Control system and control method

Abstract

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a control system that controls an injection molding machine: acquires an alternative relating to an interlock signal; receives an input of a calculation condition generated by selection of the alternative by an operator; acquires the calculation condition; acquires a physical amount showing a state of the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation condition; calculates the interlock signal for the injection molding machine on the basis of the calculation condition when the physical amount in the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation condition satisfies the calculation condition; and controls the injection molding machine on the basis of a control instruction corresponding to the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

Description

Control system and control method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control system and a control method.

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-121548 discloses an injection molding machine having an interlock function that prevents the wrong operation button from being pressed.

[0003] It is desirable that the operator be able to set the conditions under which an interlock signal for activating the interlock function is calculated.

[0004] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a control system for controlling at least one injection molding machine, the control system comprising: an option acquisition unit that acquires options related to interlock signals that are set in correspondence with each of the injection molding machines; an input acceptance unit that accepts input of calculation conditions that are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines and are generated by an operator selecting the options; a calculation condition acquisition unit that acquires the calculation conditions; a physical quantity acquisition unit that acquires physical quantities that indicate the state of the injection molding machine that correspond to the calculation conditions; an interlock signal calculation unit that calculates the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions if the physical quantity of the injection molding machine that corresponds to the calculation conditions satisfies the calculation conditions; and a control unit that controls the injection molding machine based on a control command that is associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

[0005] A second aspect of the present disclosure is a control system for controlling at least one injection molding machine, the control system comprising: an option acquisition unit that acquires options related to interlock signals that are set in correspondence with each of the injection molding machines; an input accepting unit that accepts input of calculation conditions that are conditions for calculating an interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines and are generated by an operator selecting the options; a control device provided for each of the injection molding machines; and a management device that is capable of communicating with the control device, wherein the management device has a calculation condition acquisition unit that acquires the calculation conditions corresponding to the injection molding machine, and an interlock signal calculation unit that calculates the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions when a physical quantity indicating the state of the injection molding machine acquired by the control device satisfies the calculation conditions, and the control device has a physical quantity acquisition unit that acquires the physical quantity of the injection molding machine that corresponds to the calculation conditions, and a control unit that controls the injection molding machine based on a control command that is associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

[0006] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a control method in a control system that controls at least one injection molding machine, the control method acquiring options related to interlock signals that are set in correspondence with each of the injection molding machines, accepting input of calculation conditions that are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines and that are generated by an operator selecting the options, acquiring the calculation conditions, acquiring physical quantities that indicate the state of the injection molding machine that correspond to the calculation conditions, and if the physical quantities in the injection molding machine that correspond to the calculation conditions satisfy the calculation conditions, calculating the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions, and controlling the injection molding machine based on a control command that is associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

[0007] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a control method in a control system that controls at least one injection molding machine, the control system having a control device provided for each of the injection molding machines and a management device provided to be able to communicate with the control device, the control method acquiring options related to interlock signals that are set in correspondence with each of the injection molding machines, accepting input of calculation conditions that are conditions for calculating an interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines and are generated by an operator selecting the options, acquiring the calculation conditions corresponding to the injection molding machine in the management device, and if a physical quantity indicating the state of the injection molding machine acquired in the control device satisfies the calculation conditions, calculating the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions, acquiring the physical quantity for the injection molding machine that corresponds to the calculation conditions in the control device, and controlling the injection molding machine based on a control command associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system. FIG. 2 is a table showing examples of calculation conditions. FIG. 3 is a time chart of screw position and interlock signals. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing examples of options related to interlock signals. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing examples of options related to interlock signals. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a calculation condition setting screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a calculation condition setting screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control command setting screen. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the input device. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the control device. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a control system of this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system. FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the input device. FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the management device. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing executed in the control device.

[0009] For example, when a physical quantity indicating the state of an injection molding machine, such as the screw position, satisfies a predetermined condition, interlock control is performed to permit or prohibit predetermined operations of the injection molding machine, the mold installed in the injection molding machine, the robot, etc.

[0010] Interlock control is performed based on control commands output by a control device in accordance with a sequence program, which is prepared in the control device to execute various interlock controls.

[0011] In order for an operator to create a sequence program that realizes interlock control, the operator is required to have specialized knowledge of injection molding machines, programming, etc. For this reason, injection molding machine manufacturers prohibit operators from changing sequence programs.

[0012] On the other hand, in addition to the interlock control executed by the sequence program prepared in the control device, there is a demand for a function that can add interlock control according to the production environment. To this end, injection molding machine manufacturers equip the control device with a function that calculates an interlock signal based on calculation conditions set by the operator. Based on the interlock signal, the control device outputs a control command to the injection molding machine, and the interlock control is performed in the injection molding machine.

[0013] When adding interlock control, the operator must set calculation conditions. The calculation conditions consist of conditions that stipulate the period for which the injection molding machine will perform interlock control, and control commands that will be output to the injection molding machine when the conditions are met. However, the conditions and control commands that can be set vary depending on the model of injection molding machine, making it difficult for the operator to set them appropriately.

[0014] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a control system and a control method that allow an operator to easily set calculation conditions.

[0015] 1 is a schematic diagram of a control system 10 according to the present embodiment. The control system 10 includes one input device 12 and a plurality of control devices 14.

[0016] The input device 12 is, for example, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. The input device 12 has a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like. The input device 12 also has an input device such as a touch panel. An operator operates the input device to input information into the input device 12. A flash memory such as a USB memory or a memory card may be connected to the input device 12, and information may be input from the flash memory to the input device 12. The input device 12 may also be a personal computer, or the like.

[0017] Each control device 14 is provided in correspondence with each injection molding machine 16. The control device 14 has a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The control device 14 also has an input device such as a touch panel. The control device 14 may also have a keyboard, a mouse, or the like as input devices. A flash memory such as a USB memory or a memory card may be connected to the control device 14.

[0018] The injection molding machine 16 may include a mold attached to the molding machine body, a robot for removing the molded product from the mold, etc. The robot corresponds to a peripheral device of the present invention.

[0019] The input device 12 and the control device 14 are connected to a communication network 18. The input device 12 and the control device 14 are provided so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 18. The communication network 18 may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, or the like, and may be wired or wireless.

[0020] The control system 10 may have one input device 12 and one control device 14. Alternatively, the control system 10 may have a plurality of input devices 12 and a plurality of control devices 14. The input device 12 is not used as a dedicated device for one control device 14, but is used as a shared device for the plurality of control devices 14.

[0021] In addition to the input device 12 and the control device 14, other devices such as a server 20 may be connected to the communication network 18.

[0022] Calculation conditions are generated based on information input by the operator to the input device 12. The calculation conditions are conditions for calculating an interlock signal.

[0023] 2 is a table showing examples of calculation conditions. The interlock signal is an ON / OFF signal. While the interlock signal is ON, interlock control is performed in the injection molding machine 16. The calculation conditions include a condition that specifies the period during which the interlock signal is ON and a control command associated with the interlock signal.

[0024] 2, the conditions for specifying the period during which the interlock signal "Sig.1" is turned ON are set such that the molding process is the injection process and the monitored value (screw position) is greater than a threshold value of 10.0 mm. The interlock signal "Sig.1" is turned ON after a delay time of 0.1 seconds from the point in time when the above-mentioned conditions are met.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a time chart of the screw position and the interlock signal "Sig. 1." As shown in FIG. 3, the interlock signal "Sig. 1" is ON during the period from time T1 to time T2. Time T1 is the time when a delay time of 0.1 [s] has elapsed since the screw position satisfied the calculation conditions for the interlock signal "Sig. 1." Time T2 is the time when the screw position no longer satisfies the calculation conditions for the interlock signal "Sig. 1."

[0026] In Figure 3, the condition that the monitor value (screw position) is greater than the threshold value of 10.0 [mm] is met during the period from time T3 to time T4. However, because the molding process is a metering process that is different from the injection process defined in the calculation conditions, the interlock signal "Sig. 1" is OFF.

[0027] 2, when the interlock signal "Sig.1" is ON, the output signal at address "Y1.1" of the I / O unit 34 (FIG. 4) of the control device 14 (described later) is ON. The address "Y1.1" is associated with a control command "prohibit mold closing operation," and when the output signal of address "Y1.1" is ON, interlock control of "prohibit mold closing operation" is performed in the injection molding machine 16.

[0028] Names such as "Inject1" in Fig. 2 are assigned to each interlock signal, and are set arbitrarily by the operator. It is difficult for the operator to determine the purpose of an interlock signal from a signal ID such as "Sig.1." By having the operator assign an arbitrary name to each interlock signal, it becomes easier for the operator to determine the purpose of the interlock signal from a name such as "Inject1."

[0029] [Configuration of Control System] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system 10. As shown in FIG.

[0030] (Configuration of Input Device) The input device 12 has an arithmetic processing unit 22 and a storage device 24. The arithmetic processing unit 22 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The arithmetic processing unit 22 has an option acquisition unit 26 and an input acceptance unit 28. The option acquisition unit 26 and the input acceptance unit 28 are realized by the arithmetic processing unit 22 executing a program stored in the storage device 24. At least a portion of the option acquisition unit 26 and the input acceptance unit 28 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array). At least a portion of the option acquisition unit 26 and the input acceptance unit 28 may be realized by an electronic circuit including a discrete device.

[0031] The storage device 24 is composed of a volatile memory (not shown) and a nonvolatile memory (not shown), which are computer-readable storage media. The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc. Data, etc., are stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc., are stored in the nonvolatile memory. At least a portion of the storage device 24 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above. At least a portion of the storage device 24 may be installed in a device connected to the input device 12 via the communication network 18.

[0032] The option acquisition unit 26 acquires options related to the interlock signal from an option storage unit 46 provided in the storage device 32 of the control device 14. The option storage unit 46 stores options associated with each of the injection molding machines 16 in advance. The options will be described in detail later.

[0033] The input accepting unit 28 accepts input of calculation conditions generated by the operator selecting an option. The calculation conditions are generated as conditions corresponding to the injection molding machines 16 associated with the options used for generation. The input accepting unit 28 may accept input of calculation conditions stored in a flash memory connected to the input device 12. The flash memory stores calculation conditions corresponding to each of the injection molding machines 16.

[0034] The calculation conditions input by the input receiving unit 28 are transmitted to the control device 14 that controls the injection molding machine 16 corresponding to the calculation conditions. In one factory, there may be multiple injection molding machines 16 of the same model, equipped with the same type of mold, and molding the same molded product. In this case, the same calculation conditions may be transmitted to the multiple injection molding machines 16.

[0035] (Configuration of Control Device) The control device 14 includes an arithmetic processing device 30, a storage device 32, and an I / O unit 34. The arithmetic processing device 30 is a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The arithmetic processing device 30 includes a calculation condition acquisition unit 36, a physical quantity acquisition unit 38, an interlock signal calculation unit 40, a control unit 42, and a monitoring unit 44. The calculation condition acquisition unit 36, the physical quantity acquisition unit 38, the interlock signal calculation unit 40, the control unit 42, and the monitoring unit 44 are realized by the arithmetic processing device 30 executing a program stored in the storage device 32. At least a portion of the calculation condition acquisition unit 36, the physical quantity acquisition unit 38, the interlock signal calculation unit 40, the control unit 42, and the monitoring unit 44 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). At least some of the calculation condition acquisition unit 36, the physical quantity acquisition unit 38, the interlock signal calculation unit 40, the control unit 42, and the monitoring unit 44 may be realized by electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0036] The storage device 32 is composed of a volatile memory (not shown) and a nonvolatile memory (not shown), which are computer-readable storage media. The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The nonvolatile memory is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc. Data, etc., are stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc., are stored in the nonvolatile memory. The storage device 32 has a selection storage unit 46 and a data storage unit 48. At least a portion of the storage device 32 may be included in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above. At least a portion of the storage device 32 may be installed in a device connected to the control device 14 via the communication network 18.

[0037] The calculation condition acquisition unit 36 ​​acquires the calculation conditions accepted by the input acceptance unit 28 of the input device 12. The calculation conditions acquired by the calculation condition acquisition unit 36 ​​are stored in the data storage unit 48 of the storage device 32.

[0038] The physical quantity acquisition unit 38 acquires physical quantities indicating the state of the injection molding machine 16 from the injection molding machine 16 and external sensors 50. Physical quantities indicating the state of the injection molding machine 16 include, for example, the screw position, the screw speed, and the cylinder temperature. The physical quantities are detected by sensors installed in the injection molding machine 16. Examples of the sensors installed in the injection molding machine 16 include sensors that detect the screw position and the screw speed, and sensors that detect the screw rotation torque. The physical quantities are also detected by external sensors 50. The external sensors 50 include sensors included in the mold, sensors attached to the molding machine body after the injection molding machine 16 is shipped, and the like. The external sensors 50 include sensors that detect the resin flow rate, sensors that detect the resin pressure, and the like. The physical quantities acquired by the physical quantity acquisition unit 38 are stored in a data storage unit 48 provided in the storage device 32.

[0039] The interlock signal calculation unit 40 turns on the interlock signal when the physical quantity acquired by the physical quantity acquisition unit 38 satisfies the calculation conditions stored in the data storage unit 48. The interlock signal calculation unit 40 turns off the interlock signal when the physical quantity acquired by the physical quantity acquisition unit 38 does not satisfy the calculation conditions stored in the data storage unit 48.

[0040] The control unit 42 outputs a control command associated with the interlock signal to the injection molding machine 16. The control command is output to the injection molding machine 16 by turning ON an output signal at an address of the I / O unit 34 associated with the control command. Note that the control command is not only output to the molding machine main body of the injection molding machine 16, but is also output to a robot or the like provided in the molding machine main body. As a result, interlock control is also performed on the robot or the like.

[0041] The monitoring unit 44 monitors the physical quantity corresponding to the control command output from the control unit 42. For example, when a "mold closing operation prohibited" control command is output, the monitoring unit 44 monitors the speed of the movable platen. If the physical quantity corresponding to the control command is not a value based on the control command when a predetermined monitoring time has elapsed since the control unit 42 output the control command, the monitoring unit 44 forcibly terminates the operation of the injection molding machine 16. For example, when a "mold closing operation prohibited" control command is output, if the movable platen has a speed in the mold closing direction when the predetermined monitoring time has elapsed, the monitoring unit 44 determines that interlock control based on the control command is not being performed in the injection molding machine 16. In this case, the monitoring unit 44 forcibly terminates the operation of the injection molding machine 16. This stops the operation of the injection molding machine 16.

[0042] Instead of or in addition to the monitoring unit 44 forcibly terminating the operation of the injection molding machine 16, the monitoring unit 44 may display an alarm message on a display device of the injection molding machine 16 indicating that interlock control based on the control command is not being performed. Instead of the monitoring unit 44 forcibly terminating the operation of the injection molding machine 16, the monitoring unit 44 may cause the injection molding machine 16 to interrupt the molding process currently being performed and proceed to the next molding process. Furthermore, instead of the monitoring unit 44 forcibly terminating the operation of the injection molding machine 16, the monitoring unit 44 may stop the control unit 42 from outputting a control command to the injection molding machine 16, thereby terminating the interlock control based on the control command in the injection molding machine 16. The monitoring time is set by the user. Setting the monitoring time will be described in detail later.

[0043] 5 is a diagram showing examples of options related to interlock signals. The options differ depending on the model of the injection molding machine 16. Furthermore, even for the same model of injection molding machine 16, the options may differ depending on the type of external sensor 50 connected.

[0044] The options include options related to the molding process, options related to monitor values, and options related to control commands. The options related to the monitor values ​​and options related to control commands that can be selected are limited depending on the option related to the molding process selected. As shown in Figure 5, options related to the molding process are managed in a table in which options related to monitor values ​​and options related to control commands are associated with options related to the molding process. This table is prepared by the manufacturer of the injection molding machine.

[0045] In the example shown in FIG. 5, options for the molding process include "injection process," "measurement process," "mold closing process," "ejection process," and "all processes."

[0046] In the example shown in FIG. 5, options for the monitor values ​​associated with the "injection process" include "screw position," "screw speed," "nozzle temperature," "cylinder temperature," "external sensor 1," and "external sensor 2."

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 5, options related to the control command associated with the "injection process" include "permit injection operation," "interrupt injection process and proceed to pressure holding process," "prohibit mold closing operation," "permit mold loosening operation," "prohibit mold loosening operation," and "prohibit changes to mold loosening operating conditions."

[0048] When one option is selected from among multiple options related to the molding process as an element of the calculation conditions, the options related to the monitor values ​​and the control commands are narrowed down, allowing the operator to easily set the calculation conditions.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing examples of options related to interlock signals. The options shown in Fig. 6 include options related to the comparison method for determining the magnitude relationship between the monitor value and the threshold value. The options related to the comparison method are not associated with options related to the molding process, and are managed in a table separate from the table shown in Fig. 5. This table is prepared by the manufacturer of the injection molding machine.

[0050] 7 is a diagram showing the calculation condition setting screen 52. The calculation condition setting screen 52 is displayed on a display device of the input device 12. The calculation condition setting screen 52 may also be displayed on a display device external to the control system 10.

[0051] The calculation condition setting screen 52 displays a name input section 54 , a molding process input section 56 , a monitor value input section 58 , a comparison method input section 60 , a threshold value input section 62 and a delay time input section 64 .

[0052] The operator can input any name corresponding to each interlock signal in the name input section 54. When the name of an interlock signal for which the calculation condition is met is input in the name input section 54, the thickness of the frame line may be increased.

[0053] In the molding process input section 56, the operator can input elements related to the molding process of the calculation conditions. When the operator touches the molding process input section 56, options related to the molding process are displayed as a pop-up. When the molding process input section 56 receives the input of the molding process being executed in the injection molding machine 16, the thickness of the frame line may be increased.

[0054] The operator can input elements related to the monitor value of the calculation conditions in the monitor value input section 58. When the operator touches the monitor value input section 58, options related to the monitor value are displayed in a pop-up.

[0055] In the comparison method input section 60, the operator can input elements related to the comparison method of the calculation conditions. When the operator touches the comparison method input section 60, a pop-up display of options related to the comparison method related to the monitor value shown in Fig. 6 is displayed. When a comparison method in which the physical quantity in the injection molding machine 16 satisfies the comparison condition between the monitor value and the threshold value is input, the comparison method input section 60 may change the thickness of the border to be thicker.

[0056] In addition, in the name input section 54, the molding process input section 56, and the comparison method input section 60, instead of or in addition to changing the thickness of the frame line, the color of the frame line or the text within the frame may be changed.

[0057] The operator can input a threshold value in the threshold input section 62. The operator can input a delay time in the delay time input section 64.

[0058] The calculation condition setting screen 52 further displays a current value display section 66 and a status display section 68 .

[0059] The current value display section 66 displays the current value of the physical quantity input to the monitor value input section 58. The status display section 68 has an ON / OFF display section 70 and a relationship display section 72. When the interlock signal is ON, the ON / OFF display section 70 displays a solid rectangular display. When the interlock signal is OFF, the ON / OFF display section 70 displays a hollow rectangular display. The relationship display section 72 displays a diagram showing the relationship between the comparison method input to the comparison method input section 60 and the threshold value input to the threshold input section 62. The relationship display section 72 displays a triangular display showing the current value of the physical quantity input to the monitor value input section 58.

[0060] 8 is a diagram showing a calculation condition setting screen 52. The calculation condition setting screen 52 in FIG. 8 shows another example of the calculation condition setting screen 52 in FIG.

[0061] The calculation condition setting screen 52 shown in Fig. 8 has a logical operator input section 74. In the logical operator input section 74, the operator can input a logical operator.

[0062] When the operator touches the logical operator input section 74, a pop-up display of options for logical operators is displayed. The options for logical operators include, for example, "logical product (AND)," "logical sum (OR)," "negated logical product (NAND)," "negated logical sum (NOR)," and "exclusive logical sum (XOR)."

[0063] As a result, multiple conditions for comparing the monitor value with the threshold value are set as one calculation condition. For example, in "Sig.11" shown in FIG. 8, two comparison conditions are set as one calculation condition by logical sum (OR). When the screw position selected as the monitor value is smaller than 20.0 set as the threshold value, the interlock signal calculation unit 40 turns on the interlock signal. Alternatively, when the screw position selected as the monitor value is equal to or greater than 30.0 set as the threshold value, the interlock signal calculation unit 40 turns on the interlock signal. Furthermore, different physical quantities may be selected as the monitor value, such as the "screw position" and the "mold clamping force" in the interlock signal "Sig.12" in FIG. 8.

[0064] 9 is a diagram showing the control command setting screen 76. The control command setting screen 76 is displayed on the display device of the input device 12.

[0065] The control command setting screen 76 has a signal ID input section 78 , an output signal input section 80 , a control command input section 82 , and a monitoring time input section 84 .

[0066] The operator can input the signal ID of the interlock signal for which a control command is to be set in the signal ID input section 78. When the operator touches the signal ID input section 78, a pop-up display appears with options for the signal ID.

[0067] In the output signal input section 80, the operator can input the address of the I / O unit 34 that turns on the output signal when the interlock signal is on. When the operator touches the output signal input section 80, a pop-up menu of address options is displayed. The output signal input section 80 to which an address that turns on the output signal may thicken the border. Note that instead of or in addition to thickening the border, the output signal input section 80 may change the color of the border or the text within the border.

[0068] The operator can input a control command in the control command input unit 82. When the operator touches the control command input unit 82, options related to the control command are displayed as a pop-up. The operator can input a monitoring time in the monitoring time input unit 84. The monitoring time is a time for monitoring whether or not interlock control based on the control command selected in the control command input unit 82 has been performed in the injection molding machine 16. If the monitoring unit 44 determines that interlock control based on the control command has not been performed in the injection molding machine 16, it can, for example, forcibly terminate the operation of the injection molding machine 16. This stops the operation of the injection molding machine 16.

[0069] Here, a state in which interlock control based on a control command is not performed in the injection molding machine 16 will be described.

[0070] For example, the control command "interrupt the injection process and proceed to the pressure holding process" is set in the injection process to which "Sig.2" belongs to address "Y1.2" of the I / O unit 34 assigned to the interlock signal "Sig.2" shown in Fig. 9. Also, the control command "interrupt the injection process and proceed to the pressure holding process" is set in the injection process to which "Sig.5" belongs to address "Y1.5" of the I / O unit 34 assigned to the interlock signal "Sig.5" shown in Fig. 9.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 9, when the output signal of address "Y1.2" and the output signal of address "Y1.5" are both ON, the injection molding machine 16 is subjected to interlock control of "interrupting the injection process and proceeding to the pressure-holding process" based on the control command. In other words, even if the output signal of address "Y1.2" is ON, the injection molding machine 16 is not subjected to interlock control of "interrupting the injection process and proceeding to the pressure-holding process" until the monitor value (cylinder temperature), which is the calculation condition of "Sig.5", matches the threshold value 200.0 [degrees] and the output signal of address "Y1.5" switches to ON. In this way, there are cases in which the injection molding machine 16 does not perform interlock control based on the control command.

[0072] The monitoring time is set by the operator, and the monitoring unit 44 monitors whether or not interlock control is performed at the time desired by the operator.

[0073] It is not necessary to set corresponding control commands for all interlock signals on the control command setting screen 76. The operator may select desired interlock signals and set control commands for the selected interlock signals. This allows the operator to easily select whether or not to execute a control command based on an interlock signal.

[0074] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the input device 12. This processing is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval.

[0075] In step S1, the option acquisition unit 26 acquires an option related to an interlock signal from the option storage unit 46 provided in the storage device 32 of the control device 14. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0076] In step S2, the input receiving unit 28 receives input of calculation conditions generated by the operator selecting options, and then the process ends.

[0077] 11 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control device 14. This process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval.

[0078] In step S11, the calculation condition acquisition unit 36 ​​acquires the calculation conditions accepted by the input acceptance unit 28 of the input device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0079] In step S12, the physical quantity acquisition unit 38 acquires physical quantities indicating the state of the injection molding machine 16 from the injection molding machine 16 and the external sensor 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0080] In step S13, the interlock signal calculation unit 40 determines whether the physical quantity acquired by the physical quantity acquisition unit 38 satisfies the calculation conditions stored in the data storage unit 48. If the physical quantity satisfies the calculation conditions, the process proceeds to step S14. If the physical quantity does not satisfy the calculation conditions, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0081] In step S14, the interlock signal calculation unit 40 turns on the interlock signal, and then the process proceeds to step S16.

[0082] In step S15, the interlock signal calculation unit 40 turns off the interlock signal, and then the process proceeds to step S16.

[0083] In step S16 , the control unit 42 outputs a control command associated with the interlock signal to the injection molding machine 16 .

[0084] In step S17, the monitoring unit 44 determines whether or not interlock control based on the control command has been performed in the injection molding machine 16. If interlock control based on the control command has been performed in the injection molding machine 16, the process ends. If interlock control based on the control command has not been performed in the injection molding machine 16, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0085] In step S18, the monitoring unit 44 forcibly terminates the operation of the injection molding machine 16. This stops the operation of the injection molding machine 16. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0086] In the processing executed by the input device 12 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 and the processing executed by the control device 14 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the order of processing may be changed, processing may be added, processing may be deleted, etc.

[0087] [Operation and Effect] The control system 10 of this embodiment has the input device 12 and the control device 14 associated with each of the injection molding machines 16 .

[0088] The option acquisition unit 26 of the input device 12 acquires options related to interlock signals from each of the control devices 14. The input acceptance unit 28 of the input device 12 accepts input of calculation conditions generated by the operator selecting an option.

[0089] This allows the operator to set the calculation conditions by selecting an option set corresponding to the injection molding machine 16. This allows the operator to easily set the calculation conditions. In addition, the operator can reduce the possibility of setting the calculation conditions incorrectly.

[0090] Furthermore, the control system 10 of this embodiment presents the operator with a selection of methods for comparing the monitor value with the threshold value under the comparison conditions. This allows the operator to finely set the conditions that define the period during which the injection molding machine 16 is to be interlocked. This allows the period during which a specific operation is prohibited by interlock control to be set as short as possible. This reduces the cycle time for manufacturing molded products in the injection molding machine 16, allowing for safe and repeated molding cycles.

[0091] Furthermore, the control system 10 of this embodiment can set, as a calculation condition, a physical quantity detected by an external sensor 50 attached to the injection molding machine 16 after shipment of the injection molding machine 16 as a monitor value. For example, if a temperature sensor is attached to the mold as the external sensor 50, an interlock signal can be calculated to output a control command to permit operation of the injection molding machine 16 when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor rises to a predetermined temperature. This allows the control system 10 to improve the yield of molded products manufactured by the injection molding machine 16. Furthermore, the control system 10 can avoid damage to the mold, etc., that would otherwise occur if the injection molding machine 16 is operated when the mold is still at a low temperature.

[0092] In the control system 10 according to the embodiment, the display device of the input device 12 displays a calculation condition setting screen 52. The calculation condition setting screen 52 displays a display for setting the calculation conditions as well as the current values ​​of the physical quantities selected as monitor values, etc. This allows the operator to set the calculation conditions while checking the state of the injection molding machine 16 using the current values ​​of the physical quantities, etc.

[0093] Conventionally, an operator sets the calculation conditions for each of the multiple control devices 14 for which the same calculation conditions are set. In contrast, in the control system 10 of the present embodiment, the input device 12 can transmit the same calculation conditions to each of the multiple control devices 14 for which the same calculation conditions are set via the communication network 18. This allows the control system 10 to reduce the amount of work required by the operator to set the calculation conditions for each of the control devices 14.

[0094] In the control system 10 of this embodiment, the monitoring unit 44 determines whether interlock control based on a control command has been performed in the injection molding machine 16, based on a physical quantity indicating the state of the injection molding machine 16. If interlock control based on a control command is not being performed in the injection molding machine 16, the monitoring unit 44 forcibly terminates the operation of the injection molding machine 16, thereby stopping the operation of the injection molding machine 16. Alternatively, if interlock control based on a control command is not being performed in the injection molding machine 16, the monitoring unit 44 may stop the control unit 42 from outputting a control command to the injection molding machine 16, thereby stopping the interlock control based on the control command in the injection molding machine 16. Alternatively, if interlock control based on a control command is not being performed in the injection molding machine 16, the monitoring unit 44 may cause the injection molding machine 16 to interrupt the molding process currently being performed and proceed to the next molding process.

[0095] As a result, even if interlock control is not being performed in the injection molding machine 16, the control system 10 can prevent damage to the injection molding machine 16 and prolongation of molding time.

[0096] Second Embodiment Overview of Control System Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a control system 10 according to this embodiment. The control system 10 includes one input device 12, one management device 90, and multiple control devices 14. Hereinafter, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0097] The management device 90 is a personal computer or the like. The management device 90 may have a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. The management device 90 may also have input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0098] The input device 12, the management device 90, and the control device 14 are connected to a communication network 18. The input device 12, the management device 90, and the control device 14 are provided so as to be able to communicate with each other via the communication network 18.

[0099] The control system 10 may have one input device 12, one management device 90, and one control device 14. Alternatively, the control system 10 may have a plurality of input devices 12, a plurality of management devices 90, and a plurality of control devices 14. The input device 12 and the management device 90 are not used as dedicated devices for one control device 14, but are used as shared devices for the plurality of control devices 14.

[0100] [Configuration of Control System] FIGS. 13 and 14 are block diagrams showing the configuration of the control system 10. As shown in FIG.

[0101] (Configuration of Input Device) Like the input device 12 of the first embodiment, the input device 12 of this embodiment includes a processing unit 22 and a storage device 24. The processing unit 22 includes an option acquisition unit 92 and an input acceptance unit 94.

[0102] The option acquisition unit 92 acquires options related to the interlock signal from an option storage unit 110 provided in the storage device 98 of the management device 90 .

[0103] The input accepting unit 94 accepts input of calculation conditions generated by the operator selecting an option. The calculation conditions are generated as conditions corresponding to the injection molding machines 16 associated with the options used for generation. The input accepting unit 94 may accept input of calculation conditions stored in a flash memory connected to the input device 12. The flash memory stores calculation conditions corresponding to each of the injection molding machines 16.

[0104] The calculation conditions inputted and accepted by the input accepting unit 94 are transmitted to the management device 90 .

[0105] (Configuration of Management Device) The management device 90 includes an arithmetic processing device 96 and a storage device 98. The arithmetic processing device 96 is a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). The arithmetic processing device 96 includes a calculation condition acquisition unit 100, a calculation condition transmission unit 102, a physical quantity reception unit 104, an interlock signal calculation unit 106, and a control command transmission unit 108. The calculation condition acquisition unit 100, the calculation condition transmission unit 102, the physical quantity reception unit 104, the interlock signal calculation unit 106, and the control command transmission unit 108 are realized by the arithmetic processing device 96 executing a program stored in the storage device 98. At least a portion of the calculation condition acquisition unit 100, the calculation condition transmission unit 102, the physical quantity reception unit 104, the interlock signal calculation unit 106, and the control command transmission unit 108 may be realized by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). At least some of the calculation condition acquisition unit 100, the calculation condition transmission unit 102, the physical quantity reception unit 104, the interlock signal calculation unit 106, and the control command transmission unit 108 may be realized by electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0106] The storage device 98 is configured with a volatile memory (not shown) and a non-volatile memory (not shown), which are computer-readable storage media. The storage device 98 has an option storage unit 110 and a calculation condition storage unit 112. The volatile memory is, for example, a random access memory (RAM). The non-volatile memory is, for example, a read-only memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc. Data, etc., are stored in the volatile memory. Programs, tables, maps, etc., are stored in the non-volatile memory. At least a portion of the storage device 98 may be provided in the processor, integrated circuit, etc. described above. At least a portion of the storage device 98 may be installed in a device connected to the management device 90 via the communication network 18.

[0107] The calculation condition acquisition unit 100 acquires the calculation conditions accepted by the input acceptance unit 94 of the input device 12. The calculation conditions acquired by the calculation condition acquisition unit 100 are stored in the calculation condition storage unit 112 of the storage device 98.

[0108] The calculation condition transmitting unit 102 transmits the calculation conditions stored in the calculation condition storage unit 112 to the control device 14. The physical quantity receiving unit 104 receives the physical quantities transmitted by the control device 14.

[0109] The interlock signal calculation unit 106 turns on the interlock signal when the physical quantity received by the physical quantity receiving unit 104 satisfies the calculation condition stored in the calculation condition storage unit 112 .

[0110] The control command transmitting unit 108 transmits a control command associated with the interlock signal to the control device 14 .

[0111] (Configuration of Control Device) Like the control device 14 of the first embodiment, the control device 14 of this embodiment includes an arithmetic processing device 30, a storage device 32, and an I / O unit 34. The arithmetic processing device 30 includes a calculation condition receiving unit 114, a physical quantity acquiring unit 116, a physical quantity extracting unit 118, a physical quantity transmitting unit 120, a control command receiving unit 122, a control unit 124, and a monitoring unit 126. The storage device 32 includes a data storage unit 128.

[0112] The calculation condition receiving unit 114 receives the calculation conditions transmitted from the calculation condition transmitting unit 102 of the management device 90. The calculation conditions received by the calculation condition receiving unit 114 are stored in the data storage unit 128 of the storage device 32.

[0113] The physical quantity acquisition unit 116 acquires physical quantities indicating the state of the injection molding machine 16 from the injection molding machine 16 and the external sensor 50. The physical quantities acquired by the physical quantity acquisition unit 116 are stored in a data storage unit 128 provided in the storage device 32.

[0114] The physical quantity extraction unit 118 extracts data of physical quantities set as elements (monitor values) of the calculation conditions received by the calculation condition receiving unit 114 from the data of physical quantities stored in the data storage unit 128. For example, if the screw position is set as a monitor value in the calculation conditions, the physical quantity extraction unit 118 extracts data of the screw position from the data storage unit 128.

[0115] The physical quantity transmitting unit 120 transmits the data of the physical quantities extracted by the physical quantity extracting unit 118 to the physical quantity receiving unit 104 of the management device 90 .

[0116] The control command receiving unit 122 receives a control command transmitted from the control command transmitting unit 108 of the management device 90 .

[0117] The control unit 124 outputs the control command received by the control command receiving unit 122 to the injection molding machine 16. The control command is output to the injection molding machine 16 by turning on an output signal at an address of the I / O unit 34 associated with the control command.

[0118] The monitoring unit 126 monitors the physical quantity corresponding to the control command output from the control unit 124. If the physical quantity corresponding to the control command is not a value based on the control command when a predetermined monitoring time has elapsed since the control unit 124 output the control command, the monitoring unit 126 forcibly terminates the operation of the injection molding machine 16. This stops the operation of the injection molding machine 16. Instead of or in addition to the monitoring unit 126 forcibly terminating the operation of the injection molding machine 16, the monitoring unit 126 may display an alarm message on a display device of the injection molding machine 16 indicating that interlock control is not being performed.

[0119] 15 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the input device 12. This processing is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval.

[0120] In step S21, the option acquisition unit 92 acquires options related to the interlock signal from the option storage unit 110 provided in the storage device 98 of the management device 90. Then, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0121] In step S22, the input receiving unit 94 receives input of calculation conditions generated by the operator's selection of options, and then the process ends.

[0122] 16 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the management device 90. This process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval.

[0123] In step S31, the calculation condition acquisition unit 100 acquires the calculation conditions accepted by the input acceptance unit 94 of the input device 12. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0124] In step S32, the calculation condition transmission unit 102 transmits the calculation conditions stored in the calculation condition storage unit 112 to the control device 14. After that, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0125] In step S33, the physical quantity receiving unit 104 receives the physical quantity transmitted by the physical quantity transmitting unit 120 of the control device 14. After that, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0126] In step S34, the interlock signal calculation unit 106 determines whether the physical quantity received by the physical quantity receiving unit 104 satisfies the calculation condition stored in the calculation condition storage unit 112. If the physical quantity satisfies the calculation condition, the process proceeds to step S35. If the physical quantity does not satisfy the calculation condition, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0127] In step S35, the interlock signal calculation unit 40 turns on the interlock signal, and then the process proceeds to step S37.

[0128] In step S36, the interlock signal calculation unit 40 turns off the interlock signal, and then the process proceeds to step S37.

[0129] In step S37, the control command transmitting unit 108 transmits a control command associated with the interlock signal to the control device 14. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0130] 17 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the control device 14. This process is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval.

[0131] In step S41, the calculation condition receiving unit 114 receives the calculation conditions transmitted from the calculation condition transmitting unit 102 of the management device 90. Then, the process proceeds to step S42.

[0132] In step S42, the physical quantity acquisition unit 116 acquires physical quantities indicating the state of the injection molding machine 16 from the injection molding machine 16 and the external sensor 50. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0133] In step S43, the physical quantity extraction unit 118 extracts data of physical quantities set as elements (monitor values) of the calculation conditions received by the calculation condition receiving unit 114 from the data of physical quantities stored in the data storage unit 128. Then, the process proceeds to step S44.

[0134] In step S44, the physical quantity transmission unit 120 transmits the data of the physical quantities extracted by the physical quantity extraction unit 118 to the management device 90. After that, the process proceeds to step S45.

[0135] In step S45, the control command receiving unit 122 receives the control command transmitted from the control command transmitting unit 108 of the management device 90. After that, the process proceeds to step S46.

[0136] In step S46, the control unit 124 outputs the control command received by the control command receiving unit 122 to the injection molding machine 16. After that, the process proceeds to step S47.

[0137] In step S47, the monitoring unit 126 determines whether or not interlock control based on the control command has been performed in the injection molding machine 16. If interlock control based on the control command has been performed in the injection molding machine 16, the process ends. If interlock control based on the control command has not been performed in the injection molding machine 16, the process proceeds to step S48.

[0138] In step S48, the monitoring unit 126 forcibly terminates the operation of the injection molding machine 16. This stops the operation of the injection molding machine 16. Thereafter, the process ends.

[0139] In the processing executed in the input device 12 shown in the flowchart of Figure 15, the processing executed in the management device 90 shown in the flowchart of Figure 16, and the processing executed in the control device 14 shown in the flowchart of Figure 17, the order of processing may be changed, processing may be added, processing may be deleted, etc.

[0140] [Effects] The control system 10 of this embodiment includes a management device 90. Options stored in an option storage unit 110 of the management device 90 are sent to the input device 12. Furthermore, a calculation condition acquisition unit 100 of the management device 90 acquires calculation conditions input by an input acceptance unit 94 of the input device 12. Furthermore, an interlock signal calculation unit 106 of the management device 90 calculates an interlock signal. Furthermore, a control command transmission unit 108 of the management device 90 transmits a control command associated with the interlock signal to the control device 14.

[0141] That is, in the control system 10 of this embodiment, the management device 90 exchanges data with the input device 12, calculates interlock signals, and outputs control signals corresponding to the interlock signals. As a result, the control device 14 performs calculations related to the control of the injection molding machine 16, and other calculations related to interlock control are performed by the management device 90. As a result, the control system 10 can reduce the calculation load on the control device 14.

[0142] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0143] (Supplementary Note 1) A control system (10) for controlling at least one injection molding machine (16), the control system comprising: an option acquisition unit (26) for acquiring options related to an interlock signal set in correspondence with each of the injection molding machines; an input acceptance unit (28) for accepting input of calculation conditions which are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines and are generated by an operator selecting the option; a calculation condition acquisition unit (36) for acquiring the calculation conditions; a physical quantity acquisition unit (38) for acquiring physical quantities which indicate a state of the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation conditions; an interlock signal calculation unit (40) for calculating the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions when the physical quantity of the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation conditions satisfies the calculation conditions; and a control unit (42) for controlling the injection molding machine based on a control command associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

[0144] (Supplementary Note 2) A control system (10) for controlling at least one injection molding machine (16), the control system comprising: an option acquisition unit (92) for acquiring options related to an interlock signal set in correspondence with each of the injection molding machines; an input receiving unit (94) for receiving input of calculation conditions that are conditions for calculating an interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines and are generated by an operator selecting the option; a control device (14) provided for each of the injection molding machines; and a management device (90) provided to be able to communicate with the control device, wherein the management device The control device has a calculation condition acquisition unit (100) that acquires the calculation conditions corresponding to the injection molding machine, and an interlock signal calculation unit (106) that calculates the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions when the physical quantities indicating the state of the injection molding machine acquired by the control device satisfy the calculation conditions, and the control device has a physical quantity acquisition unit (116) that acquires the physical quantities in the injection molding machine that correspond to the calculation conditions, and a control unit (124) that controls the injection molding machine based on a control command associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

[0145] (Supplementary Note 3) In the control system described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2 above, the control system includes a monitoring unit (44, 126) that monitors, based on the physical quantities in the injection molding machine, whether or not an operation based on the control command has been performed in the injection molding machine, and the monitoring unit may cancel the control of the injection molding machine based on the control command or stop operation of the injection molding machine if control based on the control command has not been performed in the injection molding machine after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the control command from the control unit.

[0146] (Supplementary Note 4) In the control system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3 above, the options may include at least one of an option to select a molding process, an option to select the physical quantity, an option to select a comparison method for comparing the magnitude relationship between the selected physical quantity and a threshold value, and an option to select the control command to be associated with the interlock signal.

[0147] (Supplementary Note 5) In the control system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4 above, the calculation conditions may include conditions for the molding process, conditions for the magnitude relationship between the physical quantity and a threshold value, and the control command associated with the interlock signal.

[0148] (Supplementary Note 6) In the control system described in Supplementary Note 5, the calculation conditions may include a condition for the molding process and a delay time from when a condition for the magnitude relationship between the physical quantity and a threshold value is satisfied until when the interlock signal is output.

[0149] (Appendix 7) In the control system described in any one of Appendices 1 to 6 above, the control command may include at least one of a command to stop operation of the injection molding machine, a command to permit operation in a predetermined molding process, a command to prohibit operation in a predetermined molding process, a command to permit operation of a peripheral device, a command to prohibit operation of a peripheral device, a command to interrupt execution of a current molding process and execute a next molding process, a command to permit a change in operating conditions of the injection molding machine, and a command to prohibit a change in operating conditions of the injection molding machine.

[0150] (Supplementary Note 8) The control system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7 may further include an input device (12) that receives input from the operator, and the input device may have the option acquisition unit and the input reception unit.

[0151] (Supplementary Note 9) In the control system described in Supplementary Note 8, the input device may transmit the calculation conditions to a control device provided for each of the plurality of injection molding machines connected via a network.

[0152] (Supplementary Note 10) In the control system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, a display indicating whether or not the calculation condition is met may be displayed on a display unit.

[0153] (Supplementary Note 11) In the control system described in any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, the physical quantity may be detected by a sensor included in the mold, or a sensor attached to the injection molding machine after the injection molding machine is shipped.

[0154] (Supplementary Note 12) A control method in a control system (10) that controls at least one injection molding machine (16), the control method acquires options related to interlock signals that are set in correspondence with each of the injection molding machines, accepts input of calculation conditions that are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines and are generated by an operator selecting the options, acquires the calculation conditions, acquires physical quantities that indicate a state of the injection molding machine that correspond to the calculation conditions, and if the physical quantities of the injection molding machine that correspond to the calculation conditions satisfy the calculation conditions, calculates the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions, and controls the injection molding machine based on a control command that is associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

[0155] (Supplementary Note 13) A control method in a control system (10) that controls at least one injection molding machine (16), the control method comprising: a control device (14) provided for each of the injection molding machines; and a management device (90) provided to be able to communicate with the control device; the control method acquires options related to an interlock signal that are set in correspondence with each of the injection molding machines; accepts input of calculation conditions that are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines and are generated by an operator selecting the options; acquires the calculation conditions corresponding to each of the injection molding machines in the management device; and, if a physical quantity indicating a state of the injection molding machine acquired in the control device satisfies the calculation conditions, calculates the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions; acquires the physical quantity of the injection molding machine that corresponds to the calculation conditions in the control device; and controls the injection molding machine based on a control command that is associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

[0156] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, partial deletions, etc. are possible in these embodiments without departing from the gist of the present disclosure or the spirit of the present disclosure derived from the content of the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the order of each operation and the order of each process are shown as examples and are not limited to these. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical expressions are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0157] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10... CONTROL SYSTEM 12... INPUT DEVICE 14... CONTROL DEVICE 16... INJECTION MOLDING MACHINE 26, 92... CHOICE OPTION ACQUISITION UNIT 28, 94... INPUT RECEIVING UNIT 36, 100... CALCULATOR CONDITION ACQUISITION UNIT 38, 116... PHYSICAL QUANTITY ACQUISITION UNIT 40, 106... INTERLOCK SIGNAL CALCULATION UNIT 42, 124... CONTROL UNIT 44, 126... MONITORING UNIT 72... RELATIONSHIP DISPLAY UNIT 90... MANAGEMENT DEVICE

Claims

1. A control system for controlling at least one injection molding machine, comprising: An option acquisition unit that acquires options related to an interlock signal, which are set in association with each of the injection molding machines; An input reception unit that receives an input of calculation conditions generated by an operator's selection of the options, which are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines; A calculation condition acquisition unit that acquires the calculation conditions; A physical quantity acquisition unit that acquires a physical quantity indicating the state of the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation conditions; An interlock signal calculation unit that calculates the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions when the physical quantity in the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation conditions satisfies the calculation conditions; A control unit that controls the injection molding machine based on a control command associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine. A control system comprising the above components.

2. A control system for controlling at least one injection molding machine, comprising: An option acquisition unit that acquires options related to an interlock signal, which are set in association with each of the injection molding machines; An input reception unit that receives an input of calculation conditions generated by an operator's selection of the options, which are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines; A control device provided for each of the injection molding machines; A management device communicably provided with the control device. The control system comprises: The management device: A calculation condition acquisition unit that acquires the calculation conditions corresponding to the injection molding machine; An interlock signal calculation unit that calculates the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions when the physical quantity indicating the state of the injection molding machine acquired in the control device satisfies the calculation conditions. The management device has the above components. The control device: A physical quantity acquisition unit that acquires the physical quantity in the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation conditions; A control unit that controls the injection molding machine based on a control command associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine. The control device has the above components. A control system.

3. In the control system according to Claim 1 or 2, A monitoring unit is provided to monitor whether an operation based on the control command is performed in the injection molding machine based on the physical quantity in the injection molding machine. After a predetermined time has elapsed since the monitoring unit receives the control command from the control unit, if the control based on the control command is not performed in the injection molding machine, the control system stops the control of the injection molding machine based on the control command or stops the operation of the injection molding machine.

4. In the control system according to claim 1 or 2, The options are An option to select a molding process, an option to select the physical quantity, An option to select a comparison method for comparing the magnitude relationship between the selected physical quantity and a threshold value, And a control system including at least one of the options to select the control command associated with the interlock signal.

5. In the control system according to claim 1 or 2, The calculation conditions are The conditions of the molding process, The conditions of the magnitude relationship between the physical quantity and the threshold value, And a control system including the control command associated with the interlock signal.

6. In the control system according to claim 5, The calculation conditions include the conditions of the molding process and the delay time from when the conditions of the magnitude relationship between the physical quantity and the threshold value are satisfied until the interlock signal is output, in the control system.

7. In the control system according to claim 1 or 2, The control command is A command to stop the operation of the injection molding machine, A command to permit the operation in a predetermined molding process, A command to prohibit the operation in a predetermined molding process, A command to permit the operation of peripheral devices, A command to prohibit the operation of peripheral devices, A command to interrupt the execution of the current molding process and execute the next molding process, A command to permit the change of the operation conditions of the injection molding machine, And a control system including at least one of the commands to prohibit the change of the operation conditions of the injection molding machine.

8. In the control system according to claim 1 or 2, It is provided with an input device for receiving the input from the operator, The input device has the option acquisition unit and the input reception unit, in the control system.

9. In the control system according to claim 8, The input device transmits the calculation conditions to the control devices provided for each of the plurality of injection molding machines connected via a network, in the control system.

10. In the control system according to claim 1 or 2, The control system causes the display unit to display a display indicating whether the calculation conditions are satisfied.

11. In the control system according to claim 1 or 2, The physical quantity is detected by a sensor of the mold or a sensor attached to the injection molding machine after the injection molding machine is shipped, and is a control system.

12. A control method in a control system for controlling at least one injection molding machine, comprising: acquiring options related to an interlock signal set in association with each of the injection molding machines; receiving an input of calculation conditions generated by an operator's selection of the options, which are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines; acquiring the calculation conditions; acquiring a physical quantity indicating the state of the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation conditions; when the physical quantity in the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation conditions satisfies the calculation conditions, calculating the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions; A control method for controlling the injection molding machine based on a control command associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.

13. A control method in a control system for controlling at least one injection molding machine, comprising: The control system includes: a control device provided for each of the injection molding machines; a management device communicably provided with the control device; and has acquiring options related to an interlock signal set in association with each of the injection molding machines; receiving an input of calculation conditions generated by an operator's selection of the options, which are conditions for calculating the interlock signal corresponding to each of the injection molding machines; In the management device, acquiring the calculation conditions corresponding to the injection molding machine; when the physical quantity indicating the state of the injection molding machine acquired by the control device satisfies the calculation conditions, calculating the interlock signal for the injection molding machine based on the calculation conditions; In the control device, acquiring the physical quantity in the injection molding machine corresponding to the calculation conditions; A control method for controlling the injection molding machine based on a control command associated with the interlock signal for the injection molding machine.