Molding machine controller and molding machine

Abstract

A molding machine controller (controller 5) includes: a touch panel 17; and a control unit 13 for controlling a machine body 3 on the basis of molding conditions set by means of the touch panel 17. The control unit 13 acquires temperature information (for example, temperature distribution image data) from a thermographic camera 15 that images a mold 101 held by the machine body 3. The touch panel 17 displays the temperature information (for example, a temperature distribution image and / or a point temperature) acquired by the control unit 13.

Description

Molding machine controller and molding machine

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a molding machine controller and a molding machine. The molding machine is, for example, a die-casting machine that molds metal or an injection molding machine that molds resin.

[0002] Thermography (thermography cameras) that generate temperature distribution images based on infrared rays emitted from an object are known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 5 below). Technology that utilizes thermography in molding machines is also known (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 3 to 5 below).

[0003] In this disclosure, for convenience, there may be no strict distinction between an "image" such as a temperature distribution image and "image data" that is data for displaying that image. The two terms may be interchangeable unless a contradiction arises.

[0004] Patent Document 1 relates to a technology for collecting molten metal residue contained in gas sucked from an injection sleeve of a die-casting machine in a collection section, and proposes a device for determining the collection state based on the temperature of the collection section. Patent Document 1 also lists a thermography camera as an example of a sensor for detecting the temperature of the collection section.

[0005] Patent Document 3 relates to a technique for removing residues from the mold of a die-casting machine, and proposes an apparatus for determining the location of residues based on a temperature distribution image of the mold obtained by a thermographic camera.

[0006] Patent Document 4 discloses a method for correcting subsequent injection-related operations based on the temperature of the filled resin injected into the mold of an injection molding machine, and cites a thermography camera as an example of a sensor for detecting the temperature of the filled resin.

[0007] Patent Document 5 relates to a technology for cooling a plunger that pushes molten metal from an injection sleeve of a die-casting machine into a mold, and proposes detecting the temperature of the cooling medium supplied to the plunger and the temperature of the cooling medium discharged from the plunger. In Patent Document 5, in an experiment to explain the effect of the above technology, the temperature of the plunger is detected using a thermographic camera.

[0008] It should be noted that Patent Documents 1, 3, and 5 do not mention displaying temperature information obtained by a thermographic camera. Patent Document 4 describes displaying a graph of the temperature of the filled resin based on a temperature distribution image and the positional relationship with the screw that extrudes the resin into the mold before filling, but does not mention displaying it on a display.

[0009] Furthermore, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 4, and 5 do not measure the temperature of a mold using a thermographic camera. The technique disclosed in Patent Document 3 detects the temperature of a mold, but its purpose is to detect the presence or absence of residue and its location, and is not directly related to, for example, evaluation of the quality of a molded product and / or evaluation of the quality of molding conditions.

[0010] JP 2022-141115 A JP 2019-119162 A JP 2017-87276 A JP 2023-45616 A JP 2017-100184 A

[0011] For example, there is a need for a molding machine controller and a molding machine that facilitates the use of a thermography camera.

[0012] A molding machine controller according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a touch panel and a control unit that controls a molding machine body based on molding conditions set via the touch panel. The control unit acquires temperature information from a thermographic camera that captures an image of a mold held by the molding machine body. The touch panel displays the temperature information acquired by the control unit.

[0013] A molding machine according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the molding machine controller, the thermographic camera, and the machine main body, which includes a mold clamping device that clamps the mold and an injection device that injects molding material into the mold.

[0014] According to the above configuration, for example, the use of a thermography camera is facilitated.

[0015] 1. A side view showing the configuration of a die casting machine according to an embodiment. 2. A block diagram showing the configuration of a signal processing system of the die casting machine of FIG. 1. 3. A diagram showing condition data stored in the controller of FIG. 2. 4. A diagram showing quality data stored in the controller of FIG. 2. 5. A diagram explaining a method for setting a camera in the die casting machine of FIG. 1. 6. An example of a screen displayed by the touch panel of FIG. 2. 7. Another example of a screen displayed by the touch panel of FIG. 2. 8. Yet another example of a screen displayed by the touch panel of FIG. 2. 9. A diagram explaining switching of the screen displayed by the touch panel of FIG. 2. 10. A flowchart showing the procedure of processing executed by the controller of FIG. 2.

[0016] 1 is a side view (partially in cross section) showing the configuration of a die-casting machine 1 (an example of a molding machine) according to an embodiment. The up-down direction in the drawing is the vertical direction.

[0017] The die-casting machine 1 produces a die-cast product (a molded product in a broader sense) by filling a mold 101 (space 107) with molten metal (not shown), which is a molten metal. The die-casting machine 1 has a machine main body 3 that performs mechanical operations, and a controller 5 (an example of a molding machine controller) that controls the machine main body 3.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a signal processing system of the die casting machine 1.

[0019] The controller 5 has a control unit 13 and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) 15 that acts as an intermediary between the control unit 13 and an operator (a user in a broader sense). The HMI 15 includes, for example, a touch panel 17 (see also FIG. 1). The control unit 13 controls the machine main body 3 based on molding conditions (e.g., injection pressure and injection speed) input via the HMI 15 (e.g., touch panel 17).

[0020] The die-casting machine 1 has one or more thermographic cameras 19 (hereinafter referred to as "cameras 19" for convenience) that capture images of the die 101. The control unit 13 acquires temperature information of the die 101 from the cameras 19. The touch panel 17 displays the acquired temperature information.

[0021] The above configuration provides the following effects, for example.

[0022] The temperature of the mold 101 affects the variation in the quality of the molded product. Therefore, for example, the quality of the molded product can be determined based on the temperature of the mold 101, or the quality can be stabilized by managing the temperature of the mold 101. To detect the temperature of the mold 101, a thermocouple embedded in the mold 101 is generally used.

[0023] However, when using a thermocouple, the mold 101 must be processed to accommodate the thermocouple. Furthermore, the appropriate position for the thermocouple must be carefully examined. Such careful examination is difficult for users who are not familiar with the analysis involved. Furthermore, in order to maintain the strength of the mold, the thermocouple cannot be placed near the inner surface of the mold, which can result in reduced temperature measurement accuracy.

[0024] On the other hand, when the camera 19 is used as in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain temperature information (for example, a temperature distribution image) over a wide area of ​​the mold 101 without contacting the mold 101, thereby reducing the above-mentioned inconvenience. Furthermore, the temperature of the mold 101 can be evaluated over an area rather than at a point. As a result, for example, it is possible to improve the quality of products by more sophisticated temperature management than before.

[0025] However, the system for managing the temperature of the mold 101 using the camera 19 is not optimized. For example, other aspects that can be contrasted with the embodiment include a system in which temperature information is displayed on a display provided on the camera 19. Another example is a system in which temperature information is displayed on a display of a management device that communicates with the camera 19 via a network, not via the control unit 13. Note that both aspects are based on the technical idea of ​​retrofitting the camera 19 to an existing die-casting machine and operating the camera 19 independently of the die-casting machine.

[0026] In contrast to these other aspects, in this embodiment, temperature information is displayed on the touch panel 17 used to control the die-casting machine 1. As a result, for example, an operator can grasp the temperature in addition to molding conditions and / or various measurement values ​​(described later) simply by looking at the touch panel 17. This improves operator convenience. Furthermore, because the HIMI 15 and control unit 13 can be used as both a display and a controller for the camera 19, the system configuration can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0027] The above is an overview of the embodiment. The following will be explained in the following order: 1. Machine main body 1.1. Machine main body in general (Fig. 1) 1.2. Sensors and drive units (Fig. 2) 2. Controller 2.1. Control unit (Fig. 2) 2.2. HMI (Figs. 1 and 2) 3. Thermography camera (Fig. 2) 4. Data examples 4.1. Condition data (Fig. 3) 4.1.1. Molding condition information 4.1.2. Measurement condition information 4.2. Quality data (Fig. 4) 4.2.1. Physical quantity information 4.2.2. Temperature information 4.2.3. Additional information 4.3. Thermography camera adjustment parameters (Fig. 5) 5. Screen examples (Figs. 6 to 9) 5.1. Screen overview 5.2. First screen (Fig. 6) 5.2.1. Comparative display of temperature distribution images 5.2.2. Operation buttons related to temperature distribution images 5.2.3. Display of temperatures at measurement points 5.2.4. Others 5.3. Second screen (Fig. 7) 5.4. Third screen (Fig. 8) 5.5. Fourth to sixth screens (Fig. 9) 6. Example of molding cycle processing procedure (Fig. 10) 7. Summary of embodiment

[0028] (1. Machine Body) (1.1. Machine Body in General) The machine body 3 may have various configurations, for example, a known configuration. However, in explaining the embodiment, for convenience, the explanation may be based on the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1 without any particular mention. For example, the machine body 3 in the illustrated example is a so-called horizontal clamping and horizontal injection type, and the arrangement of the camera 19 may be explained based on this assumption.

[0029] The machine main body 3 holds the aforementioned mold 101. The mold 101 is replaced depending on the product. Therefore, the machine main body 3 (or the die-casting machine 1 from another perspective) may be defined excluding the mold 101, or may be defined including the mold 101. In the description of the embodiment, the former may be taken as an example unless otherwise specified.

[0030] The mold 101 includes, for example, a fixed mold 103 and a movable mold 105. As shown by the two-dot chain line in Fig. 1, the machine body 3 brings the movable mold 105 close to the fixed mold 103 and abuts against it (performs mold closing). As a result, a space 107 having the same shape as the shape of the molded product is formed between the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105.

[0031] As described above, the machine body 3 fills (injects) the space 107 with molten metal. In a broader sense, the molten metal is a molding material in an unhardened state. The unhardened state includes not only a liquid state but also a state in which both solid and liquid coexist.

[0032] The molten metal filled in the space 107 solidifies as heat is absorbed by the mold 101. This produces a molded product. After that, the machine body 3 separates the movable mold 105 from the fixed mold 103 (mold opening) to remove the molded product.

[0033] The machine body 3 repeats a molding cycle in which, for example, the above-described mold closing, injection, and mold opening are performed in sequence. Furthermore, when the mold is being opened, the machine body 3 applies (sprays) a mold release agent to the opposing surfaces of the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105 in preparation for the next molding cycle.

[0034] In order to realize the molding cycle described above, the machine main body 3 has, for example, the following components: Clamping device 7: Opens, closes, and clamps the mold 101. Injection device 9: Injects molten metal into the mold 101. Extrusion device 11: Extrudes the die-cast product from the fixed mold 103 or the movable mold 105 (movable mold 105 in FIG. 1). Spray device 12: Applyes a mold release agent to the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105. These components may be configured in various ways, and may be known configurations.

[0035] For example, the mold clamping device 7 may be one that opens and closes the mold and clamps the mold using a toggle mechanism (example in FIG. 1), one that opens and closes the mold with the movement of a toggle mechanism and clamps the mold using a toggle mechanism, or one that does not have a toggle mechanism and performs mold opening and closing and mold clamping using separate drive sources. Also, for example, the drive system of the mold clamping device 7 may be an electric system, a hydraulic system (hydraulic system), or a hybrid system that combines these.

[0036] The injection device 9 may be, for example, for a cold chamber machine (example of FIG. 1), for a hot chamber machine, or a hybrid type that combines both. Also, the drive system of the injection device 9 may be, for example, an electric system, a hydraulic system, or a hybrid system that combines these systems.

[0037] The extrusion device 11 may be, for example, one that extrudes a molded product from the movable mold 105 (as in the example of FIG. 1 ), or one that extrudes a molded product from the fixed mold 103. Furthermore, for example, the extrusion device 11 may have an electric or hydraulic (hydraulic) drive source, or may be one that uses mold opening by the mold clamping device 7 (one that does not have a drive source).

[0038] The spray device 12 may, for example, be a device in which a portion having a plurality of nozzles is inserted and removed between the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105 (as in the illustrated example), or it may not be such a device. Also, the nozzle may be formed of a relatively long pipe (for example, a copper pipe) whose shape can be adjusted to appropriately set the position and direction of the tip (as in the illustrated example), or it may not be such a device.

[0039] (1.2. Sensors and Drive Units) As shown in FIG. 2, the machine main body 3 has various sensors 31 and various drive units 33 (one sensor 31 and one drive unit 33 are illustrated in FIG. 2).

[0040] The sensor 31 measures, for example, a physical quantity related to the molding cycle. In other words, the physical quantity is, for example, a physical quantity whose value changes as the molding cycle progresses, a physical quantity whose value differs between molding cycles, and / or a physical quantity that indicates the operating state of the machine main body 3.

[0041] Specific examples of the sensor 31 include a sensor that detects the injection speed, a sensor that detects the injection pressure, a sensor that detects the mold clamping force, a sensor that detects the pressure or flow rate at an appropriate position in the hydraulic circuit that constitutes the drive unit 33, a sensor that detects the torque of the electric motor that constitutes the drive unit 33, and a limit switch that detects that a predetermined member has reached a predetermined position.

[0042] The physical quantity detected by the limit switch can be interpreted as a position or as the time when a predetermined position is reached. Similarly, the physical quantity detected by the sensor that detects the injection speed is not limited to the injection speed, but may be interpreted as the time when the injection speed reaches a predetermined speed. The same applies to other sensors.

[0043] The drive unit 33 generates a drive force related to the molding cycle. Specific examples of the drive unit 33 include: one or more drive units provided in the mold clamping device 7 and related to the movement of the movable die plate that holds the movable die 105; one or more drive units provided in the injection device 9 and related to the movement of the plunger that pushes the molten metal into the space 107; one or more drive units provided in the extrusion device 11 and related to the movement of the ejector pin that extrudes the product from the die; and a drive unit provided in the spray device 12 that moves the nozzle or sprays the mold release agent into the nozzle.

[0044] More specifically, the one or more driving units of each of the above-mentioned devices may include, for example, an electric motor or a hydraulic cylinder that directly moves a moving object (e.g., a moving die plate, a plunger, an ejector pin, or a nozzle), an electric motor that drives a pump that delivers a fluid (e.g., a hydraulic fluid, a mold release agent, or air), and a valve that controls the flow of the fluid.

[0045] As with the mold 101, the sensor 31 and drive unit 33 associated with the mold 101 may or may not be considered as components of the machine body 3. An example of the sensor 31 associated with the mold 101 is a sensor that detects the arrival of molten metal at a predetermined position. Also, an example of the drive unit 33 associated with the mold 101 is a drive unit that drives a core and a drive unit that applies local pressure.

[0046] (2. Controller) (2.1. Control Unit) As described above, the control unit 13 controls the machine main body 3 (specifically, the various drive units 33) based on the molding conditions set via the HMI 15. In the control, information (in other words, signals) from the various sensors 31 may be referred to as appropriate. Also, as described above, the control unit 13 displays temperature information from the camera 19 on the touch panel 17.

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 13 controls the camera 19. This control not only instructs the camera 19 to capture images at appropriate timing, but also includes setting parameters (e.g., humidity and emissivity) for adjusting the accuracy of the temperature distribution image. The setting is performed, for example, based on an operation on the HMI 15 (e.g., the touch panel 17). Note that the technology for adjusting the camera 19 (excluding the image capture timing) via the touch panel 17 in this manner is not disclosed in the aforementioned patent documents.

[0048] The control unit 13 may control the machine main body 3 based on the temperature information acquired from the camera 19. For example, the molding conditions in a subsequent molding cycle may be corrected based on the temperature information acquired from the camera 19. Of course, the temperature information acquired from the camera 19 does not have to be used in this way. In the description of the embodiment, an example will be taken where such correction is not made.

[0049] The control unit 13 may have various hardware configurations. For example, the control unit 13 may be provided on a control panel (not shown). A part of the control unit 13 may be combined with the HMI 15 in terms of hardware (or, from another perspective, the control unit 13 may share a part with the HMI 15). A part of the control unit 13 may be located in another appropriate position away from the control panel.

[0050] The control unit 13 is configured to include, for example, a computer. The specific configuration is arbitrary. For example, the computer may include a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and a microcomputer. The control unit 13 may also include a logic circuit that performs only certain processing.

[0051] The control unit 13 includes, for example, a processor 21 and a memory 23. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 23 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 23a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23b, and an auxiliary storage device 23c (for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive)). Each of these components may be integrated into hardware or may be distributed. The processor 21 executes programs stored in the ROM 23a and / or the auxiliary storage device 23c to configure various functional units that perform various calculations.

[0052] The control unit 13 may be capable of exporting at least a portion of the data stored in the RAM 23b and / or the auxiliary storage device 23c to another memory. Examples of such data include a portion or all of a condition data set D1 and a quality data set D3 (described later). For example, temperature information acquired from the camera 19 (e.g., a temperature distribution image and / or temperature information at measurement points (described later) based thereon) may be exported to an external memory together with information on detected values ​​from the sensor 31. The export may be performed automatically (e.g., periodically) by the control unit 13 or in response to an operator's operation on the HMI 15.

[0053] The export destination may be, for example, a recording medium that is detachable from the control unit 13, or a management device (a server from another perspective) that communicates with the control unit 13 via a network. The recording medium may be, for example, a Secure Digital (SD) card or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory. The export destination may be located on a control panel or the like together with the control unit 13, but may also be an auxiliary storage device from which data can be read even if the auxiliary storage device 23c fails.

[0054] (2.2. HMI) The HMI 15 (FIGS. 1 and 2) may have various configurations, for example, a known configuration. As described above, the HMI 15 includes the touch panel 17. From another perspective, the HMI 15 has a display and an operation unit. In addition to the touch panel 17, the HMI 15 may have one or more mechanical switches 15a (hardware switches) as the operation unit. Although not specifically shown, the HMI 15 may also have a lamp (e.g., an LED (Light Emitting Diode)) that presents information depending on its lighting state, and a device (e.g., a speaker) that presents information acoustically.

[0055] The HMI 15 (e.g., touch panel 17) may be located at any position. In FIG. 1 , the HMI 15 is fixed to a stationary part (fixed die plate) of the mold clamping unit 7. Unlike the illustrated example, the HMI 15 may be located on a control panel (not shown), or may be located separately from the control panel and away from the machine main body 3. Furthermore, the touch panel 17 and the switch 15a may be provided on the same panel or housing, or may be located separately from each other on separate support members.

[0056] The division of roles between the HMI 15 and the control unit 13 may be set as appropriate. For example, the data for an image displayed on the touch panel 17 may be generated by either the control unit 13 or the HMI 15. However, regardless of the hardware configuration, the boundary between the control unit 13 and the HMI 15 may be defined as appropriate. For example, the CPU that generates the image data may be defined as part of the HMI 15, regardless of whether it is adjacent to the display surface of the touch panel 17.

[0057] (3. Thermography Camera) The camera 19 may have various configurations, including, for example, a configuration similar to a known configuration. Furthermore, the roles of the camera 19 and the control unit 13 may be divided arbitrarily. For example, a thermography (device) converts infrared rays into a plurality of electrical signals using a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements in an imaging element, analyzes the intensities of these electrical signals (or, from another perspective, the infrared intensities), and generates a thermal distribution image showing the distribution of heat in the imaged object. The camera 19 may generate the thermal distribution image, or may simply transmit a signal indicating the infrared intensity to the control unit 13 (the thermal distribution image may be formed by the control unit 13). In the description of the embodiment, the former will be taken as an example. Therefore, in the description of the embodiment, the term "thermography camera 19" may be replaced with the term "thermography (device)."

[0058] The one or more cameras 19 capture, for example, images of the opposing surfaces of the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105 of the mold 101. This makes it possible to detect, for example, a temperature that is highly correlated with the temperature (quality) of a molded product molded before the image is captured and / or a molded product to be molded after the image is captured. However, the one or more cameras 19 may capture images of other parts of the mold 101 in addition to or instead of the above-mentioned opposing surfaces. Note that the description of the embodiment is based on the premise that the one or more cameras 19 basically capture images of the opposing surfaces.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, both the facing surface of the fixed mold 103 and the facing surface of the movable mold 105 may be imaged by one or more cameras 19 (all cameras) of the die-casting machine 1, or only one of them may be imaged. One of the facing surfaces of the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105 may be imaged in its entirety by one or more cameras 19 responsible for that facing surface, or only a portion thereof (for example, only the product portion). Also, for example, one camera 19 may image the entire facing surface of one of the fixed mold 103 and the movable mold 105, or only a portion thereof (for example, only the product portion). Note that, in the above description, it is assumed that one or more cameras 19 that image the facing surface of the fixed mold 103 and one or more cameras 19 that image the facing surface of the movable mold 105 are separate, but it is also possible to image both facing surfaces (at least a portion of each facing surface) with one camera 19.

[0060] First, two examples of the arrangement of the one or more cameras 19 will be given, followed by supplementary explanations (e.g., explanations of other variations).

[0061] A first example is the example shown in Fig. 2. In this example, two or more cameras 19 are provided. At least one camera 19 is attached to a fixed die plate (see Fig. 1, reference numeral omitted) that holds the fixed die 103 of the mold clamping unit 7, and captures an image of the opposing surface of the movable die 105. In addition, at least one camera 19 is attached to a movable die plate (see Fig. 1, reference numeral omitted) that holds the movable die 105 of the mold clamping unit 7, and captures an image of the opposing surface of the fixed die 103. The cameras 19 are arranged in positions that do not interfere with mold opening and closing.

[0062] In the second example, although not specifically shown, the camera 19 is held by a moving mechanism attached to the fixed die plate (see the robot of the spray device 12). Then, for example, when the die is being opened, the moving mechanism moves the camera 19 between the fixed die 103 and the movable die 105. Then, after the camera 19 captures an image of the opposing surface of the fixed die 103 and / or the opposing surface of the movable die 105, the moving mechanism retracts the camera 19 from between the fixed die 103 and the movable die 105 before the die is closed.

[0063] As can be seen from the camera 19 supported on the fixed die plate in the first example, the camera 19 may be stationary (fixed) throughout the molding cycle. Also, as can be seen from the camera 19 supported on the movable die plate in the first example and the second example, the camera 19 may move as the molding cycle progresses. Also, the movement may be accompanied by the movement of a member directly involved in molding (movable die plate), or may be caused by a moving mechanism not directly involved in molding.

[0064] The stationary camera 19 is not limited to the camera 19 that images the opposing surface of the movable mold 105. For example, unlike the first example, the camera 19 that images the opposing surface of the fixed mold 103 may also be made stationary by being supported on an immovable member throughout the molding cycle, rather than on the movable mold plate. Furthermore, the camera 19 supported on the fixed mold plate may not be directly supported on the fixed mold plate, but may be supported on the fixed mold 103 and indirectly supported on the fixed mold plate. The same applies to the camera 19 supported on the movable mold plate. The stationary camera 19 that images the opposing surface of the movable mold 105 may be supported on an immovable member independent of the fixed mold plate.

[0065] In the illustrated example (first example), the one or more cameras 19 are arranged above the mold 101 (or, from another perspective, on one side in a direction intersecting the mold opening / closing direction). Unlike the illustrated example, the one or more cameras 19 may be located on the side and / or below the mold 101 instead of or in addition to being located above the mold 101. In other words, the one or more cameras 19 may be located anywhere in a direction intersecting the mold opening / closing direction.

[0066] In the second example, one camera 19 may only take images at one position, or may take images at multiple positions while moving continuously or intermittently. The movement mechanism may move one or more cameras 19 that take images of the fixed mold 103 and one or more cameras 19 that take images of the movable mold 105 together. However, a movement mechanism that can move the former camera 19 and the latter camera 19 separately may be provided, or the former camera 19 may be used as the latter camera 19 by changing the orientation of the camera 19. The movement mechanism may be, for example, dedicated to moving the camera 19. However, the movement mechanism may also be used as the movement mechanism of another device (e.g., the spray device 12).

[0067] As shown schematically in FIG. 2 , the die casting machine 1 may have a protective device 20 for protecting the camera 19 (particularly the lens) from steam generated by spraying or the like. The protective device 20 may have any configuration. For example, the protective device 20 may be a box that houses the camera 19. The box may have a door that opens to expose the lens of the camera 19. The door of the box may be opened when capturing an image and closed at other times. Furthermore, for example, the protective device 20 may emit air in an appropriate direction around the camera 19 to control the airflow around the camera 19 (particularly around the lens).

[0068] The protection device 20 is controlled by, for example, the control unit 13. The protection device 20 may be configured to be distributed separately from the camera 19, or may be configured as a part of the camera 19. The protection device 20 may be controlled by, for example, the control unit 13. For example, the opening and closing of the above-mentioned door may be controlled directly by the control unit 13, or indirectly via a controller included in the camera 19.

[0069] (4. Examples of Data) Hereinafter, data stored in the memory 23 (for example, the auxiliary storage device 23c) to realize the above-mentioned operations or the operations described below will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Note that at least a part of the data described with reference to Figures 3 to 5 may be recorded in the RAM 23b in addition to or instead of the auxiliary storage device 23c, as long as no contradictions or the like arise.

[0070] 3 to 5 are provided for the convenience of explaining the contents of information and the correspondences, and the contents of information and data structures are shown abstractly or schematically (and do not necessarily correspond to the real thing). Therefore, for example, one data structure shown in table format may actually be divided into two or more data structures, and information linking the two may be added.

[0071] (4.1. Condition Data) The condition data set D1 shown in Fig. 3 includes a portion that may be the same as the conventional data structure (columns for "Condition No." and "Molding Condition"), and a new portion related to the camera 19 (column for "Measurement Condition"). The former will be explained first, and then the latter will be explained. Note that, unless a contradiction or the like arises, part of the explanation of the former (for example, explanation of inputting, updating, storing, and reading out information) may be appropriately used in the explanation of the latter.

[0072] (4.1.1. Molding Condition Information) The information related to the molding conditions included in the condition data set D1 is, in other words, information that defines the operation of the machine body 3 in the molding cycle. In this disclosure, the term molding condition may refer to each of various parameters (e.g., injection speed and injection pressure) or may refer to a combination of various parameters, and may be interpreted as either as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0073] Specific examples of molding conditions (parameters) include the amount of molten metal per shot, injection speed (e.g., low-speed injection speed and high-speed injection speed), switching conditions from low-speed injection speed to high-speed injection speed (e.g., switching position), injection pressure (e.g., pressure rise curve and final casting pressure), and temperature of the mold, etc.

[0074] The condition data set D1 holds, for example, a plurality of condition records D1a. Each condition record D1a holds information on a combination of set values ​​(target values) of various molding conditions (parameters). In Fig. 3, "injection speed" and "injection pressure" are exemplified as molding conditions (parameters).

[0075] The multiple condition records D1a may correspond to, for example, different molds 101, or may correspond to different environments (e.g., ambient temperatures) of the same mold 101, or may correspond to multiple trials when molding conditions are being determined through trial and error. Unlike the illustrated example, the condition data set D1 may be capable of holding only one condition record D1a.

[0076] By storing the condition data set D1, for example, the control unit 13 can execute a new molding cycle based on molding conditions that were previously set. The specific processing is, for example, as follows.

[0077] The RAM 23b (more specifically, an area reserved for executing a molding cycle; the same applies below) holds, for example, one condition record D1a. The processor 21 controls the machine main body 3 in accordance with, for example, the condition record D1a stored in the RAM 23b.

[0078] The condition record D1a (information on the values ​​of various parameters) stored in the RAM 23b is input, for example, via the MHI 15 (for example, the touch panel 17). And / or, in response to an operation on the MHI 15, the processor 21 reads out one of the condition records D1a from the condition data set D1 stored in the auxiliary storage device 23c (and stores it in the RAM 23b).

[0079] The processor 21 stores the condition record D1a stored in the RAM 23b in the condition data set D1 stored in the auxiliary storage device 23c based on an operation on the MHI 15 (e.g., the touch panel 17). More specifically, for example, the condition record D1a in the RAM 23b is added to the condition data set D1 or replaces one of the condition records D1a in the condition data set D1.

[0080] (4.1.2. Information on Measurement Conditions) In the illustrated example, the condition record D1a also stores information on "measurement conditions" when temperature information is obtained based on image capture by the camera 19. The measurement conditions define at least a portion of the operations from image capture by the camera 19 to the generation of temperature information. More specifically, in the illustrated example, information on "measurement points," information on "adjustment parameters," and information on "photography timing" are exemplified. The measurement conditions include the measurement points and the photography conditions, and the photography conditions include the adjustment parameters and the photography timing. Note that, unlike this embodiment, the condition record D1a may hold only a portion of these, or may hold none of them.

[0081] A "measurement point" is one or more positions (for convenience, only one position is assumed in FIG. 3 ) set in the mold 101 (or, from another perspective, the imaging range and / or temperature distribution image of the camera 19). The information on the measurement point is, for example, a coordinate in a two-dimensional coordinate system fixed to the camera 19 (and / or the mold to be imaged). As will be described later in the explanation of an example of the screen of the touch panel 17 (an image displayed on the entire display surface; it may also refer to the display surface), the processor 21 identifies the temperature at the position of the measurement point based on the temperature distribution image and displays the identified temperature as characters (e.g., numbers) on the touch panel 17. This allows the temperature of the mold 101 to be evaluated more easily than, for example, when visually viewing a temperature distribution image.

[0082] The "adjustment parameter" is a parameter (e.g., emissivity) for adjusting the accuracy of the temperature distribution image. Specific examples of the adjustment parameters whose information is held in the condition record D1a will be described later in the description of FIG.

[0083] The "photography timing" is the time during the molding cycle when an image is taken by the camera 19. The photography timing is specified, for example, either before or after spraying and / or by the elapse of time from a predetermined reference point (for example, the point at which mold opening is completed).

[0084] In the illustrated example, the measurement condition information is stored as part of the condition record D1a. In other words, the molding condition information and the measurement condition information are stored in association with each other. This allows, for example, when a new molding condition is selected from previously set molding conditions, the measurement condition corresponding to the selected molding condition can also be set.

[0085] More specifically, for example, the operator sets new molding conditions (condition record D1a stored in RAM 23b) by selecting one condition record D1a from multiple condition records D1a stored in the control unit 13 (auxiliary storage device 23c) via the touch panel 17. At this time, information on measurement conditions stored in the condition record D1a (associated with the selected molding conditions) is also read out by the processor 21 (stored in RAM 23b) and set as measurement conditions. Then, the processor 21 executes processing to acquire temperature information based on the read measurement conditions.

[0086] (4.2. Quality Data) The quality data set D3 shown in Fig. 4 includes a portion that may be the same as the conventional data structure (columns for "Shot No." and "Physical Quantity"), and a new portion related to the camera 19 (columns for "Temperature" and "Additional Information"). The former will be explained first, and then the latter will be explained. Note that, unless a contradiction or the like arises, part of the explanation of the former (e.g., explanation of inputting, updating, storing, and reading out information) may be appropriately used in the explanation of the latter.

[0087] (4.2.1. Physical Quantity Information) The quality data set D3 includes information related to physical quantities detected by the various sensors 31. As described above, examples of such physical quantities include the injection speed and injection pressure. The measured values ​​of such physical quantities correlate with, for example, the quality of the molded product, and therefore can be treated as quality data. The quality data can be used, for example, to determine whether the molded product is good or bad. Furthermore, for example, when a defective product is found after a quality determination based on the molded product itself, the quality data can be used to investigate the cause.

[0088] The information on the physical quantities may be, for example, waveform data (time-series data) of physical quantities whose values ​​change as the molding cycle progresses, or may not be waveform data. Examples of physical quantities that can be used as time-series data include injection speed, injection pressure, and plunger position. Note that the information contained in the time-series data may be the detection values ​​detected by the sensor 31 as they are, or may be processed (for example, differentiated, integrated, or corrected) from the detection values.

[0089] Examples of information that is not time series data include statistical values ​​of the time series data (e.g., average value, minimum value, and / or maximum value), values ​​of physical quantities that constitute the time series data when specified conditions are met (e.g., plunger position when casting pressure is reached), values ​​of specified evaluation indexes calculated based on the values ​​of the time series data (e.g., the difference between the detected value and the reference value), and information that does not constitute time series data (e.g., the amount of molten metal remaining in the ladle after supplying molten metal).

[0090] The quality data set D3 holds, for example, a plurality of measurement records D3a. The data of the physical quantities (detection values ​​of the sensor 31) of each measurement record D3a holds information on a combination of various measurement values ​​in the same molding cycle (shown as blocks that represent data files in FIG. 4). In other words, the quality data set D3 holds measurement values ​​in a plurality of molding cycles so that they can be read out for each molding cycle.

[0091] The measurement record D3a is automatically added to the quality data set D3 stored in the auxiliary storage device 23c, for example, each time a molding cycle is performed. In other words, the quality data set D3 holds, for example, information on all molding cycles and / or consecutive molding cycles. Note that the quality data set D3 (auxiliary storage device 23c) may hold only one measurement record D3a. In this case, for example, the measurement record D3a may be exported each time a molding cycle is performed, and multiple measurement records D3a may be stored in an external memory.

[0092] (4.2.2. Temperature Information) The measurement record D3a also includes "temperature" information. The temperature information here refers to information based on images captured by the camera 19. Like the information on physical quantities detected by the sensor 31 (excluding the camera 19), the temperature information correlates with the quality of the molded product and can be used as quality data.

[0093] As described above, the temperature information is stored as part of the measurement record D3a. In other words, the measured temperature value is associated with the measured values ​​of other physical quantities related to the same molding cycle and stored in the control unit 13 of the die-casting machine 1. Unlike the present embodiment, in the concept of retrofitting the camera 19, the control unit 13 that controls the machine main body 3 does not perform the above-mentioned association.

[0094] In Figure 3, "point temperature" and "image" are shown as specific examples of temperature information. "Point temperature" is the temperature at the measurement point described above. "Image" is a temperature distribution image. This allows, for example, the quality of a molded product to be easily evaluated based on the temperature at the measurement point, and, if necessary, a detailed analysis based on the temperature distribution image.

[0095] As already mentioned, the image capturing by the camera 19 is performed, for example, when the mold is opened while the molding cycle is being repeated. The temperature information acquired during this mold opening may be included, for example, in the measurement record D3a relating to the molding cycle before the mold opening. However, the temperature information may be included in the measurement record D3a relating to the molding cycle after the mold opening, instead of or in addition to the measurement record D3a of the molding cycle before the mold opening.

[0096] (4.2.3. Additional Information) "Additional information" is information of at least a part of the condition record D1a related to the molding cycle (shot) when the measurement data was obtained. Note that in Fig. 4, for convenience, it is assumed that the multiple measurement records D3a included in one quality data set D3 correspond to the same condition record D1a, and one piece of additional information is associated in common with the multiple (all) measurement records D3a. However, unlike the example shown in the figure, one piece of additional information may be associated with a part of one quality data set D3 and multiple measurement records D3a, or one piece of additional information may be associated with each measurement record D3a.

[0097] The above-described description of the information included in the condition record D1a may be used as the additional information. Furthermore, any of the various pieces of information included in the condition record D1a may be included in the additional information. For example, the additional information may include information included in the condition record D1a that has a relatively large influence on the temperature information. Examples of such information include the information listed in the "measurement conditions" section of the condition record D1a (measurement points, adjustment parameters, and / or shooting timing). The additional information may also include information not included in the condition record D1a.

[0098] (4.3. Adjustment parameters of thermography camera) Figure 5 is a diagram explaining the adjustment parameters (data thereof) for adjusting the accuracy of the temperature distribution image. Specifically, Figure 5 shows the configuration of the signal processing system of the control unit 13, HMI 15, and camera 19. Note that the adjustment parameters are, in a higher-level concept, shooting conditions. In the explanation in this section, the term "adjustment parameters" may be replaced with the term "shooting conditions" as long as no contradictions arise.

[0099] In this embodiment, adjustment parameters that define the operation (including calculations) of the camera 19 can be set by operating the HMI 15. This operation is realized, for example, by the configuration described below. Note that the adjustment parameters are usually set by operating an operation unit that the camera 19 has. The camera 19 may or may not be capable of such setting.

[0100] The camera 19 includes, for example, a camera-side processor 25 and a camera-side memory 27. The camera-side memory 27 includes, for example, a ROM, a RAM, and an auxiliary storage device (e.g., an HDD and / or SSD), although not shown. The camera-side memory 27 (e.g., the auxiliary storage device) stores, for example, first adjustment data D5 related to the setting of adjustment parameters. Generally, there are a wide variety of adjustment parameters (adjustment items). For example, depending on the type of camera 19, approximately 400 items can be set. In the example of FIG. 5 , "humidity," "emissivity," "ambient temperature," "temperature range," "F-number," and "SS (shutter speed)" are exemplified. Other examples include "ISO sensitivity" and "exposure." The camera-side processor 25 reads these values ​​(stores them in RAM) and performs processing according to the read values.

[0101] The memory 23 (e.g., RAM 23b and / or auxiliary storage device 23c) of the control unit 13 stores second adjustment data D7. The second adjustment data D7 corresponds to at least a portion of the first adjustment data D5. In the illustrated example, the second adjustment data D7 corresponds to a portion of the first adjustment data D5, and more specifically, "humidity" and "emissivity" are exemplified. The processor 21 of the control unit 13 transmits information related to the adjustment parameter settings stored in the memory 23 to the camera 19. The camera-side processor 25 updates the settings (information) in the first adjustment data D5 stored in the camera-side memory 27 (e.g., auxiliary storage device and / or RAM) based on the received information related to the adjustment parameter settings.

[0102] The adjustment parameters held in the second adjustment data D7 in the control unit 13 may be set, for example, by inputting values ​​related to the adjustment parameters to the HMI 15. And / or, one of the molding conditions (or, from another perspective, the condition record D1a) may be selected by operating the HMI 15, and the setting information related to the adjustment parameters held in the second adjustment data D7 may be updated by the setting information related to the adjustment parameters included in the selected condition record D1a. In both the former and latter cases, it can be said that the adjustment parameters of the camera 19 are set by operating the HMI 15.

[0103] As already mentioned, the number of adjustment parameters in the second adjustment data D7 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second number") may be less than (as in the illustrated example) or the same as the number of adjustment parameters in the first adjustment data D5 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first number"). In the former case, the specific numbers of the first number and the second number (or, from another perspective, the difference or ratio between them) are arbitrary. By making the second number less than the first number, for example, the types of adjustment parameters set by the HMI 15 can be narrowed down to those that have a relatively high correlation with, for example, replacing the mold 101, and the adjustment parameters can be changed effectively while reducing the burden on the operator.

[0104] Unlike the above description, the memory 23 (e.g., auxiliary storage device 23c) of the control unit 13 may store both adjustment data (third data) that holds information on a first number of adjustment parameters and adjustment data (fourth data) that holds information on a second number of adjustment parameters that is less than the first number. The control unit 13 may configure the camera 19 using the fourth data in the normal mode, and may configure the camera 19 using the third data in the specific mode.

[0105] In the above, it is not necessary that two sets of data, the third data and the fourth data, actually exist. For example, the third data may include information indicating whether each adjustment parameter belongs to the fourth data. Furthermore, in addition to the two modes of the normal mode and the specific mode (or, from another perspective, two types of adjustment data and / or two types of setting screens), three or more modes may be provided.

[0106] 3 may be the same as the first number or may be smaller than the first number. Furthermore, the third number may be the same as the second number or may be smaller than the second number. When the third number is smaller than the first number (or the second number), for example, the type of adjustment parameter in the condition record D1a may be considered to have a relatively high correlation with a change in molding conditions (e.g., replacement of the mold 101).

[0107] Note that commercially available cameras 19 may have a function to automatically set (adjust) values ​​for some or all of the first number of adjustment parameters based on captured images and / or detected values ​​from their own sensors. For example, the camera 19 does not have such a function, or the function is turned off. This reduces the likelihood of an inconvenience such as an unintentional change in measurement conditions, even when the molding conditions are the same as in the past, resulting in a loss of consistency between past temperature information and current temperature information. However, such a function may be turned on.

[0108] (5. Examples of Screens) (5.1. Overview of Screens) Each of Figs. 6 to 8 shows an example of a screen (image) displayed on the touch panel 17. Each screen is selectively displayed on the entire display surface of the touch panel 17, for example, by operating the touch panel 17. The touch panel 17 can also display other screens. Fig. 9 shows three examples of other screens and also schematically shows how the screens can be switched. Note that the screens (images) shown in each figure may be displayed on a portion of the display surface of the touch panel 17.

[0109] Examples of the screens in each figure will be described below in order. Note that for screens described later, descriptions of parts common to screens described earlier may be omitted as appropriate. Also, Figures 6 to 8 are intended to provide an overview of the operations and information related to the display on the controller 5. Specific display aspects (e.g., the position of the temperature distribution image, and the type, shape, and arrangement of the operation buttons) may be modified in various ways.

[0110] (5.2. First Screen) The first screen Sc1 shown in Fig. 6 helps the operator to perform analysis based on temperature information, for example. Specifically, it is as follows.

[0111] (5.2.1. Comparative Display of Temperature Distribution Images) The first screen Sc1 displays one or more temperature distribution images (three in the illustrated example) obtained by the camera 19. Here, the temperature distribution image is exemplified as an image of the entire surface of the movable mold 105 facing the fixed mold 103. As is well known, a temperature distribution image indicates the temperature distribution by the difference in color for each region (for example, each pixel), but for convenience of illustration, the outline of the movable mold 105 is shown. The same applies to the temperature distribution images in FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0112] The first screen Sc1 displays two or more temperature distribution images. The two or more temperature distribution images are, for example, from different shots (captured at the same time within a shot). This facilitates comparison of different shots. The two or more temperature distribution images may be temperature distribution images captured at different times within a single shot. However, the description of the embodiment will be given with the former as an example. The number of temperature distribution images that can be simultaneously displayed on the first screen Sc1 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, two, three (in the illustrated example), or four or more. The number of temperature distribution images simultaneously displayed may also change depending on operations on the touch panel 17, etc.

[0113] The arrangement direction or arrangement mode of the plurality of temperature distribution images is also arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the plurality of temperature distribution images are arranged in the left-right direction. Alternatively, for example, the plurality of temperature distribution images may be arranged in the up-down direction or in two or more rows. Furthermore, the plurality of temperature distribution images may be arranged by extracting some regions. The arrangement direction and arrangement mode may change depending on the operation on the touch panel 17, etc.

[0114] The temperature distribution image displayed on the first screen Sc1 may be of any shot (with any meaning assigned), and the relationship between the meaning and the relative position may also be arbitrary. In the illustrated example, the temperature distribution image on the left is the image to be analyzed, and the images in the center and right are images to be referenced for analyzing the image to be analyzed (for example, images in a molding cycle in which a non-defective product was produced).

[0115] The image to be analyzed (left side) may be the latest image when the first screen Sc1 is displayed while a molding cycle is being repeated. Also, for example, regardless of whether the first screen Sc1 is displayed during a molding cycle or not, the image to be analyzed may be an image related to any past molding cycle selected by the operator through an operation on the touch panel 17.

[0116] The referenced images (center and right) may be, for example, as already mentioned, images previously registered as temperature distribution images in a molding cycle in which a non-defective product was produced, or, conversely, images previously registered as temperature distribution images in a molding cycle in which a defective product was produced.

[0117] When displaying the temperature distribution image, for example, the "image" data of the measurement record D3a corresponding to the selected molding cycle in the quality data set D3 stored in the memory 23 (e.g., the auxiliary storage device 23c) is used. Identification of the images of non-defective products may be realized by generating a list (data) of images related to non-defective products, or by adding information on whether the product is non-defective or not to the measurement record D3a.

[0118] (5.2.2. Operation buttons related to temperature distribution images) On the first screen Sc1, buttons related to displaying the temperature distribution image ("target image", or "good product image", "image call", and "enlarged view") are arranged below each temperature distribution image. The functions related to these buttons are, for example, as follows:

[0119] By operating "Target Image", a new window will open, allowing you to select the temperature distribution image to be displayed as the analysis target. This allows you to set it to display the most recent image, or select any image in the same way as "Image Call" described below.

[0120] When "Good Product Image" is operated, a list of data relating to images previously registered as temperature distribution images in molding cycles in which good products were produced is displayed, and any image can be selected from the list.

[0121] When "Image Recall" is operated, a list of data related to past images is displayed, from which any image can be selected. The past images may be, for example, all past images, or from another perspective, may include both images related to good products and images related to defective products. However, the selectable images included in the list may be limited, for example, by the time the images were acquired, or may be limited to images of the same mold 101.

[0122] By operating the "Enlarged View," a part of the image area is enlarged. In the example shown, each of the three images can be enlarged independently.

[0123] (5.2.3. Display of Temperature at Measurement Point) On the first screen Sc1, below each temperature distribution image, characters (numbers) indicating the point temperature (temperature at the measurement point) identified from each temperature distribution image are displayed. That is, on the first screen Sc1, the temperature distribution image of the same molding cycle and characters indicating the point temperature are both displayed. Of course, the two may be displayed separately.

[0124] In the example of Fig. 6, the coordinates of the measurement points and the corresponding point temperatures are shown in a table format. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that four measurement points can be set and / or four measurement points have been set, and four point temperatures are shown. However, as described above, the number of measurement points that can be set (the number that can be set and / or the number that is currently set) is arbitrary. When a relatively large number of measurement points are set, known techniques such as a scroll bar may be used.

[0125] In addition to or instead of displaying the coordinates in letters, the positions of the measurement points may be indicated by displaying predetermined marks (including letters, etc.) at corresponding positions on the temperature distribution image. For convenience, Fig. 6 shows an example of display when the position of only measurement point "A" is displayed on the temperature distribution image (in practice, the same number of marks as the number of set measurement points may be displayed).

[0126] As with the display of the temperature distribution image, the display of the point temperatures utilizes, for example, the "point temperature" information in the measurement record D3a corresponding to the selected molding cycle from the quality data set D3 stored in the memory 23 (e.g., the auxiliary storage device 23c). As already mentioned, the selection of the measurement record D3a is realized by operating the "target image," "good product image," or "image call" button. The display of the coordinates of the measurement points may utilize the "additional information" associated with the selected measurement record D3a.

[0127] (5.2.4. Other) A number of buttons are arranged at the bottom of the first screen Sc1. The functions of these buttons are, for example, as follows: Note that a number of buttons are also arranged at the top of the first screen Sc1, but a description of these will be omitted.

[0128] By operating "List" and "Monitor," the screen displayed on the touch panel 17 can be switched. For example, a list of displayable screens is displayed, and the screen can be switched by selecting one of the items from the list. This causes, for example, various screens exemplified in Figs. 6 to 9 and other drawings (for example, a screen for setting molding conditions) to be displayed.

[0129] When "Settings" is operated, for example, the screen displayed on the touch panel 17 is switched to a screen for setting the temperature measurement. This screen may be, for example, the second screen Sc2 in Fig. 7 described later or a screen similar thereto.

[0130] Operating "Photography Settings" switches to a screen for configuring settings related to photography by the camera 19 (for example, setting adjustment parameters for the second adjustment data D7). This screen may be similar to a part of FIG. 7, which will be described later.

[0131] When you operate "Register Good Product," the image to be analyzed (the image on the left) is registered as the image of the molding cycle in which a good product was produced.

[0132] When "Maintenance" is operated, for example, the screen displayed on the touch panel 17 is switched to a screen showing a record of past errors, etc.

[0133] (5.3. Second Screen) The second screen Sc2 shown in Fig. 7 is used to configure settings related to temperature measurement, for example. To this end, the second screen Sc2 displays various buttons on the right side of the screen. Specifically, for example, they are as follows:

[0134] By operating the button next to the "Shooting Timing" label, the shooting timing can be set. For example, a new window will be opened, allowing the setting of before or after spraying and / or the setting of the elapsed time from a predetermined time until the image is captured. This allows the "Shooting Timing" information of the condition record D1a in FIG. 3 (for example, the one stored in RAM 23b as the current setting) to be input and / or updated. The current setting ("After Spraying" in the illustrated example) is displayed above the button.

[0135] By operating the button next to the "Auto Save" label, it is possible to set whether or not to automatically take an image by the camera 19 (and / or add the temperature information to the quality data set D3) every time a predetermined number of molding cycles are performed. Although not particularly shown, this setting information may also be held in the condition record D1a stored in the RAM 23b and / or the auxiliary storage device 23c. The current setting ("ON" in the illustrated example) is displayed above the button. The predetermined number may be 1, 2 or more, and may be changeable by the operator.

[0136] By operating the buttons next to the labels "humidity" and "emissivity" (i.e., adjustment parameters), these values ​​can be set. For example, a new window is opened, allowing values ​​to be input. This allows, for example, the values ​​of the adjustment parameters in the second adjustment data D7 (FIG. 5) stored in the RAM 23b and / or the auxiliary storage device 23c to be input and / or updated. Consequently, the first adjustment data D5 stored in the camera 19 is also updated. Furthermore, when the current conditions are stored in the condition data set D1 (FIG. 3), for example, all or part of the second adjustment data D7 is included as "adjustment parameter" information in the condition record D1a to be added or replaced. The current settings ("60%" and "0.90" in the illustrated example) are displayed above the buttons.

[0137] By operating the button next to the "Select Image" label, a past temperature distribution image can be selected and displayed, similar to the "Recall Image" button in FIG. 6. The displayed temperature distribution image can be useful for setting the set points, for example. Information indicating the currently selected image ("Saved Image 1" in the illustrated example) is displayed above the button.

[0138] By operating the button under the label "Point Setting," it is possible to set a measurement point, which allows, for example, inputting and / or updating information on the "measurement point" of the condition record D1a in Fig. 3 (for example, the one stored in the RAM 23b as the current setting).

[0139] More specifically, in the illustrated example, two buttons are provided for each measurement point. Operating the left button allows the user to set whether or not a measurement point is present (or whether or not the point temperature is to be calculated). The current setting ("ON" or "OFF" in the illustrated example) is displayed above the button. Operating the right button opens a new window, allowing the user to input coordinates. The current setting ("COORD" in the illustrated example, indicating that coordinates have been set, or "----" indicating that coordinates have not been set) is displayed above the button.

[0140] A mark ("A") indicating the position corresponding to the currently set measurement point is displayed on the temperature distribution image. Although two measurement points are set in the "Point Setting" column in FIG. 7, for convenience, only one measurement point is shown on the temperature distribution image (in practice, the same number of marks as the set measurement points may be displayed). Also, under the "Point Temperature" label, the point temperature on the currently displayed temperature distribution image is displayed for each set measurement point. Displaying such marks and / or point temperatures facilitates setting of measurement points.

[0141] The buttons located at the bottom of the second screen Sc2 are the same as those on the first screen Sc1 (FIG. 6). However, when the "Register Good Product" button is pressed, the image currently displayed on the second screen Sc2 is registered.

[0142] (5.4. Third Screen Sc3) The third screen Sc3 shown in FIG. 8 contributes to, for example, displaying the temperature at any position on the temperature distribution image using letters (numbers). For example, when a predetermined operation (for example, double tapping on the temperature distribution image) is performed on the first screen Sc1 or the second screen Sc2, a new window W1 containing the temperature distribution image is opened. When any position on the temperature distribution image is tapped, the temperature at that position is displayed as a number (top right of window W1). This function may be used for analysis or setting.

[0143] 9, the fourth screen Sc4 contributes to a simple analysis of multiple molding cycles. The fourth screen Sc4 shows, for example, in a table format, the measurement results of the injection pressure ("P (MPa)"), injection velocity ("V (m / s)") and point temperature ("T (°C)") for each shot. In a broader concept, the fourth screen Sc4 displays both information on the physical quantities detected by the sensor 31 and information on the temperature detected by the camera 19.

[0144] The tabular display mode of the fourth screen Sc4 is, in other words, a display mode in which physical quantity information and temperature information for the same molding cycle are associated with each other. In other words, this display mode allows the operator to recognize that the physical quantity information and temperature information belong to the same molding cycle. However, unlike the illustrated example, the physical quantity information and temperature information may be displayed in a manner that makes it impossible to identify which information belongs to the same molding cycle. For example, at least one of the pieces of information may be statistical information for multiple molding cycles.

[0145] The fifth screen Sc5, like the first screen Sc1 to the third screen Sc3, displays a temperature distribution image and is used, for example, for analysis. However, the fifth screen Sc5 does not display point temperature information in text. Furthermore, the fourth screen Sc4 displays only the point temperatures, not the temperature distribution image. In this way, instead of or in addition to a screen that displays both the temperature distribution image and the point temperatures, a screen that displays both separately may be used.

[0146] The sixth screen Sc6 is an example of a screen showing information on physical quantities detected by the sensor 31. In the illustrated example, an image showing the time-dependent changes (waveforms) of the injection speed and injection pressure is displayed. The screen showing information on physical quantities may be similar to various known images. In the illustrated example, the sixth screen Sc6 does not display information on the temperature detected by the camera 19, but may display it.

[0147] The fourth screen Sc4 to the sixth screen Sc6 (as well as the first screen Sc1 to the third screen Sc3) can be switched by, for example, operating the touch panel 17. As can be seen from the switching between the fifth screen Sc5 and the sixth screen Sc6, the touch panel 17 may selectively display the physical quantities detected by the sensor 31 and the temperature information detected by the camera 19 (temperature distribution image and / or point temperatures) rather than displaying them together (second operation).

[0148] When the fifth screen Sc5 and the sixth screen Sc6 are selectively displayed, one of the screens corresponding to the same molding cycle may be displayed by operating the touch panel 17. That is, selective display (first operation) may be performed in a display mode in which information on physical quantities and information on temperatures are associated with each other in each molding cycle.

[0149] Switching between the fourth screen Sc4 and the fifth screen Sc5 may be considered as switching between displaying physical quantity information (Sc4) and displaying temperature information (Sc5). Similarly, switching between the fourth screen Sc4 and the sixth screen Sc6 may be considered as switching between displaying temperature information (Sc4) and displaying physical quantity information (Sc6).

[0150] In the above case, by performing an operation (e.g., double tapping) on ​​a specific line of the fourth screen Sc4, the fifth screen Sc5 or the sixth screen Sc6 corresponding to that line (molding cycle) may be displayed. Such display switching may also be considered as a selective display (first operation) in a display mode in which information on physical quantities and information on temperatures in the same molding cycle are associated with each other.

[0151] (6. Example of Molding Cycle Processing Procedure) FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of molding cycle processing procedure.

[0152] In step ST1, the control unit 13 receives settings of molding conditions and measurement conditions via the HMI 15. From another perspective, for example, the processor 21 generates a condition record D1a to be stored in the RAM 23b. In steps ST2 to ST7, the control unit 13 controls the machine body 3 and the camera 19 in accordance with the settings in step ST1 (from another perspective, the condition record D1a).

[0153] In step ST2, the control unit 13 controls the machine body 3 (more specifically, the mold clamping device 7) to close and clamp the molds, thereby moving the movable mold 105 toward the fixed mold 103, and forming a space 107 between them.

[0154] In step ST3, the control unit 13 controls the machine body 3 (more specifically, the injection device 9) to inject the molten metal into the space 107. Thereafter, the molten metal injected into the space 107 absorbs heat from the mold 101 and solidifies.

[0155] In step ST4, the control unit 13 controls the machine main body 3 (more specifically, the mold clamping device 7) to open the molds, thereby separating the movable mold 105 from the fixed mold 103. At this time or thereafter, the control unit 13 also controls the machine main body 3 (more specifically, the extrusion device 11) to remove the product.

[0156] In step ST5, the control unit 13 controls the machine main body 3 (more specifically, the spray device 12) to apply a release agent to the mold 101. The temperature of the mold 101 is lowered by the spray.

[0157] In step ST6, the control unit 13 captures an image of the mold 101 using the camera 19 to obtain a temperature distribution image. The control unit 13 also identifies the point temperature based on the temperature distribution image. Here, step ST6 is performed after spraying, but as described above, step ST6 may be performed before spraying. From another perspective, the order of step ST6 may not be determined at the time step ST1 is set.

[0158] In step ST7, the control unit 13 determines whether or not a termination condition is satisfied. The termination condition may be, for example, that the molding cycle has been performed the number of times set in step ST1. If the determination is negative, the control unit 13 returns to step ST2 and repeats the molding cycle. If the determination is positive, the processing of FIG. 10 is completed.

[0159] (7. Summary of the embodiment) As described above, the molding machine controller (controller 5) according to the embodiment has the touch panel 17 and the control unit 13 that controls the machine main body 3 based on molding conditions set via the touch panel 17. The control unit 13 acquires temperature information (for example, temperature distribution image data) from the thermographic camera 15 that captures an image of the mold 101 held by the machine main body 3. The touch panel 17 displays the temperature information acquired by the control unit 13 (for example, the temperature distribution image and / or point temperatures).

[0160] From another perspective, the molding machine (die-casting machine 1) according to the embodiment has the controller 5, the camera 19, and the machine main body 3. The machine main body 3 has a mold clamping device 7 that clamps the mold 101, and an injection device 9 that injects molding material (molten metal) into the mold 101.

[0161] Therefore, as described in the overview of the embodiment, temperature measurement using the camera 19, which has various advantages over thermocouples, can be realized by utilizing the control unit 13 and touch panel 17 (HMI 15) of the die-casting machine 1. As a result, the configuration can be simplified and costs can be reduced.

[0162] The control unit 13 may acquire information on physical quantities (e.g., injection speed and / or injection pressure) related to the molding cycle from a sensor 31 (separate from the camera 19) included in the machine body 3. The touch panel 17 may perform at least one of a first operation (see, for example, FIG. 9 ) of selectively displaying information on physical quantities and information on temperature, and a second operation (see, for example, the fourth screen Sc4) of displaying information on physical quantities and information on temperature together.

[0163] In this way, by displaying the physical quantity information and the temperature information on the same touch panel 17, for example, it becomes easier for the operator to consider molding conditions and / or evaluate quality.

[0164] After a plurality of molding cycles have been performed, the touch panel 17 may perform at least one of the first operation and the second operation in a display mode in which information on physical quantities and information on temperatures in each molding cycle are associated with each other.

[0165] In this case, for example, since the correspondence between the information on physical quantities and the information on temperature is clear, it is expected that the effect of facilitating the examination of molding conditions and / or the evaluation of quality will be improved.

[0166] Note that, for example, macroscopically, the temperature of the mold 101 gradually increases with the repetition of molding cycles and then becomes a constant temperature. Microscopically, the temperature of the mold 101 changes during each molding cycle. Specifically, for example, the temperature of the mold 101 increases due to the injection of molten metal and decreases due to the spray. The amount of change in the macroscopic temperature is greater than the temperature change (amplitude) in each cycle. As can be understood from this, depending on the purpose of analysis, etc., it is not necessarily necessary to accurately identify the physical quantities and temperatures of the same molding cycle.

[0167] The touch panel 17 may accept settings of measurement conditions that define at least a portion of the operations from capturing an image by the camera 19 to generating temperature information (see the second screen Sc2 in FIG. 7 and step ST1 in FIG. 10). The control unit 13 may be able to store a plurality of molding conditions by associating the molding conditions with the measurement conditions (see the condition data set D1). The touch panel 17 may accept an operation to select one molding condition (see the condition record D1a) from the plurality of molding conditions stored in the control unit 13 (step ST1 in FIG. 10). The control unit 13 may set the selected molding condition as a new molding condition, and may also set the measurement condition associated with the selected molding condition as a new measurement condition.

[0168] In this case, for example, since the information on the measurement conditions is stored as part of the data (condition record D1a) that defines the molding conditions, measurement conditions suitable for the molding conditions can be easily set. Also, for example, when the measurement conditions include measurement points, unlike the embodiment using thermocouples, measurement points can be easily set in response to not only replacement of the mold 101 but also differences in various molding conditions such as the temperature of the injected molten metal.

[0169] The touch panel 17 may accept an operation to set one or more measurement points for the mold 101 (see the second screen Sc2 in FIG. 7 and step ST1 in FIG. 10). The control unit 13 may identify the temperatures at the measurement points from a temperature distribution image based on images captured by the camera 19. The touch panel 17 may display the temperatures at the measurement points in text (see the first screen Sc1 to the fourth screen Sc4).

[0170] In this case, the operator can easily grasp the temperature of the mold 101 by visually checking the text information related to the temperature at the measurement points, rather than visually checking the temperature distribution image. By increasing or decreasing the number of measurement points, it is possible to balance accuracy and ease in grasping the temperature. From another perspective, it is possible to easily achieve the same work that was previously performed at great cost and in a long time when using thermocouples.

[0171] The touch panel 17 may perform at least one of the following operations: selectively displaying temperature information and a temperature distribution image of the measurement point by switching the display (see, for example, Figure 9), and displaying both the temperature information and the temperature distribution image of the measurement point (see the first screen Sc1 to the fourth screen Sc4).

[0172] In this case, for example, the temperature of the mold 101 can be easily grasped by the point temperature, and detailed examination can be performed based on the temperature distribution image as needed, which can improve the accuracy of examination of molding conditions and / or evaluation of quality, for example.

[0173] The touch panel 17 may accept settings for at least some of the first number of parameters (adjustment parameters) that the camera 19 can accept settings for in order to adjust the accuracy of the temperature distribution image (see the first adjustment data D5 and the second adjustment data D7 in Figure 5 and step ST1 in Figure 10).

[0174] In this case, for example, the camera 19 can be set together with the molding conditions by operating the touch panel 17, which unifies the operations and improves the convenience for the operator. Also, there is no need to provide a new operation unit for operating the camera 19 from the outside, which reduces costs.

[0175] At least some of the adjustment parameters may include at least one of humidity and emissivity (see second adjustment data D7 in FIG. 5).

[0176] Humidity and emissivity are parameters that have a large effect on the temperature distribution image. Setting these parameters using the same touch panel 17 as setting the molding conditions can improve convenience and accuracy of temperature information.

[0177] The touch panel 17 may display a screen (second screen Sc2 in Figure 7) that accepts settings for only a second number of parameters out of the first adjustment parameters, which is less than the first number (see also the first adjustment data D5 and the second adjustment data D7 in Figure 5).

[0178] In this case, for example, the operator can be prompted to set adjustment parameters that are relatively highly necessary to be adjusted (for example, parameters that are highly correlated with the accuracy of the temperature distribution image and are likely to vary depending on the molding conditions), which in turn can improve the accuracy of the temperature information while facilitating the operator's operation.

[0179] The touch panel 17 may display two or more temperature distribution images captured by the camera 19 in different molding cycles (see the first screen Sc1).

[0180] In this case, for example, it is easy to compare the image to be analyzed with images of a good or bad product, which in turn makes it easy to consider molding conditions (or measurement conditions) and / or evaluate quality.

[0181] The touch panel 17 may accept an operation to register the selected temperature distribution image as an image of a molding cycle that produced a non-defective product (see "Register Non-defective Product" in FIG. 6). The touch panel 17 may also display the registered image of the molding cycle that produced a non-defective product together with temperature distribution images of other molding cycles (see first screen Sc1).

[0182] In this case, for example, it becomes easier to examine molding conditions so as to bring the molding conditions closer to those of a non-defective product, and to determine whether the quality is close to that of a non-defective product.

[0183] The control unit 13 may acquire information on physical quantities (e.g., injection speed and / or injection pressure) related to the molding cycle from a sensor 31, separate from the camera 19, that is included in the die-casting machine 1. Furthermore, the control unit 13 may store information on physical quantities and information on temperatures for a plurality of molding cycles by associating the information on physical quantities with information on temperatures for the same molding cycle (see quality data set D3 in FIG. 4 ).

[0184] In this case, for example, physical quantity information and temperature information can be managed in a unified manner. As a result, the various displays described above can be easily realized. Furthermore, hardware resources related to a computer can be easily saved.

[0185] In the above embodiment, the die-casting machine 1 is an example of a molding machine, and the controller 5 is an example of a molding machine controller.

[0186] The technology according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be implemented in various forms.

[0187] For example, the molding machine is not limited to a die-casting machine. For example, the molding machine may be another metal molding machine, an injection molding machine for molding resin, or a molding machine for molding a material in which wood powder is mixed with a thermoplastic resin or the like. Furthermore, the molding machine is not limited to a horizontal clamping / horizontal injection molding machine, and may be, for example, a vertical clamping / vertical injection molding machine, a vertical clamping / horizontal injection molding machine, or a horizontal clamping / vertical injection molding machine.

[0188] 1... die-casting machine (molding machine), 3... machine body, 5... controller (molding machine controller), 13... control unit, 17... touch panel, 19... thermography camera, 101... mold (die).

Claims

1. A molding machine controller comprising: a touch panel; and a control unit that controls the machine body based on molding conditions set via said touch panel, wherein said control unit acquires temperature information from a thermographic camera that captures an image of a mold held by said machine body, and said touch panel displays the temperature information acquired by said control unit.

2. The molding machine controller according to claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires information on physical quantities related to the molding cycle from a sensor separate from the thermographic camera that is possessed by the machine body, and the touch panel performs at least one of a first operation of selectively displaying the information on the physical quantities and the information on the temperature, and a second operation of displaying both the information on the physical quantities and the information on the temperature.

3. The molding machine controller according to claim 2, wherein the touch panel performs at least one of the first operation and the second operation in a display mode that associates the physical quantity information with the temperature information for each molding cycle after multiple molding cycles have been performed.

4. A controller for a molding machine as described in claim 1, wherein the touch panel accepts settings of measurement conditions that stipulate at least a portion of the operations from capturing an image by the thermographic camera to generating the temperature information, the control unit is capable of storing a plurality of molding conditions by associating the molding conditions with the measurement conditions, the touch panel accepts an operation to select one molding condition from the plurality of molding conditions stored in the control unit, and the control unit sets the selected molding condition as a new molding condition and also sets the measurement condition associated with the selected molding condition as the new measurement condition.

5. A molding machine controller as described in claim 1, wherein the touch panel accepts an operation to set one or more measurement points for the mold, the control unit identifies the temperature at the measurement point from a temperature distribution image based on an image taken by the thermographic camera, and the touch panel displays the temperature at the measurement point in text.

6. The molding machine controller according to claim 5, wherein the touch panel performs at least one of the following operations: selectively displaying the temperature information of the measurement point and the temperature distribution image by switching the display; and displaying both the temperature information of the measurement point and the temperature distribution image.

7. The molding machine controller according to claim 1, wherein the touch panel accepts settings for at least some of a first number of parameters that the thermographic camera can accept settings for in order to adjust the accuracy of the temperature distribution image.

8. The molding machine controller according to claim 7, wherein the at least some parameters include at least one of humidity and emissivity.

9. The molding machine controller according to claim 7, wherein the touch panel displays a screen that accepts settings for only a second number of parameters, which is less than the first number, out of the first number of parameters.

10. The molding machine controller according to claim 1, wherein the touch panel displays two or more temperature distribution images taken by the thermographic camera in different molding cycles.

11. A molding machine controller as described in claim 10, wherein the touch panel accepts an operation to register the selected temperature distribution image as an image of a molding cycle in which a non-defective product was obtained, and displays the image of the registered molding cycle in which a non-defective product was obtained together with temperature distribution images of other molding cycles.

12. A molding machine controller as described in claim 1, wherein the control unit acquires information on physical quantities related to molding cycles from a sensor other than the thermographic camera that the molding machine has, and correlates the information on physical quantities with the information on temperatures in the same molding cycle, and stores the information on physical quantities and the information on temperatures for multiple molding cycles.

13. A molding machine comprising: a molding machine controller according to any one of claims 1 to 12; the thermographic camera; and the machine main body, wherein the machine main body comprises a mold clamping device that clamps the mold; and an injection device that injects molding material into the mold.

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