Injection molding machine

Abstract

The present invention relates to an injection molding machine. The injection molding machine according to the present invention compares first molding conditions stored in the injection molding machine with second molding conditions provided by ancillary equipment, and if the first and second molding conditions differ, synchronizes the first molding conditions with the second molding conditions or notifies the user that the first and second molding conditions differ. This prevents confusion in the operation and data management of the ancillary equipment.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an injection molding machine, and more particularly to a technique for data management based on molding conditions.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] An injection molding machine is equipment for producing a molded article by injecting a molten raw material into a cavity.

[0003] The injection molding machine includes a mold for forming the cavity.

[0004] Injection molding machines include general types that fill a cavity with molten raw material to obtain a molded article, and blow molding type machines that inject air to obtain molded articles of special shapes such as cylindrical shapes.

[0005] Injection molding machines are generally used together with a variety of auxiliary equipment.

[0006] For example, the auxiliary equipment may be a temperature control device for matching the temperature conditions of the mold of the injection molding machine. The temperature control devices can be classified into those that control the mold temperature using electric heaters (particularly when a hot runner is applied) and those that control the mold temperature using cooling water.

[0007] For example, the auxiliary equipment may be a material supply device that supplies raw materials according to supply conditions.

[0008] For example, the auxiliary equipment may be a take-out robot device for taking out produced molded articles according to take-out conditions.

[0009] In addition, various auxiliary equipment can be added depending on the type of molded article.

[0010] The setting conditions that are set on the auxiliary equipment, such as the temperature conditions, supply conditions, and draw conditions, can be commonly referred to as molding conditions for forming a suitable molded product.

[0011] In general injection molding, the success or failure of producing a good molded product is highly sensitive to the set molding conditions. Therefore, the molding conditions must have optimal values ​​for producing a suitable molded product.

[0012] Molding conditions are determined by reflecting basic data for the production of molded products, data applied in previous productions, specific issues arising from the use of injection molding machines, the current working environment of the factory, and the manager's experience.

[0013] On the other hand, as shown in the reference diagram in Figure 1, in recent years, injection molding machines have come to communicate with their respective auxiliary equipment via a network. Therefore, the injection molding machine is equipped with a central setting device, and the auxiliary equipment is equipped with a unit setting device.

[0014] The overall setting device and the unit setting device communicate with each other via a network and can be used by an administrator to input molding conditions or to display molding conditions.

[0015] The administrator can input molding conditions for each ancillary piece of equipment using the overall setting device, or input molding conditions for individual ancillary pieces of equipment using the unit setting device.

[0016] Referring to Figure 2, an example of setting the temperature value, which is one of the molding conditions, using the overall setting device will be explained.

[0017] The screen provided by the central setting device includes a current window PW, an input window IW, a setting window SW, and a setting button SB.

[0018] The current window PW displays the current temperature value measured by the accompanying equipment. Here, the current temperature value could be, for example, the current temperature value of a hot runner mounted on a mold.

[0019] The input window IW displays the first temperature value, which is the first molding condition entered by the administrator via the overall setting device of the injection molding machine.

[0020] The setting window SW displays the second temperature value, which is the second molding condition set in the unit setting device of the auxiliary equipment. Here, the second temperature value may be a value transmitted from the general setting device to the unit setting device, or a value that has been individually input and set by the administrator in the unit setting device and then received by the general setting device. The auxiliary equipment then operates to comply with the temperature condition determined by the second temperature value of the setting window SW. For example, the auxiliary equipment operates so that the hot runner has the second temperature value of the setting window SW. In a normal and favorable state, the second temperature value is the same as the first temperature value.

[0021] The setting button SB is used to input an administrator's command to set the second temperature value of the auxiliary equipment using the first temperature value in the input window IW.

[0022] As shown in the reference diagram in Figure 2, there are three paths for the administrator to set the temperature values ​​of the auxiliary equipment.

[0023] One of these routes involves inputting the first temperature value using the central setting device. The administrator enters the first temperature value (86.0) into the input window IW, and then operates the setting button SB. The first temperature value (86.0) is then transmitted to the unit setting device via the network N / W, and the unit setting device sets the second temperature value to be the same as the first temperature value (86.0).

[0024] One of the paths is a path for acquiring a first temperature value (86.0) using a general setting device. When an administrator acquires the first temperature value (86.0) stored in the general setting device, the general setting device displays the acquired first temperature value (86.0) in the input window IW. At the same time, the general setting device transmits the first temperature value (86.0) to a unit setting device, and the unit setting device sets a second temperature value to be the same as the first temperature value (86.0). Then, the set second temperature value (86.0) is transmitted from the unit setting device to the general setting device, and the general setting device displays the second temperature value (86.0) received from the unit setting device in the setting window SW.

[0025] One of the paths is a path for inputting a temperature value using the unit setting device. The administrator can input and set the second temperature value using the unit setting device.

[0026] For reference, the second temperature value input by the unit setting device is transmitted to the general setting device via a network, and the general setting device displays the second temperature value (86.0) received from the unit setting device in the setting window PW. Here, the display value of the input window IW and the display value of the setting window PW may differ. In that case, the administrator corrects the first temperature value in the input window IW to be the same as the second temperature value (86.0) in the setting window PW as necessary.

[0027] However, such a conventional method for setting molding conditions has the following inconveniences.

[0028] First, the first molding condition in the input window IW and the second molding condition in the setting window SW may be different from each other.

[0029] For example, when the administrator inputs and sets the second molding condition via the unit setting device, the first molding condition and the second molding condition may be different as described above. Then, when the administrator is replaced, it may be confused which one of the first molding condition and the second molding condition is appropriate.

[0030] Secondly, when an administrator newly inputs a second molding condition via a unit setting device, the first molding condition displayed in the input window IW on the integrated setting device must be changed to be identical to the second molding condition to prevent confusion.

[0031] For example, in a state where the first molding condition is displayed as 50 degrees in the input window IW and the second molding condition is displayed as 50 degrees in the setting window SW, the administrator can set the second molding condition to 40 degrees via the unit setting device. Then, the unit setting device transmits the second molding condition to the integrated setting device, and the integrated setting device modifies the second molding condition in the setting window SW to 40 degrees. As a result, the first molding condition (50 degrees) in the input window IW and the second molding condition (40 degrees) in the setting window SW become different. Therefore, to prevent confusion, the administrator needs to modify the first molding condition in the input window IW to 40 degrees, which is the same as the second molding condition in the setting window SW. However, if there are many auxiliary devices, the number of input windows IW and setting windows SW will increase. Accordingly, it may not be easy to check the display values that require modification while comparing the display values shown in the input windows IW and the setting windows SW.

[0032] Furthermore, in the case of a large-scale mold, it may have temperature setting zones (Zone) ranging from as few as a dozen to more than a hundred. Accordingly, as in the screen S illustrated in Figure 3, each temperature adjustment zone is provided with an input window IW and a setting window SW. Therefore, the operation of inputting and correcting the first molding condition to be identical to the second molding condition while checking the numerical values of the displayed values can be a very tiring task. In addition, the correction operation may sometimes be overlooked and omitted.

[0033] Third, an error may occur in saving the molding conditions.

[0034] As described above, when a molded product is changed, the molding conditions also need to be changed along with the replacement of raw materials, molds, and the like. However, the process of searching for and inputting the molding conditions is a very cumbersome process. To omit such a process, the integrated setting device is implemented to store the molding conditions for the produced molded products.

[0035] However, if the second molding conditions displayed in the setting window IW and the second molding conditions displayed in the input window IW are different, confusion may occur in saving the data. To prevent this, the overall setting device is designed to save the first molding conditions displayed in the input window IW. However, since the second molding conditions in the setting window SW may be values ​​that are appropriately reflected in the operation process of the ancillary equipment, there is a high probability that the second molding conditions are the appropriate molding conditions corresponding to the actual situation on site. Therefore, the administrator needs to correct the first molding conditions displayed in the input window IW to be the same as the second molding conditions and then save the molding conditions. And, as mentioned above, this kind of work can be very cumbersome.

[0036] Furthermore, when there are a very large number of molding conditions, corrections to the data in the input window IW may be overlooked. This can result in incorrect molding conditions being saved. Consequently, errors may occur later where molded products are produced based on incorrect molding data. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0037] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2567133 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0038] This invention was conceived out of a need for a technique that can control molding conditions to minimize disruption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0039] An injection molding machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a forming device that forms a cavity with a mold so that a molded product can be produced in the cavity, or opens the cavity so that the produced molded product can be extracted; an injection device that injects molten resin into the cavity formed by the forming device; and a general setting device that can set molding conditions for at least one piece of auxiliary equipment attached to the forming device and the injection device to create a molding environment necessary for the production of a molded product, wherein the general setting device includes communication means that can communicate with the unit setting device for exchanging molding conditions with the unit setting device of the auxiliary equipment, and the auxiliary equipment The system includes a storage means capable of saving molding conditions for the auxiliary equipment, an output means capable of outputting molding conditions for the auxiliary equipment, an input means for inputting molding conditions for the auxiliary equipment or for inputting commands requested by an administrator, and a control means for controlling the communication means, the storage means and the output means in accordance with the operation of the input means, wherein the control means includes a comparison portion that compares a first molding condition for controlling the auxiliary equipment in the overall setting device with a second molding condition received from the unit setting device via the communication means, and a synchronization portion that modifies the first molding condition so that the value of the first molding condition is the same as the value of the second molding condition (hereinafter referred to as "synchronization").

[0040] When a synchronization command is input by operating the input means, the control means controls the synchronization unit to activate and perform synchronization.

[0041] When a save command is input by operating the input means, the control means activates the synchronization part to perform synchronization, and then controls the storage means to save the synchronized first molding conditions.

[0042] The control means further includes a notification unit that, upon confirming that the first molding condition and the second molding condition are different by the comparison unit, notifies the system via the output unit that the first molding condition and the second molding condition are different.

[0043] The notification section outputs the first molding conditions and the second molding conditions on the screen of the output means so that they can be distinguished from each other by the difference in color.

[0044] Of the molding conditions output by the output means, the first molding condition is one of the following: data acquired from the storage means, data entered by the administrator via the input means, and data synchronized by the synchronization unit.

[0045] The screen output via the output means includes an input window that displays the first molding conditions entered by the administrator via the overall setting device, and a setting window that displays the second molding conditions set in the auxiliary unit setting device. When the administrator operates the input means to retrieve molding conditions stored in the storage means, the molding conditions retrieved from the storage means are automatically displayed in the input window and the setting window.

[0046] An injection molding machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a forming device that forms a cavity C in the shape of a product, allowing the molten resin injected into the cavity to solidify and produce an injection-molded product, or opening the cavity so that the produced molded product can be withdrawn; an injection device that injects molten resin into the cavity formed by the forming device; and a general setting device that is attached to the forming device and the injection device and can set molding conditions for at least one piece of auxiliary equipment that creates an injection environment necessary for the production of a molded product, wherein the general setting device includes communication means that can communicate with the unit setting device of the auxiliary equipment in order to exchange molding conditions. The device includes a storage means capable of storing molding conditions for the ancillary equipment, an output means capable of outputting molding conditions for the ancillary equipment, an input means for inputting molding conditions for the ancillary equipment or for inputting commands requested by an administrator, and a control means for controlling the communication means, the storage means and the output means in accordance with the operation of the input means, wherein the control means includes a comparison portion for comparing a second molding condition received from the unit setting device via the communication means with a pre-provided first molding condition, and a notification portion for notifying via the output means that the first molding condition and the second molding condition are different when the comparison portion confirms that the second molding condition and the first molding condition are different.

[0047] The notification portion outputs the first molding conditions and the second molding conditions on the screen of the output means in a way that allows them to be visually distinguished. [Effects of the Invention]

[0048] According to the present invention, the following effects are obtained.

[0049] Firstly, it is extremely easy to match the molding conditions of the overall setting device with those of the unit setting device.

[0050] Secondly, errors that occur during the saving process of molding conditions, such as incorrect data being saved, will no longer be encountered.

[0051] Thirdly, there is virtually no possibility of confusion occurring when setting and synchronizing molding conditions.

[0052] Therefore, ultimately, the reliability of the injection molding machine is improved because the control and setting of molding conditions can be made convenient and precise. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0053] [Figure 1] This is a reference diagram illustrating the connection between the injection molding machine and its auxiliary equipment. [Figure 2] This is a reference diagram illustrating the input of molding conditions using the overall setting device of an injection molding machine. [Figure 3] This is a reference diagram illustrating the input of molding conditions using the overall setting device of an injection molding machine. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of an injection molding machine according to one example of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a reference diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the injection molding machine and its auxiliary equipment. [Figure 6] This is a configuration diagram of the overall setting device according to the first embodiment applied to the injection molding machine shown in Figure 4. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a screen output by the output means applied to the overall setting device in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control means applied to the overall setting device shown in Figure 6. [Figure 9] This is a reference diagram illustrating the characteristic operation of the overall setting device according to the first embodiment applied to the injection molding machine shown in Figure 4. [Figure 10] This is a reference diagram illustrating a general setting device according to a second embodiment applied to the injection molding machine shown in Figure 4. [Figure 11] This is a reference diagram illustrating a general setting device according to a fourth embodiment applied to the injection molding machine shown in Figure 4. [Figure 12] This is a reference diagram illustrating a general setting device according to a fourth embodiment applied to the injection molding machine shown in Figure 4. [Figure 13]This is a reference diagram illustrating a general setting device according to a fourth embodiment applied to the injection molding machine shown in Figure 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but for the sake of brevity, well-known or repeated configurations will be omitted or simplified as much as possible.

[0055] <Description of the first embodiment> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an injection molding machine 100 according to one example of the present invention.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, the injection molding machine 100 according to the present invention is installed to communicate with a number of auxiliary equipment (auxiliary equipment 1, auxiliary equipment 2) via a network N / W.

[0057] The auxiliary equipment is attached to the shaping device 110 and injection device 120 that make up the injection molding machine, and creates the molding environment necessary for the production of molded products. However, for the sake of explanation, the two auxiliary devices shown in Figure 5 are both assumed to be temperature control devices for adjusting the temperature of the mold. In other words, in this embodiment, the temperature value is assumed to be the molding condition for explanation.

[0058] Furthermore, although Figure 5 directly shows only two auxiliary devices, more auxiliary devices can be provided to communicate with the injection molding machine 100. However, it is sufficient for the injection molding machine 100 according to the present invention to be connected to at least one auxiliary device.

[0059] The injection molding machine 100 is equipped with a general setting device 130, and the auxiliary equipment is equipped with a unit setting device.

[0060] The overall setting device 130 is for comprehensively setting and managing the molding conditions for all ancillary equipment, while the unit setting devices are for setting and managing the molding conditions for individual ancillary equipment. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0061] The injection molding machine 100 in Figure 4 includes a shaping device 110, an injection device 120, and a general setting device 130.

[0062] The molding device 110 can form a molding space using a mold or open the cavity C. In this example, the cavity C has the same shape as the molded product.

[0063] Once the molding apparatus 110 forms the cavity C, molten resin is injected into the cavity C, and the molded product can be produced while the resin solidifies within the cavity C.

[0064] When the molding device 110 opens the cavity C, the produced molded product can be pulled out.

[0065] The injection device 120 injects molten resin into the cavity C once the molding device 110 has formed the cavity C. For this purpose, the injection device 120 is configured to contain particulate raw materials, then melt the contained particulate raw materials and inject them into the cavity C.

[0066] The overall setting device 130 is provided for setting molding conditions for ancillary equipment attached to the injection molding machine 100.

[0067] The overall setting device 130 may be configured to set molding conditions for the injection molding machine 100 itself. For example, the overall setting device 130 may be configured to set the mold opening / closing time of the molding device 110, the strength and duration of the holding pressure, and the operating time of the injection device 110. Thus, the overall setting device 130 may be implemented as a component of a control system that controls the overall operation of the injection molding machine 100.

[0068] The present invention is characterized by a comprehensive setting device 130. Therefore, the comprehensive setting device 130 will be described in more detail below.

[0069] As shown in Figure 6, the overall setting device 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a communication means 131, a storage means 132, an output means 133, an input means 134, and a control means 135.

[0070] Communication means 131 is provided for communicating with an auxiliary unit setting device. That is, the overall setting means 130 can communicate with the unit setting device via the communication means 131 to exchange molding conditions. For example, a first temperature value, which is a first molding condition input to the overall setting device 130, can be transmitted to the unit setting device via the communication means 131. Then, a second temperature value, which is a second molding condition input and set in the unit setting device, can be received by the overall setting device 130 via the communication means 131.

[0071] The storage means 132 is provided for storing the molding conditions for the ancillary equipment.

[0072] The storage means 132 stores molding conditions separately for each type of mold applicable to the injection molding machine 100, because the molding conditions may differ for each type of mold.

[0073] The output means 133 can output molding conditions for ancillary equipment. In this embodiment, the output means 133 is designed to output a screen S that allows various related information to be visually recognized, as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0074] The input means 134 is provided for inputting molding conditions for ancillary equipment.

[0075] Furthermore, the input means 134 is provided for inputting commands as needed by the administrator. Here, commands as needed by the administrator may include commands such as setting molding conditions for ancillary equipment, saving molding conditions, and performing synchronization.

[0076] In a preferred example of the present invention, the output means 133 and the input means 134 are embodied by a single touchscreen. Thus, molding conditions and administrator commands can be entered on the screen S output by the output means 133. Of course, there are many other possibilities in which the output means 133 and the input means 134 are provided as separate objects.

[0077] For reference, screen S in Figure 7 is an example and shows the case where two auxiliary equipment is applied.

[0078] Referring to Figure 7, the screen S output via the output means 133 has a setting area SS and a mold area MS.

[0079] The setting area SS is provided for displaying molding conditions for ancillary equipment or for inputting and setting molding conditions. For this purpose, the setting area SS is provided with a current window 133a, an input window 133b, a setting window 133c, a setting button 133d, and a production information window 133f. Here, the current window 133a, the input window 133b, and the setting window 133c must be provided separately for each ancillary piece of equipment.

[0080] Currently, window 133a displays the current temperature value measured by the attached equipment. Here, the current temperature value may be, for example, the current temperature value at a specific point on the mold or the current temperature value of the hot runner installed on the mold.

[0081] The input window 133b displays the first temperature value, which is the first molding condition entered by the administrator via the overall setting device 130.

[0082] Furthermore, the input window 133b can be implemented to have an input function. For example, when an administrator touches the input window 133b with their finger (or a sensing tool, hereinafter referred to as a finger), a scroll bar-shaped input display is generated, allowing the administrator to input a first temperature value. In this way, when an administrator directly inputs the first molding conditions into the input window 133b, the first molding conditions displayed in the input window 133b are naturally the data entered by the administrator via the input means 134.

[0083] The setting window 133c displays the second temperature value, which is the second molding condition set in the auxiliary unit setting device. Here, the second temperature value may be the first temperature value transmitted from the overall setting device 130 to the unit setting device. Alternatively, the second temperature value may be a value individually entered by the administrator in the unit setting device, or a value received by the overall setting device 130 from the unit setting device.

[0084] In other words, the setting window 133c displays the second temperature value currently set in the unit setting device. Of course, the auxiliary equipment operates according to the second temperature value in the setting window 133c.

[0085] The setting button 133d is provided for setting a second temperature value for the ancillary equipment. That is, the administrator can input a command to set a second temperature value for the ancillary equipment via the setting button 133d. For example, when a user touches the setting button 133d with their finger, the overall setting device 130 transmits the first temperature value from the input window 131b to the unit setting device. The unit setting device then modifies the second temperature value so that it is the same as the first temperature value. Thus, the ancillary equipment operates according to the second temperature value, which has been modified and set to be the same as the first temperature value.

[0086] The production information window 133f displays information about the mold currently applied to the injection molding machine 100. Therefore, the administrator can use the production information window 133f to check the mold currently applied to the injection molding machine 100 and roughly confirm whether the information in the setting area SS matches that mold.

[0087] The mold area (MS) is provided for displaying molds and managing mold-specific molding conditions.

[0088] The mold area MS is equipped with a list window 133g, an import button 133h, and a save button 133i, among other things.

[0089] List window 133g displays a list of molds for which molding condition data has been saved to date.

[0090] The capture button 133h is used to capture the temperature value of a specific mold from the list window 133g and display it in the setting area SS.

[0091] For example, the administrator can touch a specific mold with their finger in the list window 133g, and then touch the capture button 133h with their finger. That is, the administrator can operate the input means 134 to input a command to capture the molding conditions for a specific mold stored in the storage means 132. The overall setting device 130 then captures the temperature value, which is the molding condition for the specific mold stored by the storage means 132, as the first temperature value and displays it in the input window 133b. In other words, the first molding condition displayed in the input window 133b may be data captured from the storage means 132. Of course, the newly captured mold is also displayed in the production information window 133f.

[0092] Furthermore, the overall setting device 130 transmits the temperature value of a specific mold, acquired from the storage means 132, to the unit setting device. Thus, the unit setting device sets the temperature value of the specific mold to a second temperature value, and the auxiliary equipment operates in accordance with the set second temperature value.

[0093] Of course, the take-in button 133h can be used appropriately when the injection molding machine 100 is restarted or the mold is replaced after a period of inactivity.

[0094] The save button 133i is used to save the molding conditions for the current ancillary equipment.

[0095] The save button 133i can be used to save the molding conditions, which are the factors that provide the current molding environment, in conjunction with the mold, when the administrator determines that the current molding environment is in the optimal state to obtain the highest quality molded product.

[0096] For example, the administrator can input a save command by touching the save button 133i with their finger. That is, the administrator can input a command to save the molding conditions by operating the input means 134. Then, the overall setting device 130 will associate and save the same value as the second temperature value currently set in the auxiliary equipment to the currently applied mold. This process will be explained in more detail.

[0097] According to the first embodiment, the temperature value saved by the storage means 132 is the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b. However, after the on-site manager corrects and sets the second temperature value using the unit setting device, they may not correct the first temperature value using the overall setting device. In this case, the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b may differ from the second temperature value set in the ancillary equipment, which is the optimal temperature value. Since the second temperature value set in the ancillary equipment is displayed in the setting window 133c, the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b and the second temperature value displayed in the setting window 133c may end up being different. In this case, the overall setting device 130 first corrects the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b to be the same as the second temperature value displayed in the setting window 133c, and then saves the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b after being corrected to be the same as the second temperature value.

[0098] Meanwhile, the control means 135 controls the communication means 131, the storage means 132, and the output means 133 by operating the input means 134.

[0099] According to the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the control means 135 has a comparison portion 135a and a synchronization portion 135b.

[0100] The comparison section 135a compares and confirms whether the first temperature value, which is the first molding condition, and the second temperature value, which is the second molding condition, are the same or different. Here, the first temperature value is the value displayed in the input window 133b, and the second temperature value is the value displayed in the setting window 133c after being received from the unit setting device.

[0101] The synchronization unit 135b synchronizes the first molding condition, which is the first temperature value, with the second molding condition, which is the second temperature value. In other words, the synchronization unit 135b changes the first molding condition (hereinafter referred to as "synchronization") so that the value of the first molding condition is the same as the value of the second molding condition.

[0102] According to the first embodiment, the synchronization unit 135b operates when the administrator touches the save button 133i with their finger to save the molding conditions. That is, the synchronization unit 135b operates when the administrator operates the input means 134 to input a command to save the molding conditions.

[0103] Next, the characteristic operation of the injection molding machine 100 according to the present invention will be described based on an example of the use of such an injection molding machine 100.

[0104] With the molding conditions set and the injection molding machine 100 operating along with its auxiliary equipment, the administrator can modify and set the second temperature value using the unit setting device, taking into account the specific conditions of the injection molding machine 100 and its auxiliary equipment, as well as various surrounding environmental factors. Here, the set second temperature value may be different from the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b of the overall setting device 130. The unit setting device then transmits the modified second temperature value to the overall setting device 130. Consequently, the control means 135 modifies the second temperature value in the setting window 133c to the second temperature value received by the unit setting device.

[0105] Therefore, as shown in Figure 9, the second temperature value (40.0) displayed in the setting window 133c assigned to the auxiliary equipment 2 and the first temperature value (50.0) displayed in the input window 133b will be different.

[0106] Subsequently, the administrator can operate the save button 133i with their finger to save the current molding conditions. Thus, the control means 135 activates the comparison unit 135a to compare the first temperature value (50.0) displayed in the input window 133b with the second temperature value (40.0) displayed in the setting window 133c. Through this comparison, the control means 135 will find that the first temperature value (50.0) and the second temperature value (40.0) are different. In this case, the control means 135 activates the synchronization means 135b to synchronize the first temperature value and the second temperature value. Of course, synchronization corrects the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b to be the same as the second temperature value displayed in the setting window 133c. Therefore, after synchronization, the first temperature value (40.0) displayed in the input window 133b and the second temperature value (40.0) displayed in the setting window 133c will be the same. In other words, after synchronization by the synchronization unit 135b, the first molding condition displayed in the input window 133b is synchronized data having a value that matches the second molding condition.

[0107] Once synchronization is complete, the control means 135 controls the storage means 132 to concatenate and save the mold information displayed in the production information window 133f and the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b. The data thus saved can be reused later by importing it.

[0108] <Second Example> According to the second embodiment, the administrator can input a command to perform synchronization by operating the input means 134. For example, the second embodiment can be embodied in a form in which a synchronization button 133e is displayed on the screen S output by the output means 133, as shown in Figure 10.

[0109] The synchronization button 133e is provided to synchronize the first temperature value, which is the first molding condition displayed in the input window 133b, with the second temperature value, which is the second molding condition displayed in the setting window 133c, according to the administrator's command. Of course, the synchronization of the first and second temperature values ​​is achieved by synchronization, which modifies the first temperature value to be the same as the second temperature value.

[0110] For example, an administrator can input a synchronization command by operating the synchronization button 133e with their finger. The control unit 135 then first activates the comparison unit 135a to compare the first temperature value displayed in the input window 133b with the second temperature value displayed in the setting window 133c to confirm whether they are the same. If the first and second temperature values ​​are not the same, the control unit 135 activates the synchronization unit 135b to perform synchronization, and then controls the output unit 133 to correct the first temperature value in the input window 133b to match the second temperature value in the setting window 133c and display it. In other words, instead of going through a separate, cumbersome input process to correct the first temperature value, the administrator can easily correct the first temperature value via the synchronization button 133e.

[0111] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 10, when the administrator operates the synchronization button 133e, the molding conditions for all ancillary equipment are synchronized simultaneously. Therefore, as illustrated in Figure 10, no molding conditions are missed during the synchronization process due to a lack of synchronization.

[0112] However, depending on the implementation, it may also be possible to include a separate synchronization button for each piece of auxiliary equipment.

[0113] <Third Example> According to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, synchronization is performed when saving the molding conditions. In addition, as in the second embodiment, the input means 134 is equipped with a synchronization button 133e to support the usage mode as in the second embodiment.

[0114] In other words, the third embodiment is a form that combines the first and second embodiments.

[0115] <Fourth Example> According to the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, the control means 135 includes a comparison portion 135a and a notification portion 135c.

[0116] The comparison section 135a compares the first temperature value, which is the first molding condition, with the second temperature value, which is the second molding condition, to determine whether the first temperature value and the second temperature value are the same or different.

[0117] If the first temperature value and the second temperature value are different, the notification unit 135c notifies the administrator via the output means 133 that the first temperature value and the second temperature value are different. The administrator can then confirm the notification from the notification unit 135c, correct the first temperature value to the second temperature value, and input it.

[0118] According to the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, when the first temperature value (50.0) in the input window 133b and the second temperature value (40.0) in the setting window 133c are different, the background color of the setting window 133c is represented in a different chromatic color (for example, red or blue) than the background color of the input window 133b. Of course, the opposite is also possible: the background color of the input window 133b can be represented in a different chromatic color than the background color of the setting window 133c. Of course, the colors of the characters displayed in the input window 133b and the setting window 133c can be different, or the types of lines can be different. That is, the notification section 135c outputs the first temperature value (50.0) and the second temperature value (40.0) on the screen S of the output means 133 so that they are visually distinguishable from each other. For example, by using different text colors for the first and second temperature values, or different background colors for the first and second temperature values, administrators can easily confirm that the first temperature value (50.0) and the second temperature value (40.0) are different based on differences in color perception.

[0119] For reference, such a fourth embodiment can be realized in combination with any one of the first, second, and third embodiments described above. In this case, as shown in Figure 13, the control means 135 includes a comparison portion 135a, a synchronization portion 135b, and a notification portion 135c.

[0120] <Example 5> The fifth embodiment relates to retrieving saved data.

[0121] After the administrator selects a specific mold from the list window 133g, they operate the import button 133h, and the data for that specific mold is loaded into the setting area SS. An example of this is explained with reference to Figure 7.

[0122] For example, after the administrator selects mold B and operates the import button 133h, data regarding the molding conditions for mold B is displayed in the input window 133b and setting window 133c of the setting area SS. More specifically, if the saved molding condition for mold B is a temperature value of 50 degrees, then 50 degrees is displayed in the input window 133b as the first temperature value, which is the first molding condition. The first temperature value (50 degrees) entered in the input window 133b is then automatically transmitted to the unit setting device. The unit setting device is then converted to 50 degrees, and the auxiliary equipment operates to match the converted molding condition of 50 degrees. Therefore, the current displayed value in window 133a approximates the values ​​in the input window 133b and setting window 133c.

[0123] Furthermore, upon data acquisition, the first temperature value in the input window 133b is displayed as 50 degrees, and the second temperature value in the setting window 133c is also automatically displayed as 50 degrees. In other words, when data acquisition is performed, the acquired molding conditions are automatically displayed together in both the input window 133b and the setting window 133c.

[0124] <Additional information> The present invention is more preferably applicable when there are many auxiliary equipment components and a large number of input windows 133b and setting windows 133c, rather than when there are few auxiliary equipment components and a small number of input windows 133b and setting windows 133c.

[0125] Furthermore, if a mold is equipped with hot runners for multiple zones (for example, 10 or more zones), each zone must be provided with an input window 133b and a setting window 133c. In other words, the number of input windows 133c and setting windows 133c will increase in proportion to the number of zones. Therefore, the more hot runners with multiple zones are used in a mold, the more preferably the present invention can be applied to prevent confusion in data management.

[0126] The embodiments described above are merely examples based on preferred examples of the present invention, and it can have a variety of applications. Therefore, the present invention should not be understood to be limited to the content described above. Instead, the scope of the rights of the present invention should be understood to be the claims and equivalents described separately.

Claims

1. A forming apparatus (110) that forms a cavity (C) using a mold so that a molded product can be produced in the cavity (C), or opens the cavity (C) so that the produced molded product can be pulled out, An injection device (120) for injecting molten resin into the cavity (C) formed by the molding device (110), The system includes a shaping device (110) and an injection device (120) and a general setting device (130) that can set molding conditions for at least one piece of auxiliary equipment that creates a molding environment necessary for the production of a molded product, The aforementioned overall setting device (130) In order to exchange information between the unit setting device and the molding conditions of the aforementioned auxiliary equipment, a communication means (131) capable of communicating with the unit setting device is provided. A storage means (132) capable of saving molding conditions for the aforementioned auxiliary equipment, An output means (133) capable of outputting molding conditions for the aforementioned auxiliary equipment, An input means (134) for inputting molding conditions for the aforementioned auxiliary equipment or for inputting commands required by the administrator, The system includes a control means (135) that controls the communication means (131), the storage means (132), and the output means (133) in response to the operation of the input means (134), The control means (135) is The overall setting device (130) includes a comparison section (135a) that compares a first molding condition for controlling the ancillary equipment with a second molding condition received from the unit setting device via the communication means (131), An injection molding machine comprising: a synchronization section (135b) that modifies the first molding condition so that the value of the first molding condition is the same as the value of the second molding condition (hereinafter referred to as "synchronization").

2. When a synchronization command is input by operating the input means (134), The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means (135) controls the synchronization portion (135b) to operate and perform synchronization.

3. When a save command is input by operating the input means (134), The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the control means (135) operates the synchronization portion (135b) to perform synchronization, and then controls the storage means (132) to save the synchronized first molding conditions.

4. The control means (135) is The injection molding machine according to claim 1, further comprising a notification section (135c) that, upon confirmation by the comparison section (135a) that the first molding conditions and the second molding conditions are different, notifies via the output means (133) that the first molding conditions and the second molding conditions are different.

5. The injection molding machine according to claim 4, wherein the notification portion (135c) outputs the first molding condition and the second molding condition on the screen (S) of the output means (133) so as to distinguish them from each other by the difference in color.

6. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein, among the molding conditions output by the output means (133), the first molding condition is one of the data taken from the storage means (132), the data input by the administrator via the input means (134), and the data synchronized by the synchronization unit (135b).

7. The screen (S) output via the output means (133) is, An input window (133b) that displays the first molding conditions entered by the administrator via the overall setting device (130), It includes a setting window (133c) for displaying the second molding conditions set in the auxiliary unit setting device, The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein when an administrator operates the input means (134) to retrieve molding conditions stored in the storage means (132), the molding conditions retrieved from the storage means (132) are automatically displayed in the input window (133b) and the setting window (133c).

8. A molding device (110) that forms a cavity (C) in the shape of a molded product, and allows a molded product to be produced by solidifying molten resin injected into the cavity (C), or opens the cavity (C) and allows the produced molded product to be pulled out, An injection device (120) for injecting molten resin into the cavity (C) formed by the molding device (110), The molding apparatus (110) and the injection apparatus (120) are accompanied by a general setting device (130) which can set molding conditions for at least one piece of auxiliary equipment that creates the injection environment necessary for the production of a molded product, The aforementioned overall setting device (130) A communication means (131) that can communicate with the unit setting device of the aforementioned auxiliary equipment in order to exchange molding conditions with the unit setting device, A storage means (132) capable of saving molding conditions for the aforementioned auxiliary equipment, An output means (133) capable of outputting molding conditions for the aforementioned auxiliary equipment, An input means (134) for inputting molding conditions for the aforementioned auxiliary equipment or for inputting commands required by the administrator, The system includes a control means (135) that controls the communication means (131), the storage means (132), and the output means (133) in response to the operation of the input means (134), The control means (135) is A comparison section (135a) that compares a second molding condition received from the unit setting device via the communication means (131) with a first molding condition provided in advance, An injection molding machine comprising: a notification unit (135c) that, when the comparison unit (135a) confirms that the second molding condition and the first molding condition are different, notifies via the output means (133) that the first molding condition and the second molding condition are different.

9. The injection molding machine according to claim 8, wherein the notification portion (135c) outputs the first molding conditions and the second molding conditions on the screen (S) of the output means (133) in a manner that allows for visual distinction between them.

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