JP2001321892A - Monitoring system for information related to molding containing sand characteristic - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system for remotely monitoring information related to a molding containing the sand characteristic. SOLUTION: The system for monitoring the information related to the molding containing the sand characteristic, contains a local unit, and the local unit accesses a communication network connected with the local unit and a sensor is used for measuring desired attributes in a molding machine connected with the local unit and the sand characteristic, and the local unit transmits a signal to the communication network corresponding to the measured attributes. A remote unit connected with the communication network is made to receive the signal from the local unit, so that the molding machine is remotely monitored in operation for production.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sand property capable of transmitting and receiving molding-related information including a sand property between a site of a molding machine and a sand property measuring machine and a point remote from the site via a communication network. It relates to a molding related information monitoring system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, labor saving is progressing in a foundry. Therefore, for such labor-saving equipment,
How the molding machine used for casting production actually operates,
There is a demand for understanding the properties of kneading sand, which is a main component of the mold.

[0003]

However, the conventional molding machine could not accumulate data on long-term operation, and the properties of the kneading sand, which is the main supply to the molding machine, and its mold Was not linked to. Further, there was no long-term accumulation of the properties of the kneaded sand in association with the mold or the product. For this reason, it is not enough to obtain information on how the molding machine is operated on a daily basis and what kind of properties of the kneading sand supplied to the molding machine. Therefore, the production and quality control of castings that have been ordered in the past are not performed by monitoring the operation of the molding machine itself or by the properties of the kneading sand supplied to the molding machine, but by a production management system that is operated separately from the molding machine. Had been

In a foundry, sand properties suitable for the user, such as molding information such as the number of reserved molds, the number of remaining molds, molding conditions, operating conditions, and the like, and the properties of kneading sand supplied to the molding machine are provided. It is desired to display molding-related information including the information.

Further, the properties of the kneading sand of the molding machine include sand temperature, compactability (CB), moisture, air permeability, compressive strength, etc. At present, sand is manually collected, and an individual sand tester is used. It was measured with a semi-automatic testing machine, and it took a long time, and there was no connection with the casting mold.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to clarify production conditions at the time of production of a casting product and to provide information for pursuing a cause of a defect in a process or after shipping. Another object of the present invention is to provide a molding-related information monitoring system including sand properties that monitors the molding machine at least during production and transmits the molding information to a remote location.

Another object of the present invention is to provide molding information such as the number of reserved moldings, the number of remaining moldings, molding conditions and operating conditions, molding information such as molding conditions and operating conditions, and properties of kneading sand supplied to a molding machine. It is an object of the present invention to provide a molding-related information monitoring system including the properties of sand, which can be monitored at a site or a remote place.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, a molding related information monitoring system including sand properties according to the present invention is provided to a plurality of sensors and a molding machine for measuring desired attributes related to the molding machine. Sand characteristic measuring machine for measuring the properties of the kneaded sand to be mixed, a local unit for transmitting a signal corresponding to a desired attribute measured by these on a network, and a local unit connected to the communication network. And a remote unit that receives a signal corresponding to the desired attribute from the device and displays the desired attribute of the molding machine or the like, and monitors the molding-related information at least during operation of the molding machine.

According to the present invention, data collected from a molding machine and a sand property measuring machine during production can be sent to a remote location for analysis as molding information. Also, based on the analysis result, the number of products (for example, daily molding number, reserved molding number, remaining molding number, achievement rate), molding data (for example, molding pressure, air pressure, sand temperature, CB, moisture, ventilation, etc.) Degree, compressive strength, pattern temperature, etc.) can be displayed by selection.

Here, in the present invention, the molding machine refers to a mold molding machine, a core molding machine and the like used for casting.

The desired attributes of the molding machine in the present invention include the number of products (for example, daily molding number, reserved molding number, remaining molding number, achievement rate), molding data (for example, molding pressure,
Air pressure, sand temperature, CB, moisture, air permeability, compressive strength, pattern temperature, etc.). Further, as a sensor for measurement in the present invention, for example, a pressure sensor,
Other types of sensors, such as temperature sensors, position sensors, moisture sensors, flow sensors, load sensors, current sensors, stroke counters, counters, limit switches, proximity switches, etc., that can measure attributes about molding Can be mentioned.

The local unit according to the present invention is incorporated in a control device of a molding machine or is disposed adjacent to the molding machine. The software of the local unit is transmitted from a remote place via a communication network. A function that can be reset by a user command is incorporated. That is, at remote locations, the metric can be changed and the local unit can be reconfigured to change certain limits or programmed variables. For example, in order to determine whether or not the measurement standard is correct, a determination is made using a comparator connected to a processor or a determination means configured by software, and if it is out of the range, a variable or the like can be changed.

According to the present invention, a plurality of monitor criteria are incorporated, and the user can select them with different input / output cards. The input / output card is connected to a sensor box, and the sensor box is attached to a specific part of the molding machine. These input / output cards
The node processes the signal from the sensor to generate a signal that is accepted as an input to the local unit.

The communication network in the present invention is used between a local unit and a remote unit. Such communication systems may include telephone lines and other protocols for transmitting data to and from remote locations, such as mobile phones and Internet access. More simply, the site and the remote site may be connected by a serial cable. Alternatively, another protocol known in the art, such as a local area network or a wide area network, can be used to transmit data between them. Means for accessing the communication network include:
A modem operatively connected to the local unit can be used.

In the present invention, at least during operation of the molding machine means not only during operation but also utilization according to a user command. For example, monitoring the log only for a desired period or when there is a warning, or re-logging the data according to the parameters.

The monitoring of the molding-related information means that, for example, a facsimile, a mobile phone, or the like, or other mobile communication means is used to notify a production technical person or a quality control person of a molding machine at the site of the present invention. It also means that the monitoring system emits a signal. As a result, it is possible to promptly notify a production engineering person or the like of a response necessary for quality control.

[0017] The remote unit is connected to the local unit by a communication network, the remote unit is adapted to receive signals from the local unit, and to determine measured attributes of the molding machine. It is adapted to be displayed so that the molding machine can be monitored at a remote location during production by the molding machine. Further, similarly to the local unit, it can have a function of analyzing a measurement signal in order to determine whether or not the measurement reference is correct. The remote unit is a molding shop,
It can be configured to be installed or movable at a remote location outside the core shop, office or foundry. this is,
Enables monitoring near the molding machine and monitoring by workers at the core shop away from the molding machine. Further, in the case of a remote place outside the office or the foundry or a movable remote unit, the quality manager and the service person in the remote place can also monitor.

The invention thus provides a means for accessing a communication network connected to a local unit. A sensor for measuring the desired quantity of the molding machine is connected to the local unit and can send signals to it. The local unit is adapted to transmit a signal via a communication network corresponding to the attribute to be measured.

[0019]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 discloses a schematic configuration of a hardware device according to the present invention. The molding related information monitoring system 1 including the sand property of the present invention shown in FIG.
And a remote unit 5. The local unit 4 is connected to at least one sensor 3 for monitoring desired attributes of the molding machine 2 and a sand property measuring machine 7. As the sensor 3, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a load sensor, an ammeter, a counter, a limit switch, a proximity switch, and the like are used. The sand characteristic measuring machine 7 collects, as a sample, kneaded sand to be put into the molding machine from a sand cutting device 9 installed in a hopper 8 on the molding machine.

The local unit 4 comprises a hardware system including a processor, a display, a printer, and an indicator. In the present invention, the local unit 4 can be a personal computer. The local unit 4 may be a plurality of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) configured as hardware or software, or many other types of electronic calculation / processing devices. In addition,
Printers and indicators are optional and not essential.

The sensor 3 is connected to the local unit 4 via a signal line 6, and the signal line 6 transfers a signal generated by the sensor 3 to an input / output board (not shown).

The input / output board can be used as a signal processing system for converting the signal into a format convenient for processing by the local unit 4 using the sensor output received on the signal line 6.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a sensor installed on a molding machine. A position sensor 13 such as a squeeze cylinder for measuring the amount of compression, a pressure sensor 14 for measuring a pressure for air compression or a hydraulic pressure for squeezing, and a PLC 12 for collecting data on an operating state are provided.

FIG. 3 shows an example of using a sensor of the sand characteristic measuring device 7. Temperature sensor 19 for measuring sand temperature, load sensor 20 for measuring compressive strength, pressure sensor 21 for measuring air permeability
And flow rate sensor 23, moisture sensor 22 for measuring moisture, C
A squeeze cylinder 15 operated by a servomotor 17 for measuring B is provided. Regarding the measurement of CB, a signal from an encoder of a servo motor or the like is processed through a servo amplifier 26 by a controller 25 and is numerically displayed.

For example, sensors such as a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a load sensor, a flow sensor, and a moisture sensor are systems that amplify a weak analog signal and convert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal. The input / output board may be, for example, a multiplexer, which processes the received DC level voltage signal into a numerical signal for use in the local unit 4. B
The cull unit 4 is connected to a storage device (not shown).

The means for accessing the communication network is a modem operatively connected to the local unit 4. However, the means for accessing the communication network according to the communication network. Various other types of means can be utilized.

Also, various types of communication networks may be utilized, including dedicated telephone lines, dedicated communication lines, calling telephone lines, mobile telephone systems, wireless network systems, Internet access systems and remote locations. There are other types of protocols for transmitting data between, and the like.

Depending on the type of communication network used, the type of means for accessing such a communication network will also differ. Further, the communication network can be a local area network or a simple serial cable. Alternatively, it may be another type of computer-based communication card for communicating with a communication network.

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the communication network is connected to a remote unit 5. The remote unit 5 communicates with the local unit 4 via the communication network.
Receiving the signal transmitted via the sensor, and displaying the measured attribute of the molding machine 2 measured by the sensor 3, whereby the molding machine 2 is operated during the production operation of the molding machine 2. Can be monitored.

Also, it can be a siren, a bell, or any other type of indicator that indicates that a signal has been received from the local unit 4. In the present invention, the remote unit 5 can be a personal computer. Remote unit 5 can include a printer.

Also, the remote unit 5 can be a mobile phone, in which case the signals generated by the local unit 4 are displayed on the mobile phone, thereby reading the particular sensor generated. Can be shown to quality control and service personnel.

FIG. 4 shows a screen of sand properties of the kneading sand to be put into the molding machine. In the molding related information monitoring system including the sand property, a screen of the sand property of the kneading sand (on the molding machine) to be put into the molding machine can be selected from many monitor functions.
The sand property screen on the molding machine can include numerical data of CB, moisture, air permeability, compressive strength and sand temperature.

The molding No. And the properties of each sand are calculated and displayed as a graph (FIG. 4). In this case, the signal transmitted by the specific corresponding sensor 3 is processed and displayed.

In the function for monitoring the molding-related information including the properties of sand, for example, the following items can be monitored.

First, the amount of squeeze compression during molding, blow pressure, flow pressure, air impact pressure, hydraulic pressure during squeeze, and sand property data (CB, moisture, air permeability, compressive strength,
Data such as sand temperature) or operating state.

Next, the compression amount of the squeeze is measured by an encoder attached to the squeeze cylinder or the like, and can be used for measuring the amount of sand scraping or the shortage of sand. The molding pressure is measured by a pressure sensor, and can be used to measure the blow pressure, flow pressure, air impact pressure, and hydraulic pressure during squeezing when molding.

The sand property data is measured by a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a load sensor, a flow rate sensor, a moisture sensor, an encoder, etc. of a sand property measuring instrument, and CB, moisture, air permeability, compressive strength, sand temperature and the like are measured. Can be used to measure. Data such as the operating state is stored in the P
Obtained from the LC by communication, etc., the operation time of each actuator, abnormal information, the number of planned moldings, the number of
Calculate data such as achievement rate and cumulative molding.

For example, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a load sensor, a flow rate sensor, a moisture sensor, etc., whose output is at a DC level are connected to a multiplexer, and the online sensor output is converted into a numerical signal. The converted output signal is used for processing for a local unit.

Further, the choice of programming language and operating system can also be selected by the user, depending on the overall function required.

Since the operation of the local unit can be configured by software, the setting of the local unit 4 can be updated at present or as required by a command or signal from the remote unit 5.

Furthermore, software developed for use in the remote unit 5 can analyze the measurement signals transmitted via the communication network and make decisions regarding the state of the molding machine 2. .

As described above, in the present invention, in order to monitor the sand properties of the kneading sand supplied to the molding machine, the relationship between the properties of the kneading sand, which is the main supply to the molding machine, and the mold thereof is accurately determined. I can understand. In addition, the properties of the kneading sand are determined by using a mold (molding N
o) or can be accumulated for a long time in association with the product.
Because of this, how the molding machine operates on a daily basis,
Information on the nature of the kneading sand supplied to the molding machine can be obtained, the production conditions at the time of production of the casting product can be clarified, and information on the cause of defects in the process or after shipping can be obtained. It is also possible to pursue defects relating to the molding machine and the kneading sand. In particular, since the sand properties on the molding machine may be significantly different from the sand properties at the kneader outlet, it is particularly useful to grasp the sand properties at this position.

As is apparent from the above invention, the present invention provides a plurality of sensors for measuring desired attributes of a molding machine, a sand property measuring machine for measuring properties of kneaded sand to be injected into the molding machine, A local unit for transmitting a signal corresponding to a desired attribute measured by the sensor and the sand property measuring device on a network; and a local unit connected to the communication network and corresponding to a desired attribute from the local unit. Receiving a signal to display a desired attribute related to the molding machine and the sand property measured by the sensor and the sand property measuring machine, and at least at the time of operation of the molding machine, to monitor the molding related information including the properties of the sand. A molding related information monitoring system including a sand property having a unit, so that the molding machine is monitored during production and the data is transmitted to a remote place; The contribution to the foundry industry is significant, including the ability to provide a monitoring system for related information.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a sensor installed in the molding machine of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a sensor installed in the sand characteristic measuring device of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a sandy monitor screen on the molding machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Molding related information monitoring system including sand properties 2 Molding machine 3 Sensor 4 Local unit 5 Remote unit 7 Sand property measuring machine 9 Sand cutting device 11 Molding machine

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of sensors for measuring desired attributes related to a molding machine, a sand property measuring machine for measuring properties of kneaded sand to be injected into the molding machine, and a sensor measured by these sensors and the sand property measuring machine. A local unit for transmitting a signal corresponding to the desired attribute to a network, and a sensor and a sand characteristic measuring unit connected to the communication network and receiving a signal corresponding to the desired attribute from the local unit. A remote unit for displaying desired attributes of the molding machine and sand characteristics measured by the machine, and for monitoring molding related information including sand properties at least during operation of the molding machine. Information monitoring system. 2. The local unit includes determination means for determining whether the signal from the sensor is within a predetermined range, wherein the signal from the sensor is predetermined. The system according to claim 1, further comprising accessing the communication network and transmitting a signal to the remote unit when the information is out of range. 3. The sand property according to claim 2, wherein said remote unit communicates via said communication network to change a predetermined range associated with said determining means. And related information monitoring system. 4. The remote unit according to claim 1, wherein the remote unit is installed or movable in a remote place outside a molding shop, a core shop, an office or a foundry. A modeling-related information monitoring system that includes the described sand properties.