prompts the user to replace all of the first fans 541 to the third fans 543 with new fans. In this embodiment, the cooling device 200 displays a screen as shown in Figure 8. Therefore, the user can be made aware that all of the first fans 541 to the third fans 543 should be replaced with new fans.

[0078] Furthermore, when the replacement condition is met (for example, when the stage threshold is reached at timing t1 as shown in Figure 6), the cooling device 200 prompts the user to replace the fan whose total rotational speed has reached the stage threshold with the fan with the lowest total rotational speed among all fans. In other words, when the replacement condition is met (timing t1), the total rotational speed of the second fan 542 is less than the total rotational speed of the third fan 543. Therefore, the period from when the total rotational speed of the fans reaches the stage threshold this time (i.e., timing t1) until when the next stage threshold is reached (i.e., timing t2) can be extended.

[0079] Furthermore, the cooler in this embodiment is a fan, and the degree of fan degradation is determined by the total rotational speed of the fan. Therefore, the cooling device 200 can detect the degree of fan degradation of the fan 54n using a relatively simple device called a rotational speed sensor 55n.

[0080] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the replacement process is a process that prompts the user to replace the fans with each other. In the second embodiment, a configuration is described in which the replacement process is a process that automatically replaces the fans without requiring the user to replace them with each other.

[0081] Figure 11 is a functional block diagram of the cooling device 200A and other components of the injection molding machine 100A of the second embodiment. Comparing Figure 3 and Figure 11, the cooling device 200 in Figure 3 includes a display device 30, while the cooling device 200A in Figure 11 does not include a display device 30 but includes a replacement mechanism 270. Furthermore, the cooling device 200A includes a control device 40A.

[0082] In the second embodiment, the fan 54n is movable by a sliding mechanism. The replacement mechanism 270 is a mechanism for moving the fan 54n. The replacement mechanism 270 is composed of, for example, a motor for moving the fan 54n. Furthermore, the control object of the control unit 106 of the control device 40 is the display device 30, while the control object of the control unit 106 of the control device 40A is the replacement mechanism 270.

[0083] For example, at timing t1 (see Figure 6), the control unit 106 swaps the first fan 541 and the second fan 542 by controlling the swapping mechanism 270. The flowchart of the control device 40 of the second embodiment will be explained using Figure 9. In the second embodiment, as shown in parentheses in step S6, the control device 40A automatically swaps the fan whose total rotational speed has reached the mth threshold with the fan whose total rotational speed is the minimum. This automatic swapping method is realized by controlling the swapping mechanism 270 as described above.

[0084] Furthermore, the replacement mechanism 270 may have other configurations. For example, the replacement mechanism 270 may be a robot. In such a configuration, the control unit 106 causes the robot, which is the replacement mechanism 270, to perform the fan replacement process.

[0085] Furthermore, regarding the mass replacement notification shown in step S10 of Figure 9, the replacement mechanism 270 may be made to perform the task of replacing the fans with new fans, rather than having the user do so. If YES is determined in step S2, in step S10, the control unit 106 instructs the robot, which is the replacement mechanism 270, to order N new fans. When the new fans arrive, the robot replaces the old N fans with the new N fans.

[0086] As described above, according to the cooling device 200A of the second embodiment, fan replacement and fan exchange are performed automatically using the replacement mechanism 270 without requiring the user to perform the task. Therefore, the burden on the user regarding fan replacement and fan exchange can be reduced.

[0087] [Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the replacement condition for performing the replacement process was described as the condition that the degree of deterioration of the first fan 541 reaches a first value before the degree of deterioration of the second fan 542 (hereinafter also referred to as the "first condition"). However, the replacement condition may be other conditions. These other conditions will be described below.

[0088] The control device 40 periodically determines the relative magnitude of the total rotational speed of all fans 54n. Here, "periodically" means "at predetermined intervals while the cooling device 200 (injection molding machine 100) is in operation." The replacement condition in this embodiment is that, after the predetermined time has elapsed since the previous determination of the relative magnitude of the total rotational speeds, the relative magnitude of the total rotational speeds of all fans 54n is determined, and for example, the total rotational speed of the first fan is greater than the total rotational speed of the second fan (hereinafter also referred to as the "second condition"). The predetermined time is, for example, 24 hours.

[0089] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the temporal progression of the total rotational speed of each fan in the third embodiment. The timings t11, t12, and t13 shown in Figure 12 are the timings at which the relative total rotational speeds of all fans 54n are periodically determined. For example, at timing t11, the control device 40 determines that the first fan 541 has the highest total rotational speed, the third fan 543 has the second highest total rotational speed, and the second fan 542 has the lowest total rotational speed. In this case, the control device 40 executes a swapping process (for example, the process of displaying the screen in Figure 7) to swap the first fan 541, which has the highest total rotational speed, with the second fan 542, which has the lowest total rotational speed.

[0090] As described above, even a control device employing a configuration like that of the third embodiment will achieve the same effects as those described in the first and second embodiments.

[0091] [Fourth Embodiment] The substitution conditions of the fourth embodiment include, for example, the condition that the control device 40 accepts user input (hereinafter also referred to as the "third condition"). For example, when a user performs a predetermined operation on the input device 32, a predetermined signal is transmitted from the input device 32 to the control device 40. When the control device 40 receives the predetermined signal, it determines the magnitude of the total rotational speed of all the fans 54n.

[0092] For example, suppose that at timing t11 in Figure 12, the user performs a predetermined operation on the input device 32. In this case, the control device 40 executes a swapping process (for example, the process of displaying the screen in Figure 7) to swap the first fan 541, which has the highest total rotational speed, with the second fan 542, which has the lowest total rotational speed.

[0093] In a cooling system employing the configuration described in the fourth embodiment, the fan replacement process can be performed at a timing desired by the user. The replacement conditions may include at least two of the first to third conditions described above. [Fifth Embodiment] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, a configuration in which the concept of this disclosure is applied to a single injection molding machine 100 was described. However, the concept of this disclosure may also be applied to an injection molding system having multiple injection molding machines.

[0094] Figure 13 shows an example configuration of the injection molding system 1000. The injection molding system 1000 has P (where P is an integer of 2 or more) injection molding machines 100p, a network 250, a control device 40, and a display device 30. In Figure 13, the injection molding machines 100p are shown as the first injection molding machine 1001, the second injection molding machine 1002, ..., the Pth injection molding machine 100P. That is, p = 1, ..., P.

[0095] Furthermore, the injection molding machine 100p includes a p-th motor 24p, a p-th servo amplifier 53p, a p-th fan 54p, and a p-th rotation speed sensor 55p. Note that the p-th injection molding machine 100p includes one or more combinations of the p-th motor 24p, the p-th servo amplifier 53p, the p-th fan 54p, and the p-th rotation speed sensor 55p.

[0096] As shown in Figure 13, the first injection molding machine 1001 includes a first motor 241, a first servo amplifier 531, a first fan 541, and a first rotational speed sensor 551. The second injection molding machine 1002 includes a second motor 242, a second servo amplifier 532, a second fan 542, and a second rotational speed sensor 552. The cooling system 210 of the fifth embodiment includes a p-th injection molding machine 100p, a control device 40, and a display device 30.

[0097] Furthermore, the P injection molding machines 100p and the control device 40 are connected by a network 250. The network 250 may be either a wired or wireless network. This network connection allows the control device 40 to acquire pulse signals from all the rotation speed sensors 55p on the P injection molding machines 100p. Therefore, the control device 40 can determine the total rotation speed of all the fans on the P injection molding machines 100p.

[0098] Then, when the above-mentioned swapping conditions are met, the control device 40 executes a swapping process to swap, for example, the first fan 541 and the second fan 542. The swapping process is the process of displaying the image shown in Figure 7, as described above. In other words, this swapping process is a process that prompts the user to swap the first fan 541 of the first injection molding machine 1001 with the second fan 542 of the second injection molding machine 1002.

[0099] As described above, the cooling system 210 of this embodiment allows for the swapping of the first fan 541 and the second fan 542 even with different injection molding machines (in the example of Figure 13, the first injection molding machine 1001 and the second injection molding machine 1002). [Other embodiments] (1) In the embodiments described above, the cooling device was described as a fan. However, the cooling device may be any other device that can cool the object. Other devices may be, for example, chillers.

[0100] Furthermore, a configuration was described in which the degree of fan degradation is the total rotational speed of the fan. However, the degree of fan degradation may be other parameters. For example, the degree of fan degradation may be the total rotational time of the fan. Here, the total rotational time is, for example, the sum of the rotational times of each fan 54n since the injection molding machine 100 was shipped from the factory.

[0101] (2) The above-described cooling devices and cooling systems have been described in configurations applicable to injection molding machines. However, the above-described cooling devices and cooling systems may also be applied to other devices (for example, industrial machinery or machine tools, etc.).

[0102] (3) In the replacement process described above, a configuration was described in which a fan whose total rotational speed has reached the mth threshold is replaced with the fan to be replaced. For example, in the first embodiment, a configuration was described in which the fan to be replaced is the "fan with the minimum total rotational speed". However, the fan to be replaced may be any other fan. For example, the control device 40 divides fans that are different from the fan whose total rotational speed has reached the mth threshold (i.e., N-1 fans) into S (S is an integer of 2 or more) groups based on their total rotational speed. Each group contains at least two fans.

[0103] For example, if S=3, the first group is the group with the highest total rotational speed, the second group is the group with the second highest total rotational speed, and the third group is the group with the lowest total rotational speed. After performing this grouping, the control device 40 selects an arbitrary fan from the group with the lowest total rotational speed (i.e., the third group). The control device 40 then designates the selected fan as the "fan to be replaced." Even with a cooling system employing this configuration, the same effects as in the embodiment described above can be achieved.

[0104] (4) The replacement conditions are not limited to the examples described above and may include other conditions. The replacement conditions may be that the difference between the highest total rotational speed and the second highest total rotational speed reaches a predetermined threshold. When such a configuration is adopted, the control device 40 performs a replacement process between the fan with the highest total rotational speed and the fan with the second highest total rotational speed.

[0105] [Note] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0106] (Article 1) A cooling device according to one embodiment comprises a first cooler for cooling a first object, a second cooler for cooling a second object, and a control device. The control device performs a swapping process to swap the first cooler and the second cooler when a condition is met based on the fact that the degree of deterioration of the first cooler is greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

[0107] (Article 2) The cooling device described in Article 1, wherein the replacement process is a process that encourages the user to replace the first cooler with the second cooler.

[0108] (Article 3) The cooling device described in Article 1 further comprises a replacement mechanism for replacing the first cooler and the second cooler. The replacement process is a process of automatically replacing the first cooler and the second cooler by controlling the replacement mechanism.

[0109] (Article 4) A cooling device as described in any one of Articles 1 to 3, wherein the condition includes the condition that the degree of deterioration of the first cooler reaches a first value before the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

[0110] (Article 5) A cooling device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the control device periodically compares the degree of deterioration of the first cooler with the degree of deterioration of the second cooler. The condition includes the condition that, in the comparison, the degree of deterioration of the first cooler is greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

[0111] (Item 6) A cooling device as described in any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the condition includes the condition that the control device accepts user input.

[0112] (Clause 7) In a cooling system described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, the control device performs a replacement process to replace the first and second coolers with new coolers when the degree of deterioration of the first cooler or the second cooler reaches the second value after performing a replacement process.

[0113] (Clause 8) The cooling device described in paragraph 7, wherein the replacement process is a process that prompts the user to replace the first cooler and the second cooler with new coolers.

[0114] (Clause 9) A cooling device as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, the cooling device further comprising a third cooler for cooling a third object. The degree of deterioration of the second cooler when the conditions are met is lower than the degree of deterioration of the third cooler.

[0115] (Section 10) A cooling device as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, wherein both the first cooler and the second cooler are fans. The degree of degradation of the first cooler and the degree of degradation of the second cooler include the total rotational speed or total rotational time of the fans.

[0116] (Clause 11) An injection molding machine according to one embodiment comprises a cooling device as described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, a first motor and a second motor, a first servo amplifier for driving the first motor and a second servo amplifier for driving the second motor. The first object is the first servo amplifier. The second object is the second servo amplifier.

[0117] (Clause 12) A control device according to one embodiment includes an interface for acquiring the degree of deterioration of a first cooler that cools a first object and the degree of deterioration of a second cooler that cools a second object, and a processor. The processor executes a swapping process to swap the first cooler and the second cooler when a condition is met based on the fact that the degree of deterioration of the first cooler is greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

[0118] (Clause 13) A cooling system according to one embodiment comprises a first device having a first cooler for cooling a first object, a second device having a second cooler for cooling a second object, and a control device. The control device performs a swapping process to swap the first cooler and the second cooler when a condition is met based on the fact that the degree of deterioration of the first cooler is greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

[0119] Furthermore, regarding the embodiments and modifications described above, it has been intended from the outset that the configurations described in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate, including combinations not mentioned in the specification, to the extent that no inconvenience or inconsistency arises.

[0120] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0121] 10 Clamping device, 11 Bed, 12 Fixed platen, 13 Clamping housing, 14 Movable platen, 15 Tie bar, 16 Clamping mechanism, 17,18 Mold, 20 Injection device, 21 Base, 22 Heating cylinder, 23 Screw, 24 Drive mechanism, 24n Motor, 25 Hopper, 26 Injection nozzle, 27 Nozzle touch device, 30 Display device, 31 Display, 32 Input device, 40,40A Control device, 41 Calculation unit, 41b Memory, 42 Input interface, 43 Output interface, 44 Storage unit, 50 Injection molding mechanism, 51 Ball screw, 52 Control board, 53n Servo amplifier, 54n Fan, 55 Sensor, 55n Rotation speed sensor, 59n Temperature sensor, 100,100A Injection molding machine, 102 Acquisition unit, 104 Processing unit, 106 Control unit, 153 Converter, 200, 200A Cooling device, 210 Cooling system, 241 First motor, 242 Second motor, 243 Third motor, 250 Network, 531 First servo amplifier, 532 Second servo amplifier, 533 Third servo amplifier, 541 First fan, 542 Second fan, 543 Third fan, 551 First rotational speed sensor, 552 Second rotational speed sensor, 553 Third rotational speed sensor, 1000 Injection molding system, 1001 First injection molding machine, 1002 Second injection molding machine.

Claims

1. A first cooler for cooling the first object, A second cooler for cooling the second object, Control device and The system includes a replacement mechanism for swapping the first cooler and the second cooler, The cooling device includes a control device that, when a condition is met based on the degree of deterioration of the first cooler being greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler, controls the replacement mechanism to perform a replacement process that automatically replaces the first cooler with the second cooler.

2. A first motor and a second motor, A first servo amplifier that drives the first motor, A second servo amplifier that drives the second motor, A first cooler for cooling the first servo amplifier, A second cooler for cooling the second servo amplifier, Equipped with a control device, An injection molding machine wherein the control device performs a replacement process to swap the first cooler and the second cooler when a condition is met based on the fact that the degree of deterioration of the first cooler is greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

3. The injection molding machine according to claim 2, wherein the replacement process is a process that prompts the user to replace the first cooler with the second cooler.

4. The injection molding machine further includes a replacement mechanism for swapping the first cooler and the second cooler, The injection molding machine according to claim 2, wherein the replacement process is a process of automatically replacing the first cooler and the second cooler by controlling the replacement mechanism.

5. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the condition includes the condition that the degree of deterioration of the first cooler reaches a first value before the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

6. The control device periodically compares the degree of deterioration of the first cooler with the degree of deterioration of the second cooler. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the condition includes the condition that, in the comparison, the degree of deterioration of the first cooler is greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

7. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the condition includes the condition that the control device accepts user input.

8. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the control device, after performing the replacement process, performs a replacement process to replace the first cooler and the second cooler with new coolers when the degree of deterioration of the first cooler or the degree of deterioration of the second cooler reaches a second value.

9. The injection molding machine according to claim 8, wherein the replacement process is a process that prompts the user to replace the first cooler and the second cooler with new coolers.

10. The injection molding machine further comprises a third cooler for cooling the third object, The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the degree of deterioration of the second cooler when the above condition is met is lower than the degree of deterioration of the third cooler.

11. The first cooler and the second cooler are both fans. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the degree of deterioration of the first cooler and the degree of deterioration of the second cooler include the total number of rotations or total rotation time of the fan.

12. A control device for a cooling device, The cooling device, A first cooler for cooling the first object, A second cooler for cooling the second object, The system includes a replacement mechanism for swapping the first cooler and the second cooler, The control device is An interface for acquiring the degree of deterioration of the first cooler and the degree of deterioration of the second cooler, Equipped with a processor, The processor is a control device that, when a condition is met based on the degree of deterioration of the first cooler being greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler, controls the replacement mechanism to perform a replacement process that automatically replaces the first cooler and the second cooler.

13. A control device for an injection molding machine, The injection molding machine is, First motor and second motor, A first servo amplifier that drives the first motor, A second servo amplifier that drives the second motor, A first cooler for cooling the first servo amplifier, A second cooler for cooling the second servo amplifier, The control device is An interface for acquiring the degree of deterioration of the first cooler and the degree of deterioration of the second cooler, Equipped with a processor, The processor is a control device that performs a swapping process to swap the first cooler and the second cooler when a condition is met based on the fact that the degree of deterioration of the first cooler is greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler.

14. A first apparatus having a first cooler for cooling a first object, A second apparatus having a second cooler for cooling a second object, Control device and The system includes a replacement mechanism for swapping the first cooler and the second cooler, The cooling system includes a control device that, when a condition is met based on the degree of deterioration of the first cooler being greater than the degree of deterioration of the second cooler, controls the replacement mechanism to perform a replacement process that automatically replaces the first cooler with the second cooler.

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