JPH0550481A - How to set operating conditions for injection molding machines - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] [Purpose] To provide an operating condition setting method for an injection molding machine capable of setting a molding operating condition at an arbitrary number of control stages desired by a user. [Structure] Instructing the number of control steps for the desired operating condition with the desired operating condition setting mode image displayed, or controlling the operating condition with the optional preliminary setting image corresponding to the desired operating condition displayed By instructing the number of stages, the microcomputer automatically or can create an operating condition setting mode image of the operating condition as an image having a set value input item column corresponding to the designated number of control stages. Then, while the operating condition setting mode image having the designated number of control steps is displayed, the operating condition values are stored in the predetermined storage area by setting numerical values for each item.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for setting operating conditions for an injection molding machine, and more particularly to a method for setting the number of control steps in a process for performing multi-step control under operating conditions.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recent microcomputer-controlled injection molding machines are equipped with a display device such as a color CRT display or a color LCD display, and this display device sets or confirms molding operation conditions for automatic molding operation. Various operation condition setting mode images to display, various actual measurement data display mode images to display actual measurement data of many measurement items during automatic molding operation, automatic inspection items are displayed at regular inspection time A regular inspection mode image for prompting, an alarm mode image for recognizing this when an abnormality occurs, and the like are displayed.

In this type of injection molding machine,
Each time the mold is changed (each product), suitable molding operation condition values according to individual product shapes, resin materials, etc. are sequentially input interactively with the display image while calling the various operation condition setting mode images. -It is designed to be set. In these operating conditions, the injection speed and pressure in the injection stroke, the rotation speed in the charge stroke, the back pressure, etc. are often controlled in multiple stages for precision molding operation. Number of control stages for injection stroke …… 6 stages for charge stroke …… Number of control stages for 4-stage opening / closing stroke …… Three stages so that multi-stage control can be performed in advance for specific strokes (specific operating conditions) Generally, the number of control steps was fixedly set. There is also known an injection molding machine capable of switching the number of control stages of the injection process to two types, for example, 6 and 3, and the number of control stages of the charge process, three stages and one stage. The number was limited.

[0004]

As described above, in the conventional injection molding machine, the number of control steps in the process of performing multi-step control is fixedly set to one or two, so that the user can handle the product. Due to such good precision molding, there is a problem that it is not possible to set conditions with an arbitrary number of stages other than the fixedly determined number of stages.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points,
It is an object of the invention to provide a method for setting operating conditions of an injection molding machine, which enables setting of operating conditions for molding at an arbitrary number of control stages desired by a user.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention comprises a display device capable of displaying various mode images, and a desired operating condition setting mode image is displayed on the display screen of this display device. In the operating condition setting method for the injection molding machine that enables the displayed operating conditions to be set in the above state, by designating an arbitrary number of control stages for the desired operating conditions (stroke), the operating conditions (stroke) The operation condition setting mode image of) is automatically created as an image having a set value input item field corresponding to the specified control step number, and the operation condition setting mode image based on the operation condition setting mode image having the specified control step number is set. It is made possible.

[0007]

Operation: Instructing the number of control steps for the desired operating condition with the desired operating condition setting mode image displayed, or controlling the operating condition with the optional preliminary setting image corresponding to the desired operating condition displayed By instructing the number of stages, the system controller (microcomputer) automatically creates or can automatically create the operating condition setting mode image of the operating condition as an image with the set value input item column corresponding to the specified number of control stages. become. Then, while the operating condition setting mode image having the specified number of control steps is displayed, by setting numerical values for each item,
The operating condition value is stored in the predetermined storage area.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a control system of an injection molding machine according to this embodiment. In FIG. 1, 1 is a microcomputer (microcomputer) that controls the operation and display control of the entire machine (injection molding machine), 2 is a sensor group including a large number of sensors provided in each part of the machine,
3 is a driver group composed of a large number of driver circuits for driving and controlling a large number of drive sources arranged in each part of the machine, 4 is a key input device arranged in the front part of the machine, 5
Is a display device including a color CRT display, a color LCD, etc. disposed adjacent to the key input device.

The microcomputer 1 shown in FIG.
Control of the entire molding process such as injection operation, mold opening / closing operation, eject operation, calculation / storing processing of measured data, calculation processing / determination processing such as non-defective / defective product determination processing, abnormality determination processing, or the display device 5 Various processes such as output image display control process are executed. This microcomputer 1 actually has various I
It is configured with an I / O interface, a ROM, a RAM, a CPU, and the like, and executes various processes by various programs created in advance. In this embodiment, the molding condition setting storage unit 11 and the molding process control unit 12 are also included. , The measured value storage unit 13, the display processing unit 14, the key input processing unit 15,
The following description will be made assuming that the stage number setting processing unit 16 and the like are provided. The display processing unit 14 is provided with a data conversion processing unit 17, a fixed display data storage unit 18, a display image data generation unit 19, and the like.

In the molding condition setting storage unit 11, various operating condition values input by the key input device 4 via the key input processing unit 15 are stored in a rewritable form. The operating condition values include, for example, tightening force, the relationship between the screw position and the screw rotation speed during the charging stroke, the screw retreat speed, and the back pressure, suck back control conditions, and injection starting point (position) and holding pressure switching. Injection speed condition up to point (position) and primary injection pressure condition, holding pressure condition from the holding pressure switching time to the holding pressure end time, band heater temperature of each part, mold closing (mold clamping) stroke and speed control condition, and Examples include mold clamping force, mold opening stroke and speed control conditions, eject control conditions, control conditions of automatic product take-out machine, and the like.

The molding process control unit 12 is based on a molding process control program created in advance and setting condition values stored in the molding condition setting storage unit 11, and the sensor group 2 arranged in each unit of the machine. Through the driver group 3 (motor driver, hydraulic cylinder driver, heater driver, etc.) while referring to measurement information from (position sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, etc.) and timing information from a clock built in itself. The corresponding drive source is drive-controlled to execute a series of molding steps.

All the actual measurement data of preset monitor items during continuous automatic operation are stored in the actual measurement value storage unit 13 over a predetermined number of continuous shots. The monitor items that are taken in include time monitoring items, position monitoring items, rotation speed monitoring items, speed monitoring items, pressure monitoring items, temperature monitoring items, power monitoring items, and other important items of the molding operation condition setting items described above. Are almost overlapping.

The display processing unit 14 displays the display image data in the designated display mode based on the display image creation / control program created in advance by the operator's command to call the display image in the desired mode from the key input device 4. To create. That is, when a predetermined display image calling command from the operator arrives, the data conversion processing unit 17 of the display processing unit 14 uses the information stored in the molding condition setting storage unit 11 and the measured value storage unit 13 as necessary. Data for use in displaying the display mode image is extracted, and is converted into a form corresponding to the specified display mode of the display mode image. For example, when the designated display mode is a graphic image of a certain process, the extracted data is converted into image data which has been subjected to line drawing processing at a predetermined enlargement / reduction ratio, and there is also a designated display mode. If it is the operation state setting image of the process, the extracted data is converted into numerical image data. And
The generation processing data of these data conversion processing units 17 are taken in by the display image data generation unit 19. On the other hand, from a large number of fixed data for mode images, such as characters, symbols, graphic figures, and ruled line data, which are created and stored in advance in the display fixed data storage unit 18, for use in displaying the display mode image. Data is extracted,
This is taken in by the display image data generation unit 19, and is combined with the generation processing data of the data conversion processing unit 17 as image data for display. As a result, the image data for the designated display mode is created in the display image data generation unit 19, and the image data is held rewritably.
Then, such image data of the display image data generation unit 19 is transferred to a frame buffer (not shown) and temporarily stored therein, and the output of this frame buffer is sent to the display device 5 according to a command from the display processing unit 14. The image data in the predetermined mode is displayed on the display screen of the display device 5. In the display state of the predetermined image, numerical data or the like that is appropriately input from the key input device 4 via the key input processing unit 15 is taken into the data conversion processing unit 17 and converted into numerical image data or the like. It is combined as a part of the display image data.

The step number setting processing section 16 has a built-in control step number setting table prepared in advance corresponding to each operating condition (each operation step) under which multi-step control is performed, so that the operator can control the number of control steps in a certain step. When a desired number is designated, the stage number setting processing unit 16 refers to the contents of the control stage number setting table and performs the control stage number setting process. If the number of stages that is not created in the control stage number setting table is specified,
The step number setting processing unit 16 generates a warning sound by the warning sound generating function of the microcomputer 1 or the like, and makes the operator aware of this. Then, when the stage number selected from the stage numbers stored in the control stage number setting table is designated and the stage number setting processing unit 16 performs the control stage number setting processing, the stage number setting processing unit 16 performs the molding based on this. Condition setting storage unit 11
Is notified of the set stage number of the process to secure and prepare a storage area corresponding to the set stage number, and the display processing unit 14
Also, the set stage number of the process is notified, and the operating condition setting mode image having the set value input item column corresponding to the set stage number is immediately generated or is generated by the operator's image switching request.

Here, in the present embodiment, the steps and control steps for which the step number can be specified by the operator in the step number setting processing section 16 are as follows, for example. Injection process Injection speed stages: 2 to 10 stages (speed according to the screw position classification from the screw final retract position, which is the measurement completion point, to the holding pressure switching point, 2 to 10 stages) Injection pressure stages: 2 to 10 stages ( From the start of injection to the holding pressure switching point is one step, and the pressure according to the time division from the holding pressure start time to the holding end time is 1 to 9 steps) Charge process Charge speed (rotation speed) Number of steps ...... 1-6 Stages (1 to 6 stages of screw rotation speed according to the screw position category from the screw forward limit to the measurement completion point) Charge back pressure stage number: 1 to 6 stages (back pressure in the category that matches the charge rotation number category) 1 to 6 steps) Mold opening and closing process Mold opening speed Steps ... 3 to 4 steps (speeds corresponding to the moving position of the movable die plate are 3 to 4 steps) Mold opening pressure steps ... 3 to 4 steps (mold opening speed) (The pressure in the section that matches the number of stages is 3 to 4) Closing (clamping) speed steps: 3 to 4 steps (speeds corresponding to the moving position of the movable die plate are 3 to 4 steps) Mold closing (clamping) pressure steps: 3 to 4 steps (mold closing speed steps) Ejection process Ejection speed step number: 1-2 steps (Velocity corresponding to eject plate movement position section: 1-2 steps) Ejection pressure step number: 1-2 steps (The pressure in the section corresponding to the number of eject speed stages is 1 to 2) The number of control stages is not limited to the above example, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that more control stages can be prepared. ..

FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of the injection condition setting mode image. In this embodiment, when the injection condition setting mode image is initially called (called before setting the number of steps of the injection stroke), the microcomputer 1 sets the injection speed step number to m and the injection pressure step number to n (m and n are, respectively). An initial injection condition setting mode image is generated and displayed on the display screen of the display device 5 as an initial stage numerical value preset in the microcomputer 1.
In this state, move the cursor to the "speed step number" setting field 21 in the injection condition setting mode image, and use the numerical keys to set the desired injection speed step value in this setting field 21 (for example, 4).
Is input, the injection speed step number of the injection stroke is set to 4 by the step number setting processing unit 16, and similarly, the "pressure step number" is set.
When the cursor is moved to the setting field 22 of and the desired numerical value of the injection pressure (for example, 4) is input to the setting field 22 with the numerical keys, the step number setting processing unit 16 similarly changes the injection pressure step number of the injection stroke to four. Is set. Then, the stage number setting processing unit 16 notifies the molding condition setting storage unit 11 of the set injection speed stage number information and the injection pressure stage number information as described above to secure and prepare a storage area corresponding to each set stage number. The display processing unit 14 is also notified of the injection speed stage number information and the injection pressure stage number information, and the display processing unit 14 is immediately caused to generate an injection condition setting mode image having a set value input item column corresponding to each set stage number. This is rewritten and displayed on the display screen. FIG. 2 shows an injection condition setting mode image when 4 is designated as the injection speed stage number and the injection pressure stage number. Incidentally, in the display state of FIG. 2, by moving the cursor to each setting value input item column and sequentially inputting the condition numerical value, the setting numerical value at the desired control step number is stored in the molding condition setting storage unit 11. (This is the same as below).

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the charge condition setting mode image. In the present embodiment, when the charge condition setting mode image is initially called (when it is called before setting the number of stages of the charging process), the microcomputer 1 displays the charge speed (rotation speed) similarly to the initial injection condition setting mode image. ) With the number of stages and the number of stages of charge back pressure as n (n is an initial stage number preset in the microcomputer 1), an initial charge condition setting mode image is generated and displayed on the display screen of the display device 5. In this state, when the cursor is moved to the "charge stage number" setting field 23 in the charge condition setting mode image and a desired charge stage numerical value (for example, 4) is input to the setting field 23 with the numerical keys, the stage number setting processing unit Number of charge stages by 16 (charge speed (rotation speed)
The stage number and the charge back pressure stage number) are set to 4, and the stage number setting processing unit 16 similarly notifies the molding condition setting storage unit 11 of the set charge stage number information and secures a storage area corresponding to each set stage number. In addition to the preparation, the display processing unit 14 is also notified of the charge stage number information, and the display processing unit 1
A charge condition setting mode image having a set value input item column corresponding to each set step number is immediately generated in 4 and is rewritten and displayed on the display screen. FIG. 3 shows a charge condition setting mode image when 4 is designated as the charge stage number.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a mold opening / closing condition and an eject condition setting mode image. In the present embodiment, the mold opening / closing condition setting mode image and the eject condition setting mode image are displayed in combination with the same image. In this embodiment, prior to calling the setting mode image as shown in FIG. 4, a mold opening / closing option preliminary setting image as shown in FIG. 5 is called, and the mold opening / closing option preliminary setting image is displayed as shown in FIG. Move the cursor to the setting field 24 for "the number of mold opening steps" in the displayed image and enter the desired numerical value of the mold opening step (for example, 4) in this setting field 24 with the numerical keys, and similarly, press Number of mold closing steps desired in the setting field 25 for "Closed) Steps" (for example, 4)
Is input, and a desired eject stage numerical value (for example, 2) is input in the “eject stage number” setting field 26. Accordingly, the stage number setting processing unit 16 sets the number of mold opening stages, the number of mold closing (mold closing) stages, and the number of eject stages to the designated ones to hold this information, and the set stage number information is set to the molding condition. The setting storage unit 11 is notified and a storage area corresponding to each set number of stages is secured and prepared. After that, when the operator calls a mold opening / closing condition and eject condition setting mode image by a predetermined key operation, the stage number setting processing unit 16 causes the mold opening stage number and mold clamping (mold closing).
Each information of the number of stages and the number of eject stages is notified to the display processing unit 14, whereby the display processing unit 14 generates a mold opening / closing condition and an eject condition setting mode image having a set value input item column corresponding to each set number of stages, This is displayed on the display screen. FIG. 4 shows the mold opening / closing condition and the eject condition setting mode image when the number of mold opening stages is 4, the number of mold closing (mold closing) stages is 4, and the number of eject stages is 2. There is.

The injection condition setting mode image, the charge condition setting mode image, and the mold opening / closing condition and eject condition setting mode image are set and stored in the stage number setting processing section 16 unless the control stage number is changed thereafter. An image according to each control step number is displayed according to the calling command.

Here, in this embodiment, each monitor mode image for displaying the actual measurement data of each of these strokes is designated along with the selection of the number of control steps of each stroke which is controlled in multiple steps as described above. An image having an item of the number of control steps is generated. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a monitor mode image of the injection stroke. In the example of FIG. 6, the injection stroke monitor mode image is shown when 6 is designated as the injection speed step number and the injection pressure step number, respectively. In addition, FIG.
Is a diagram showing an example of a monitor mode image of the charging process,
In the example of the figure, a charge stroke monitor mode image when 6 is specified as the charge stage number (here,
The total charge rotation speed in FIG. 7 is a cumulative value of the screw rotation from the start of the charge rotation, and is a monitor value that does not correspond to the setting condition). Although not shown, it goes without saying that the monitor mode image of the mold opening / closing process or the ejecting process is also displayed as an image having the item of the designated control step number.

[0021]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an operating condition setting method for an injection molding machine in which a molding operating condition can be set at an arbitrary number of control stages desired by a user, and its value is great.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of a control system of an injection molding machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an injection condition setting mode image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a charge condition setting mode image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mold opening / closing condition and an eject condition setting mode image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mold opening / closing option preset image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor mode image of an ejection stroke according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monitor mode image of a charging process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Microcomputer (microcomputer) 2 Sensor group 3 Driver group 4 Key input device 5 Display device 11 Molding condition setting storage unit 12 Molding process control unit 13 Measured value storage unit 14 Display processing unit 15 Key input processing unit 16 Step number setting processing unit

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A display device capable of displaying various mode images is provided, and the displayed operating conditions can be set in a state in which a desired operating condition setting mode image is displayed on the display screen of the display device. In the injection molding machine, by specifying the desired number of control conditions (stroke) as the control stage, the operating condition setting mode image of the relevant drive condition (stroke) is input with the set value corresponding to the specified number of control stages. An operating condition setting method for an injection molding machine, which is automatically created as an image having an item column and is capable of setting operating conditions based on the operating condition setting mode image having the designated number of control steps. 2. The operation condition (stroke) according to claim 1, wherein the number of control stages can be designated is at least one of an injection stroke, a charging stroke, a mold opening / closing stroke, and an ejecting stroke. And the method of setting the operating conditions of the injection molding machine. 3. The operating condition setting method for an injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein a monitor image of operating conditions according to the designated number of control steps is created.