JPH0592458A - Communication system of injection molding machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To practicably rapidly cope with troubles by indicating a call to a party-terminal number set previously via public telephone circuits to an auto- dial functional part in the case that predetermined level or more troubles happen in a microcomputer. CONSTITUTION:When abnormality happens at the time of an injection molding machine 1 operating in an unmanned operation mode, a microcomputer 4 serves to actuate an auto-dial function built in a speech synthesis transmission part 10 or a facsimile-data modem 11 for calling a previously set party terminal. Thereafter, the arrival of an answer back signal or the like from a counterpart terminal is verified and, in the case that the party terminal is a telephone, an alarm voice message produced in the speech synthesis transmission part 10 is transmitted and, in the case that the party terminal is a facsimile, a printer output data for an alarm message produced in the microcomputer 4 is transmitted as an image data by the facsimile-data modem 11.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a notification system of an injection molding machine, and more particularly to a trouble (abnormality) in an injection molding machine in which a microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as a microcomputer) which controls the entire machine has a self-abnormality diagnosis function. ) It relates to the reporting method at the time of occurrence.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent injection molding machines, a microcomputer incorporated in a machine (injection molding machine) uses a microcomputer which is set in advance according to an automatic molding operation program and a sensor group arranged in each part of the machine. The continuous automatic operation is executed with reference to the measurement information. In such an injection molding machine with a built-in microcomputer, if the microcomputer determines that an abnormality has occurred in the measurement information from the sensor group,
Referring to the data that the microcomputer has previously conducted a case study,
An alarm message corresponding to this is displayed on the display device to let the operator of the machine recognize the occurrence of the abnormality, and if the content of the abnormality is judged to be above a predetermined level, the machine will be stopped urgently. ing.

Further, in a manufacturing site where a large number of machines are installed, one operator (worker) often takes charge of, for example, about 10 machines. In such a case, a large number of machines and, for example, a monitor are used. Central monitor that connects the control unit of the monitor display unit in the room with a cable and displays the machine where the abnormality occurred and the alarm message indicating the details of the abnormality on the display unit for central monitoring when an abnormality occurs The system is also being developed.

[0004]

By the way, in the case of the manned operation mode in which the operator can immediately come to the machine having an abnormality when the alarm message is displayed and the machine is stopped, the operator takes a countermeasure. After that, it is expected that the operation will be restarted relatively early, but since there is no operator in the unattended operation mode at night or on holidays, the machine will be kept stopped until the operator comes to work, so it is remarkable Reduce productivity. Even when the above-mentioned centralized monitoring system is applied, the display device that displays the alarm message indicating the details of the abnormality is installed in the monitoring room or the like in the factory. Accordingly, during unmanned operation at night or on holidays when an operator who has specialized knowledge to deal with trouble is not resident, similarly, the machine remains stopped until the operator comes to work.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points,
The purpose is to create an injection molding machine that can automatically contact the person in charge of machine management, etc., via a public telephone line when a machine trouble (abnormality) occurs while the machine is operating in unattended operation mode. It is to realize a communication system.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a microcomputer built in an injection molding machine, based on various set operating condition data and measurement information from each sensor. In the notification system of the injection molding machine, which has at least an automatic operation control function for driving and controlling each part of the above, and a self-abnormality diagnosis function for monitoring and diagnosing an abnormality occurrence based on the measurement information from each of the sensors, the microcomputer has a predetermined When a trouble of a level or higher occurs, the auto dial function unit is instructed to call the preset destination terminal number via the public telephone line, and then the answer back signal from the destination terminal etc. After confirming that the other party's terminal is a telephone, the information indicating the content of the trouble that occurred on the other party's terminal is transmitted as a voice message, End is when a facsimile is adapted to transmit the information indicating the contents of the trouble caused to the destination terminal as image data.

[0007]

For example, the microcomputer has a function of automatically dialing a predetermined destination when a predetermined control signal arrives, and a voice synthesizing transmission unit that generates and transmits a voice synthesizing message when a predetermined message creation command signal arrives.
Alternatively, a facsimile data modem is provided which has a function of automatically dialing a predetermined destination when a predetermined control signal arrives and which transmits the image data when a predetermined print output signal arrives.
When a machine trouble (abnormality) occurs while the machine (injection molding machine) is operating in the unattended operation mode, the microcomputer activates the automatic dial function built into the voice synthesis transmitter or the facsimile / data modem. ,
Call a preset destination terminal (telephone or facsimile), check the arrival of answerback signals, etc. from the destination terminal, and if the destination terminal is a telephone, send a voice synthesis. When the destination terminal is a facsimile, the alarm message print output data created in the microcomputer is sent as image data by the facsimile data modem.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an injection molding machine to which the notification system according to the present invention is applied. In the figure, an injection molding machine generally indicated by reference numeral 1 includes a mechanism system such as a known mold opening / closing device 2 and an injection device 3 and a microcomputer 4 for controlling the entire machine. Refers to operating condition values preset by the automatic molding operation program and measurement information from the sensor group 5 arranged in each part of the machine, and drives each mechanism system through the driver group 6. It is designed to drive and control the source. Reference numeral 7 is a key input device which is an input operation means for the microcomputer 4, 8 is a display device which is a color CRT display for displaying processing results by the microcomputer 4, and 9 is a printer which prints out processing results by the microcomputer 4.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a voice synthesizing / transmitting unit which is detachably connected to the microcomputer 4, which is connected to the public telephone line network 20 and is automatically connected to a predetermined destination set by the arrival of a predetermined control signal from the microcomputer 1. A voice synthesis message is generated by the dialing function and the arrival of a predetermined message creation command signal from the microcomputer 1, and this voice message is automatically transmitted after confirming the arrival of an answerback signal such as a pickup signal from the destination terminal. It has functions and. In the present embodiment, the voice synthesis transmitting unit 10 is designed to digitize and store a large number of types of alarm messages in advance in an IC memory, and the stored information is appropriately extracted and used by the voice signal conversion circuit for analog voice. After being converted into a signal, it is output from the speaker. In addition, the voice synthesis transmitting unit 10
It can be replaced with one having an auto dial function and other appropriate audio signal recording / reproducing function.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a facsimile / data modem which is detachably connected to the microcomputer 4, which is connected to the public telephone line network 20 and is automatically connected to a predetermined destination when a predetermined control signal from the microcomputer 1 arrives. A function to dial and a function to automatically transmit after confirming the arrival of an answerback signal such as a pickup signal from the destination terminal by using this as image data due to the arrival of predetermined print output data according to a predetermined format from the microcomputer 1. It is equipped with.

The microcomputer 4 is actually various I / Os.
A ROM that stores an interface, a main control program and various fixed data, a RAM that reads and writes various flags and measurement data, a CPU (central processor unit) that controls the overall control, and the like. Although various processes are executed in accordance with the above, the molding condition setting storage unit 12, the molding process control unit 13, and the measured value storage unit 1 are used in this embodiment for convenience of description.
4, abnormality determination data storage unit 15, abnormality diagnosis unit 16, display control unit 17, printer control unit 18, external communication control unit 19
The following description will be given on the assumption that it has the functional units such as.

In the molding condition setting storage unit 12, various molding condition values input by the key input means 7 or other appropriate input means are stored in a rewritable form. The molding conditions include, for example, the relationship between the screw position and the screw rotation speed and back pressure during the charging process,
Suckback control conditions, subdivided injection speed conditions from injection start position to holding pressure switching point (position) (primary injection stroke), subdivided holding pressure from holding pressure switching time to holding pressure end time Conditions, band heater temperature of each part, mold closing stroke and speed, mold clamping force, mold opening stroke and speed, eject control conditions and the like can be mentioned.

The molding process control unit 13 fetches the measurement information from the sensor group 5 in real time based on the molding process control program created in advance and the setting condition values stored in the molding condition setting storage unit 12. Drive control of each corresponding drive source via the driver group 6 (motor driver, control valve driver, heater driver, etc.) while referring to the information from the measured value storage unit 14 and the timing information from the clock built in itself. Then, a series of molding steps are executed.

In the measured value storage section 14, all measured values of preset monitor items during continuous automatic operation are fetched and stored for a predetermined number of consecutive shots. ing. The monitor items that are taken in are roughly classified into time monitoring items, position monitoring items, rotation speed monitoring items, speed monitoring items, pressure monitoring items, temperature monitoring items, and power monitoring items. A considerable part overlaps with this, and factors that may be related to the quality of molded products and abnormality determination are preset as monitor items.

The abnormal judgment data storage unit 15 stores abnormal events, abnormal numerical values, etc., which have been case-studied in advance. The abnormality diagnosing unit 16 constantly takes in the data of the molding condition setting storage unit 12, the data of the actual measurement value storage unit 14, etc., and refers to the contents of the abnormality determination data storage unit 15 to find that no abnormality has occurred. Whether or not it is automatically determined. When the abnormality diagnosing unit 13 recognizes the occurrence of the abnormal situation, for example, an alarm sound generator (not shown) generates an alarm sound, and when it is determined that the abnormality content is equal to or higher than a predetermined level, this fact is notified. A signal indicating the above is output to the molding process control unit 13 to cause the molding process control unit 13 to make an emergency stop of the machine. Furthermore, the abnormality diagnosis unit 16 sends the alarm information to the display control unit 1
7, the printer control unit 18, and the external communication control unit 19 to cause the respective units 17, 18, and 19 to execute the processes described below.

The display control unit 17 extracts data from the molding condition setting storage unit 12 and the actual measurement value storage unit 14 as needed in response to an image call command by an operator's appropriate key operation, and outputs the data as numerical image data or graphics. These are converted into image data, and fixed data (for example, symbol / unit data, ruled line data, simplified graphic data, etc.) to be used for the image display is extracted from an image display fixed data storage unit (not shown), and these Are combined to generate image data desired by the operator, and the display device 8
To display. When an abnormal situation occurs, when the alarm signal from the abnormality diagnosis unit 16 arrives, the message information of the corresponding abnormal item is extracted from the alarm message storage unit (not shown), converted into image data, and processed to display the image data. Force the alarm message to be displayed on.

The printer control unit 18 converts the created image data of the display control unit 17 by a print output command instructed by an appropriate key operation by an operator interactive with the display screen and takes in the print output data. Or, if necessary, data is extracted from the molding condition setting storage unit 12 or the measured value storage unit 14 and converted into character data, and the data is stored from a fixed print data storage unit (not shown). Fixed data to be used for print output (for example, symbol / unit character data, dot image data such as ruled line data and simplified figure data, etc.) is taken out and combined to generate print output data desired by the operator. Then, the printer 9 prints it out. When an abnormal situation occurs, the alarm signal from the abnormality diagnosing unit 16 arrives and the alarm message image data created by the display control unit 17 is taken out and converted into print output data according to the print output format. , And transfers this to the external communication control unit 19.

The external communication control unit 19 controls the voice synthesizing and transmitting unit 10 and the facsimile / data modem 11 to automatically call a desired destination terminal 21 via the public telephone line network 20 and generate an alarm voice. Transmission of data or alarm image data to the destination terminal 21 is executed. That is, the external communication control unit 19 activates the voice synthesis transmitting unit 10 or the facsimile / data modem 11 when an alarm signal of a predetermined level or more arrives from the abnormality diagnosing unit 16 and sets the preset destination terminal 21. Dial number is automatically called and an alarm (abnormal) is given to the voice synthesis transmission unit 10.
Recognize the type (send a predetermined type of alarm message creation command signal) to generate a predetermined alarm sound,
Further, the alarm print output data from the print controller 18 is transferred to the facsimile / data modem 11. Then, when the voice synthesis transmitting unit 10 or the facsimile / data modem 11 calls the destination terminal 21 by the auto-dial function and confirms the arrival of the answerback signal from the destination terminal 21, a voice message or an alarm image showing the details of the abnormality is displayed. Data is the destination terminal 2
Sent to 1.

Here, it is possible to arbitrarily set the level of abnormality (trouble) at which the destination terminal 21 is called and the alarm data is transmitted. For example, in the present embodiment, the machine is brought to an emergency stop. It automatically dials above the specified level and sends the details of the error.
Also, whether or not to send the details of the abnormality by auto-dialing when this abnormality occurs can be arbitrarily set according to the operation mode and the operation time of the machine.For example, when the unattended automatic operation mode is selected, Alternatively, the automatic dialing / abnormality content transmission function can be activated when in the unmanned automatic operation mode and on a holiday or a time zone other than the working hours. This is the operation mode determination function and the calendar function in the external communication control unit 19. It can be easily realized by providing the same. It should be noted that the destination terminal 21 should be set to the person in charge of handling the machine or the telephone (including a mobile phone) or the facsimile of the home of the operator who is familiar with the operation of the machine or the destination. Multiple terminals can be set.

In the above-mentioned configuration, for example, in the unmanned automatic operation mode and when the automatic dial / abnormality content transmission function is set to operate during a holiday or a time period other than working hours, a machine trouble occurs on a holiday, for example. When the machine occurs and the machine stops urgently, the external communication control unit 19 that recognizes the occurrence of the abnormality due to the arrival of the signal from the abnormality diagnosis unit 16 sets the unmanned automatic operation mode as the operation mode and operates during the non-working hours. Then, the voice synthesizing / transmitting unit 10 or the facsimile / data modem 11 is controlled to activate the automatic dial / abnormality content transmitting function. When the telephone is set as the destination terminal 21, the voice synthesis transmitting unit 10 is activated, and the voice synthesis transmitting unit 10 calls the preset destination terminal 21 by this, and then, After confirming the pickup signal from the destination telephone, the alarm voice message created in response to the alarm (abnormality) type signal sent from the external communication control unit 19 as described above is automatically transmitted to the destination telephone. In this embodiment, the voice synthesizing / sending unit 10 repeats the message several times in consideration of the function of repeatedly redialing when the other party's telephone is communicating and the fact that the other party's telephone is in the answering machine recording state. It is said to have a function of automatically repeating. If a facsimile is set as the destination terminal 21, the facsimile / data modem 1
1, the facsimile / data modem 11 calls the destination terminal 21 which is set in advance,
Then, after confirming an answerback signal such as a pickup signal or a terminal identification signal from the destination facsimile, as described above, the printer control unit 18 causes the external communication control unit 1 to operate.
The alarm print output data transferred via 9 is transmitted to the destination facsimile.

By doing so, a machine trouble occurs in the unmanned automatic operation, and the machine stops urgently,
Even when there is no operator near the machine, the machine itself can automatically inform the person in charge of handling the machine and the operator who is familiar with the operation of the machine about the content of the machine trouble. Therefore, the operator etc. who received the notification can quickly recognize the content of the trouble, call the guard or guard man who works at night or on holidays and request a simple first aid, or in some cases, It is possible for the operator to visit the site and deal with the trouble.
Therefore, even if the machine suddenly stops during the unmanned automatic operation, prompt measures can be taken and the stop time of the machine can be reduced as much as possible.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the destination terminal is a telephone or a facsimile is shown, but the destination terminal can also be a radio receiver portable receiver (pager). Depending on the form of the pager, if the LCD is attached, the LC
It is possible to display a simple message on the D display, and it is possible to recognize the occurrence of a machine trouble although the content of the trouble is unclear by being called as a type only for the calling function.

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention, when a machine trouble (abnormality) occurs while the machine is operating in the unmanned operation mode, the person in charge of managing the machine automatically uses the public telephone line. It is possible to realize a communication system of an injection molding machine that can communicate with each other, thereby enabling quick troubleshooting, and the value thereof is great in this type of injection molding machine in which unmanned operation is performed for 24 hours.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of an injection molding machine to which a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Injection Molding Machine (Machine) 2 Mold Opening / Closing Device 3 Injection Device 4 Microcomputer (Microcomputer) 5 Sensor Group 6 Driver Group 7 Key Input Device 8 Display Device 9 Printer 10 Voice Synthesis Transmitter 11 Facsimile / Data Modem 12 Molding Condition Setting Memory Part 13 Molding process control part 14 Measured value storage part 15 Abnormality judgment data storage part 16 Abnormality diagnosis part 17 Display control part 18 Printer control part 19 External communication control part 20 Public telephone network 21 Other terminal

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An automatic operation control function for driving and controlling each part of an injection molding machine based on various set operating condition data, measurement information from each sensor and the like by a microcomputer incorporated in the injection molding machine, In an injection molding machine equipped with at least a self-abnormality diagnosis function for monitoring and diagnosing an abnormality occurrence based on measurement information from a sensor, etc., the microcomputer switches a public telephone line when a trouble of a predetermined level or more occurs. A method for informing an injection molding machine, characterized by instructing an auto-dial function unit to call a preset destination terminal number via a telephone. 2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein when the partner terminal is a telephone, information indicating the content of the trouble that has occurred in the partner terminal is transmitted as a voice message. Notification method. 3. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein when the destination terminal is a facsimile, information indicating the content of the trouble occurring at the destination terminal is transmitted as image data. Notification method.