Control device, extruder, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide a control device for an extruder that can intuitively recognize and operate states of a plurality of components constituting the extruder.SOLUTION: A control device for an extruder includes: a touch panel display apparatus that displays a schematic diagram of the extruder and states of each of a plurality of components constituting the extruder, and displays a display screen of states including a plurality of icons for operating operations of the components; and a control unit that controls, according to operations on the touch panel display, the operations of the components.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device, an extruder, a control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an extruder provided with a control device having a touch panel display. The touch panel display has a vertically long display portion for operating the extruder. An operator can operate the extruder using the control device and check the state of the extruder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, although a conventional touch panel display can display a list of numerical values indicating the operating state of an extruder, it has been difficult to intuitively recognize and operate the states of each part constituting the extruder.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a control device, an extruder, a control method, and a control program that enable intuitive recognition and operation of the states of a plurality of components constituting an extruder.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device for an extruder, including a touch panel display that displays a schematic diagram of the extruder and a state display screen including a plurality of icons for displaying the states of each of the plurality of components constituting the extruder and operating the operations of the components, and a control unit that controls the operations of the components in response to operations on the touch panel display.

[0007] An extruder relating to one aspect of this disclosure includes the control device described above.

[0008] A control method relating to one aspect of this disclosure involves displaying a status display screen on a touch panel display of a control device for an extruder, which includes a schematic diagram of the extruder and the status of each of the multiple components constituting the extruder, as well as a plurality of icons for operating the operation of the components, and controlling the operation of the components in response to operations on the touch panel display.

[0009] A control program relating to one aspect of this disclosure includes a schematic diagram of an extruder and a plurality of icons for monitoring the status of each of the plurality of components constituting the extruder represented in the schematic diagram, or for operating the operation of the components, on a touch panel display provided by a control device for an extruder, and causes the control device to execute a process to control the operation of the components in response to an operation on the touch panel display. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this disclosure, the state of multiple components constituting the extruder can be intuitively recognized and operated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an extruder according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing an overview screen according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the raw material feeder icon display section. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the display of the raw material feeder icon changes according to the status of the raw material feeder. [Figure 7]This is a schematic diagram showing a feeder pop-up window. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram showing a list of temperature ranges for a cylinder. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram showing a list of motor operating statuses. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control device. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] A control device, extruder, control method, and control program according to embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims, as indicated by the claims. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of an extruder 100 according to an embodiment. The extruder 100 is a machine that melts and kneads raw materials and extrudes them. The extruder 100 comprises an extruder body 1, a control device 2 that controls the operation of the extruder body 1, and a plurality of sensors 3 provided on the extruder body 1.

[0014] <Extruder body 1> The extruder body 1 includes a cylinder 10 provided with a heater 10a for heating raw materials, a cooling mechanism (not shown), two screws 11, and a die 12 provided at the outlet portion of the cylinder 10. The number of screws 11 is not particularly limited. The cylinder 10 has one or more inlets into which one or more raw materials are introduced. The one or more types of raw materials are supplied from the inlets into the cylinder 10 by one or more raw material feeders 15. The raw material feeder 15 is a device that supplies raw materials to the cylinder 10 of the extruder 100 while performing weight control. Further, one or more side feeders 16 are provided on the extruder body 1. The side feeder 16 is a device that pushes the raw materials discharged from the raw material feeder 15 into the side surface of the cylinder 10 of the extruder 100. In other words, the side feeder 16 pushes the raw materials that have fallen from the raw material feeder 15 to the side feeder 16 into the cylinder 10 of the extruder 100. Furthermore, a liquid additive feeder for supplying a liquid additive to the cylinder 10 is provided on the extruder body 1. The two screws 11 are arranged substantially parallel to each other in a meshed state, and are rotatably inserted into the holes of the cylinder 10, and convey the raw materials introduced into the cylinder 10 in the extrusion direction (the left direction in FIG. 1), and melt and knead them. The melted raw materials are discharged from the die 12 having through holes.

[0015] The screw 11 is configured as one screw 11 by combining and integrating a plurality of types of screw pieces. For example, a forward flight piece having a flight screw shape for transporting raw materials in the forward direction, a reverse flight piece for transporting raw materials in the reverse direction, a kneading piece for kneading raw materials, etc. are arranged and combined in an order and position according to the characteristics of the raw materials, whereby the screw 11 is configured.

[0016] Further, the extruder 100 includes a motor 13 that outputs a driving force for rotating the screw 11, and a speed reducer 14 that decelerates and transmits the driving force of the motor 13. The screw 11 is connected to the output shaft of the speed reducer 14. The screw 11 rotates by the driving force of the motor 13 that is decelerated and transmitted by the speed reducer 14. Further, a cooling fan (not shown) is provided on the motor 13. Furthermore, the extruder 100 is provided with auxiliary equipment such as various pumps.

[0017] <Sensor 3> The plurality of sensors 3 are provided on each of the plurality of components constituting the extruder 100, detect physical quantities representing the states of the respective components, and output signals of the measured values obtained by the detection to the control device 2. The plurality of sensors 3 according to the present embodiment detect physical quantities related to the states of the respective components in time series and output signals of the measured values to the control device 2. The sensor 3 may be one that is pre-installed in the extruder 100 and the peripheral devices as necessary for the operation control of the extruder 100, or one that is installed later. The sensor 3 may be configured to output measured values to the control device 2 via a data collection device (not shown) such as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0018] The physical quantity detected by the sensor 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is a physical quantity related to the operating state of the extruder 100, and examples thereof include temperature, weight, position, speed, acceleration, current, voltage, pressure, time, torque, force, strain, power consumption, etc. These physical quantities can be measured using a thermometer, a weighing scale, a position sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, an ammeter, a voltmeter, a pressure gauge, a timer, a torque sensor, a power meter, etc.

[0019] The plurality of sensors 3 include, for example, a first sensor 31 that detects a physical quantity related to the raw material feeder 15, a second sensor 32 that detects a physical quantity related to the side feeder 16, a third sensor 33 that detects a physical quantity related to the cylinder 10, a fourth sensor 34 that detects a physical quantity related to the motor 13, and a fifth sensor 35 that detects a physical quantity related to the die 12.

[0020] The first sensor 31 is, for example, a weighing scale that detects the supply amount of the raw material supplied from the raw material feeder 15 to the cylinder 10 and the remaining amount of the raw material, a thermometer that detects the temperature of the raw material feeder 15 or the temperature of the raw material in the raw material feeder 15, or the like.

[0021] The second sensor 32 is, for example, a rotation speed detection circuit that detects the rotation speed of the shaft of the side feeder 16. The sensor in the drive unit of the side feeder 16 can be used as the second sensor 32 to drive the side feeder 16. The rotation speed detection circuit is just one example. It could also be a sensor that detects the motor current of the side feeder 16. In addition, a separate sensor may be provided to detect the state of the side feeder 16.

[0022] The third sensor 33 is a thermometer provided, for example, in each of several regions (zones) along the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 10, and detects the temperature of the cylinder 10 or the temperature of the raw material inside the cylinder 10.

[0023] The fourth sensor 34 is, for example, a tachometer for detecting the rotational speed of the motor 13, an ammeter for detecting the current of the motor 13, a voltmeter for detecting the voltage of the motor 13, or a torque sensor for detecting the torque of the motor 13. It may also be configured to calculate torque from the current. Furthermore, it may be configured to calculate specific energy consumption (ESP) from the current and voltage to calculate power.

[0024] The fifth sensor 35 is, for example, a pressure gauge that detects the pressure acting on the die 12 or the raw material, or a thermometer that detects the temperature of the die 12 or the raw material inside the die 12.

[0025] <Control device 2> Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control device 2 according to the embodiment, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the control device 2 according to the embodiment. The control device 2 is a computer that controls the operation of the extruder 100 and displays the operating status of the extruder 100 and the status of each component constituting the extruder 100. The control device 2 for the extruder 100 comprises a control unit 21, a storage unit 22 connected to the control unit 21, a control signal output unit 23, a sensor signal input unit 24, a touch panel display 4, a hardware key 5, a hardware emergency stop button 6, and a warning buzzer 7. The control device 2 is installed in the extruder 100 at an appropriate position where the operator can easily view the touch panel display 4.

[0026] The control unit 21 includes arithmetic processing circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), multi-core CPU, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), internal storage devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and I / O terminals. The control unit 21 functions as the control device 2 according to this embodiment by executing the control program P (program product) stored in the storage unit 22, which will be described later. The control unit 21, which executes the control program P, displays an overview screen 40 that shows the status of the extruder 100 on a horizontal display panel 4a, and controls the operation of each component of the extruder 100 in accordance with the operation operation on the touch panel display 4. Note that each functional unit of the control device 2 may be implemented in software, in hardware, or in combination thereof.

[0027] The storage unit 22 includes non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, flash memory, or SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 22 may also be an external storage device connected to the control device 2. The storage unit 22 stores the control program P, other various programs, and data referenced by the control unit 21. The control program P is a computer program that displays an overview screen 40 on the touch panel display 4, which shows an overview of the operating status of the extruder 100, accepts operating commands for the extruder 100, and causes the computer to execute a process to control the operation of the extruder 100. Details of the overview screen 40 will be described later. Furthermore, the memory unit 22 stores the measured values ​​obtained by the sensor 3.

[0028] The control program P may be provided on a non-temporary recording medium 2A on which the control program P is recorded in a readable format. The storage unit 22 stores the control program P read from the recording medium 2A by a reading device (not shown). The recording medium 2A is, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, the control program P may be downloaded from an external server connected to a communication network and stored in the storage unit 22. The control program P may be a single computer program or composed of multiple computer programs, and may be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers interconnected by a communication network.

[0029] The control signal output unit 23 outputs control signals to the extruder body 1 to control the operation of the extruder 100 in accordance with the control unit 21.

[0030] The sensor signal input unit 24 is an input interface that receives the measured value signals output from each sensor 3. Each sensor 3 is connected to the sensor signal input unit 24. The control unit 21 acquires the measured values ​​from the sensors 3 via the sensor signal input unit 24.

[0031] The touch panel display unit 4 comprises a horizontally elongated display panel 4a (display unit) and a touch sensor 4b, as shown in Figure 3. The display panel 4a has a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (electroluminescence) display. The touch panel display unit 4 displays an overview screen 40 that shows the general operating status of the extruder 100 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 21. The touch sensor 4b is, for example, a touch panel device with a built-in display, and accepts tap operations from the operator. The touch sensor 4b accepts input of operating operations from the operator and sends control signals to the control unit 21 according to the content of the operation.

[0032] As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the display panel 4a of the control device 2 employs a widescreen design and is mounted on the extruder body 1 such that the width direction (longitudinal direction) of the screen aligns with the extrusion direction of the extruder 100 or the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 10.

[0033] The hardware key 5 is an input device for inputting numerical values ​​to operate the extruder 100 or each component of the extruder 100. The hardware key 5 is located below the display panel 4a and is positioned on one of the longitudinal sides of the display panel 4a. For example, the hardware key 5 is positioned to the lower right in the longitudinal direction relative to the display panel 4a. Alternatively, the hardware key 5 may be positioned to the lower left in the longitudinal direction relative to the display panel 4a. The placement of the hardware key 5 is not particularly limited. The hardware key 5 is, for example, a hardware numeric keypad. The hardware numeric keypad has at least numeric keys corresponding to the numbers 0 to 9. Furthermore, it is preferable that the hardware numeric keypad has an enter key, a key to increase the input value by one digit, a key to decrease the input value by one digit, etc. In addition, it is preferable that the hardware key 5 has a decimal point "." key, a minus "-" key, and a backspace "BS" key.

[0034] The hardware emergency stop button 6 is located below the display panel 4a, in the center of the display panel 4a in the longitudinal direction. The position of the hardware emergency stop button 6 is not particularly limited. The hardware emergency stop button 6 is a push button for stopping the operation of the extruder 100 in an emergency. When the hardware emergency stop button 6 is pressed, the control unit 21 emergency stops the operation of the extruder 100.

[0035] The warning buzzer 7 is located at an appropriate position below the display panel 4a. For example, the warning buzzer 7 is located between the hardware emergency stop button 6 and the hardware key 5. The warning buzzer 7 emits a buzzer alarm sound when a predetermined abnormality occurs in the extruder 100, such as when the extruder 100 makes an emergency stop.

[0036] <Overview Screen 40> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing an overview screen 40 according to an embodiment. The control unit 21 displays an overview screen 40 (status display screen) on the touch panel display 4 to show an overview of the status of the extruder 100 and to accept operation commands. A side menu is provided at the right or left edge of the overview screen 40, where overview icons 4c, menu icons, trend icons, etc., are displayed. When the overview icon 4c is tapped, the control unit 21 displays the overview screen 40 as shown in Figure 4.

[0037] The overview screen 40 includes a schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100 is horizontally oriented, and the touch panel display 4 displays the schematic diagram 40a such that the longitudinal direction of the touch panel display 4 and the longitudinal direction of the schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100 substantially coincide. The schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100 includes a schematic diagram of the cylinder 10, a schematic diagram of the die 12, a schematic diagram of the motor 13, and a schematic diagram of the reduction gear 14. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the longitudinal direction of the cylinder 10 of the actual extruder 100 substantially coincides with the longitudinal direction of the display panel 4a of the touch panel display 4 and the longitudinal direction of the schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100. The schematic diagram 40a is an image designed to allow intuitive recognition of each component of the extruder 100, which is the object to be monitored and operated.

[0038] The overview screen 40 displays the status of each of the multiple components that make up the extruder 100 as shown in the schematic diagram 40a of the main body, and includes multiple icon display sections for operating the operation of said components. For example, the overview screen 40 includes a raw material feeder icon display section 41, a side feeder icon display section 42, a liquid additive feeder icon display section 43, a heater icon display section 44, a lubrication pump icon display section 45, a main motor and other icons display section 46, and an ancillary equipment icon display section 47 related to other ancillary equipment of the extruder 100. Ancillary equipment includes, for example, various pumps.

[0039] Furthermore, the overview screen 40 includes a cylinder 10 region temperature list table 48 that displays information related to the temperature of each region (zone) in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. In addition, the overview screen 40 includes a motor operating status list table 40b, a total raw material supply amount display unit 40c, and a raw material temperature / pressure display unit 40d. Details of these will be described later.

[0040] <Schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100 and the positional relationship of the icons> The raw material feeder icon display unit 41 is displayed at a position that roughly corresponds to the raw material input position in the schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100. For example, the raw material feeder icon display unit 41 is displayed at the top of the schematic diagram 40a of the main body representing the cylinder 10. The display position of the raw material feeder icon display unit 41 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder corresponds to the position of the input port into which the main raw material is fed by the corresponding raw material feeder 15. When multiple raw material feeder icon display units 41 are displayed as shown in Figure 4, the order in which each raw material feeder icon display unit 41 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder corresponds to the order in which the input ports into which the raw material is fed by the corresponding raw material feeder 15.

[0041] Similarly, the side feeder icon display unit 42 is displayed at the top of the schematic cylinder diagram representing the cylinder 10. The display position of the side feeder icon display unit 42 in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder corresponds to the position of the input port into which the raw material is fed by the corresponding side feeder 16. The liquid additive feeder icon display unit 43 is displayed at the top of the schematic cylinder diagram in the same manner.

[0042] The heater icon display unit 44 is superimposed on the cylinder schematic diagram. The oil pump icon display unit 45 is superimposed on the reduction gear schematic diagram. The main motor, etc. icon display unit 46 is superimposed on the motor schematic diagram.

[0043] The ancillary equipment icon display unit 47 is displayed on the die 12 side, at the top, of the schematic cylinder diagram. The display position of the ancillary equipment icon display unit 47 is not particularly limited.

[0044] The display positions of each icon display unit relative to the schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100 generally correspond to the positions of the components of the extruder 100. Therefore, the operator can intuitively recognize the component indicated by each icon display unit and easily grasp the status of each component.

[0045] <Raw material feeder icon display section 41> Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the raw material feeder icon display unit 41. The raw material feeder icon display unit 41 includes a raw material feeder icon 41a for a raw material feeder 15 that supplies raw material to the extruder 100. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the raw material feeder icon 41a and one of the raw material feeders 15 that make up the extruder 100. Above the raw material feeder icon 41a, the raw material feeder icon display unit 41 has a remaining amount display unit 41b that displays the remaining amount of raw material in the raw material feeder 15 in numerical form. The raw material feeder icon display unit 41 also has a remaining amount bar graph 41c on the side of the raw material feeder icon 41a that represents the remaining amount. The type of graph that represents the remaining amount is not particularly limited. The graph may be, for example, a line graph, a pie chart, a tachometer, etc. The raw material feeder icon display unit 41 displays the name of the raw material feeder 15 in text below the raw material feeder icon 41a, and below that, has a supply amount display unit 41d that displays a value related to the amount of raw material supplied. The supply amount display unit 41d displays the actual amount of raw material supplied, the output value of the feeder supplying the raw material, the ratio of the supply amount, etc. When the extruder 100 is started up, the screw rotation speed 11 and the amount of raw material supplied are gradually increased, and the above ratio indicates the ratio of the amount of raw material supplied at startup to the amount of raw material supplied when the molding conditions are reached. The value displayed on the raw material feeder icon display unit 41 is obtained based on the measurement value of the first sensor 31.

[0046] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing how the display of the raw material feeder icon 41a changes according to the status of the raw material feeder 15. The control unit 21 changes the color of the raw material feeder icon 41a according to the operating status of the raw material feeder 15. For example, when the raw material feeder 15 is operating, the control unit 21 changes the color of the raw material feeder icon 41a to red (hatching that slopes downward to the right in Figure 6), and when the raw material feeder 15 is stopped, the raw material feeder icon 41a changes to blue (hatching that slopes upward to the right with wide line spacing in Figure 6). In addition, if there is a communication error with the raw material feeder 15, or if the raw material feeder 15 is not being used, the control unit 21 changes the color of the raw material feeder icon 41a to gray (hatching that slopes upward to the right with narrow line spacing in Figure 6). Although an example has been described in which the color of the raw material feeder icon 41a is changed according to the status of the raw material feeder 15, the method of changing the display is not particularly limited as long as the operator can visually recognize the status of the raw material feeder 15. For example, the types of icon colors corresponding to the status are not particularly limited. For example, the status of the raw material feeder 15 may be displayed by the brightness of the raw material feeder icon 41a, or the status may be displayed by changing the design or shape of the raw material feeder icon 41a.

[0047] The control unit 21 monitors tap operations on the raw material feeder icon 41a, and when the raw material feeder icon 41a is tapped, it displays a feeder pop-up window 41e for controlling the operation of the raw material feeder 15 corresponding to the raw material feeder icon 41a.

[0048] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the feeder pop-up window 41e. The feeder pop-up window 41e has larger dimensions than the raw material feeder icon display unit 41. The feeder pop-up window 41e corresponds one-to-one with a raw material feeder 15 associated with a single raw material feeder icon 41a. The feeder pop-up window 41e displays the name of the raw material feeder 15 in its title, and displays the actual raw material supply amount, the output value of the raw material feeder 15 supplying the raw material, the supply amount ratio, etc., within the window. The feeder pop-up window 41e includes a stop button 41f and a start button 41g for the raw material feeder 15. When the control unit 21 detects a tap operation of the stop button 41f, it stops the raw material feeder 15. When the control unit 21 detects a tap operation of the start button 41g, it starts the raw material feeder 15. The feeder pop-up window 41e also has buttons for settings related to supply control, such as "weight-based" and "ratio," or displays "weight-based" and "ratio."

[0049] <Other icon display area> The side feeder icon display unit 42 includes a side feeder icon 42a for a side feeder 16 that supplies raw material to the extruder 100. There is a one-to-one correspondence between the side feeder icon 42a and one of the side feeders 16 that make up the extruder 100. The side feeder icon display unit 42 displays the name of the side feeder 16 in text below the side feeder icon 42a, and below that, displays a value related to the supply of raw material, such as the rotational speed (rpm) of the side feeder 16. The value displayed on the side feeder icon display unit 42 is obtained based on the measured value of the drive unit for driving the side feeder 16. The control unit 21 changes the color of the side feeder icon 42a according to the operating status of the side feeder 16. The control unit 21 monitors tap operations on the side feeder icon 42a, and when a side feeder icon 42a is tapped, it displays a side feeder pop-up window for operating the side feeder 16 corresponding to the side feeder icon 42a. The configuration of the side feeder pop-up window is the same as that of the feeder pop-up window 41e, and it has a stop button and a start button.

[0050] The main motor icon display unit 46 includes a main motor / cooling fan icon 46a that mimics the motor 13 and cooling fan that operate in association. The control unit 21 changes the color of the main motor / cooling fan icon 46a according to the operating status of the motor 13 and cooling fan. When the main motor / cooling fan icon 46a is tapped, the control unit 21 displays a pop-up window for operating the motor 13 and cooling fan that correspond to that icon in a one-to-many relationship. The pop-up window for the main motor and cooling fan includes start and stop buttons for the motor 13 and the cooling fan. Alternatively, the system may be configured to start both the motor 13 and the cooling fan with a single start button, or separate buttons may be provided for starting the motor 13 and the cooling fan individually. Similarly, the system may be configured to stop both the motor 13 and the cooling fan with a single stop button, or separate buttons may be provided for stopping the motor 13 and the cooling fan individually.

[0051] In addition, the heater icon display unit 44, the oil pump icon display unit 45, and the ancillary equipment icon display unit 47 include icons that mimic the ancillary equipment of the extruder 100, and the control unit 21 displays the color of each icon according to the operating status of each component. Also, similar to the side feeder icon 42a, when each icon is tapped, the control unit 21 displays a pop-up window for operating the corresponding component.

[0052] <Table 48: Range of Temperatures for Cylinder 10> Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the region temperature table 48 for cylinder 10. The region temperature table 48 for cylinder 10 is displayed below the schematic diagram of cylinder 10, as shown in Figure 4. The upper rows of the region temperature table 48 are divided into columns for each of the multiple regions (zones) of cylinder 10 in the longitudinal direction, and each column shows the symbols C1, C2, C3, ... indicating the corresponding zone. The notation of symbols C1, C2, C3, ... is just an example, and the notation method is not particularly limited. The row direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the cylinder. In the other rows of the region temperature table 48, for example, the indicated temperature for heating each zone, the set temperature for each zone, and the output value of heater 10a are displayed in each column for each zone.

[0053] In the range temperature list table 48, the output values ​​of the heater 10a or the cooling mechanism of cylinder 10 are displayed as percentages [%]. The output value of heater 10a is displayed as a positive value, and the output value of the cooling mechanism is displayed as a negative value. The cell showing the output value functions as an output bar graph 48a that shows the magnitude of the output value, and the control unit 21 displays the output value of heater 10a or the cooling mechanism on the output bar graph 48a. More specifically, the control unit 21 displays a rectangular color image that fills the cell according to the percentage of the output value. When the output value is 0 [%], the cell is blank, and when the output value is 100 [%], the entire cell becomes a colored cell. When the output value of heater 10a is x [%], the portion of the cell from x [%] (>0) onwards becomes colored, and (1-x) [%] remains blank. Similarly, when the output value of the cooling mechanism is y [%] (<0), the portion of the cell from |y| [%] onwards becomes colored, and (1-|y|) [%] remains blank. It is preferable to display the output value using rectangular color images of different colors depending on whether the output value is positive or negative. Also, the parts that are left out in white in the above explanation do not necessarily have to be white rectangular color images; they may be rectangular color images of a color other than white. The operator can recognize whether heating is occurring (output value > 0) or cooling is occurring (output value < 0) by the color of the rectangular color image of the output bar graph 48a. The method of displaying the output bar graph 48a using the cells described above is just one example; the output bar graph 48a may also be configured to be displayed outside the cells. The display method of the bar graph is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the type of graph representing the output values ​​is not particularly limited.

[0054] <Motor Operating Status List 40b> Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the motor operating status table 40b. The motor operating status table 40b is displayed above the motor schematic diagram, as shown in Figure 4. The motor operating status table 40b displays the values ​​of the motor 13's rotational speed, current, power, torque, or specific energy. The motor operating status table 40b also displays a motor bar graph 40e showing the magnitude of the motor 13's rotational speed, current, and torque. Note that the type of graph used to represent the various values ​​related to the motor 13 is not particularly limited. A table listing physical quantities indicating the state of other components of the extruder 100 may be displayed. A graph of these physical quantities may also be displayed.

[0055] <Other items include the supply quantity display unit 41d, etc.> The total raw material supply display unit 40c displays the total amount of raw materials supplied by each raw material feeder 15 and side feeder 16. This supply amount is obtained by the first sensor 31 and the second sensor 32. The raw material temperature and pressure display unit 40d displays the temperature and pressure of the raw material. The temperature and pressure are obtained by the fifth sensor 35.

[0056] <Control Method> Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of the control device 2. When the overview icon 4c is tapped, the control unit 21 generates an overview screen 40 as shown in Figure 4 (step S11), and displays the generated overview screen 40 on the display panel 4a of the display unit (step S12).

[0057] The control unit 21 acquires measured values ​​from the sensor 3 (step S13). The control unit 21 then displays the indicated temperature, set temperature, and heater 10a output of the cylinder 10 based on the measured values ​​in the cylinder 10 range temperature list table 48 (step S14). The control unit 21 also displays the heater 10a output as an output bar graph 48a (step S15).

[0058] The control unit 21 displays the measured value related to the raw material supply amount on the raw material feeder icon display unit 41 (step S16). In addition, the remaining amount of raw material in the raw material feeder 15 is displayed on the remaining amount bar graph 41c (step S17).

[0059] The control unit 21 displays the motor operating status table 40b with values ​​such as the rotational speed, current, power, and torque of the motor 13 (step S18). The control unit 21 also displays the rotational speed, current, and torque of the motor 13 as a motor bar graph 40e (step S19).

[0060] The control unit 21 displays the total amount of raw material supplied on the total supply amount display unit 40c (step S20). The control unit 21 also displays the temperature and pressure of the extruded resin (step S21).

[0061] The control unit 21 displays the measured values ​​related to other components of the extruder 100 and ancillary equipment of the extruder 100 on icons corresponding to those components or ancillary equipment, or immediately next to the icons (step S22).

[0062] The control unit 21 displays the values ​​related to other components of the extruder 100 and ancillary equipment of the extruder 100 in a graph on or near the icon (step S23).

[0063] The control unit 21 displays a list of values ​​indicating the operating status of other components of the extruder 100, similar to the motor operating status list 40b (step S24). The control unit 21 also displays these values ​​graphically, similar to the motor bar graph 40e (step S25).

[0064] The control unit 21 displays physical quantities relating to other components of the extruder 100 in any way (step S26).

[0065] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not any of the icons have been tapped (step S27). If it is determined that no icons have been tapped (step S27: NO), the control unit 21 returns to step S13 and continues the process of displaying various measured values, values ​​calculated based on those measured values, output values, etc., in real time.

[0066] If the control unit 21 determines that an icon has been tapped (step S27: YES), it displays a pop-up window corresponding to the tapped icon (step S28). The control unit 21 accepts the operation of the pop-up window and controls the operation of the icon corresponding to the pop-up window (step S29).

[0067] According to this embodiment, the control device 2 displays an overview screen 40 including a schematic diagram 40a of the main body of the extruder 100 and icons, thereby enabling the operator to intuitively recognize and operate the status of the various components that make up the extruder 100.

[0068] The overview screen 40 displays a horizontal schematic diagram 40a showing the external appearance of the extruder 100, and the status of each component of the extruder 100 is displayed in relation to the schematic diagram 40a, allowing the operator to intuitively recognize the status of each part of the extruder 100. In particular, in this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the display panel 4a, the longitudinal direction of the schematic diagram 40a, and the longitudinal direction of the actual extruder body 1 coincide, and the icon display section for each component is displayed in relation to the position of the schematic diagram 40a, allowing the operator to intuitively recognize the status of each part of the extruder 100 more intuitively. Furthermore, because the horizontal display panel 4a displays the horizontal schematic diagram 40a, the schematic diagram 40a can be displayed larger than on a vertical display panel.

[0069] The control device 2 can display the status of each component of the extruder 100 using icons included in the overview screen 40. Specifically, the control device 2 can display the status of the components of the extruder 100 by changing the display mode, such as the color of the icons. For example, the color of the raw material feeder icon 41a can indicate the status of the raw material feeder 15, such as operation, stop, communication error, or not in use. Furthermore, various icon display units can display the name of the corresponding component, characters, symbols, and bar graphs indicating the status of that component. For example, the raw material feeder icon display unit 41 can display the name of the raw material feeder 15, the remaining amount of raw material, the supply amount, etc. The raw material feeder icon display unit 41 can also display the remaining amount of raw material using a remaining amount bar graph 41c.

[0070] When the raw material feeder icon 41a is tapped, the control device 2 displays a feeder pop-up window 41e for operating the raw material feeder 15 and is configured to receive the operation command. As a result, the control device 2 can use the overview screen 40 to display the status of each component of the extruder 100 and accept the operation command for the raw material feeder 15. The same applies to the other icons and produces the same effect.

[0071] Furthermore, the main motor / cooling fan icon 46a can display the status of the motor 13 and cooling fan that operate in association, and can display a pop-up window for operating the motor 13 and cooling fan. The operator can recognize the components that operate in association, such as the motor 13 and cooling fan, and operate each component.

[0072] The control device 2 can display a region temperature table 48 showing the set temperature, indicated temperature, and heater output for each zone of the cylinder 10. In addition to the numerical values, the heater output can also be displayed as a bar graph. The operator can grasp the temperature control status of the cylinder 10 at a glance from the region temperature table 48 displayed on the overview screen 40. Since the region temperature table 48 is displayed near the schematic diagram of the cylinder, the operator can intuitively recognize that it represents the temperature state of the cylinder 10. Because the parallel direction of the values ​​or cells indicating the state of each zone in the region temperature table 48 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the schematic diagram of the cylinder, the operator can grasp the temperature control status of each part of the cylinder 10 in relation to the schematic diagram of the cylinder.

[0073] The control device 2 can display a motor operating status table 40b showing the values ​​of the motor 13's rotational speed, current, power, torque, or specific energy. In addition to the numerical values, the motor 13's rotational speed, current, and torque can also be displayed using a motor bar graph 40e. The operator can grasp the operating status of the motor 13 at a glance from the motor operating status table 40b displayed on the overview screen 40. Since the motor operating status table 40b is displayed near the motor schematic diagram, the operator can intuitively recognize that the motor operating status table 40b represents the operating status of the motor 13.

[0074] Because the control device 2 is equipped with hardware keys 5, it can be operated more easily than with software keys. Furthermore, by using hardware keys 5 for the numeric keypad used to control the operating status of each part of the extruder 100, the overview screen 40 can be displayed on a larger screen. The operator can more easily grasp the status of the extruder 100 from the overview screen 40, which is displayed across the entire display panel 4a. Since the hardware key 5 is located on the lower right side in the longitudinal direction of the display panel 4a, the operability of the control device 2 by a right-handed operator can be improved. The hardware key 5 can also be located on the lower left side in the longitudinal direction of the display panel 4a, in which case the operability of the control device 2 by a left-handed operator can be improved.

[0075] The control device 2 is equipped with a hardware emergency stop button 6, ensuring ease of operation for emergency stops. The hardware emergency stop button 6 is located below the display panel 4a, in the center of the display panel 4a in the longitudinal direction, so that operators can easily operate the hardware emergency stop button 6 regardless of their dominant hand, and emergency stop the extruder 100. Furthermore, the location of the hardware emergency stop button 6 is not limited to the central area mentioned above.

[0076] The means for resolving the issues discussed in this disclosure are described below. (Note 1) A control device for an extruder, It is equipped with a touch panel display with a horizontally oriented display section, The touch panel display is The system includes a horizontal schematic diagram showing the external appearance of the extruder, and displays a status display screen in association with the schematic diagram, showing the status of the extruder or its auxiliary equipment. Control device. (Note 2) The longitudinal direction of the touch panel display and the longitudinal direction of the schematic diagram are approximately the same. The control device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The longitudinal direction of the extruder, the longitudinal direction of the touch panel display, and the longitudinal direction of the schematic diagram are substantially the same. The control device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Note 4) The system includes hardware keys for operating the aforementioned components. A control device as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 3. (Note 5) The hardware key is located below the display unit, on one side in the longitudinal direction. A control device as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 4. (Note 6) Equipped with a hardware emergency stop button. A control device as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 5. (Note 7) The hardware emergency stop button is located below the display unit. A control device as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 6. (Note 8) The aforementioned status display screen is, The system includes multiple icons for displaying the status of each of the multiple components that make up the extruder and for operating the operation of the components. The aforementioned touch panel display is When the aforementioned icon is operated, a pop-up window will be displayed for controlling the operation of the component corresponding to that icon. A control device as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 7. (Note 9) The aforementioned status display screen is, The system includes multiple icons for displaying the status of each of the multiple components that make up the extruder and for operating the operation of the components. The aforementioned multiple icons are, Includes icons for a feeder that supplies raw materials to the extruder, an icon corresponding to a motor that constitutes the extruder, an icon corresponding to a heater that heats the cylinders that constitute the extruder, or an icon corresponding to ancillary equipment of the extruder. A control device as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 8. (Note 10) The control device is provided as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 9. Extruder. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1: Extruder body 2: Control device 2A: Recording medium 3: Sensor 4: Touch panel display 4a: Display panel 4b: Touch sensor 5: Hardware Key 6: Hardware emergency stop button 7: Warning buzzer 10: Cylinder 10a: Heater 11: Screw 12: Dice 13: Motor 14:Reducer 15: Raw material feeder 16: Side feeder 21: Control Unit 22: Storage section 23: Control signal output section 24: Sensor signal input section 31: First sensor 32: Second sensor 33: Third sensor 34: Fourth sensor 35: Fifth sensor 40: Overview screen 40a: Schematic diagram of the main body 40b: Motor Operating Status List 40c: Total supply display section 40d: Raw material temperature and pressure display section 40e: Motor bar graph 41: Raw material feeder icon display section 41a: Raw material feeder icon 41b: Battery level indicator 41c: Remaining charge bar graph 41d: Supply amount display section 41e: Feeder pop-up window 41f: Stop button 41g: Power button 42: Side feeder icon display section 42a: Side feeder icon 43: Liquid-added feeder icon display section 44: Heater icon display section 45: Lubrication pump icon display section 46: Main motor, etc. icon display section 46a: Main motor / cooling fan icon 47: Ancillary equipment icon display section 48: List of Temperature Ranges 48a: Output bar graph 100: Extruder P: Control program

Claims

1. A control device for an extruder, A touch panel display that shows a schematic diagram of an extruder and a status display screen that includes a plurality of icons for operating the operation of a plurality of components that make up the extruder, and displays the status of each of the plurality of components that make up the extruder. A control unit controls the operation of the component in response to the operation on the touch panel display. Equipped with, The aforementioned multiple icons are, It includes icons corresponding to a single component and icons corresponding to multiple components that operate in relation to each other. The aforementioned touch panel display is When the icon corresponding to one component is operated, a pop-up window is displayed for operating the component that corresponds one-to-one with that icon. When the icon corresponding to multiple related components is operated, a pop-up window is displayed to operate the multiple components that have a one-to-many correspondence to that icon. Control device.

2. A control device for an extruder, A touch panel display that shows a schematic diagram of an extruder and a status display screen that includes a plurality of icons for operating the operation of a plurality of components that make up the extruder, and displays the status of each of the plurality of components that make up the extruder. A control unit controls the operation of the component in response to the operation on the touch panel display. Equipped with, The aforementioned multiple icons are, Includes an icon corresponding to a feeder that supplies raw materials to the extruder, The aforementioned touch panel display is Along with the icon for the feeder, the name of the feeder, the value related to the supply of raw materials, and a graph showing the value related to the supply of raw materials are displayed. Control device.

3. A control device for an extruder, A touch panel display that shows a schematic diagram of an extruder and a status display screen that includes a plurality of icons for operating the operation of a plurality of components that make up the extruder, and displays the status of each of the plurality of components that make up the extruder. A control unit controls the operation of the component in response to the operation on the touch panel display. Equipped with, The aforementioned touch panel display is For each of the multiple regions in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder constituting the extruder, a region temperature table is displayed showing the temperature values ​​for each region. A graph showing the magnitude of the value is displayed in the cell that displays the value in the temperature table for that region. Control device.

4. A control device for an extruder, A touch panel display that shows a schematic diagram of an extruder and a status display screen that includes a plurality of icons for operating the operation of a plurality of components that make up the extruder, and displays the status of each of the plurality of components that make up the extruder. A control unit controls the operation of the component in response to the operation on the touch panel display. Equipped with, The aforementioned touch panel display is A motor operating status table showing the values ​​of rotational speed, current, power, or torque of the motor constituting the extruder is displayed. A graph showing the magnitude of the value is displayed in the cell that displays the value in the motor operating status list table. Control device.

5. The aforementioned touch panel display is Along with the aforementioned icon, the name of the component corresponding to the icon and the characters, symbols, or graphs indicating the status of the component are displayed. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned touch panel display is The display mode of the icon corresponding to the component of the extruder is changed according to the operating status of the component of the extruder. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The control device is provided according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Extruder.

8. A control device for an extruder equipped with a touch panel display, the touch panel display shows a status display screen which includes a schematic diagram of the extruder and a plurality of icons for operating the operation of a plurality of components that constitute the extruder, The operation of the component is controlled in response to the operation on the touch panel display. A control method, The aforementioned multiple icons are, It includes icons corresponding to a single component and icons corresponding to multiple components that operate in relation to each other. The control device is When the icon corresponding to one component is operated, a pop-up window for operating the component corresponding one-to-one with that icon is displayed on the touch panel display. When the icon corresponding to multiple related components is operated, the touch panel display shows a pop-up window for operating the multiple components that correspond one-to-many with the icon. Control method.

9. The control device for the extruder includes a touch panel display that displays a status screen indicating the status of the extruder, which includes a schematic diagram of the extruder and a plurality of icons for monitoring the status of each of the multiple components that make up the extruder as shown in the schematic diagram, or for operating the operation of the components. The operation of the component is controlled in response to the operation on the touch panel display. A control program that causes the control device to execute the process, The aforementioned multiple icons are, It includes icons corresponding to a single component and icons corresponding to multiple components that operate in relation to each other. When the icon corresponding to one component is operated, a pop-up window for operating the component corresponding one-to-one with that icon is displayed on the touch panel display. When the icon corresponding to multiple related components is operated, the touch panel display shows a pop-up window for operating the multiple components that correspond one-to-many with the icon. A control program that causes the control device to execute the process.

10. A touch panel display of a control device for an extruder includes a schematic diagram of the extruder and a plurality of icons for monitoring the status of each of the plurality of components constituting the extruder represented in the schematic diagram, or for operating the operation of the respective components, and displays a status display screen indicating the status of the extruder. The operation of the component is controlled in response to the operation on the touch panel display. A control program that causes the control device to execute the process, The aforementioned multiple icons are, Includes an icon corresponding to a feeder that supplies raw materials to the extruder, Along with the icon for the feeder, the name of the feeder, the value related to the supply of raw materials, and a graph showing the value related to the supply of raw materials are displayed on the touch panel display. A control program that causes the control device to execute the process.

11. A touch panel display of a control device for an extruder includes a schematic diagram of the extruder and a plurality of icons for monitoring the status of each of the plurality of components constituting the extruder represented in the schematic diagram, or for operating the operation of the respective components, and displays a status display screen indicating the status of the extruder. The operation of the component is controlled in response to the operation on the touch panel display. A control program that causes the control device to execute the process, For each of the multiple regions in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder constituting the extruder, a region temperature table showing the temperature values ​​for each region is displayed on the touch panel display. A graph showing the magnitude of the value is displayed in the cell that displays the value in the temperature table for that region. A control program that causes the control device to execute the process.

12. A touch panel display of a control device for an extruder includes a schematic diagram of the extruder and a plurality of icons for monitoring the status of each of the plurality of components constituting the extruder represented in the schematic diagram, or for operating the operation of the respective components, and displays a status display screen indicating the status of the extruder. The operation of the component is controlled in response to the operation on the touch panel display. A control program that causes the control device to execute the process, A motor operating status table showing the rotational speed, current, power, or torque values ​​of the motors constituting the extruder is displayed on the touch panel display. A graph showing the magnitude of the value is displayed in the cell that displays the value in the motor operating status list table. A control program that causes the control device to execute the process.

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