Injection molding machine control system

Abstract

This device for controlling an injection molding machine comprises a reception control unit, a right-granting unit, an assessment unit, and an action control unit. The reception control unit is capable of receiving operation information for operating the injection molding machine from a plurality of accessing users via one or more from among an input interface provided to the injection molding machine and an external device connected via a network. When it is possible to receive the operation information from the plurality of users via the input interface and the external device, the assessment unit assesses whether the operation information received from a first user among the plurality of users via the input interface or the external device satisfies a prescribed condition. When it is assessed that the received operation information satisfies the condition, the action control unit performs the operation indicated by the received operation information on the injection molding machine.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An injection molding machine includes a cylinder to which resin pellets as a molding material are supplied, and a heater that heats the cylinder to melt the resin pellets. The injection molding machine manufactures a molded product by melting the resin pellets in the cylinder and filling the molten resin into a cavity space in a mold device.

[0003] In recent years, a technology for connecting an injection molding machine to an information processing device via a network has been proposed. For example, in the technology described in Citation 1, the content displayed on the monitor of the injection molding machine is replicated on a network terminal and the same content is displayed. Since information about the user of the injection molding machine is displayed on the monitor, the currently displayed injection molding machine can be recognized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 can recognize the connected injection molding machine by displaying information about the user of the injection molding machine on a network terminal. Since the same content as that on the monitor of the injection molding machine is displayed on the network terminal in Patent Document 1, the same operations as those of the injection molding machine are possible. Further, when operations can be performed simultaneously from a plurality of network terminals and injection molding machines, it is conceivable to limit the operations so that malfunction does not occur, but there is a possibility that the work efficiency may decrease.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides a technology to improve work efficiency when multiple users operate an injection molding machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control device for an injection molding machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a receiving control unit, an authorization granting unit, a determination unit, and an operation control unit. The receiving control unit is capable of receiving operation information for the injection molding machine from multiple users accessing it via one or more of the input interface provided on the injection molding machine and external devices connected via a network. When the determination unit is capable of receiving operation information from multiple users via the input interface and external devices, it determines whether the operation information received from a first user, who is included in the multiple users, via the input interface or external device satisfies predetermined conditions. If the operation control unit determines that the received operation information satisfies the conditions, it performs the operation indicated by the received operation information on the injection molding machine. The determination unit determines, if the received operation information indicates an operation to change settings for the injection molding machine, whether or not the received operation information was approved by a fourth user who has different operational authority than the first user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, the work efficiency when multiple users operate an injection molding machine is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the state of the injection molding machine upon completion of mold opening according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the state of the injection molding machine during mold clamping according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the components of the control device and information processing device according to the first embodiment in terms of functional blocks. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the authorization management table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]Figure 5 shows an example of a setting screen displayed on the display device 760 by the output interface of the injection molding machine according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a settings screen displayed on a display device by the output interface of the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure when a setting change is received from the injection molding machine and information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a pop-up screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure when a setting change is made from the touch panel of an injection molding machine according to the first embodiment, and when a setting change is received from an information processing device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the components of the control device and information processing device according to the second embodiment in terms of functional blocks. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the permissions assigned to each user by the authorization granting unit according to the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same or corresponding reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted.

[0011] Figure 1 shows the state of the injection molding machine when the mold opening is complete according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 shows the state of the injection molding machine when the mold is clamped according to the first embodiment. In this specification, the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis direction and Y-axis direction represent the horizontal direction, and the Z-axis direction represents the vertical direction. When the mold clamping device 100 is horizontal, the X-axis direction is the mold opening and closing direction, and the Y-axis direction is the width direction of the injection molding machine 10. The negative side in the Y-axis direction is called the operating side, and the positive side in the Y-axis direction is called the non-operating side.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 2, the injection molding machine 10 includes a mold clamping device 100 for opening and closing the mold device 800, an ejector device 200 for ejecting the molded product formed by the mold device 800, an injection device 300 for injecting a molding material into the mold device 800, a moving device 400 for moving the injection device 300 forward and backward with respect to the mold device 800, a control device 700 for controlling each component of the injection molding machine 10, and a frame 900 for supporting each component of the injection molding machine 10. The frame 900 includes a mold clamping device frame 910 for supporting the mold clamping device 100 and an injection device frame 920 for supporting the injection device 300. The mold clamping device frame 910 and the injection device frame 920 are each installed on the floor 2 via a leveling adjuster 930. The control device 700 is arranged in the internal space of the injection device frame 920. Hereinafter, each component of the injection molding machine 10 will be described.

[0013] (Mold clamping device) In the description of the mold clamping device 100, the moving direction of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is described as the front, and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 when the mold is opened (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is described as the rear.

[0014] The mold clamping device 100 performs mold closing, pressure boosting, mold clamping, pressure release, and mold opening of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 includes a fixed mold 810 and a movable mold 820. The mold clamping device 100 is, for example, a horizontal type, and the mold opening and closing direction is a horizontal direction. The mold clamping device 100 includes a fixed platen 110 to which the fixed mold 810 is attached, a movable platen 120 to which the movable mold 820 is attached, and a moving mechanism 102 for moving the movable platen 120 in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the fixed platen 110.

[0015] The fixed platen 110 is fixed to the mold clamping device frame 910. The fixed mold 810 is attached to the opposing surface of the fixed platen 110 with respect to the movable platen 120.

[0016] The movable platen 120 is arranged to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the mold clamping device frame 910. A guide 101 for guiding the movable platen 120 is laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. A movable mold 820 is attached to the opposing surface of the movable platen 120 facing the fixed platen 110.

[0017] The moving mechanism 102 performs mold closing, pressure boosting, mold clamping, pressure release, and mold opening of the mold device 800 by advancing and retreating the movable platen 120 with respect to the fixed platen 110. The moving mechanism 102 includes a toggle support 130 arranged at a distance from the fixed platen 110, a tie bar 140 connecting the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130, a toggle mechanism 150 for moving the movable platen 120 in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the toggle support 130, a mold clamping motor 160 for operating the toggle mechanism 150, a motion conversion mechanism 170 for converting the rotational motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into a linear motion, and a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 for adjusting the distance between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130.

[0018] The toggle support 130 is arranged at a distance from the fixed platen 110 and is placed movably in the mold opening and closing direction on the mold clamping device frame 910. Note that the toggle support 130 may be arranged to be movable along a guide laid on the mold clamping device frame 910. The guide of the toggle support 130 may be common with the guide 101 of the movable platen 120.

[0019] In this embodiment, the fixed platen 110 is fixed with respect to the mold clamping device frame 910, and the toggle support 130 is arranged to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the mold clamping device frame 910. However, the toggle support 130 may be fixed with respect to the mold clamping device frame 910, and the fixed platen 110 may be arranged to be movable in the mold opening and closing direction with respect to the mold clamping device frame 910.

[0020] The tie bars 140 connect the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 at a distance L in the mold opening and closing direction. Multiple tie bars 140 (for example, four) may be used. Multiple tie bars 140 are arranged parallel to the mold opening and closing direction and stretch in accordance with the clamping force. At least one tie bar 140 may be provided with a tie bar strain detector 141 that detects the strain of the tie bar 140. The tie bar strain detector 141 sends a signal indicating its detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the tie bar strain detector 141 is used for detecting the clamping force, etc.

[0021] In this embodiment, a tie bar strain detector 141 is used as a clamping force detector to detect the clamping force, but the present invention is not limited to this. The clamping force detector is not limited to strain gauge type, but may be piezoelectric, capacitive, hydraulic, electromagnetic, etc., and its mounting position is not limited to the tie bar 140.

[0022] The toggle mechanism 150 is positioned between the movable platen 120 and the toggle support 130, and moves the movable platen 120 in the mold opening and closing direction relative to the toggle support 130. The toggle mechanism 150 has a crosshead 151 that moves in the mold opening and closing direction, and a pair of link groups that bend and extend as the crosshead 151 moves. Each of the link groups has a first link 152 and a second link 153 that are bendable and extendable connected by a pin or the like. The first link 152 is pivotably attached to the movable platen 120 by a pin or the like. The second link 153 is pivotably attached to the toggle support 130 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 moves forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130, the first link 152 and the second link 153 bend and extend, and the movable platen 120 moves forward and backward relative to the toggle support 130.

[0023] Note that the configuration of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, each link group has five nodes, but it may also have four, and one end of the third link 154 may be connected to the node between the first link 152 and the second link 153.

[0024] The clamping motor 160 is attached to the toggle support 130 and operates the toggle mechanism 150. The 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 clamping motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but it may also be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt, pulley, or the like.

[0025] The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotational motion of the clamping motor 160 into the linear motion of the crosshead 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 includes a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. A ball or roller may be interposed between the screw shaft and the screw nut.

[0026] The mold clamping device 100 performs processes such as mold closing, pressure boosting, mold clamping, depressurization, and mold opening under the control of the control device 700.

[0027] In the mold closing process, the clamping motor 160 is driven to advance the crosshead 151 to the mold closing completion position at a set movement speed, thereby advancing the movable platen 120 and bringing the movable mold 820 into contact with the fixed mold 810. The position and movement speed of the crosshead 151 are detected using, for example, a clamping motor encoder 161. The clamping motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the clamping motor 160 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700.

[0028] Furthermore, the crosshead position detector for detecting the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the crosshead 151 are not limited to the clamping motor encoder 161, and general-purpose devices can be used. Similarly, the movable platen position detector for detecting the position of the movable platen 120 and the movable platen speed detector for detecting the movement speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the clamping motor encoder 161, and general-purpose devices can be used.

[0029] In the boosting process, the clamping motor 160 is further driven to advance the crosshead 151 from the closed position to the clamping position, thereby generating clamping force.

[0030] In the clamping process, the clamping motor 160 is driven to maintain the position of the crosshead 151 in the clamping position. In the clamping process, the clamping force generated in the pressurization process is maintained. In the clamping process, a cavity space 801 (see Figure 2) is formed between the movable mold 820 and the fixed mold 810, and the injection unit 300 fills the cavity space 801 with liquid molding material. A molded product is obtained when the filled molding material solidifies.

[0031] The number of cavity spaces 801 may be one or more. In the latter case, multiple molded products can be obtained simultaneously. An insert material may be placed in part of the cavity space 801, and the molding material may be filled in the other part of the cavity space 801. A molded product in which the insert material and the molding material are integrated is obtained.

[0032] In the depressurization process, the clamping motor 160 is driven to retract the crosshead 151 from the clamping position to the mold opening start position, thereby retracting the movable platen 120 and reducing the clamping force. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position may be the same position.

[0033] In the mold opening process, the clamping motor 160 is driven to retract the crosshead 151 from the mold opening start position to the mold opening completion position at a set movement speed, thereby retracting the movable platen 120 and separating the movable mold 820 from the fixed mold 810. Subsequently, the ejector device 200 ejects the molded product from the movable mold 820.

[0034] The setting conditions for the mold closing process, the pressure boosting process, and the mold clamping process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151 (including the mold closing start position, movement speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold clamping position), and the mold clamping force in the mold closing process and the pressure boosting process are set together as a series of setting conditions. The mold closing start position, movement speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold clamping position are arranged in this order from rear to front and represent the start and end points of the section in which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. There may be no movement speed switching positions. The mold clamping position and the mold clamping force may be set individually or individually.

[0035] The setting conditions for the depressurization process and the mold opening process are set similarly. For example, the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151 in the depressurization process and the mold opening process (mold opening start position, movement speed switching position, and mold opening completion position) are set together as a series of setting conditions. The mold opening start position, movement speed switching position, and mold opening completion position are arranged in this order from front to back and represent the start and end points of the sections in which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. There may be no movement speed switching positions. The mold opening start position and the mold closing completion position may be the same position. Also, the mold opening completion position and the mold closing start position may be the same position.

[0036] Alternatively, the movement speed and position of the movable platen 120 may be set instead of the movement speed and position of the crosshead 151. Furthermore, the clamping force may be set instead of the position of the crosshead (e.g., the clamping position) or the position of the movable platen.

[0037] Incidentally, the toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the clamping motor 160 and transmits it to the movable platen 120. This 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 also referred to as the "link angle θ"). The link angle θ can be determined from the position of the crosshead 151. The toggle ratio is maximized when the link angle θ is 180°.

[0038] If the thickness of the mold device 800 changes due to replacement of the mold device 800 or a change in the temperature of the mold device 800, 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 820 touches the fixed mold 810.

[0039] The mold clamping device 100 has a mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 adjusts the mold thickness by adjusting the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130. The timing of the mold thickness adjustment is, for example, between the end of one molding cycle and the start of the next molding cycle. The mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 includes, for example, a screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end of the tie bar 140, a screw nut 182 that is rotatably and immovably 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.

[0040] A screw shaft 181 and screw nut 182 are provided for each tie bar 140. The rotational driving force of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 may be transmitted to multiple screw nuts 182 via a rotational driving force transmission unit 185. Multiple screw nuts 182 can be rotated synchronously. It is also possible to rotate multiple screw nuts 182 individually by changing the transmission path of the rotational driving force transmission unit 185.

[0041] The rotational drive force transmission unit 185 is composed of, for example, gears. In this case, driven gears are formed on the outer circumference of each screw nut 182, a drive gear is attached to the output shaft of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183, and an intermediate gear that meshes with the multiple driven gears and the drive gear is rotatably held in the center of the toggle support 130. Note that the rotational drive force transmission unit 185 may be composed of a belt or pulley instead of gears.

[0042] The operation of the mold thickness adjustment mechanism 180 is controlled by the control device 700. The control device 700 drives the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 to rotate the screw nut 182. As a result, the position of the toggle support 130 relative to the tie bar 140 is adjusted, and the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 is adjusted. Multiple mold thickness adjustment mechanisms may be used in combination.

[0043] The interval L is detected using the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184. The mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 detects the amount and direction of rotation of the mold thickness adjustment motor 183 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184 is used to monitor and control the position and interval L of the toggle support 130. Note that the toggle support position detector for detecting the position of the toggle support 130 and the interval detector for detecting the interval L are not limited to the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184, but general-purpose devices can be used.

[0044] The clamping device 100 may have a mold temperature controller that adjusts the temperature of the mold device 800. The mold device 800 has a flow path for a temperature-controlled medium inside it. The mold temperature controller adjusts the temperature of the mold device 800 by adjusting the temperature of the temperature-controlled medium supplied to the flow path of the mold device 800.

[0045] In this embodiment, the mold clamping device 100 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.

[0046] In this embodiment, the clamping device 100 has a clamping motor 160 as a drive source, but a hydraulic cylinder may be used instead of the clamping motor 160. Furthermore, the clamping device 100 may have a linear motor for opening and closing the mold, and an electromagnet for clamping the mold.

[0047] (Ejector device) In describing the ejector device 200, similar to the description of the clamping device 100, the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is described as forward, and the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 when the mold is open (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is described as backward.

[0048] The ejector device 200 is attached to the movable platen 120 and moves back and forth together with the movable platen 120. The ejector device 200 includes an ejector rod 210 that ejects the molded product from the mold device 800 and a drive mechanism 220 that moves the ejector rod 210 in the direction of movement of the movable platen 120 (in the X-axis direction).

[0049] The ejector rod 210 is positioned to move back and forth within a through-hole in the movable platen 120. The front end of the ejector rod 210 contacts the ejector plate 826 of the movable mold 820. The front end of the ejector rod 210 may or may not be connected to the ejector plate 826.

[0050] The drive mechanism 220 includes, for example, an ejector motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the ejector motor into the linear motion of the ejector rod 210. The motion conversion mechanism includes a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. A ball or roller may be interposed between the screw shaft and the screw nut.

[0051] The ejector device 200 performs the ejection process under the control of the control device 700. In the ejection process, the ejector rod 210 is advanced from the standby position to the ejection position at a set travel speed, thereby advancing the ejector plate 826 and ejecting the molded product. Subsequently, the ejector motor is driven to retract the ejector rod 210 at a set travel speed, retracting the ejector plate 826 back to its original standby position.

[0052] The position and speed of the ejector rod 210 are detected, for example, using an ejector motor encoder. The ejector motor encoder detects the rotation of the ejector motor and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. Note that the ejector rod position detector, which detects the position of the ejector rod 210, and the ejector rod speed detector, which detects the speed of the ejector rod 210, are not limited to ejector motor encoders, but general-purpose devices can be used.

[0053] (injection device) In the description of the injection device 300, unlike the descriptions of the clamping device 100 and the ejector device 200, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is described as forward, and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is described as backward.

[0054] The injection device 300 is mounted on a slide base 301, which is positioned to move back and forth relative to the injection device frame 920. The injection device 300 is positioned to move back and forth relative to the mold device 800. The injection device 300 touches the mold device 800 and fills the cavity space 801 in the mold device 800 with the molding material metered in the cylinder 310. The injection device 300 includes, for example, a cylinder 310 for heating the molding material, a nozzle 320 provided at the front end of the cylinder 310, a screw 330 positioned within the cylinder 310 to move back and forth and to rotate, a metering motor 340 for rotating the screw 330, an injection motor 350 for moving the screw 330 back and forth, and a load detector 360 for detecting the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330.

[0055] The cylinder 310 heats the molding material supplied to its interior from the supply port 311. The molding material includes, for example, resin. The molding material is formed, for example, into pellets and supplied to the supply port 311 in a solid state. The supply port 311 is formed at the rear of the cylinder 310. A cooler 312, such as a water-cooled cylinder, is provided on the outer circumference of the rear of the cylinder 310. In front of the cooler 312, a heater 313, such as a band heater, and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer circumference of the cylinder 310.

[0056] The cylinder 310 is divided into multiple zones along its axial direction (for example, the X-axis direction). A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are provided in each of the multiple zones. A set temperature is set for each of the multiple zones, and the control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the temperature detected by the temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

[0057] The nozzle 320 is located at the front end of the cylinder 310 and is pressed against the mold device 800. A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer circumference of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 reaches a set temperature.

[0058] The screw 330 is rotatably and reciprocally positioned within the cylinder 310. When the screw 330 is rotated, the molding material is fed forward along the helical groove of the screw 330. As the molding material is fed forward, it is gradually melted by the heat from the cylinder 310. As the liquid molding material is fed forward to the screw 330 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. Then, when the screw 330 is advanced, the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is injected from the nozzle 320 and filled into the mold device 800.

[0059] A backflow prevention ring 331 is mounted on the front of the screw 330 so as to be able to move back and forth, acting as a backflow prevention valve to prevent backflow of the molding material from the front to the rear of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is pushed forward.

[0060] When the screw 330 is advanced, the backflow prevention ring 331 is pushed backward by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330, and retracts relative to the screw 330 to a closed position (see Figure 2) that blocks the flow path of the molding material. This prevents the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 from flowing backward.

[0061] 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 being sent forward along the helical groove of the screw 330, and moves relative to the screw 330 to an open position (see Figure 1) that opens the flow path of the molding material. As a result, the molding material is sent forward of the screw 330.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The injection device 300 may also have a drive source that moves the backflow prevention ring 331 back and forth between an open position and a closed position relative to the screw 330.

[0064] The metering motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source for rotating the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340; for example, a hydraulic pump or the like may also be used.

[0065] The injection motor 350 moves the screw 330 forward and backward. Between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330, there is a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the injection motor 350 into the linear motion of the screw 330. The motion conversion mechanism has, for example, a screw shaft and a screw nut that screws onto the screw shaft. Balls or rollers may be provided between the screw shaft and the screw nut. The drive source for moving the screw 330 forward and backward is not limited to the injection motor 350, but may also be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder.

[0066] The load detector 360 detects the load transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The detected load is converted into pressure by the control device 700. The load detector 360 is installed in the load transmission path between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330 and detects the load acting on the load detector 360.

[0067] The load detector 360 sends a signal of the detected load to the control device 700. The load detected by the load detector 360 is converted into pressure acting between the screw 330 and the molding material, and is used for controlling and monitoring the pressure the screw 330 receives from the molding material, the back pressure on the screw 330, and the pressure acting from the screw 330 on the molding material.

[0068] The pressure detector used to detect the pressure of the molding material is not limited to the load detector 360, but can be any general-purpose pressure detector. For example, a nozzle pressure sensor or a mold pressure sensor may be used. The nozzle pressure sensor is installed in the nozzle 320. The mold pressure sensor is installed inside the mold device 800.

[0069] The injection device 300 performs processes such as metering, filling, and holding pressure under the control of the control device 700. The filling and holding pressure processes may be collectively referred to as the injection process.

[0070] In the weighing process, the weighing motor 340 is driven to rotate the screw 330 at a set rotational speed, and the molding material is fed forward along the helical groove of the screw 330. As this occurs, the molding material is gradually melted. As the liquid molding material is fed forward to the screw 330 and accumulates at the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. The rotational speed of the screw 330 is detected, for example, using a weighing motor encoder 341. The weighing motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the weighing motor 340 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. Note that the screw rotational speed detector for detecting the rotational speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the weighing motor encoder 341, and a general type can be used.

[0071] In the weighing process, the injection motor 350 may be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330 in order to limit the rapid retraction of the screw 330. The back pressure on the screw 330 is detected, for example, using a load detector 360. The weighing process is completed when the screw 330 has retracted to the weighing completion position and a predetermined amount of molding material has accumulated in front of the screw 330.

[0072] The position and rotational speed of the screw 330 in the metering process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the metering start position, rotational speed switching position, and metering completion position are set. These positions are arranged in this order from front to back and represent the start and end points of the sections in which the rotational speed is set. The rotational speed is set for each section. There may be one or more rotational speed switching positions. The rotational speed switching positions may not be set. In addition, back pressure is set for each section.

[0073] In the filling process, the injection motor 350 is driven to advance the screw 330 at a set speed, filling the cavity space 801 in the mold device 800 with the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330. 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 the set position, a switchover from the filling process to the holding pressure process (so-called V / P switching) occurs. The position at which the V / P switching occurs is also called the V / P switching position. The set speed of the screw 330 may be changed depending on the position and time of the screw 330.

[0074] The position and movement speed of the screw 330 during the filling process are set together as a series of setting conditions. For example, the filling start position (also called the "injection start position"), the movement speed switching position, and the V / P switching position are set. These positions are arranged in this order from rear to front and represent the start and end points of the sections in which the movement speed is set. The movement speed is set for each section. There may be one or more movement speed switching positions. The movement speed switching positions may not be set at all.

[0075] For each section in which the movement speed of the screw 330 is set, an upper limit is set for the pressure of the screw 330. The pressure of the screw 330 is detected by the load sensor 360. If the pressure of the screw 330 is below the set pressure, the screw 330 moves forward at the set movement speed. On the other hand, if the pressure of the screw 330 exceeds the set pressure, for the purpose of protecting the mold, the screw 330 moves forward at a slower movement speed than the set movement speed so that the pressure of the screw 330 becomes below the set pressure.

[0076] Furthermore, during the filling process, after the screw 330 reaches the V / P switching position, the screw 330 may be temporarily stopped at the V / P switching position, and then the V / P switching may be performed. Immediately before the V / P switching, instead of stopping the screw 330, the screw 330 may be moved forward or backward at a slow speed. In addition, the screw position detector that detects the position of the screw 330 and the screw movement speed detector that detects the movement speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351, but general-purpose ones can be used.

[0077] In the holding pressure process, the injection motor 350 is driven to push the screw 330 forward, maintaining the pressure of the molding material at the front end of the screw 330 (hereinafter also referred to as "holding pressure") at a set pressure, and pushing the molding material remaining in the cylinder 310 toward the mold device 800. This allows for the replenishment of molding material lost due to cooling shrinkage within the mold device 800. The holding pressure is detected, for example, using a load detector 360. The set value of the holding pressure may be changed according to the elapsed time from the start of the holding pressure process. Multiple holding pressures and holding times for maintaining the holding pressure in the holding pressure process may be set, and may be set together as a series of setting conditions.

[0078] During the holding pressure process, the molding material in the cavity space 801 within the mold device 800 is gradually cooled, and upon completion of the holding pressure process, the entrance to the cavity space 801 is sealed with solidified molding material. This state is called a gate seal, and prevents backflow of molding material from the cavity space 801. After the holding pressure process, the cooling process begins. During the cooling process, the molding material in the cavity space 801 is solidified. To shorten the molding cycle time, a metering process may be performed during the cooling process.

[0079] In this embodiment, the injection device 300 is an in-line screw type, but a pre-plasticization type or the like may also be used. In a pre-plasticization injection device, the molding material molten in a plasticizing cylinder is supplied to the injection cylinder, and the molding material is injected from the injection cylinder into the mold device. In the plasticizing cylinder, a screw is arranged to be rotatable but unable to move back and forth, or a screw is arranged to be rotatable and able to move back and forth. On the other hand, a plunger is arranged to be able to move back and forth in the injection cylinder.

[0080] Furthermore, although the injection device 300 in this embodiment is a horizontal type with the axial direction of the cylinder 310 being horizontal, it may also be a vertical type with the axial direction of the cylinder 310 being vertical. The clamping device combined with the vertical injection device 300 may be vertical or horizontal. Similarly, the clamping device combined with the horizontal injection device 300 may be horizontal or vertical.

[0081] (Mobile device) In describing the moving device 400, similar to the description of the injection device 300, the direction of movement of the screw 330 during filling (for example, the negative X-axis direction) is described as forward, and the direction of movement of the screw 330 during metering (for example, the positive X-axis direction) is described as backward.

[0082] The moving device 400 moves the injection device 300 forward and backward relative to the mold device 800. The moving device 400 also presses the nozzle 320 against the mold device 800, generating nozzle touch pressure. The moving device 400 includes a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator, and the like.

[0083] The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a bidirectional rotatable pump, and by switching the rotation direction of the motor 420, it can draw in working fluid (e.g., oil) from either the first port 411 or the second port 412 and discharge it from the other to generate hydraulic pressure. The hydraulic pump 410 can also draw working fluid from a tank and discharge it from either the first port 411 or the second port 412.

[0084] Motor 420 operates the hydraulic pump 410. Motor 420 drives the hydraulic pump 410 with a rotational direction and rotational torque corresponding to the control signal from the control device 700. Motor 420 may be an electric motor or an electric servo motor.

[0085] The hydraulic cylinder 430 comprises 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 inside 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.

[0086] The front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via a first passage 401. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first passage 401, pushing the injection device 300 forward. As the injection device 300 moves forward, the nozzle 320 is pressed against the fixed mold 810. The front chamber 435 functions as a pressure chamber that generates nozzle touch pressure on the nozzle 320 by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 410.

[0087] 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 passage 402. The working fluid discharged from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second passage 402, pushing the injection device 300 backward. As the injection device 300 is retracted, the nozzle 320 is separated from the fixed mold 810.

[0088] In this embodiment, the moving device 400 includes a hydraulic cylinder 430, but the present invention is not limited thereto. 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.

[0089] (Control device) The control device 700 is, for example, a computer and, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a storage medium 702 such as memory, an input interface 703, an output interface 704, and a communication interface 705. The control device 700 performs various controls by causing the CPU 701 to execute a program stored in the storage medium 702. The control device 700 also receives signals from the outside through the input interface 703 and transmits signals to the outside through the output interface 704. Furthermore, the control device 700 transmits and receives information with an information processing device (for example, a personal computer) connected via a network through the communication interface 705.

[0090] The control device 700 repeatedly manufactures molded products by repeatedly performing processes such as metering, mold closing, pressure increasing, mold clamping, filling, holding pressure, cooling, depressurization, mold opening, and ejection. A series of operations to obtain a molded product, such as the operations from the start of one metering process to the start of the next metering process, is also called a "shot" or "molding cycle." The time required for one shot is also called the "molding cycle time" or "cycle time."

[0091] A single molding cycle includes, for example, a weighing process, a mold closing process, a pressurizing process, a clamping process, a filling process, a holding pressure process, a cooling process, a depressurizing process, a mold opening process, and an ejection process, in this order. The order here refers to the order in which each process begins. The filling, holding pressure, and cooling processes take place during the clamping process. The start of the clamping process may coincide with the start of the filling process. The completion of the depressurizing process coincides with the start of the mold opening process.

[0092] Furthermore, multiple processes may be performed simultaneously to shorten the molding cycle time. For example, the metering process may be performed during the cooling process of the previous molding cycle, or during the mold clamping process. In this case, the mold closing process may be performed at the beginning of the molding cycle. The filling process may also be started during the mold closing process. The ejection process may also be started during the mold opening process. If an on-off valve is provided to open and close the flow path of the nozzle 320, 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, if the on-off valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320, the molding material will not leak from the nozzle 320.

[0093] Furthermore, a single molding cycle may include steps other than the weighing step, mold closing step, pressurization step, mold clamping step, filling step, holding pressure step, cooling step, depressurization step, mold opening step, and ejection step.

[0094] For example, after the holding pressure process is completed and before the metering process begins, a pre-metering suck-back process may be performed in which the screw 330 is retracted to a preset metering start position. This reduces the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the metering process begins and prevents the screw 330 from retracting too quickly at the start of the metering process.

[0095] Furthermore, after the metering process is completed and before the filling process begins, a post-metering suck-back process may be performed in which the screw 330 is retracted to a preset filling start position (also called the "injection start position"). This reduces the pressure of the molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 before the filling process begins and prevents leakage of the molding material from the nozzle 320 before the filling process begins.

[0096] The control device 700 is connected to an operating device 750 that accepts user input operations and a display device 760 that displays a screen. The operating device 750 and the display device 760 may be integrated, for example, by a touch panel 770. The touch panel 770, as the display device 760, displays a screen under the control of the control device 700. The screen of the touch panel 770 may display information such as the settings of the injection molding machine 10 and the current status of the injection molding machine 10. The screen of the touch panel 770 may also display operation parts such as buttons and input fields that accept user input operations. The touch panel 770, as the operating device 750, detects user input operations on the screen and outputs a signal corresponding to the input operation to the control device 700. This allows, for example, the user to operate the operation parts provided on the screen while confirming the information displayed on the screen to set the injection molding machine 10 (including inputting setting values). Furthermore, by operating the operation parts provided on the screen, the user can make the injection molding machine 10 operate in accordance with the operation part. The operation of the injection molding machine 10 may also include the operation (including stopping) of, for example, the clamping device 100, the ejector device 200, the injection device 300, the moving device 400, etc. Furthermore, the operation of the injection molding machine 10 may also include switching the screens displayed on the touch panel 770, which serves as the display device 760.

[0097] Although the operating device 750 and display device 760 in this embodiment have been described as being integrated as a touch panel 770, they may be provided independently. Furthermore, multiple operating devices 750 may be provided. The operating device 750 and display device 760 are positioned on the operating side (negative Y-axis direction) of the clamping device 100 (more specifically, the fixed platen 110).

[0098] (First embodiment) Figure 3 is a diagram showing the components of the control device 700 and the first information processing device 1000 according to the first embodiment in terms of functional blocks. Each functional block shown in Figure 3, represented by the screen input / output control unit 720, the operation control unit 730, and the communication application 740, is conceptual and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. All or part of each functional block can be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating them in any unit. Each processing function performed by each functional block is realized in whole or in any part by a program executed by the CPU 701. Alternatively, each functional block may be realized as hardware using wired logic. As shown in Figure 3, the control device 700 includes an input interface 703, an output interface 704, and a communication interface 705, as well as a screen input / output control unit 720 and an operation control unit 730. Furthermore, the control device 700 includes a storage unit 710 in the storage medium 702 as an area where control information can be read and written. The screen input / output control unit 720 controls information between the input interface 703, the output interface 704, and the communication interface 705. The operation control unit 730 controls the operation of the injection molding machine 10. The storage unit 710 stores screen data 711 and the authorization management table 712.

[0099] The communication interface 705 is an interface provided for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device (e.g., the first information processing device 1000) connected via the network 1300. The communication interface 705 is equipped with a control device (not shown) and a storage medium. The control device (not shown) mounted on the communication interface 705 executes a program stored on the storage medium (not shown) to realize the communication application 740. The communication application 740 comprises a reception control unit 741, an authorization granting unit 742, a determination unit 743, and a transmission control unit 744. The reception control unit 741 controls the reception of information from an external device (e.g., the first information processing device 1000) connected via the network 1300. The authorization granting unit 742 grants authorization to users who use the injection molding machine 10. When the determination unit 743 receives operation information from the input interface 703 or an external device (e.g., the first information processing device 1000), it determines whether the operation information satisfies predetermined conditions. The transmission control unit 744 controls the transmission of information to an external device (for example, the first information processing device 1000) connected via the network 1300. A detailed explanation of each component will be provided later.

[0100] Next, the first information processing device 1000 will be described. The first information processing device 1000 includes a storage unit 1001, a screen input / output control unit 1002, an input interface 1003, an output interface 1004, and a communication interface 1005. The output interface 1004 is an interface for displaying a screen on the display device 1060. The communication interface 1005 is an interface provided for transmitting and receiving information to and from an external device (for example, a control device 700) connected via the network 1300. The input interface 1003 is an interface for inputting operations from an input device such as a keyboard.

[0101] The memory unit 1001 stores screen data 1011. The screen data 1011 is used as template information for generating the same screen as the one displayed on the display device 760 of the injection molding machine 10.

[0102] The first information processing device 1000 can communicate with the control device 700 of the injection molding machine 10 via the network 1300. By communicating with the control device 700, the first information processing device 1000 can display a screen that the control device 700 can display.

[0103] In other words, when performing work with the injection molding machine 10, there is a desire for multiple users to be able to use the injection molding machine 10 simultaneously in order to improve work efficiency. Therefore, the first information processing device 1000 according to this embodiment is capable of displaying the same screen as the screen displayed on the display device 760 of the injection molding machine 10. However, if the screen displayed on the display device 760 of the injection molding machine 10 and the screen displayed on the display device 1060 of the first information processing device 1000 are exactly the same, multiple users can only change settings or check the status of items displayed on the same screen simultaneously. In such a case, it is conceivable that work efficiency will not improve much because multiple items cannot be set or checked.

[0104] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the first information processing device 1000 receives a screen change operation from the input interface 1003, it is possible to display a screen that is different from the screen currently displayed on the display device 760 of the injection molding machine 10, although the screen is the settings screen of the injection molding machine 10.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple users are allowed to change the settings of the injection molding machine 10. When multiple users are allowed to change the settings, there is a possibility that other users working simultaneously may not be aware of the changes made. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a request for a setting change is made, a response such as a pop-up display is provided according to the user's authority.

[0106] The screen input / output control unit 1002 controls information between the input interface 1003, the output interface 1004, and the communication interface 1005. For example, when the input interface 1003 indicates a screen change operation, it instructs the communication interface 1005 to send screen change operation information to the control device 700. As a result, the communication interface 1005 receives from the control device 700 an instruction to display the target screen, along with the setting parameters and operation parameters necessary for that screen display. The operation parameters are parameters that indicate the current operating status of the injection molding machine 10. The setting parameters are parameters that indicate the settings made to the injection molding machine 10.

[0107] When the communication interface 1005 receives setting parameters and operating parameters for the injection molding machine 10, along with a screen display instruction, from the control device 700, the screen input / output control unit 1002 generates a display screen based on the received setting parameters and operating parameters, and the screen data stored in the storage unit 1001 corresponding to the display instruction. The generated display screen is then displayed on the display device 1060 via the output interface 1004. This allows the display to correspond to screen changes.

[0108] Next, the operation of the control device 700 of the injection molding machine 10 will be described.

[0109] The storage unit 710 stores screen data 711 and an authorization management table 712. The screen data 711 is template information for generating screens to be displayed on the display device 760. The authorization management table 712 manages the authorizations for each user.

[0110] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the table structure of the authorization management table 712 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the operating terminal, setting change authorization, and display authorization are stored in association with each other. Each operating terminal is associated with setting change authorization and display authorization. Furthermore, "〇" for setting change authorization indicates that the settings can be changed, "Approval Required" for setting change authorization indicates that the settings can be changed with the approval of the user operating the injection molding machine 10, and "-" for setting change authorization indicates that the settings cannot be changed. Furthermore, "〇" for display authorization indicates that the settings screen of the injection molding machine 10 can be displayed, and "-" for display authorization indicates that the settings screen of the injection molding machine 10 cannot be displayed.

[0111] The screen input / output control unit 720 controls information between the input interface 703, the output interface 704, and the communication interface 705.

[0112] For example, when the screen input / output control unit 720 receives an operation such as a screen change or setting change from the input interface 703, it outputs operation information indicating the screen change or setting change to the communication application 740. Also, when the screen input / output control unit 720 receives a screen display instruction, setting parameters, and operation parameters from the communication application 740, it generates a display screen from the screen data, setting parameters, and operation parameters corresponding to the display instruction and outputs it to the output interface 704.

[0113] The motion control unit 730 controls the operation of the injection molding machine 10. The motion control unit 730 also acquires operation parameters indicating the current operating status of the injection molding machine 10 and setting parameters indicating the current settings of the injection molding machine 10 based on signals from the injection molding machine 10, and outputs the acquired operation parameters and setting parameters to the communication application.

[0114] Next, we will describe the configuration of the communication application 740.

[0115] The receiving control unit 741 receives information from an external device (for example, the first information processing device 1000) connected via the network.

[0116] For example, the receiving control unit 741 receives operation information for the injection molding machine 10 and connection requests for operating the injection molding machine 10 from multiple or one user accessing via an external device (first information processing device 1000) connected via the network 1300.

[0117] Furthermore, the receiving control unit 741 receives information via the screen input / output control unit 720. For example, the receiving control unit 741 receives operation information for the injection molding machine 10 and connection requests for operating the injection molding machine 10 from the input interface 703 provided on the injection molding machine 10, via the screen input / output control unit 720.

[0118] When the authorization granting unit 742 receives a connection request from the input interface 703 or an external device (first information processing device 1000), and the user operating the input interface 703 or external device that made the connection request is properly authenticated, the authorization granting unit 742 grants the user operation authority indicating whether or not to restrict operations related to the injection molding machine 10. In this embodiment, when connection requests are made by multiple users, the authorization granting unit 742 grants operation authority to each of the multiple users.

[0119] The authorization granting unit 742 grants different authorizations to each user by referring to the authorization management table shown in Figure 4. The restrictions on operations granted by the authorization granting unit 742 differ for each user. For example, the authorization granting unit 742 grants user A, who is operating the injection molding machine 10, the authority to change settings "〇" and the authority to display the screen "〇". As another example, the authorization granting unit 742 grants user B, who is operating the first information processing device 1000, the authority to change settings "requires approval" and the authority to display the screen "〇". In this way, the authorization granting unit 742 grants user B, who is operating the first information processing device 1000 (an example of the first user), more restricted operational authorizations regarding the injection molding machine 10 compared to user A, who is operating the input interface 703 (an example of the second user).

[0120] The control device 700 according to this embodiment can receive operation information from multiple users by granting them operation privileges. The state in which operation information can be received indicates, for example, that a connection has been established with the input interface 703 or external device being used by the user, or that the user's login status to the control device 700 is continuing. In other words, the state in which the receiving control unit 741 can receive operation information from multiple users indicates that the control device 700 has been established with multiple devices (input interface 703 and external device), or that the login status of multiple users is continuing. This state in which the receiving control unit 741 can receive operation information from multiple users may be referred to as a state in which multiple users are accessing the device simultaneously.

[0121] When the receiving control unit 741 can receive operation information from multiple users, the determination unit 743 determines whether the operation information received from any user included in the multiple users (for example, user A or user B) via the input interface 703 or an external device (first information processing device 1000) satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0122] The predetermined conditions could include the permissions granted to the user, the equipment the user is operating, or conditions based on the time the user logged in. For example, if the operation information indicates an operation to change the settings of the injection molding machine 10, it is conceivable that the system could maintain a condition based on whether or not the user who sent the operation information is allowed to change the settings, based on the permissions granted to that user.

[0123] The operation control unit 730 controls the operation of the injection molding machine 10. For example, if the determination unit 743 determines that the received operation information satisfies predetermined conditions, the operation control unit 730 performs the operation indicated by the received operation information on the injection molding machine 10.

[0124] In this embodiment, any setting changes made by the user of the first information processing device 1000 require approval from the user of the injection molding machine 10. This is because, regarding settings related to equipment surrounding the injection molding machine 10, it is preferable to obtain approval from users surrounding the injection molding machine 10 when a user of an external device (for example, the first information processing device 1000) makes setting changes.

[0125] For example, the receiving control unit 741 receives operation information indicating a change in the mold opening position setting from the first information processing device 1000 via the communication interface 705. In this case, the screen input / output control unit 720 displays a pop-up screen to obtain approval for the change in the mold opening position setting. The user of the injection molding machine 10 then checks whether the ejector can remove the molded product even if the mold opening position has been changed, and then presses the approval button or cancel button displayed on the pop-up screen. The ejector is a device installed near the injection molding machine 10 for removing the molded product. Therefore, it is difficult for users of remote external devices such as the first information processing device 1000 to check the status of the ejector. However, in this embodiment, a pop-up screen is displayed to allow the user of the injection molding machine 10 to check the status. This makes it possible for remote external devices to check the situation around the injection molding machine 10 before changing the settings.

[0126] Furthermore, during maintenance of the injection molding machine 10, it may be undesirable for the user of an external device (e.g., the first information processing device 1000) to change the settings. For example, it is difficult to accept setting changes for the screw rotation speed from an external device (e.g., the first information processing device 1000) when cleaning the screw 330. Even in such cases, the control device 700 of the injection molding machine 10 in this embodiment requires approval from the user of the injection molding machine 10 to change the rotation speed, thereby improving safety along with appropriate setting changes. In this way, it is possible to prevent unexpected setting changes from being made on-site around the injection molding machine 10 from being made by a remote external device.

[0127] Furthermore, the motion control unit 730 acquires the current operating status of the injection molding machine 10 and the settings made to the injection molding machine 10, and passes these to the communication application 740 as operation parameters and setting parameters.

[0128] When the transmission control unit 744 receives operation information for changing the screen from the input interface 703, it transmits an instruction to display the target screen, and also transmits to the screen input / output control unit 720 the operation parameters and setting parameters obtained from the operation control unit 730 that are necessary for displaying the target screen.

[0129] The screen input / output control unit 720 reads screen data corresponding to the screen indicated by the display instruction from the storage unit 710, generates a display screen based on the screen data, operation parameters and setting parameters, and transmits the display screen to the output interface 704.

[0130] Figure 5 shows an example of a setting screen displayed on the display device 760 by the output interface 704 of the injection molding machine 10 according to the first embodiment. In the example of setting screens (injection screens) shown in Figure 5, the screen change button group 1501 is displayed in all setting screens. As shown in Figure 5, the screen change button group 1501 includes a setup button, a mold open / close button, a temperature button, an injection button 1502, a list setting button, a monitor button, a status button, an equipment button, and a maintenance button.

[0131] For example, if the input interface 703 receives the eject button 1502 from the input device before displaying the settings screen shown in Figure 5, the screen input / output control unit 720 transmits operation information to the receiving control unit 741 of the communication application 740 to switch to the eject screen.

[0132] Based on the received operation information, the transmission control unit 744 transmits to the screen input / output control unit 720 an instruction to display the injection screen, along with the operation parameters and setting parameters necessary for displaying the injection screen. As a result, the injection screen shown in Figure 5 is displayed.

[0133] Next, we will describe the screen displayed on the first information processing device 1000.

[0134] Figure 6 shows an example of a setting screen displayed on the display device 1060 by the output interface 1004 of the first information processing device 1000 according to the first embodiment. Before displaying the setting screen (mold opening / closing screen) shown in Figure 6, if the input interface 1003 of the first information processing device 1000 receives a press of the mold opening / closing button 1601, the screen input / output control unit 1002 transmits operation information to the control device 700 via the communication interface 1005 to switch to the mold opening / closing screen.

[0135] When the receiving control unit 741 receives operation information from the first information processing device 1000 to switch to the mold opening / closing screen, the transmitting control unit 744 transmits to the first information processing device 1000 an instruction to display the mold opening / closing screen, along with the operation parameters and setting parameters necessary for displaying the mold opening / closing screen. When the screen input / output control unit 1002 receives the operation parameters and setting parameters along with the instruction to display the mold opening / closing screen via the communication interface 1005, it reads screen data corresponding to the mold opening / closing screen from the storage unit 1001. Then, the screen input / output control unit 1002 generates the mold opening / closing display screen based on the screen data, operation parameters, and setting parameters, and transmits the display screen to the output interface 1004. As a result, the mold opening / closing screen shown in Figure 6 is displayed. Furthermore, when the ejection button 1502 is pressed, processing is performed so that the screen shown in Figure 5 is displayed.

[0136] Figure 7 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure when a setting change is received from the injection molding machine 10 and the first information processing device 1000 according to this embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 7, multiple users (User A and User B) access the injection molding machine 10 simultaneously from both the injection molding machine 10 and the first information processing device 1000.

[0137] In the touch panel 770, when the operating device 750 receives a login request from user A, it sends a login request to the control device 700 (S701).

[0138] When the authorization granting unit 742 receives a login request, it refers to the authorization management table 712 and grants the user A who made the login request the authorization corresponding to the injection molding machine 10. The authorization granting unit 742 then sends a message to the touch panel 770 indicating that the authorization has been granted (S702).

[0139] When the first information processing device 1000 receives a login request from user B, it sends a login request to the control device 700 (S703).

[0140] When the authorization granting unit 742 receives a login request, it refers to the authorization management table 712 and grants the user B who made the login request the authorization corresponding to the first information processing device 1000. The authorization granting unit 742 then sends a message to the first information processing device 1000 indicating that the authorization has been granted (S704).

[0141] The transmission control unit 744 transmits a screen display instruction, along with the operating parameters and setting parameters necessary for displaying the screen, to the screen input / output control unit 720. The screen input / output control unit 720 generates a display screen based on the screen data, operating parameters, and setting parameters corresponding to the display instruction, and outputs the display screen to the touch panel 770 (S705). The display device 760 displays the input display screen (S707).

[0142] The transmission control unit 744 transmits to the first information processing device 1000, along with a screen display instruction, the operating parameters and setting parameters necessary for displaying the screen (S706).

[0143] The screen input / output control unit 1002 of the first information processing device 1000 generates a display screen based on screen data corresponding to a display instruction, operation parameters, and setting parameters, and displays the display screen on the display device 760 (S708).

[0144] The screen input / output control unit 1002 of the first information processing device 1000 accepts setting change operations via the input interface 1003 (S709).

[0145] The communication interface 1005 of the first information processing device 1000 transmits operation information indicating a setting change operation to the control device 700 (S710).

[0146] The determination unit 743 temporarily holds the received setting change operation information (S711). In this flowchart, it is assumed that no setting change was received from another user while the setting change operation information was being temporarily held, and the process proceeds to the next step.

[0147] The determination unit 743 confirms whether user B of the first information processing device 1000 has the authority to change the settings indicated in the operation information (S712).

[0148] For example, if the operation information indicates an operation to change a setting, the determination unit 743 determines whether or not user B (example of the first user) who sent the operation information has the authority to change settings ("○"). If it determines that user B has the authority to change settings ("○"), the determination unit 743 instructs the operation control unit 730 to perform the setting change indicated by the operation information.

[0149] Furthermore, if it is determined that the setting change authority is not "○", the determination unit 743 determines whether the setting change authority of user B (example of the first user) who sent the operation information is "requires approval". If it is determined that the setting change authority is "requires approval", the transmission control unit 744 sends a request for approval of the setting change to user A (example of the fourth user) who is operating the injection molding machine 10 to the screen input / output control unit 720. The reason for inquiring with user A who is operating the injection molding machine 10 is that the user is aware of the status of the injection molding machine 10, or that user A has the setting change authority "○".

[0150] The determination unit 743 confirmed in S712 that the user's authority to change settings "requires approval". Therefore, the transmission control unit 744 sends a request for approval of the setting change to user A, who is operating the injection molding machine 10, to the screen input / output control unit 720. The screen input / output control unit 720 then generates a pop-up screen to confirm the approval request and transmits the generated pop-up screen to the display device 760 of the touch panel 770 (S713).

[0151] The display device 760 of the touch panel 770 displays a pop-up screen (S714). Figure 8 shows an example of a pop-up screen. The pop-up screen 1801 shown in Figure 8 displays the settings changed by the first information processing device 1000. The pop-up screen 1801 shows a "Yes" button 1802 and a "No" button 1803. The "Yes" button 1802 is an approval button to approve the setting change, and the "No" button is a cancel button to cancel the setting change.

[0152] The operating device 750 of the touch panel 770 accepts the operation of pressing the "Yes" button 1802 (S715).

[0153] The operating device 750 transmits operation information indicating approval to the input interface 703 of the control device 700 (S716).

[0154] The screen input / output control unit 720 passes operation information indicating approval to the determination unit 743 of the communication application 740. When the determination unit 743 receives operation information indicating approval, it determines that approval has been accepted and instructs the operation control unit 730 to change the settings.

[0155] Then, the operation control unit 730 changes the settings according to the instructions (S717).

[0156] The transmission control unit 744 transmits the changed operating parameters and setting parameters to the screen input / output control unit 720. The screen input / output control unit 720 generates a display screen based on the screen data, the changed operating parameters, and the setting parameters, and outputs the display screen reflecting the setting changes to the touch panel 770 (S718). The display device 760 displays the input display screen (S720).

[0157] The transmission control unit 744 transmits the changed operating parameters and setting parameters to the first information processing device 1000 (S719).

[0158] The screen input / output control unit 1002 of the first information processing device 1000 generates a display screen based on screen data, changed operating parameters, and setting parameters, and displays the display screen on the display device 760 (S721).

[0159] The processing steps described above explain the procedure for cases where the setting change permission requires "approval." This resulted in a pop-up display requesting approval.

[0160] In contrast, if a user with setting change authority "〇" requests a setting change, the setting change is performed without an approval request. At that time, the communication interface 705 sends a request to display a pop-up notification that a setting change has been made to an external device (e.g., the first information processing device 1000) operated by another user currently logged into the injection molding machine 10. As a result, the external device (e.g., the first information processing device 1000) displays a pop-up screen indicating that a setting change has been made.

[0161] Figure 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processing procedure when a setting change is made from the touch panel 770 of the injection molding machine 10 according to this embodiment, and when the setting change is received from the first information processing device 1000.

[0162] The screen input / output control unit 1002 of the first information processing device 1000 accepts a setting change operation from user B via the input interface 1003 (S901).

[0163] The communication interface 1005 of the first information processing device 1000 transmits the operation information for changing the settings to the control device 700 (S902).

[0164] The determination unit 743 temporarily holds the received setting change operation information (S903).

[0165] The operating device 750 of the touch panel 770 accepts setting change operations from user A (S904).

[0166] The operating device 750 of the touch panel 770 transmits the operation information for changing settings to the control device 700 (S905).

[0167] The determination unit 743 recognizes that it has received operation information from user A (example of a fifth user) regarding a setting change for the same item within the retention period after receiving operation information from user B (example of a first user). Therefore, if the determination unit 743 receives operation information indicating setting changes for the same item from multiple users within the retention period, it determines that the conditions for accepting the setting changes indicated by the multiple received operation information are not met, and cancels the setting changes indicated by the multiple operation information (S906).

[0168] The transmission control unit 744 sends a request to the screen input / output control unit 720 to display a cancellation of the setting change. The screen input / output control unit 720 generates a pop-up screen indicating the cancellation of the setting change and outputs the pop-up screen to the touch panel 770 (S907). The display device 760 displays the pop-up screen (S909).

[0169] The transmission control unit 744 transmits a request to the first information processing device 1000 to cancel the setting change (S908).

[0170] The screen input / output control unit 1002 of the first information processing device 1000 generates a pop-up screen indicating the cancellation of the setting change, and displays the pop-up screen on the display device 760 (S910).

[0171] In the embodiment described above, the case in which an approval request is made when operation information for a setting change is received from the first information processing device 1000 was explained. However, the first information processing device 1000 does not have to make an approval request for all setting change items; setting changes may be made for some items without making an approval request. In this case, a pop-up message indicating that a setting change has been made may be displayed.

[0172] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the screen displayed by the control device 700 of the injection molding machine 10 and the screen displayed by the first information processing device 1000 are the same was explained. However, in this embodiment, the case is not limited to the example where the screens are the same, and the screen displayed by the first information processing device 1000 may be different from the screen displayed by the control device 700.

[0173] For example, screen data showing the start and stop buttons for the injection molding machine 10 can be stored in the storage unit 1001 of the first information processing device 1000. In other words, if the injection molding machine 10 has physical buttons for starting and stopping its operation, the first information processing device 1000 cannot control the start and stop operation. Therefore, screen data showing the start and stop buttons for the injection molding machine 10 is stored in the storage unit 1001, the screen input / output control unit 1002 generates a screen showing the start and stop buttons, and outputs the generated screen to the display device 1060 via the output interface 1004. This makes remote control possible even if the injection molding machine 10 has physical buttons.

[0174] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the control device 700 transmits operation parameters and setting parameters to the first information processing device 1000 as information for displaying different screens for each user. However, the above-described embodiment does not limit the information for displaying different screens for each user to operation parameters and setting parameters. Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which image data of the screen is transmitted as information for displaying different screens for each user.

[0175] Figure 10 is a diagram showing the components of the control device 1700 and the first information processing device 2000 according to the second embodiment, in functional blocks. The functional blocks shown in Figure 10, namely the first screen input / output control unit 1721, the second screen input / output control unit 1722, the input / output information processing unit 1710, and the operation control unit 730, are conceptual and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown. All or part of each functional block can be configured by distributing and integrating them functionally or physically in any unit. All or any part of the processing functions performed by each functional block are realized by a program executed by the CPU 701. Alternatively, each functional block may be realized as hardware using wired logic. Furthermore, the same reference numerals are assigned to configurations that perform the same processing as in the first embodiment, and their description is omitted. In this embodiment, a communication interface 1701 is provided instead of a communication interface 705. The communication interface 1701 communicates with an external device (for example, the first information processing device 2000) via the network 1300.

[0176] As shown in Figure 10, the control device 1700 includes an input interface 703, an output interface 704, a communication interface 1701, and a storage unit 710. Furthermore, the control device 1700 realizes a first screen input / output control unit 1721, a second screen input / output control unit 1722, an input / output information processing unit 1710, and an operation control unit 730 when the CPU 701 executes a program stored in the storage medium 702.

[0177] The control device 1700 according to this embodiment generates a screen to be displayed on the display device 760, as well as a screen to be displayed on the first information processing device 2000. In this embodiment, the screen generated for the display device 760 and the screen generated for the first information processing device 2000 are different. For this reason, the control device 1700 includes a first screen input / output control unit 1721 that generates a screen for the display device 760, and a second screen input / output control unit 1722 that generates a screen for the first information processing device 2000.

[0178] The first screen input / output control unit 1721 controls information between the input interface 1003, the output interface 1004, and the input / output information processing unit 1710.

[0179] For example, the first screen input / output control unit 1721 generates a display screen based on setting parameters and operation parameters received from the communication application 740 of the input / output information processing unit 1710 via the input interface 703, and screen data stored in the storage unit 1001, and displays the generated display screen on the display device 1060 via the output interface 1004.

[0180] For example, when the first screen input / output control unit 1721 receives an operation such as a setting change or screen change from the input interface 703, it outputs operation information indicating the setting change or screen change to the communication application 740 of the input / output information processing unit 1710. The processing performed by the communication application 740 is the same as in the first embodiment and will not be described further.

[0181] Furthermore, the first screen input / output control unit 1721 generates a display screen based on the setting parameters and operation parameters received from the communication application 740, and the screen data 711 stored in the storage unit 710 that corresponds to the screen to be changed, and displays the generated display screen on the display device 760 via the output interface 704.

[0182] The second screen input / output control unit 1722 controls information between the communication interface 1701 and the input / output information processing unit 1710.

[0183] For example, when the second screen input / output control unit 1722 receives operation information such as screen changes or setting changes from the first information processing device 2000 via the communication interface 1701, it outputs the operation information to the communication application 740. The processing performed by the communication application 740 is the same as in the first embodiment and will not be described further.

[0184] Furthermore, the second screen input / output control unit 1722 generates a display screen based on the setting parameters and operation parameters received from the communication application 740, and the screen data 711 stored in the storage unit 710 that corresponds to the screen to be changed, and transmits the generated display screen to the first information processing device 2000 via the communication interface 1701.

[0185] The input / output information processing unit 1710 includes the communication application 740 shown in the first embodiment, and receives operation information from the first screen input / output control unit 1721 and the second screen input / output control unit 1722, and performs processing corresponding to said operation information (for example, instructing the operation control unit 730 to perform the operation corresponding to the operation information).

[0186] Next, the first information processing device 2000 will be described. The first information processing device 2000 includes a screen display application 2001, an input interface 1003, an output interface 1004, and a communication interface 1005.

[0187] The screen display application 2001 controls information between the input interface 1003, the output interface 1004, and the communication interface 1005. For example, when the communication interface 1005 receives a display screen, the screen display application 2001 displays the received screen on the display device 1060 via the output interface 1004.

[0188] This makes it possible to display different screens on the display device 760 and the display device 1060, similar to the first embodiment.

[0189] Furthermore, the processing performed when setting change operation information is received according to the second embodiment will be the same as in the first embodiment and will not be described.

[0190] (Variation 1) In the embodiments described above, an example was explained in which user privileges are differentiated according to the device being used. However, the method is not limited to differentiating privileges according to the device being used, as in the embodiments described above. Modification 1 describes an example in which privileges are assigned in order of login time.

[0191] In this modified example, the authorization granting unit 742 grants user A (the first user) the authority to perform operations on the injection molding machine that are restricted compared to user B (the third user), who operates the injection molding machine earlier than user A (the first user).

[0192] Figure 11 is an example of the permissions assigned to each user by the permission granting unit 742. In the example shown in Figure 11, permissions are assigned in order of the earliest login start time.

[0193] For example, the authorization unit 742 grants user B, whose login start time is the earliest at "8:00", the right to change settings "〇" and the right to display settings "〇". Then, the authorization unit 742 grants user A, whose login start time is the second at "11:00", the right to change settings "requires approval" and the right to display settings "〇". Furthermore, the authorization unit 742 grants the third user, whose login start time is the third at "11:30", the right to change settings "-" and the right to display settings "〇". In this case, user B will approve user A's setting changes. The processing procedure for approving setting changes is the same as in the first embodiment and will not be explained further.

[0194] Furthermore, the authorization granting unit 742 may grant permissions not in the order in which users logged in, but for example, according to the user's attributes (e.g., job title).

[0195] (Modification 2) The above-described embodiment explained a case where multiple setting changes are canceled when, within the retention period after receiving setting change operation information, setting change operation information for the same item is received. However, the above-described embodiment is not limited to a method for canceling multiple setting changes. Therefore, in Modification 2, a case is described in which one setting change is accepted and the other setting change is canceled.

[0196] In this modified example 2, the determination unit 743, upon receiving operation information from user B (example of a sixth user) to change a setting within a predetermined time after a setting change has been made according to operation information from user A (example of a first user), determines that the conditions for accepting an operation based on the operation information from user B are not met, and cancels the operation information from user B. This prevents multiple setting changes to the same item due to multi-access.

[0197] In the embodiments and modifications described above, the management of logins to the injection molding machine 10 by multiple users and control based on user permissions were described in the case where these are performed by the control device 700 of the injection molding machine 10. However, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the case where multiple user management is performed by the control device 700 of the injection molding machine 10. An external device capable of controlling the injection molding machine 10 may also manage logins to the injection molding machine 10 by multiple users and control based on user permissions.

[0198] In the embodiments and modified examples described above, the display device 760 of the injection molding machine 10 and the external device can each display a screen showing the settings of the injection molding machine 10. This improves the work efficiency when using the injection molding machine 10.

[0199] In the embodiments and modifications described above, the injection molding machine 10 is made capable of receiving operation information from each of multiple users and accepting setting changes from those multiple users. Since each user has different permissions for setting changes, authentication is performed as needed. This improves both work efficiency and security. Furthermore, pop-ups for authentication of setting changes and pop-ups when setting changes have been made are displayed, so each user accessing the system can understand the current status.

[0200] In the embodiments and modifications described above, when operation information can be received from multiple users, if the received operation information satisfies predetermined conditions, an operation based on that operation information is performed on the injection molding machine. This allows multiple users to operate the machine, improving work efficiency, and because the operation is only permitted under predetermined conditions, confusion among users can be suppressed.

[0201] The embodiments of the control device for an injection molding machine according to the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, and combinations are possible within the scope described in the claims. These also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0202] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-062448, filed on 31 March 2021, and the entire contents of that Japanese Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0203] 10...Injection molding machine 700...Control device 710...Storage unit 720...Screen input / output control unit 730...Operation control unit 740...Communication application 741...Receive control unit 742...Authorization unit 743...Determination unit 744...Transmission control unit 1710...Input / output information processing unit 1721...First screen input / output control unit 1722...Second screen input / output control unit

Claims

1. A receiving control unit capable of receiving operation information for the injection molding machine from multiple users accessing the injection molding machine via one or more of the input interfaces and external devices connected via a network provided on the injection molding machine, When operation information can be received from the plurality of users via the input interface and the external device, a determination unit determines whether the operation information received from a first user included in the plurality of users via the input interface or the external device satisfies predetermined conditions. The system includes an operation control unit that, when it determines that the received operation information satisfies the conditions, performs the operation indicated by the received operation information on the injection molding machine, The determination unit determines, based on the condition that the received operation information is an operation indicating a change in settings for the injection molding machine, whether or not the received operation information was approved by a fourth user who has the authority to perform the operation, different from the first user. Control device for an injection molding machine.

2. A receiving control unit capable of receiving operation information for the injection molding machine from multiple users accessing the injection molding machine via one or more of the input interfaces provided on the injection molding machine and external devices connected via a network, When operation information can be received from the plurality of users via the input interface and the external device, a determination unit determines whether the operation information received from a first user included in the plurality of users via the input interface or the external device satisfies predetermined conditions. The system includes an operation control unit that, when it determines that the received operation information satisfies the conditions, performs the operation indicated by the received operation information on the injection molding machine, The determination unit determines that the conditions for accepting the setting change indicated by the operation information from the first user and the operation information from the fifth user are not met if the operation information from the first user and the operation information from the fifth user are received within a predetermined time. Control device for an injection molding machine.

3. A receiving control unit capable of receiving operation information for the injection molding machine from multiple users accessing the injection molding machine via one or more of the input interfaces provided on the injection molding machine and external devices connected via a network, When operation information can be received from the plurality of users via the input interface and the external device, a determination unit determines whether the operation information received from a first user included in the plurality of users via the input interface or the external device satisfies predetermined conditions. The system includes an operation control unit that, when it determines that the received operation information satisfies the conditions, performs the operation indicated by the received operation information on the injection molding machine, The determination unit determines that if it receives operation information from a sixth user to change the settings within a predetermined time after a setting change has been made by the first user in accordance with the operation information, the conditions for accepting an operation based on the operation information from the sixth user are not met. Control device for an injection molding machine.

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