WO2021201006A1

WO2021201006A1 - Injection molding machine, injection molding machine system, and management device

Info

Publication number: WO2021201006A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/013645
Authority: WO
Inventors: 未来生有田; 浩茂木
Original assignee: 住友重機械工業株式会社
Priority date: 2020-03-31
Filing date: 2021-03-30
Publication date: 2021-10-07
Also published as: CN115397645A; DE112021002042T5; JPWO2021201006A1

Abstract

Provided is a technology that can automatically collect data related to an abnormality in an injection molding machine. When an event occurs that may cause abnormality, an injection molding machine 1 according to an embodiment starts to collect data related to the injection molding machine 1 having pre-regulated content. For example, the event that may cause abnormality includes a change (for example, a change in a control parameter) or an update (for example, updating of software) related to an operation of the injection molding machine 1 according to an input (for example, input received from a user, a signal received from a management device 2, and the like) from an external unit.

Description

Injection molding machine, injection molding machine system, management equipment

This disclosure relates to injection molding machines, etc.

For example, in an industrial machine such as an injection molding machine, when an abnormality occurs, a technique is known in which a user operates according to an instruction and collects data for diagnosing or analyzing the abnormality (see Patent Document 1). ).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-133378

However, it is desirable that data related to abnormalities be collected automatically.

Therefore, in view of the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of automatically collecting data related to an abnormality of an injection molding machine.

In order to achieve the above object, in one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A mold clamping device that molds the mold device and
An injection device for filling the mold device molded by the mold clamping device with a molding material, and an injection device.
An ejector device for taking out a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device is cooled and solidified is provided.
When an event that can cause an abnormality occurs, start collecting data on the injection molding machine with the specified contents.
An injection molding machine is provided.

Also, in other embodiments of the present disclosure,
Includes an injection molding machine and a management device capable of communicating with the injection molding machine.
The management device controls the injection molding machine so as to start collecting data on the injection molding machine having a predetermined content when an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine.
An injection molding machine system is provided.

Also, in still other embodiments of the present disclosure,
The injection molding machine is configured to be communicable with the injection molding machine, and when an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine, the injection molding machine is started to collect data on the injection molding machine having a predetermined content. Control,
A management device is provided.

According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to provide a technique capable of automatically collecting data related to an abnormality of an injection molding machine.

It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the injection molding machine management system including the injection molding machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the injection molding machine management system including the injection molding machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the structure of the control system of an injection molding machine. It is a figure which shows an example of the data condition for each of a plurality of target events, and the content of the data to be collected. It is a figure which shows an example of the information which specifies a plurality of target events, the data collection condition for each of a plurality of target events, and the content of the collection target data.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Configuration of injection molding machine management system]
First, the configuration of the injection molding machine management system SYS according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

1 and 2 are diagrams showing an example of the injection molding machine management system SYS according to the present embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a state of the injection molding machine 1 at the time of mold opening, and FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing a state of the injection molding machine 1 at the time of mold clamping. Is drawn. Hereinafter, in the drawings of the present embodiment, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, and the positive-negative direction of the X-axis (hereinafter, simply "X-direction") and the positive-negative direction of the Y-axis (hereinafter, simply "". The "Y direction") represents the horizontal direction, and the positive / negative direction of the Z axis (hereinafter, simply "Z direction") represents the vertical direction.

The injection molding machine management system SYS (an example of an injection molding machine system) includes a plurality of (three in this example) injection molding machines 1 and a management device 2.

The number of injection molding machines 1 included in the injection molding machine management system SYS may be one or two, or four or more.

<Composition of injection molding machine>
The injection molding machine 1 performs a series of operations for obtaining a molded product.

Further, the injection molding machine 1 is communicably connected to the management device 2 through a predetermined communication line NW. Further, the injection molding machine 1 may be communicably connected to another injection molding machine 1 through the communication line NW. The communication line NW includes, for example, a local network (LAN: Local Area Network) in the factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed. The local network may be wired, wireless, or both. Further, the communication line NW may include, for example, a wide area network (WAN: Wide Area Network) outside the factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed. The wide area network may include, for example, a mobile communication network having a base station as an end. Mobile communication network, for example, LTE may correspond to (Long Term Evolution) including 4G (4 ^th Generation) and 5G (5 ^th Generation) and the like. Further, the wide area network may include, for example, a satellite communication network that uses a communication satellite. Further, the wide area network may include, for example, an Internet network. Further, the communication line NW may be, for example, a short-range wireless communication line corresponding to Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, WiFi communication, or the like.

For example, the injection molding machine 1 transmits (uploads) data related to the operating state of the injection molding machine 1 (hereinafter, “operating state data”) to the management device 2 through the communication line NW. As a result, the management device 2 (or its manager, worker, etc.) can grasp the operating state and manage the maintenance timing of the injection molding machine 1, the operation schedule of the injection molding machine 1, and the like. Further, the management device 2 generates data related to the control of the injection molding machine 1 (for example, molding conditions, etc.) based on the operating state data of the injection molding machine 1, and transmits the data to the injection molding machine 1 to inject from the outside. It is possible to control the molding machine 1.

Further, for example, the injection molding machine 1 may monitor or control the operation of another injection molding machine 1 as a slave machine as a master machine through a communication line NW. Specifically, the injection molding machine 1 (slave machine) may transmit the operating state data to the injection molding machine 1 (master machine) through the communication line NW. As a result, the injection molding machine 1 (master machine) can monitor the operation of the other injection molding machine 1 (slave machine). Further, the injection molding machine 1 (master machine) issues control commands related to the operation to other injection molding machines 1 (slave machine) through the communication line NW while grasping the operation state of the other injection molding machine 1 (slave machine) based on the operation state data. It may be transmitted to the molding machine 1 (slave machine). Thereby, the injection molding machine 1 (master machine) can control the operation of the other injection molding machine 1 (slave machine).

The injection molding machine 1 includes a mold clamping device 100, an ejector device 200, an injection device 300, a moving device 400, and a control device 700.

<< Mold clamping device >>
The mold clamping device 100 closes, molds, and opens the mold of the mold apparatus 10. The mold clamping device 100 is, for example, a horizontal type, and the mold opening / closing direction is a horizontal direction. The mold clamping device 100 includes a fixed platen 110, a movable platen 120, a toggle support 130, a tie bar 140, a toggle mechanism 150, a mold clamping motor 160, a motion conversion mechanism 170, and a mold thickness adjusting mechanism 180.

Hereinafter, in the description of the mold clamping device 100, the moving direction of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) is set to the front, and the moving direction of the movable platen 120 when the mold is opened (FIGS. 1 and 2). The middle left direction) will be described as the rear.

The fixed platen 110 is fixed to the frame Fr. The fixed mold 11 is attached to the surface of the fixed platen 110 facing the movable platen 120.

The movable platen 120 is movable in the mold opening / closing direction with respect to the frame Fr. A guide 101 for guiding the movable platen 120 is laid on the frame Fr. The movable mold 12 is attached to the surface of the movable platen 120 facing the fixed platen 110.

By advancing and retreating the movable platen 120 with respect to the fixed platen 110, mold closing, mold clamping, and mold opening are performed.

The mold device 10 includes a fixed mold 11 corresponding to the fixed platen 110 and a movable mold 12 corresponding to the movable platen 120.

The toggle support 130 is connected to the fixed platen 110 at a predetermined interval L, and is movably placed on the frame Fr in the mold opening / closing direction. The toggle support 130 may be movable along a guide laid on the frame Fr, for example. In this case, the guide of the toggle support 130 may be common to the guide 101 of the movable platen 120.

The fixed platen 110 is fixed to the frame Fr, and the toggle support 130 is movable in the mold opening / closing direction with respect to the frame Fr. However, the toggle support 130 is fixed to the frame Fr, and the fixed platen 110 is attached to the frame Fr. On the other hand, it may be movable in the opening / closing direction.

The tie bar 140 connects the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 with an interval L in the mold opening / closing direction. A plurality of tie bars 140 (for example, four) may be used. Each tie bar 140 is parallel to the mold opening / closing direction and extends according to the mold clamping force. At least one tie bar 140 is provided with a tie bar distortion detector 141 that detects the distortion of the tie bar 140. The tie bar strain detector 141 is, for example, a strain gauge. The tie bar strain detector 141 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the tie bar strain detector 141 is used, for example, for detecting the mold clamping force.

Note that, instead of or in addition to the tie bar strain detector 141, any mold clamping force detector that can be used to detect the mold clamping force may be used. For example, the mold clamping force detector is not limited to the strain gauge type, but may be a piezoelectric type, a capacitive type, a hydraulic type, an electromagnetic type, or the like, and the mounting position thereof is not limited to the tie bar 140.

The toggle mechanism 150 is arranged between the movable platen 120 and the toggle support 130, and moves the movable platen 120 with respect to the toggle support 130 in the mold opening / closing direction. The toggle mechanism 150 is composed of a crosshead 151, a pair of links, and the like. Each link group has a first link 152 and a second link 153 that are flexibly connected by a pin or the like. The first link 152 is swingably attached to the movable platen 120 with a pin or the like, and the second link 153 is swingably attached to the toggle support 130 with a pin or the like. The second link 153 is attached to the crosshead 151 via the third link 154. When the crosshead 151 is moved back and forth with respect to the toggle support 130, the first link 152 and the second link 153 bend and stretch, and the movable platen 120 moves back and forth with respect to the toggle support 130.

The configuration of the toggle mechanism 150 is not limited to the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the number of nodes in each link group is 5, but it may be 4, and one end of the third link 154 becomes a node between the first link 152 and the second link 153. It may be combined.

The mold clamping motor 160 is attached to the toggle support 130 and operates the toggle mechanism 150. The mold clamping motor 160 bends and stretches the first link 152 and the second link 153 by advancing and retreating the crosshead 151 with respect to the toggle support 130, and advances and retreats the movable platen 120 with respect to the toggle support 130. The mold clamping motor 160 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170, but may be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 170 via a belt, a pulley, or the like.

The motion conversion mechanism 170 converts the rotational motion of the mold clamping motor 160 into a linear motion of the crosshead 151. The motion conversion mechanism 170 includes a screw shaft 171 and a screw nut 172 screwed onto the screw shaft 171. A ball or roller may be interposed between the screw shaft 171 and the screw nut 172.

The mold clamping device 100 performs a mold closing process, a mold clamping process, a mold opening process, and the like under the control of the control device 700.

In the mold closing process, the movable platen 120 is advanced by driving the mold clamping motor 160 to advance the crosshead 151 to the mold closing completion position at a set speed, and the movable mold 12 is touched by the fixed mold 11. The position and speed of the crosshead 151 are detected by using, for example, a mold clamping motor encoder 161 or the like. The mold clamping motor encoder 161 detects the rotation of the mold clamping motor 160 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700.

The crosshead position detector that detects the position of the crosshead 151 and the crosshead speed detector that detects the speed of the crosshead 151 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161 and general ones can be used. .. Further, the movable platen position detector that detects the position of the movable platen 120 and the movable platen speed detector that detects the speed of the movable platen 120 are not limited to the mold clamping motor encoder 161 and general ones can be used.

In the mold clamping process, the mold clamping force 160 is further driven to further advance the crosshead 151 from the mold closing completion position to the mold clamping position to generate a mold clamping force. At the time of mold clamping, a cavity space 14 is formed between the movable mold 12 and the fixed mold 11, and the injection device 300 fills the cavity space 14 with a liquid molding material. A molded product is obtained by solidifying the filled molding material. The number of cavity spaces 14 may be plural, in which case a plurality of molded articles can be obtained at the same time.

In the mold opening process, the movable platen 120 is retracted and the movable mold 12 is separated from the fixed mold 11 by driving the mold clamping motor 160 and retracting the crosshead 151 to the mold opening completion position at a set speed. After that, the ejector device 200 projects the molded product from the movable mold 12.

The setting conditions in the mold closing process and the mold clamping process are collectively set as a series of setting conditions. For example, the speed and position of the crosshead 151 (including the mold closing start position, the speed switching position, the mold closing completion position, and the mold clamping force) and the mold clamping force in the mold closing process and the mold clamping process are set as a series of setting conditions. Is set collectively as. The mold closing start position, speed switching position, mold closing completion position, and mold closing position are arranged in this order from the rear side to the front side, and represent the start point and the end point of the section in which the speed is set. The speed is set for each section. The speed switching position may be one or a plurality. The speed switching position does not have to be set. Only one of the mold clamping position and the mold clamping force may be set.

Also, the setting conditions in the mold opening process are set in the same way. For example, the speed and position of the crosshead 151 in the mold opening step (including the mold opening start position, the speed switching position, and the mold opening completion position) are collectively set as a series of setting conditions. The mold opening start position, the speed switching position, and the mold opening completion position are arranged in this order from the front side to the rear side, and represent the start point and the end point of the section in which the speed is set. The speed is set for each section. The speed switching position may be one or a plurality. The speed switching position does not have to be set. The mold opening start position and the mold clamping position may be the same position. Further, the mold opening completion position and the mold closing start position may be the same position.

Note that the speed, position, etc. of the movable platen 120 may be set instead of the speed, position, etc. of the crosshead 151. Further, the mold clamping force may be set instead of the position of the crosshead (for example, the mold clamping position) or the position of the movable platen.

The toggle mechanism 150 amplifies the driving force of the mold clamping motor 160 and transmits it to the movable platen 120. The amplification factor is also called the toggle magnification. The toggle magnification changes according to the angle (hereinafter, “link angle”) θ formed by the first link 152 and the second link 153. The link angle θ is obtained from the position of the crosshead 151. When the link angle θ is 180 °, the toggle magnification is maximized.

When the thickness of the mold device 10 changes due to replacement of the mold device 10 or a temperature change of the mold device 10, the mold thickness is adjusted so that a predetermined mold clamping force can be obtained at the time of mold clamping. In the mold thickness adjustment, for example, the distance between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130 is set so that the link angle θ of the toggle mechanism 150 becomes a predetermined angle at the time of the mold touch when the movable mold 12 touches the fixed mold 11. Adjust L.

The mold clamping device 100 has a mold thickness adjusting mechanism 180 that adjusts the mold thickness by adjusting the distance L between the fixed platen 110 and the toggle support 130. The mold thickness adjusting mechanism 180 rotates the screw shaft 181 formed at the rear end of the tie bar 140, the screw nut 182 rotatably held by the toggle support 130, and the screw nut 182 screwed to the screw shaft 181. It has a mold thickness adjusting motor 183.

The screw shaft 181 and the screw nut 182 are provided for each tie bar 140. The rotation of the mold thickness adjusting motor 183 may be transmitted to the plurality of screw nuts 182 via the rotation transmission unit 185. A plurality of screw nuts 182 can be rotated in synchronization.

It is also possible to rotate a plurality of screw nuts 182 individually by changing the transmission path of the rotation transmission unit 185.

The rotation transmission unit 185 is composed of, for example, gears and the like. In this case, a passive gear is formed on the outer circumference of each screw nut 182, a drive gear is attached to the output shaft of the mold thickness adjusting motor 183, and a plurality of passive gears and an intermediate gear that meshes with the drive gear are located at the center of the toggle support 130. It is held rotatably.

The rotation transmission unit 185 may be composed of a belt, a pulley, or the like instead of the gear.

The operation of the mold thickness adjusting mechanism 180 is controlled by the control device 700. The control device 700 drives the mold thickness adjusting motor 183 to rotate the screw nut 182, thereby adjusting the position of the toggle support 130 that holds the screw nut 182 rotatably with respect to the fixed platen 110, and the fixed platen 110. Adjust the distance L from the toggle support 130.

The interval L is detected using the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184. The mold thickness adjusting motor encoder 184 detects the rotation amount and the rotation direction of the mold thickness adjusting motor 183, and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the mold thickness adjusting motor encoder 184 is used for monitoring and controlling the position and interval L of the toggle support 130.

The toggle support position detector that detects the position of the toggle support 130 and the interval detector that detects the interval L are not limited to the mold thickness adjustment motor encoder 184, and general ones can be used.

The mold thickness adjusting mechanism 180 adjusts the interval L by rotating one of the screw shaft 181 and the screw nut 182 that are screwed together. A plurality of mold thickness adjusting mechanisms 180 may be used, and a plurality of mold thickness adjusting motors 183 may be used.

The mold clamping device 100 of the present embodiment is a horizontal type in which the mold opening / closing direction is horizontal, but may be a vertical type in which the mold opening / closing direction is vertical.

Further, although the mold clamping device 100 of the present embodiment has a mold clamping motor 160 as a drive source, a hydraulic cylinder may be provided instead of the mold clamping motor 160. Further, the mold clamping device 100 may have a linear motor for opening and closing the mold and an electromagnet for mold clamping.

<< Ejector device >>
The ejector device 200 projects the molded product from the mold device 10 after the molding material filled in the mold device 10 is cooled and solidified by the injection device 300. The ejector device 200 includes an ejector motor 210, a motion conversion mechanism 220, an ejector rod 230, and the like.

Hereinafter, in the description of the ejector device 200, as in the description of the mold clamping device 100, the moving direction of the movable platen 120 when the mold is closed (right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) is set to the front, and the movable platen 120 when the mold is opened. The moving direction of (the left direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) will be described as the rear.

The ejector motor 210 is attached to the movable platen 120. The ejector motor 210 is directly connected to the motion conversion mechanism 220, but may be connected to the motion conversion mechanism 220 via a belt, a pulley, or the like.

The motion conversion mechanism 220 converts the rotational motion of the ejector motor 210 into the linear motion of the ejector rod 230. The motion conversion mechanism 220 includes a screw shaft and a screw nut screwed onto the screw shaft. A ball or roller may be interposed between the screw shaft and the screw nut.

The ejector rod 230 can be moved forward and backward in the through hole of the movable platen 120. The front end portion of the ejector rod 230 comes into contact with the movable member 15 which is movably arranged inside the movable mold 12. The front end portion of the ejector rod 230 may or may not be connected to the movable member 15.

The ejector device 200 performs the ejection process under the control of the control device 700.

In the ejection process, the ejector motor 210 is driven to advance the ejector rod 230 from the standby position to the ejection position at a set speed, thereby advancing the movable member 15 and projecting the molded product. After that, the ejector motor 210 is driven to retract the ejector rod 230 at a set speed, and the movable member 15 is retracted to the original standby position. The position and speed of the ejector rod 230 are detected by using, for example, the ejector motor encoder 211. The ejector motor encoder 211 detects the rotation of the ejector motor 210 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700.

The ejector rod position detector that detects the position of the ejector rod 230 and the ejector rod speed detector that detects the speed of the ejector rod 230 are not limited to the ejector motor encoder 211, and general ones can be used.

<< Injection device >>
The injection device 300 is installed on a slide base 301 that can move forward and backward with respect to the frame Fr, and is adjustable with respect to the mold device 10. The injection device 300 touches the mold device 10 to fill the cavity space 14 in the mold device 10 with a molding material. The injection device 300 includes, for example, a cylinder 310, a nozzle 320, a screw 330, a weighing motor 340, an injection motor 350, a pressure detector 360, and the like.

Hereinafter, in the description of the injection device 300, the direction in which the injection device 300 is brought closer to the mold device 10 (the left direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) is the front direction, and the direction in which the injection device 300 is separated from the mold device 10 (the direction in which the injection device 300 is separated from the mold device 10). The right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) will be described as the rear.

The cylinder 310 heats the molding material supplied internally from the supply port 311. The molding material includes, for example, a resin or the like. The molding material is formed into, for example, pellets and is supplied to the supply port 311 in a solid state. The supply port 311 is formed at the rear of the cylinder 310. A cooler 312 such as a water-cooled cylinder is provided on the outer periphery of the rear portion of the cylinder 310. A heater 313 such as a band heater and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder 310 in front of the cooler 312.

The cylinder 310 is divided into a plurality of zones in the axial direction of the cylinder 310 (left-right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2). A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are provided in each zone. For each zone, the control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the detection temperature of the temperature detector 314 becomes the set temperature.

The nozzle 320 is provided at the front end of the cylinder 310 and is pressed against the mold device 10. A heater 313 and a temperature detector 314 are provided on the outer periphery of the nozzle 320. The control device 700 controls the heater 313 so that the detected temperature of the nozzle 320 reaches the set temperature.

The screw 330 is arranged in the cylinder 310 so as to be rotatable and retractable. When the screw 330 is rotated, the molding material is fed forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330. The molding material is gradually melted by the heat from the cylinder 310 while being fed forward. As the liquid molding material is fed forward of the screw 330 and accumulated in the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. After that, when the screw 330 is advanced, the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is ejected from the nozzle 320 and filled in the mold apparatus 10.

A backflow prevention ring 331 is freely attached to the front part of the screw 330 as a backflow prevention valve for preventing the backflow of the molding material from the front to the rear of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is pushed forward.

When the backflow prevention ring 331 is advanced, the backflow prevention ring 331 is pushed backward by the pressure of the molding material in front of the screw 330, and is relative to the screw 330 up to a closing position (see FIG. 2) that blocks the flow path of the molding material. fall back. As a result, the molding material accumulated in the front of the screw 330 is prevented from flowing backward.

On the other hand, the backflow prevention ring 331 is pushed forward by the pressure of the molding material sent forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330 when the screw 330 is rotated, and the opening position opens the flow path of the molding material. It advances relative to the screw 330 to (see FIG. 1). As a result, the molding material is sent to the front of the screw 330.

The backflow prevention ring 331 may be either a co-rotating type that rotates with the screw 330 or a non-co-rotating type that does not rotate with the screw 330.

The injection device 300 may have a drive source for moving the backflow prevention ring 331 forward and backward between the open position and the closed position with respect to the screw 330.

The weighing motor 340 rotates the screw 330. The drive source for rotating the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor 340, and may be, for example, a hydraulic pump or the like.

The injection motor 350 advances and retreats the screw 330. Between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330, a motion conversion mechanism or the like for converting the rotational motion of the injection motor 350 into the linear motion of the screw 330 is provided. The motion conversion mechanism has, for example, a screw shaft and a screw nut screwed onto the screw shaft. A ball, a roller, or the like may be provided between the screw shaft and the screw nut. The drive source for advancing and retreating the screw 330 is not limited to the injection motor 350, and may be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or the like.

The pressure detector 360 detects the pressure transmitted between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330. The pressure detector 360 is provided in the force transmission path between the injection motor 350 and the screw 330 to detect the pressure acting on the pressure detector 360.

The pressure detector 360 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The detection result of the pressure detector 360 is used for controlling and monitoring the pressure received by the screw 330 from the molding material, the back pressure on the screw 330, the pressure acting on the molding material from the screw 330, and the like.

The injection device 300 performs a weighing step, a filling step, a pressure holding step, and the like under the control of the control device 700.

In the weighing process, the weighing motor 340 is driven to rotate the screw 330 at a set rotation speed, and the molding material is sent forward along the spiral groove of the screw 330. Along with this, the molding material is gradually melted. As the liquid molding material is fed forward of the screw 330 and accumulated in the front of the cylinder 310, the screw 330 is retracted. The rotation speed of the screw 330 is detected by using, for example, the metering motor encoder 341. The metering motor encoder 341 detects the rotation of the metering motor 340 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700.

The screw rotation speed detector that detects the rotation speed of the screw 330 is not limited to the metering motor encoder 341, and a general screw can be used.

In the weighing process, the injection motor 350 may be driven to apply a set back pressure to the screw 330 in order to limit the sudden retreat of the screw 330. The back pressure on the screw 330 is detected using, for example, a pressure detector 360. The pressure detector 360 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. When the screw 330 retracts to the weighing completion position and a predetermined amount of molding material is accumulated in front of the screw 330, the weighing process is completed.

In the filling step, the injection motor 350 is driven to advance the screw 330 at a set speed, and the liquid molding material accumulated in front of the screw 330 is filled in the cavity space 14 in the mold apparatus 10. The position and speed of the screw 330 are detected using, for example, an injection motor encoder 351. The injection motor encoder 351 detects the rotation of the injection motor 350 and sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. When the position of the screw 330 reaches the set position, switching from the filling process to the pressure holding process (so-called V / P switching) is performed. The position where V / P switching is performed is also referred to as a V / P switching position. The set speed of the screw 330 may be changed according to the position and time of the screw 330.

After the position of the screw 330 reaches the set position in the filling step, the screw 330 may be temporarily stopped at the set position, and then V / P switching may be performed. Immediately before the V / P switching, instead of stopping the screw 330, the screw 330 may be moved forward or backward at a slow speed. Further, the screw position detector for detecting the position of the screw 330 and the screw speed detector for detecting the speed of the screw 330 are not limited to the injection motor encoder 351 and general ones can be used.

In the pressure holding step, the injection motor 350 is driven to push the screw 330 forward, and the pressure of the molding material (hereinafter, also referred to as “holding pressure”) at the front end of the screw 330 is maintained at a set pressure in the cylinder 310. The remaining molding material is pushed toward the mold device 10. The shortage of molding material due to cooling shrinkage in the mold apparatus 10 can be replenished. The holding pressure is detected using, for example, a pressure detector 360. The pressure detector 360 sends a signal indicating the detection result to the control device 700. The set value of the holding pressure may be changed according to the elapsed time from the start of the holding pressure step and the like.

In the pressure holding process, the molding material in the cavity space 14 in the mold apparatus 10 is gradually cooled, and when the pressure holding process is completed, the inlet of the cavity space 14 is closed with the solidified molding material. This state is called a gate seal, and the backflow of the molding material from the cavity space 14 is prevented. After the pressure holding step, the cooling step is started. In the cooling step, the molding material in the cavity space 14 is solidified. A weighing step may be performed during the cooling step to reduce the molding cycle time.

The injection device 300 of the present embodiment is an in-line screw type, but may be a pre-plastic type or the like. The pre-plastic injection device supplies the molded material melted in the plasticized cylinder to the injection cylinder, and injects the molding material from the injection cylinder into the mold device. A screw is rotatably or rotatably arranged in the plastic cylinder so as to be able to advance and retreat, and a plunger is rotatably arranged in the injection cylinder.

Further, the injection device 300 of the present embodiment is a horizontal type in which the axial direction of the cylinder 310 is horizontal, but may be a vertical type in which the axial direction of the cylinder 310 is in the vertical direction. The mold clamping device combined with the vertical injection device 300 may be vertical or horizontal. Similarly, the mold clamping device combined with the horizontal injection device 300 may be horizontal or vertical.

<< Mobile device >>
The moving device 400 advances and retreats the injection device 300 with respect to the mold device 10. Further, the moving device 400 presses the nozzle 320 against the mold device 10 to generate a nozzle touch pressure. The moving device 400 includes a hydraulic pump 410, a motor 420 as a drive source, a hydraulic cylinder 430 as a hydraulic actuator, and the like.

Hereinafter, in the description of the moving device 400, similarly to the description of the injection device 300, the direction in which the injection device 300 approaches the mold device 10 (the left direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) is the front, and the injection device 300 is the gold. The direction in which the mold device 10 is separated from the mold device 10 (the right direction in FIGS. 1 and 2) will be described as the rear.

Although the moving device 400 is arranged on one side of the cylinder 310 of the injection device 300 in FIGS. 1 and 2, it may be arranged on both sides of the cylinder 310 or may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the cylinder 310.

The hydraulic pump 410 has a first port 411 and a second port 412. The hydraulic pump 410 is a pump that can rotate in both directions, and by switching the rotation direction of the motor 420, the hydraulic fluid (for example, oil) is sucked from one of the first port 411 and the second port 412 and from the other. Discharge to generate hydraulic pressure. Further, the hydraulic pump 410 can also suck the hydraulic fluid from the tank and discharge the hydraulic fluid from either the first port 411 or the second port 412.

The motor 420 operates the hydraulic pump 410. The motor 420 drives the hydraulic pump 410 in the rotational direction and rotational torque according to the control signal from the control device 700. The motor 420 may be an electric motor or an electric servomotor.

The hydraulic cylinder 430 has a cylinder body 431, a piston 432, and a piston rod 433. The cylinder body 431 is fixed to the injection device 300. The piston 432 divides the inside of the cylinder body 431 into a front chamber 435 as a first chamber and a rear chamber 436 as a second chamber. The piston rod 433 is fixed to the fixed platen 110.

The front chamber 435 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the first port 411 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the first flow path 401. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the first port 411 is supplied to the front chamber 435 via the first flow path 401, so that the injection device 300 is pushed forward. The injection device 300 is advanced and the nozzle 320 is pressed against the fixed mold 11. The anterior chamber 435 functions as a pressure chamber that generates a nozzle touch pressure of the nozzle 320 by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied from the hydraulic pump 410.

On the other hand, the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 is connected to the second port 412 of the hydraulic pump 410 via the second flow path 402. The hydraulic fluid discharged from the second port 412 is supplied to the rear chamber 436 of the hydraulic cylinder 430 via the second flow path 402, so that the injection device 300 is pushed backward. The injection device 300 is retracted and the nozzle 320 is separated from the fixed mold 11.

The moving device 400 is not limited to the configuration including the hydraulic cylinder 430. For example, instead of the hydraulic cylinder 430, an electric motor and a motion conversion mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the electric motor into a linear motion of the injection device 300 may be used.

<< Control device >>
The control device 700 directly transmits a control signal to the mold clamping device 100, the ejector device 200, the injection device 300, the moving device 400, and the like, and performs various controls related to the injection molding machine 1.

The control device 700 may be realized by any hardware or a combination of any hardware and software. The control device 700 is mainly composed of a computer having, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 701, a memory device 702, an auxiliary storage device 703, and an interface device 704 for input / output. The control device 700 performs various controls by causing the CPU 701 to execute a program installed in the auxiliary storage device 703. Further, the control device 700 receives an external signal or outputs a signal to the outside through the interface device 704. For example, the control device 700 is communicably connected to the management device 2 through the communication line NW based on the interface device 704. Further, the control device 700 may be communicably connected to another injection molding machine 1 (control device 700) through the communication line NW based on the interface device 704. Further, the control device 700 may acquire a program from a predetermined recording medium through the interface device 704. The predetermined recording medium includes, for example, a flexible disc, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), an SD memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and the like. .. Further, the control device 700 may acquire (download) a program from an external computer (for example, the management device 2) through the interface device 704.

The function of the control device 700 may be realized by, for example, only one controller, or may be shared by a plurality of controllers as described later.

The control device 700 repeatedly manufactures a molded product by causing the injection molding machine 1 to repeatedly perform a mold closing step, a mold clamping step, a mold opening step, and the like. Further, the control device 700 causes the injection device 300 to perform a weighing step, a filling step, a pressure holding step, and the like during the mold clamping step.

A series of operations for obtaining a molded product, for example, an operation from the start of the weighing process by the injection device 300 to the start of the weighing process by the next injection device 300 is also referred to as a "shot" or a "molding cycle". The time required for one shot is also referred to as "molding cycle time".

One molding cycle is composed of, for example, a weighing process, a mold closing process, a mold clamping process, a filling process, a pressure holding process, a cooling process, a mold opening process, and a protrusion process in this order. This order is the starting order of each step. Further, the filling step, the pressure holding step, and the cooling step are performed between the start of the mold clamping step and the end of the mold clamping step. Further, the end of the mold clamping process coincides with the start of the mold opening process.

Note that, in order to shorten the molding cycle time, a plurality of steps may be performed at the same time. For example, the weighing step may be performed during the cooling step of the previous molding cycle, in which case the mold closing step may be performed at the beginning of the molding cycle. Further, the filling step may be started during the mold closing step. Further, the ejection step may be started during the mold opening step. Further, when an on-off valve for opening and closing the flow path of the nozzle 320 of the injection device 300 is provided, the mold opening step may be started during the weighing step. This is because even if the mold opening process is started during the weighing process, the molding material does not leak from the nozzle 320 if the on-off valve closes the flow path of the nozzle 320.

The control device 700 is connected to the operation device 750, the display device 760, and the like.

The operation device 750 (an example of an input unit) receives an operation input related to the injection molding machine 1 by a user, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation input to the control device 700.

The display device 760 displays various images under the control of the control device 700.

The display device 760 displays, for example, an operation screen related to the injection molding machine 1 in response to an operation input in the operation device 750.

The operation screen displayed on the display device 760 is used for setting related to the injection molding machine 1. The setting regarding the injection molding machine 1 includes, for example, setting of molding conditions (specifically, inputting a set value) regarding the injection molding machine 1. Further, the setting includes, for example, a setting related to selection of a type of detection value of various sensors and the like related to the injection molding machine 1 recorded as logging data at the time of molding operation. Further, in the setting, for example, display specifications (for example, the type of actual value to be displayed and how to display it) on the display device 760 of the detected value (actual value) of various sensors related to the injection molding machine 1 during the molding operation. Etc.) settings are included. A plurality of operation screens are prepared and may be displayed by switching to the display device 760 or may be displayed in an overlapping manner. The user can make settings (including input of set values) related to the injection molding machine 1 by operating the operation device 750 while looking at the operation screen displayed on the display device 760.

Further, the display device 760 displays, for example, an information screen that provides the user with various information according to the operation on the operation screen under the control of the control device 700. A plurality of information screens are prepared and may be displayed by switching to the display device 760 or may be displayed in an overlapping manner. For example, the display device 760 displays the setting contents regarding the injection molding machine 1 (for example, the setting contents regarding the molding conditions of the injection molding machine 1). Further, for example, the display device 760 displays management information (for example, information regarding the operation record of the injection molding machine 1).

The operation device 750 and the display device 760 may be configured as, for example, a touch panel type display and integrated.

Although the operation device 750 and the display device 760 of the present embodiment are integrated, they may be provided independently. Further, a plurality of operating devices 750 may be provided. The operation device 750 may be changed to, or in addition, another input device that accepts an input other than the user's operation input may be provided. Other input devices may include, for example, a voice input device that accepts a user's voice input, a gesture input device that accepts a user's gesture input, and the like. The voice input device includes, for example, a microphone and the like. Further, the gesture input device includes, for example, a camera (imaging device) and the like.

<Configuration of management device>
As described above, the management device 2 is communicably connected to the injection molding machine 1 through the communication line NW.

The function of the management device 2 is realized by arbitrary hardware or a combination of arbitrary hardware and software. For example, the management device 2 is mainly composed of a computer including a memory device such as a CPU and RAM, a non-volatile auxiliary storage device such as ROM, and an interface device for input / output with the outside. Then, the management device 2 may realize various functions by loading the program installed in the auxiliary storage device into the memory device and executing it on the CPU. The management device 2 may acquire a program to be installed in the auxiliary storage device from a predetermined recording medium, for example, through an interface device. The predetermined recording medium includes, for example, a flexible disc, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a BD (Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc), an SD memory card, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, and the like. .. Further, the management device 2 may acquire (download) a program to be installed in the auxiliary storage device from an external computer, for example, through an interface device.

The management device 2 is, for example, a server. The server may include, for example, a cloud server or an on-premises server installed in a remote location such as a management center outside the factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed. Further, the server includes, for example, an edge server installed inside a factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed or in a place relatively close to the factory (for example, a wireless base station or a station building near the factory). You may. Further, the management device 2 is, for example, a terminal device (user terminal) used by a user, an administrator, or the like of the injection molding machine 1. The user terminal may include, for example, a stationary terminal device (for example, a desktop computer terminal) in the factory where the injection molding machine 1 is installed. Further, the user terminal may include a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a laptop computer terminal, etc.) that can be carried by a user, an administrator, or the like of the injection molding machine 1.

The management device 2 may, for example, grasp the operating state of the injection molding machine 1 based on the data transmitted (uploaded) from the injection molding machine 1 and manage the operating state of the injection molding machine 1. Further, the management device 2 may perform various diagnoses such as an abnormality diagnosis of the injection molding machine 1 based on the grasped operating state of the injection molding machine 1.

Further, the management device 2 may provide information on the operating state of the injection molding machine 1 to the users and managers of the injection molding machine 1 based on the data transmitted from the injection molding machine 1, for example. good. Specifically, the management device 2 relates to an operating state of the injection molding machine 1 through a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display) or a sound output device (for example, a speaker) included in the own device. Information may be provided.

Further, the management device 2 may receive input of operations and settings related to the injection molding machine 1 from a user, a manager, or the like of the injection molding machine 1 through an input device provided in the own device, for example. As a result, the user of the management device 2 can perform operations and settings related to the injection molding machine 1 from the outside of the injection molding machine 1.

Further, the management device 2 may transmit control data (for example, data related to various setting conditions such as molding conditions) to the injection molding machine 1 through the communication line NW, for example. Thereby, the management device 2 can control the operation of the injection molding machine 1.

[Data collection function]
Next, the details of the data collection function of the injection molding machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

<Example of data collection function>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration related to a data collection function of the injection molding machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the injection molding machine 1 includes a control device 700, a driver 710, an encoder 720, an operation device 750, and a display device 760 as a configuration related to a data collection function.

The control device 700 includes

controllers

700A and 700B.

The controller 700A controls one or a plurality of controllers 700B, and comprehensively controls the entire injection molding machine 1. The controller 700A includes a data collection unit 7001, a data collection designated information storage unit 7002, a collection data storage unit 7003, a screen display processing unit 7004, and a designated information setting unit 7005. The functions of the data collection unit 7001, the screen display processing unit 7004, and the designated information setting unit 7005 are, for example, to load various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 703 of the controller 700A into the memory device 702 and execute them on the CPU 701. Is realized by. Further, the functions of the data collection designated information storage unit 7002 and the collection data storage unit 7003 are realized by, for example, a storage area defined in the auxiliary storage device 703 of the controller 700A.

The controller 700B controls the operation of various electric actuators (hereinafter, simply "electric actuators") that realize the operation of the injection molding machine 1. The controller 700B is, for example, a motion controller. The electric actuator to be controlled includes, for example, the above-mentioned mold clamping motor 160, mold thickness adjusting motor 183, ejector motor 210, weighing motor 340, injection motor 350, motor 420 and the like. The controller 700B generates control data related to the electric actuator to be controlled, and outputs (transmits) the control data to the driver 710. Further, the controller 700B may generate control data related to the encoder 720 (for example, data related to setting conditions such as a detection data acquisition cycle) and transmit it to the encoder 720.

In this example, the controller 700B and the driver 710 and the driver 710 and the encoder 720 are connected by a physical communication cable, and the controller 700B and the driver 710 and the encoder 720 can communicate with each other. A logical network (field network) is configured.

Instead of constructing the field network, a physical communication cable may be connected between the controller 700B and each of the driver 710 and the encoder 720.

The driver 710 drives an electric actuator. The electric actuator may include, for example, the above-mentioned mold clamping motor 160, mold thickness adjusting motor 183, ejector motor 210, weighing motor 340, injection motor 350, motor 420, and the like. The driver 710 outputs a drive current to the electric actuator, for example, based on the control data received from the controller 700B. As a result, the controller 700B can control the operation of the electric actuator to be controlled via the driver 710. Further, the driver 710 may transmit data relating to the actual operating status of the driver 710 (own device) (for example, data such as a command value and an actual value of the drive current) to the controller 700B.

The encoder 720 acquires detection data regarding the mechanical position of the electric actuator. The encoder 720 may include, for example, the above-mentioned mold clamping motor encoder 161, mold thickness adjusting motor encoder 184, ejector motor encoder 211, weighing motor encoder 341, injection motor encoder 351 and the like. The encoder 720 outputs (transmits) the detection data to the controller 700B. As a result, the controller 700B can control the electric actuator while grasping the position and operating state (for example, speed, acceleration, etc.) of the electric actuator based on the detection data regarding the position of the electric actuator.

The data collection unit 7001 collects data related to the injection molding machine 1. Specifically, the data collection unit 7001 transmits a signal requesting transmission of the data to be collected to a device capable of temporarily acquiring the data to be collected, and transmits the data to be collected. Data may be collected by receiving it. The data collection unit 7001 can request, for example, the controller 700B, the driver 710, the encoder 720, and the like to transmit the data to be collected, and collect the data to be collected from these. Further, as described later, when data collection conditions such as data collection timing are specified, the data collection unit 7001 requests the target device to transmit data in accordance with the data collection conditions, so that the data can be collected. You can have the data to be collected sent according to the collection conditions.

The controller 700B, the driver 710, and the encoder 720 are examples of data output devices that output various data to the controller 700A, and the controller 700A may collect various data from the other devices described above. Naturally, other devices include, for example, a device for measuring the temperature state of the injection molding machine 1 (for example, temperature detector 314) and a device for measuring the pressure state of the injection molding machine 1 (for example, the pressure detector 360). Can be included in.

For example, when an event that may cause an abnormality of the injection molding machine 1 occurs, the data collection unit 7001 starts collecting data related to the injection molding machine 1 having predetermined contents in accordance with predetermined data collection conditions. do. There may be a plurality of target events (hereinafter, "target events"). For each of the plurality of target events, the content of the data collected according to the occurrence of the target event (hereinafter, "collection target data") is defined in advance. The data collected in response to the occurrence of the target event may be data including information necessary for factor analysis of an abnormality that may occur due to the target event. As a result, the occurrence of the target event can be used as a trigger to start collecting data necessary for analyzing the cause of the abnormality in advance. Therefore, when an abnormality actually occurs due to the target event, it is possible to analyze the cause of the abnormality using the already collected data.

Data collection conditions include, for example, data collection timing (hereinafter, "collection timing") and the like. The collection timing includes, for example, a specific timing as well as a data collection cycle. Further, the data collection condition includes, for example, a period from the start of data collection to the end of collection (hereinafter, “collection period”). As a result, the period during which data collection is performed is limited, so that the processing load of the controller 700A due to data collection is reduced according to the passage of time from the start of data collection, and the increase in the processing load of the controller 700A is suppressed. be able to. The collection period may be predetermined, for example, to a value larger than the maximum value of the period assumed from the occurrence of the target event to the occurrence of an abnormality due to the occurrence of the target event.

Further, instead of providing a collection period, or in addition, another method for reducing the processing load of the controller 700A regarding data collection may be adopted according to the passage of time from the start of data collection. .. For example, data collection conditions may be specified so that the amount of data to be collected decreases as time elapses from the start of data collection. Specifically, data collection conditions may be defined so that the number of types of data included in the data to be collected for each target event decreases with the passage of time from the start of data collection. For example, when the collection target data of the target event includes the command value and the actual value of a predetermined parameter, the command value is deleted from the collection target data when a predetermined time elapses from the start of data collection, and only the actual value is the collection target. Data collection conditions may be specified so as to be data. If the data to be collected for the target event includes data related to the position and speed of the electric actuator to be controlled, the data related to speed will be deleted from the collected data after a predetermined time has passed from the start of data collection, and only the data related to the position will be deleted. Data collection conditions may be specified so that is the data to be collected. This is because it is possible to calculate the data related to the speed from the data related to the position. In addition, for example, the data collection conditions are defined so that the data collection interval (cycle), that is, the interval from the current data collection to the next data collection becomes longer according to the passage of time from the start of data collection. May be done.

For example, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of data collection conditions and contents of data to be collected for each of a plurality of target events.

As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of target events that trigger the start of data collection (collection start trigger) include, for example, software updates (updates) of the controller 700B and the driver 710. For example, if the software update is completed in an incomplete state, or if there is a bug or other defect in the software itself, the software may not operate normally and an abnormality may occur in the injection molding machine 1. be. The software may be updated manually, for example, by the operation of a user of the injection molding machine 1 such as a serviceman (hereinafter, “molding machine user”). In this case, an external device (for example, a laptop computer terminal) used by the molding machine user may be connected to the control device 700 through a predetermined communication cable or the like. Then, software update data may be installed in the controller 700B or the driver 710 in response to a command operated by the molding machine user input from the external device. Further, the software is updated by distributing the software update data from the management device 2 or the like to the injection molding machine 1, and responding to a command input from the management device 2 (an example of an external device) or a higher-level device such as the controller 700A. It may be done automatically.

Software update as a trigger for data collection includes, for example, software update related to the interface (command interface) of commands sent and received. In this example, the data collection conditions for updating software related to the command interface are such that the collection period is one week and the collection timing is specified when the command is sent and received. Further, in this example, the content (type) of the data to be collected for updating the software related to the command interface is specified in the command log.

Also, software updates as a trigger for data collection include, for example, software updates related to motion control of electric actuators. In this example, the data collection conditions for updating software related to motion control are such that the collection period is one week and the data collection cycle as the collection timing is defined in the motion control control cycle (motion cycle). Further, in this example, the content (type) of the data to be collected for updating the software related to motion control is defined in the speed command value, the position command value, the speed actual value, and the position actual value of the electric actuator to be controlled. ..

Also, software updates as a trigger for data collection include, for example, software updates related to speed control of electric actuators. In this example, the data collection condition for updating the software related to speed control is that the collection period is one week, and the data collection cycle as the collection timing is defined in the control cycle (servo cycle) of the servo control of the electric actuator. Further, in this example, the content (type) of the data to be collected for updating the software related to the speed control is defined in the speed command value, the actual speed value, and the torque command value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

Further, the software update as a trigger for data collection includes, for example, the software update related to the current control (torque control) of the electric actuator. In this example, the data collection condition for updating the software related to current control is that the collection period is one week and the data collection cycle as the collection timing is defined in the servo cycle. Further, in this example, the content (type) of the data to be collected for the software update related to the current control is the current command value, the current actual value, the voltage actual value, and the PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) command value of the electric actuator to be controlled. Is included.

Further, the plurality of target events that trigger the start of data collection (collection start trigger) include, for example, changes in control parameters in the controller 700B and the driver 710. For example, if the control parameter is not set to an appropriate value, the electric actuator may not be properly controlled, and as a result, an abnormality may occur in the operation of the injection molding machine 1. The control parameters may be changed, for example, according to a predetermined operation input of the molding machine user received through the operation device 750. In this case, the control parameter may be directly changed according to a predetermined operation input of the molding machine user, or indirectly according to a molding condition or the like changed according to a predetermined operation input of the molding machine user. May be changed. Further, the control parameters may be automatically changed according to a command input from a higher-level device such as the management device 2 or the controller 700A.

The change of the control parameter as a trigger of data collection includes, for example, the change of the control parameter (acceleration / deceleration parameter change) related to the acceleration or deceleration of the electric actuator to be controlled. In this example, the data collection condition for changing the acceleration / deceleration parameters is one month, and the data collection cycle as the collection timing is defined as the motion cycle. Further, in this example, the content (type) of the data to be collected for the change of the acceleration / deceleration parameter is defined in the speed command value, the position command value, the speed actual value, and the position actual value of the electric actuator to be controlled. ..

Further, the change of the control parameter as a trigger of data collection includes, for example, the change of the control parameter (change of the pressure control parameter) related to the control of the pressure generated by the operation of the electric actuator to be controlled. In this case, the electric actuator to be controlled is, for example, the injection motor 350, and as described above, the injection motor 350 is controlled so that the holding pressure in the holding pressure step is maintained at the set pressure. In this example, the data collection condition for changing the pressure control parameter is that the collection period is one month, and the data collection cycle as the collection timing is defined in the control cycle (pressure control cycle) related to pressure control. Further, in this example, the content (type) of the data to be collected for the change of the pressure control parameter is the command value (pressure command value) of the pressure to be controlled, the actual pressure value (actual pressure value), and the electric actuator to be controlled. It is specified in the speed command value and the actual speed value.

Further, the change of the control parameter as a trigger of data collection includes, for example, the change of the control parameter related to the speed servo control of the electric actuator to be controlled (speed servo control parameter change). In this example, the data collection condition for changing the speed servo control parameter is that the collection period is one month and the data collection cycle as the collection timing is defined in the servo cycle. Further, in this example, the content (type) of the data to be collected for the change of the speed servo control parameter is defined in the speed command value, the actual speed value, and the torque command value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

Further, the change of the control parameter as a trigger of data collection includes, for example, the change of the control parameter related to the current servo control of the electric actuator to be controlled (change of the current servo control parameter). In this example, the data collection condition for changing the current servo control parameter is that the collection period is one month and the data collection cycle as the collection timing is defined in the servo cycle. Further, in this example, the data to be collected for the change of the current servo control parameter is defined in the current command value, the current actual value, the voltage actual value, and the PWM command value of the electric actuator to be controlled.

Returning to FIG. 3, the data collection designated information storage unit 7002 (an example of the storage unit) specifies a plurality of target events that trigger data collection, data collection conditions for each of the plurality of target events, and the contents of the data to be collected. The information to be (specified) (hereinafter referred to as "data collection designated information") is stored.

The data collection designation information includes, for example, information for designating a plurality of target events (hereinafter, "target event designation information"). Further, the data collection designation information includes, for example, data collection conditions for each of a plurality of target events and information for designating (defining) the contents of the collection target data (hereinafter, "collection condition / content designation information").

The data collection unit 7001 refers to, for example, the target event designation information for each predetermined control cycle, and determines whether or not any of the plurality of designated target events has occurred. When any of the target events specified in the target event designation information occurs, the data collection unit 7001 refers to, for example, the collection condition / content designation information corresponding to the generated target event. Then, the data collection unit 7001 starts collecting the data to be collected with the specified contents according to the designated data collection conditions.

For example, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of data collection designated information (data collection designated information 5000).

As shown in FIG. 5, the data collection designation information 5000 includes the target event designation information 5100 and the collection condition / content designation information 5200.

As shown in FIG. 5, the target event designation information 5100 is provided as table information representing a list of the contents of a plurality of target events. In the target event designation information 5100, a change in the current gain as a control parameter in the controller 700B ("current gain change"), a software update related to the command interface ("command I / F update"), and the like are specified as the target event. Has been done.

The collection condition / content designation information 5200 is provided as table information representing a list of data collection conditions for each of a plurality of events specified in the target event designation information 5100 and the content ("data type list") of the data to be collected. .. The collection condition / content designation information 5200 includes the collection condition /

content designation information

5210 and 5220.

The collection condition / content designation information 5210 corresponds to the above-mentioned change of the current gain specified in the target event designation information 5100. In the data collection condition of the collection condition / content designation information 5210, the collection period is a period of 20 shots, and the data collection cycle is specified as 100 μsec (microseconds). Further, the torque command value and the actual torque value of the electric actuator to be controlled are specified in the content of the data to be collected in the collection condition / content designation information 5210.

The collection condition / content designation information 5220 corresponds to the software change related to the above-mentioned command interface specified in the target event designation information 5100. In the data collection condition of the collection condition / content designation information 5220, the collection period is one month, and the collection timing is specified for each communication with the upper controller 700A and the lower driver 710 of the controller 700B. The contents of the data to be collected in the collection condition / content specification information 5220 include transmission command data to the upper controller 700A, reception command data from the controller 700A, transmission command data to the lower driver 710, and driver 710. Receive command data is specified.

The data collection unit 7001 determines whether or not any of the plurality of target events specified in the target event designation information 5100 has occurred for each predetermined control cycle.

When the data collection unit 7001 determines that the current gain related to the control of the predetermined electric actuator to be controlled by the controller 700B has been changed, the data collection unit 7001 refers to the collection condition / content specification information 5210 corresponding to the change in the current gain. Then, the data collection unit 7001 starts collecting the designated collection target data in accordance with the data collection conditions specified in the collection condition / content designation information 5210. Specifically, when the data collection unit 7001 determines that the current gain has been changed, it starts collecting the torque command value and the actual torque value of the target electric actuator in a cycle of 100 microseconds. Then, the data collection unit 7001 ends the data collection when the period for 20 shots elapses from the start of the data collection.

Further, when the data collection unit 7001 determines that the software related to the command interface in the controller 700B has been changed, it refers to the collection condition / content specification information 5220 corresponding to the change in the software related to the command interface. Then, the data collection unit 7001 starts collecting the designated collection target data in accordance with the data collection conditions specified in the collection condition / content designation information 5220. Specifically, when the data collection unit 7001 determines that the software related to the command interface in the controller 700B has been changed, the transmission command data with the communication target is transmitted for each communication between the controller 700A and the driver 710 of the controller 700B. Alternatively, the collection of received command data is started. Then, the data collection unit 7001 ends the data collection when one month has passed from the start of the data collection.

Note that the data collection conditions for each of a plurality of target events may be uniformly defined. In this case, the information regarding the data collection condition does not have to be managed for each of a plurality of target events, and only the content of the data to be collected for each of the plurality of target events may be specified in the data collection designation information.

Returning to FIG. 3, the collected data storage unit 7003 stores the data collected by the data collection unit 7001 in an accumulated manner. Specifically, the data of the collected data storage unit 7003 is obtained by connecting an external device used by the molding machine user to the control device 700 through a communication cable or the like as in the case of updating the software described above, and the external device of the molding machine user. It may be taken out to an external device by the operation from. Further, the data of the collected data storage unit 7003 may be transmitted (uploaded) from the management device 2 to the management device 2 in response to a request or automatically. Thereby, for example, when an abnormality or the like occurs due to the target event, it is possible to analyze the cause of the abnormality or the like based on the data accumulated in the collected data storage unit 7003. Further, the data accumulated in the collected data storage unit 7003 may be automatically deleted when a predetermined period has elapsed after being stored in the collected data storage unit 7003. This is because when a certain period of time has passed, it can be determined that the data has already been taken out, or that no abnormality has occurred and the data is no longer needed.

The screen display processing unit 7004 causes the display device 760 to display various information screens.

The screen display processing unit 7004 displays, for example, a confirmation screen (hereinafter, “designated information confirmation screen”) for the molding machine user to confirm the contents of the data collection designated information of the data collection designated information storage unit 7002 on the display device 760. Let me. Further, the screen display processing unit 7004 displays, for example, a setting screen (hereinafter, “designated information setting screen”) for setting (newly adding or changing) the contents of the data collection designated information of the data collection designated information storage unit 7002. It may be displayed on the display device 760. As a result, the molding machine user can operate the designated information setting screen through the operating device 750 and set the content of the data collection designated information. The designated information confirmation screen and the designated information setting screen may have the same contents. Hereinafter, the explanation will proceed on the assumption that the designated information confirmation screen and the designated information setting screen have the same contents.

The designated information setting unit 7005 (an example of the setting unit) sets (changes) the content of the data collection designated information in response to a predetermined operation input from the molding machine user received through the operation device 750. The designated information setting unit 7005 may set and change the data collection conditions for each target event and the (contents) of the data to be collected, for example, in response to a predetermined operation input from the molding machine user received through the operation device 750. .. Further, the designated information setting unit 7005 receives, for example, a new target event, a corresponding data collection condition, and the content (type) of the data collection target data in response to a predetermined operation input from the molding machine user received through the operation device 750. ) May be added, or the target event may be deleted.

Specifically, the designated information setting unit 7005 may set the content of the data collection designated information according to the operation content of the above-mentioned designated information setting screen received through the operation device 750.

On the designated information setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 4 above, table information including a list of target events, data collection conditions for each target event, and contents of data to be collected may be displayed. As a result, the molding machine user can confirm the contents of the current data collection designation information.

Further, the data collection conditions of the table information on the designated information setting screen and the contents of the data to be collected may be changed and operated by the user through the operation device 750. Then, when the confirmation operation is performed through the operation device 750 while the changed contents are displayed, the designated information setting unit 7005 changes the settings of the data collection designated information contents, and the data collection designated information storage unit 7002. Data collection designation information of may be updated. As a result, the molding machine user can change the data collection conditions and the contents of the data to be collected through the designated information setting screen.

Further, a row (row) corresponding to a new target event may be added to the table information on the designated information setting screen according to a predetermined input received through the operation device 750. In the newly added row of the table information, the content of the new target event, the data collection condition, and the content (type) of the data to be collected are input according to the predetermined input received through the operation device 750. good. Then, when the confirmation operation is performed through the operation device 750 while the new input contents are displayed, the designated information setting unit 7005 adds a new target event to the data collection designated information, and the corresponding data collection condition and collection target. The data content (type) may be additionally set, and the data collection designation information of the data collection designation information storage unit 7002 may be updated. Similarly, a row (row) corresponding to a specific target event of table information on the designated information setting screen may be deleted according to a predetermined input received through the operation device 750. Then, when the confirmation operation is performed through the operation device 750 with the line corresponding to the specific target event deleted, the designated information setting unit 7005 sets the specific target event of the data collection designated information and the corresponding data collection condition. And the content (type) of the data to be collected may be deleted, and the data collection designated information of the data collection designated information storage unit 7002 may be updated. As a result, the molding machine user can add a new target event or delete an unnecessary target event through the designated information setting screen.

The designated information setting screen may be displayed on a display device provided in the management device 2 (for example, a server, a stationary terminal device, a mobile terminal, etc.). That is, the functions of the data collection designated information storage unit 7002, the screen display processing unit 7004, and the designated information setting unit 7005 may be provided in the management device 2. As a result, the user of the management device 2 (for example, the operator or the manager of the injection molding machine 1) can confirm the data collection designation information from the outside of the injection molding machine 1 or through the input device provided in the management device 2. Data collection designation information can be set (changed). In this case, the management device 2 transmits the data collection designation information set (changed) in response to the input from the user to the injection molding machine 1 and reflects it in the data collection designation information on the injection molding machine 1 side. Further, the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be transmitted to the management device 2, and the data regarding the injection molding machine 1 may be substantially collected by the management device 2. In this case, the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be transmitted to the management device 2 or automatically transmitted to the management device 2 in response to a request (command) from the management device 2. good. In the latter case, for example, the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be subsequently transmitted to the management device 2 at a predetermined timing, or the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 may be transmitted to the management device 2 in real time. It may be transmitted.

<Other examples of data collection function>
A part of the function of the data collection unit 7001 may be transferred to the management device 2.

Specifically, the management device 2 determines the occurrence of a target event based on the operation status data uploaded from the injection molding machine 1 and information on various changes and updates of the injection molding machine 1 managed by the own device, and targets the target. The injection molding machine 1 may be controlled so as to start collecting data of contents according to the event. In this case, the functions of the data collection designated information storage unit 7002, the screen display processing unit 7004, and the designated information setting unit 7005 are transferred to the management device 2. Then, the data collection unit 7001 of the controller 700A collects the data of the contents specified by the command in accordance with the data collection conditions specified in advance or specified by the command in response to the command from the management device 2. Then, it may be recorded in the collected data storage unit 7003.

Further, as in the case of the above-mentioned example, the data collected by the injection molding machine 1 is transmitted to the management device 2, and the data about the injection molding machine 1 is substantially collected by the management device 2. You may.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the injection molding machine management system SYS (injection molding machine 1, management device 2) according to the present embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) starts collecting data on the injection molding machine 1 having predetermined contents when a target event that may cause an abnormality occurs.

For example, when data for analyzing the cause of an abnormality is required after an abnormality has occurred, it is necessary for the user to operate the injection molding machine 1 to reproduce the abnormality and collect specific data. Therefore, it may take a relatively large amount of time to collect data such as analysis of the cause of abnormality. In addition, it is necessary to understand the contents of the data necessary for the analysis of the cause of the abnormality in the first place. Therefore, it is necessary to operate by a specialized service person or the like, or it is necessary to operate the molding machine user according to the instruction from the service person or the like, and there is a concern that the work related to data collection will be complicated or sophisticated. ..

On the other hand, it is possible to constantly collect necessary data in case of an abnormality, but there is a possibility that the processing load of the control device 700 will be increased and the original operation of the injection molding machine 1 will be affected. Further, since the capacity of the non-volatile storage medium (for example, auxiliary storage device 703, etc.) in the control device 700 is limited, it may not be realistic to constantly collect necessary data in the first place.

In addition, through empirical viewpoints and statistical verification, an event that causes a change in the injection molding machine 1 (for example, replacement of parts, change of control parameters, software update, etc.) is used as a trigger to cause an abnormality in the injection molding machine 1. It has become clear that there is a high possibility that problems such as these will occur. Therefore, even if the injection molding machine 1 has been used for a certain period of time after being shipped from the factory, the possibility of abnormality occurrence is low and there is a situation where it is not necessary to collect data, but even if the usage period is short, There may be situations where there is a high probability of anomalies and the need to collect data. Therefore, it is desirable to collect data according to the situation where there is a high possibility that an abnormality will occur.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, in a situation where there is no sign of abnormality, it is possible to start collecting data necessary for analysis of the cause of the abnormality in advance by triggering the occurrence of a target event that may cause the abnormality. can. Therefore, when an actual abnormality occurs after the occurrence of the target event, the necessary data is already in the acquired state, and the collected data can be used as it is for the cause analysis of the abnormality. That is, the injection molding machine 1 can automatically collect necessary data related to the abnormality. Further, since data collection is limited to the case where a target event that can cause an abnormality occurs, it is possible to suppress an increase in the processing load of the control device 700 (controller 700A). In addition, there is no need to constantly collect data, and there is no need to pinpoint data collection according to the occurrence or sign of an abnormality, and there is a high possibility that an abnormality will occur empirically or statistically. Data can be collected automatically according to the situation. Therefore, the injection molding machine 1 (control device 700) can efficiently and easily collect data such as analysis of abnormal factors.

Further, in the present embodiment, the target event may include a change or update related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 performed in response to an external input. Specifically, the changes related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 as a trigger for data collection may include changes in the control parameters of the injection molding machine 1. Also, updates related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 as a trigger for data collection may include software updates.

This is because if a change or update related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 is made, an abnormality related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 may occur triggered by the change or update.

In addition, the change related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 as a trigger for data collection is performed in place of or in addition to the change of the control parameter of the injection molding machine 1, and other changes related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1. Changes may be included. Other changes related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 include, for example, a change (replacement) of a field device such as a driver 710 or an encoder 720, a controller 700B, or the like. In this case, when the field device or the controller 700B is changed, the communication (network configuration) between the controller 700A and the changed device is reset manually or automatically. Therefore, for example, the controller 700A may determine the change (exchange) of these devices from the resetting related to communication and recognize the occurrence of the data collection trigger (target event). Further, the update related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 as a trigger for data collection is performed in place of or in addition to the software update, and other updates related to the operation of the injection molding machine 1 (for example, other than software). Update of data used to control) may be included.

Further, in the present embodiment, the data collection designated information storage unit 7002 stores information (data collection designated information) for designating the contents of the collected target data for each of a plurality of target events. Then, when the target event occurs, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may start collecting the collection target data having the contents specified in advance in the data collection designation information for the generated event.

As a result, the injection molding machine 1 can collect data to be collected according to the target event for each of a plurality of target events.

Further, in the present embodiment, data collection conditions are specified in the data collection designation information in addition to the contents of the data to be collected for each of a plurality of target events. Then, when the target event occurs, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) is designated by the data collection designation information in accordance with the data collection condition designated by the data collection designation information for the generated event. You may start collecting content data.

As a result, the injection molding machine 1 can collect the collected data for each of a plurality of target events under the conditions suitable for the target events.

Further, in the present embodiment, the operation device 750 receives an input from the user. Then, the designated information setting unit 7005 receives at least one of the data collection conditions for each of a plurality of target events and the contents of the data to be collected, which are designated by the data collection designated information in response to the predetermined input received by the operation device 750. You may change the setting.

As a result, the molding machine user can change the data collection conditions and the contents of the data to be collected for each target event to the injection molding machine 1.

Further, in the present embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 may collect data so that the processing load related to the data collection is reduced according to the passage of time from the start of data collection.

As a result, the injection molding machine 1 can suppress the overall processing load due to data collection.

Further, in the present embodiment, the data collection period is defined in advance, and the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may end the data collection when the collection period elapses from the start of the data collection.

As a result, the injection molding machine 1 can specifically suppress the overall processing load due to data collection.

Further, in the present embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may reduce the amount of data to be collected according to the passage of time from the start of data collection.

Further, in the present embodiment, the injection molding machine 1 (controller 700A) may lengthen the data collection cycle according to the passage of time from the start of data collection.

Further, in the present embodiment, the management device 2 is configured to be communicable with the injection molding machine 1, and when a target event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine 1, the injection molding machine having predetermined contents is specified. The injection molding machine 1 may be controlled to start collecting data about 1.

Thereby, the injection molding machine management system SYS can, for example, collectively manage the processing related to data collection for each of the plurality of injection molding machines 1 on the management device 2 side.

[Transform, change]
Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist described in the claims. be.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the data collection method has been described for the injection molding machine 1, but the same applies to any machine (for example, another industrial machine) or device (for example, home appliance). The method may be applied. Other industrial machines include stationary machines installed in factories, such as machine tools and production robots. Other industrial machines include, for example, mobile work machines. Mobile work machines include, for example, construction machines such as excavators and bulldozers, agricultural machines such as combines, and transport machines such as mobile cranes.

Finally, the present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-065109 filed on March 31, 2020, and the entire contents of the Japanese patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

1 Injection molding machine 2 Management device 100 Mold clamping device 200 Ejector device 300 Injection device 400 Moving device 700 Control device 701 CPU
702 Memory device 703 Auxiliary storage device 704 Interface device 710 Driver 720 Encoder 750 Operating device (input unit)
760 Display device 7001 Data collection unit 7002 Data collection designated information storage unit (storage unit)
7003 Collected data storage unit 7004 Screen display processing unit 7005 Designated information setting unit (setting unit)
SYS injection molding machine management system (injection molding machine system)

Claims

A mold clamping device that molds the mold device and
An injection device for filling the mold device molded by the mold clamping device with a molding material, and an injection device.
An ejector device for taking out a molded product from the mold device after the molding material filled by the injection device is cooled and solidified is provided.
When an event that can cause an abnormality occurs, start collecting data on the injection molding machine with the specified contents.
Injection molding machine.
The event includes changes or updates related to the operation of the injection molding machine, which occur in response to external input.
The injection molding machine according to claim 1.
The input from the outside is an input from a user of the injection molding machine or an input from an external device communicably connected to the injection molding machine.
The injection molding machine according to claim 2.
The changes include changes in control parameters of the injection molding machine.
The injection molding machine according to claim 2 or 3.
The control parameters include parameters related to acceleration of the actuator to be controlled for operating the injection molding machine, parameters related to deceleration of the actuator, parameters related to control of pressure generated by the operation of the actuator, parameters related to speed servo control of the actuator, and so on. Alternatively, it is a parameter related to the current servo control of the actuator.
The injection molding machine according to claim 4.
The updates include software updates,
The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5.
The software update includes software update related to the interface of the command to be transmitted and received, software update related to the motion control of the controlled actuator that operates the injection molding machine, software update related to the speed control of the actuator, or the current of the actuator. Control software update,
The injection molding machine according to claim 6.
A storage unit for storing information that specifies the contents of the data to be collected for each of the plurality of events is provided.
When the event occurs, the data of the content specified in the information is started to be collected for the event that has occurred.
The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7.
In the information, in addition to the contents of the data to be collected for each of the plurality of events, the data collection conditions are specified.
When the event occurs, the data of the content specified in the information is started to be collected in accordance with the collection conditions specified in the information for the event that has occurred.
The injection molding machine according to claim 8.
An input unit that accepts input from the user,
A setting unit for changing the contents of the data to be collected for each of a plurality of the events specified in the information according to a predetermined input received by the input unit is provided.
The injection molding machine according to claim 8 or 9.
The data is collected so that the processing load related to the data collection is reduced according to the passage of time from the start of the data collection.
The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
The data collection period is defined in advance, and when the collection period elapses from the start of the data collection, the data collection ends. According to the passage of time from the data collection start, the data to be collected Decrease the amount, or increase the cycle of collecting the data according to the passage of time from the start of collecting the data.
The injection molding machine according to claim 11.
Includes an injection molding machine and a management device capable of communicating with the injection molding machine.
The management device controls the injection molding machine so as to start collecting data on the injection molding machine having a predetermined content when an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine.
Injection molding machine system.
The injection molding machine is configured to be communicable with the injection molding machine, and when an event that may cause an abnormality occurs in the injection molding machine, the injection molding machine is started to collect data on the injection molding machine having a predetermined content. Control,
Management device.