JP7728115B2 - Injection molding machines and injection molding machine management systems - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to an injection molding machine and a management system for the injection molding machine.

When injection molding machines and other molding machines used in factories experience machine trouble and are unable to ensure their operating time, losses can occur. Patent Document 1 (JP 3-118131 A) discloses an injection molding machine equipped with a microcomputer that controls the entire injection molding device and a display device such as a CRT display.

To prevent machine trouble, the injection molding machine of Patent Document 1 prompts the operator to perform an inspection when a predetermined periodic inspection date arrives. More specifically, the injection molding machine of Patent Document 1 automatically displays a periodic inspection display mode screen according to a predetermined schedule, such as inspections every month or every six months.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-118131

However, with the injection molding machine described in Patent Document 1, it is not possible to know in advance when the parts contained in the injection molding machine will become unusable, so if a part suddenly breaks due to the end of its life, it may be necessary to stop operation of the injection molding machine. Furthermore, because an injection molding machine is equipped with multiple parts, it is difficult to comprehensively manage the lifespans of multiple parts and appropriately encourage the replacement of each part at the appropriate time.

This disclosure has been made to solve these problems, and its purpose is to provide an injection molding machine that clearly displays the lifespans of multiple parts contained in the injection molding machine to the operator and supports the replacement of parts that have reached the end of their lifespan.

In the injection molding machine disclosed herein, when an item corresponding to the first part is selected on a results screen that simultaneously shows the prediction results for the first and second parts, the results screen switches to a details screen that includes detailed information about the first part and is displayed on the display device.

The injection molding machine disclosed herein can clearly display the lifespans of multiple parts contained in the injection molding machine to the operator, facilitating the replacement of parts that have reached the end of their lifespan.

1 is an external view of an injection molding machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an injection molding machine. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a result screen showing the results of life prediction. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a result screen after a lifespan end screen is displayed. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of predicting a life span. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the degree of deterioration of each of load accumulation and part aging. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detailed screen of a cooling fan. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relay details screen. This is the load setting screen for the board. 10 is a calendar display screen showing the results of lifespan prediction. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a replacement procedure screen being displayed. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an advice screen being displayed. FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a management system for injection molding machines according to a second embodiment. 10 is a calendar display screen showing the results of life prediction in embodiment 2.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.
[First Embodiment]
<Injection molding machine>
An injection molding machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is an external view of the injection molding machine 100 according to the first embodiment. The injection molding machine 100 includes a clamping device 10 that clamps a mold, an injection device 20 that melts and injects an injection material, a display device 30, and a control device 40.

The injection molding machine 100 is placed on an XY plane. The direction perpendicular to the XY plane is the Z-axis direction. The positive direction of the Z-axis in Fig. 1 may be referred to as the upper surface side or upward, and the negative direction may be referred to as the lower surface side or downward.
<Mold clamping device>
In the first embodiment, the mold clamping apparatus 10 includes a bed 11, a fixed platen 12, a mold clamping housing 13, a movable platen 14, tie bars 15, a mold clamping mechanism 16, molds 17 and 18, and a ball screw 51. The bed 11 holds the components of the mold clamping apparatus 10, such as the fixed platen 12, the mold clamping housing 13, and the movable platen 14. The fixed platen 12 is fixed to the bed 11. The mold clamping housing 13 is configured to be slidable in the X-axis direction on the bed 11. Similarly, the movable platen 14 is configured to be slidable in the X-axis direction on the bed 11.

The tie bars 15 are disposed between the stationary platen 12 and the clamping housing 13, and connect the stationary platen 12 and the clamping housing 13. The tie bars 15 include multiple bars. The injection molding machine 100 in embodiment 1 is equipped with tie bars 15 that include four bars. In some aspects, the tie bars 15 may include five or more bars.

The movable platen 14 is configured to be slidable in the X-axis direction between the fixed platen 12 and the clamping housing 13. The clamping mechanism 16 is provided between the clamping housing 13 and the movable platen 14. In embodiment 1, the clamping housing 13 is configured to include a toggle mechanism. Note that the clamping mechanism 16 may also be configured to include a direct pressure type clamping mechanism. A direct pressure type clamping mechanism refers to a clamping cylinder.

The molds 17 and 18 are provided between the fixed platen 12 and the movable platen 14. The molds 17 and 18 are configured to be opened and closed by being driven by the mold clamping mechanism 16. The ball screw 51 converts rotational motion into linear motion to open and close the mold clamping mechanism 16.
<Injection device>
The injection device 20 includes a base 21, a heating cylinder 22, a screw 23, a drive mechanism 24, a hopper 25, an injection nozzle 26, a nozzle touch device 27, and a thermocouple 55. The base 21 is disposed on the positive side of the X-axis of the bed 11, and holds the drive mechanism 24 and the like. The screw 23 is disposed inside the heating cylinder 22. The drive mechanism 24 rotates the screw 23 about the X-axis direction as its central axis, and drives the screw 23 itself to slide in the X-axis direction.

The hopper 25 is provided on the positive side of the Z axis of the heating cylinder 22. The injection nozzle 26 is provided at the end of the heating cylinder 22 on the negative side of the X axis. The nozzle touch device 27 slides the injection device 20 in the X axis direction to bring the injection nozzle 26 into contact with the sprue bushing of the mold 18. The thermocouple 55 may be placed near the injection nozzle 26 and near the heating cylinder 22. The thermocouple 55 is a temperature sensor that detects the temperature at the location where it is placed. In some aspects, the injection molding machine 100 may be equipped with a temperature sensor other than the thermocouple 55.

The base 21 contains a control device 40, servo amplifiers 53a and 53b, a cooling fan 54, and relays 56a, 56b, and 56c. The control device 40 includes a circuit board 52 equipped with a CPU, memory, and other components. The control device 40 acquires detection values from various sensors, including a thermocouple 55, and performs overall control of the injection molding machine 100. The detection values from the various sensors include, for example, temperature information for the heating cylinder 22, or position information for various moving parts such as the mold clamping mechanism 16, molds 17 and 18, and injection nozzle 26.

Servo amplifiers 53a and 53b supply three-phase AC power to their corresponding motors. Servo amplifiers 53a and 53b are the same type of servo amplifier. Cooling fan 54 blows air to prevent heat-generating components arranged inside base 21 from overheating. Relays 56a, 56b, and 56c are relays for preventing motor overload, such as thermal relays or current relays. Relays 56a, 56b, and 56c are the same type of relay. Note that relays 56a, 56b, and 56c may also be relays used for purposes other than preventing motor overload. In embodiment 1, servo amplifiers 53a and 53b are the same type, and relays 56a, 56b, and 56c are also the same type, but they may be of different types depending on the devices to which they are connected.

In the following, any one of the servo amplifiers 53a and 53b may be referred to simply as servo amplifier 53. Similarly, any one of the relays 56a, 56b, and 56c may be referred to simply as relay 56.

Display device 30 is provided on the negative side of the Y axis of injection molding machine 100. The location of display device 30 is not limited to the negative side of the Y axis of injection molding machine 100, and may be, for example, located on the positive side of the Y axis of injection molding machine 100 or disposed separately from injection molding machine 100. Display device 30 includes a display 31 and an input device 32. Input device 32 includes, for example, a plurality of buttons. In some aspects, display device 30 may include a plurality of displays and speakers, etc. Display 31 and input device 32 may be integrated as a touch panel. Note that while FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a horizontal injection molding machine, injection molding machine 100 of embodiment 1 is not limited to this and may be a vertical injection molding machine.
<Injection molding machine block diagram>
2 is a schematic block diagram of the injection molding machine 100. The control device 40 includes a storage unit 44 and a circuit board 52. The storage unit 44 may include, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash solid state drive (SSD). The circuit board 52 is equipped with a control unit 41, an input interface 42, and an output interface 43. The control unit 41 includes a CPU 41a and a memory 41b.

Memory 41b includes ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) and stores programs executed by CPU 41a. CPU 41a loads programs stored in ROM into RAM and executes them.

In some aspects, the control unit 41 may be configured as a dedicated hardware circuit. That is, the control unit 41 may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. The control unit 41 may also be realized by an appropriate combination of a processor and memory, ASIC, FPGA, etc.

The control unit 41 receives detection values from various sensors, such as the thermocouple 55, via the input interface 42. The control unit 41 sends control commands to the drive mechanism 24 and display device 30 via the output interface 43. The control unit 41 drives the drive mechanism 24 using the detection values of the various sensors. The control unit 41 displays the status of the injection molding machine 100 on the display device 30 based on the detection values of the various sensors.

The control device 40 in the first embodiment predicts the lifespan of the parts included in the injection molding machine 100 based on the molding conditions. The display device 30 displays the results of the lifespan prediction by the control device 40 to the operator. The following describes the result screen RS that shows the results of the lifespan prediction displayed on the display device 30.
<Results screen showing the results of lifespan prediction>
3 is a diagram illustrating a result screen RS showing the results of life prediction. In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which the control device 40 predicts the lives of the ball screw 51, the circuit board 52, the servo amplifier 53, the cooling fan 54, the thermocouple 55, and the relay 56.

In the following, the "ball screw 51, circuit board 52, servo amplifier 53, cooling fan 54, thermocouple 55, and relay 56" are collectively referred to as the "target components" that are the targets of lifespan prediction and management. Note that the target components may include components other than the ball screw 51, circuit board 52, servo amplifier 53, cooling fan 54, thermocouple 55, and relay 56. The target components correspond to the "first component" and "second component" in this disclosure. A specific example of a result screen RS that shows the results of a lifespan prediction and is displayed on the display device 30 will be described below using Figure 3. The display device 30 displays the result screen RS on the display 31.

As shown in FIG. 3, the results screen RS displays the results of the lifespan prediction for the target part. The prediction execution date 60 is displayed at the bottom of the results screen RS. The prediction execution date 60 is the date and time when the lifespan prediction was performed. In the example of FIG. 3, the lifespan prediction was performed in January 2024. Prediction result 51R shows the result of the lifespan prediction for ball screw 51. Prediction result 51R also shows the date and time when the lifespan will end. The date and time when the target part is predicted to reach the end of its lifespan. In FIG. 3, the date and time when the lifespan of ball screw 51 will end is January 2029. By displaying prediction result 51R, the operator can see that January 2029 is the target date for replacing ball screw 51.

Below the end of life date, the deterioration rate is displayed as a meter. The deterioration rate indicates the progress of the lifespan since the target part was introduced. The deterioration rate at the start of the introduction date when the target part was introduced is 0%, and the deterioration rate increases each time the target part is operated, reaching 100% when the target part has reached the end of its lifespan.

In the example of Figure 3, the degree of deterioration of the ball screw 51 is 50%. The period from January 2024, the prediction execution date, to January 2029, the end of life date, is five years. From this information, the operator can infer that the ball screw 51 was first introduced approximately five years ago.

The date and time when the target part was first introduced may be displayed on the results screen RS. If there is a mismatch between the date and time when the introduction was started, the date and time when the prediction was executed, the date and time when the life span will be reached, and the rate of deterioration, the operator will be able to recognize that an error has occurred in the life span prediction by the control device 40. Furthermore, for the date and time when the introduction was started, the date and time when the prediction was executed, and the date and time when the life span will be reached, the control device 40 may display the date and time in addition to the year and month. In other words, the memory unit 44 stores information regarding the date and time of introduction in addition to the year and month.

Prediction result 52R shows the results of the lifespan prediction for circuit board 52. The predicted lifespan of circuit board 52 is February 2024, and the degree of deterioration is 90%. Prediction result 53R shows the results of the lifespan prediction for servo amplifier 53. The predicted lifespan of servo amplifier 53 is February 2024, and the degree of deterioration is 95%. As explained above, servo amplifier 53 includes multiple servo amplifiers 53a and 53b of the same model. Result screen RS in Figure 3 displays the servo amplifier with the earliest lifespan end date as a representative of servo amplifiers 53a and 53b. Note that result screen RS may also display the lifespan end dates for both servo amplifiers 53a and 53b.

Prediction result 54R shows the results of the lifespan prediction for the cooling fan 54. The predicted lifespan of the cooling fan 54 is June 2022, and the degree of deterioration is 110%. In other words, at the time of the prediction execution date when the lifespan prediction was made, the predicted lifespan has already passed. Therefore, the degree of deterioration exceeds 100%. In this way, the control device 40 can display that the degree of deterioration exceeds 100%, notifying the operator that the time to replace the cooling fan 54 has passed.

The control device 40 displays a replacement recommendation mark Ex1 for cooling fans 54 whose degradation level exceeds 100%. In other words, when the result of the lifespan prediction for the target part indicates that the part has reached its lifespan, the control device 40 causes the display device 30 to display a symbol indicating that the target part has reached its lifespan on the result screen RS. This makes it possible for the injection molding machine 100 in embodiment 1 to conveniently make the operator aware that the time when the cooling fan 54 should be replaced has passed.

Prediction result 55R shows the results of the lifespan prediction for thermocouple 55. The predicted lifespan of thermocouple 55 is November 2026, and the degree of deterioration is 40%. Prediction result 56R shows the results of the lifespan prediction for relay 56. The predicted lifespan of relay 56 is March 2024, and the degree of deterioration is 85%. As explained above, relay 56 includes multiple relays 56a-56c of the same model. Result screen RS in Figure 3 displays the relay with the earliest lifespan end date among relays 56a-56c as a representative. Note that result screen RS may also display the lifespan end date for each of relays 56a-56c.

In this way, the control device 40 causes the display device 30 to display the result screen RS shown in Figure 3. The result screen RS is a screen that simultaneously displays the results of the life predictions for the ball screw 51, circuit board 52, servo amplifier 53, cooling fan 54, thermocouple 55, and relay 56. As a result, the injection molding machine 100 in embodiment 1 can display the results of the life predictions for each target part all at once to the operator, thereby improving the visibility of the results of the life predictions for each target part.

Next, we will explain the multiple buttons and selection areas arranged on the results screen RS. The results screen RS is arranged with a warning notification button BtEx, a calendar display button BtCa, selection buttons 51B to 56B, and selection areas 50S to 56S.

The warning notification button BtEx is a button that allows the operator to select whether or not to display the lifespan warning screen LW1 shown in Figure 4. Specifically, the operator can switch the warning notification mode by selecting the warning notification button BtEx. When the warning notification mode is ON, the control device 40 displays the lifespan warning screen LW1 shown in Figure 4 when the target part has reached the end of its lifespan.

Figure 4 shows an example of the result screen RS after the lifespan warning screen LW1 is displayed. The lifespan warning screen LW1 is a pop-up screen that is displayed when the target part has reached the end of its lifespan. Figure 4 shows an example in which the ball screw 51 has reached the end of its lifespan while the result screen RS is displayed. That is, Figure 4 shows an example in which the result screen RS is displayed in January 2029, which is the end of the lifespan of the ball screw 51. Therefore, the predicted execution date 60 shows January 2029.

The lifespan warning screen LW1 is displayed at the forefront of the display 31 when the target part has reached the end of its lifespan. When displaying the lifespan warning screen LW1, the control device 40 may control screens other than the lifespan warning screen LW1 to be temporarily inoperable. Furthermore, the lifespan warning screen LW1 is displayed at the forefront of the display 31 when the target part has reached the end of its lifespan, even when a screen other than the result screen RS is displayed on the display 31. This allows the injection molding machine 100 to appropriately notify the operator that the target part has reached the end of its lifespan, preventing the operator from overlooking the replacement recommendation mark Ex1. The control device 40 displays the lifespan warning screen LW1 and also displays the replacement recommendation mark Ex1 for the target part that has reached the end of its lifespan.

The calendar display button BtCa is a button for displaying the calendar display screen CS1, which will be described later in FIG. 10. The control device 40 displays the calendar display screen CS1 based on the selection of the calendar display button BtCa.

The selection area 50S is a selection area for displaying the result screen RS. The control device 40 displays the result screen RS based on the selection of the selection area 50S. If the result screen RS is already displayed, the control device 40 performs a lifespan prediction again and updates the result of the lifespan prediction. The selection buttons 51B to 56B and the selection areas 51S to 55S are buttons and selection areas for displaying a details screen DS for the target part.
<Display order>
The display order of the target parts will be explained below. In Fig. 3, the results of life prediction are displayed in the following order from the top of the result screen RS: ball screw 51, circuit board 52, servo amplifier 53, cooling fan 54, thermocouple 55, and relay 56. The order in which ball screw 51, circuit board 52, servo amplifier 53, cooling fan 54, thermocouple 55, and relay 56 are arranged in Fig. 3 is based on the importance of the target parts.

As explained above, importance is an index determined based on the degree of impact on the operation of the injection molding machine 100 due to the target part becoming unusable. For example, if the ball screw 51 becomes unusable, the injection molding machine 100 will be unable to open or close the mold clamping mechanism 16 and will be unable to perform injection molding. Furthermore, compared to other target parts, the ball screw 51 is a part that takes longer to obtain a substitute. Therefore, the importance of the ball screw 51 is higher than that of the other target parts.

On the other hand, even if the cooling fan 54, thermocouple 55, and relay 56 become unusable, there may be cases where the injection molding machine 100 can continue to perform injection molding. For example, even if the cooling fan 54 becomes unusable, the injection molding machine 100 can continue to perform injection molding by suppressing the amount of heat generated by the heat-generating components. Furthermore, substitutes for the thermocouple 55 and relay 56 are easier to obtain than the other target parts. Therefore, the importance of the cooling fan 54, thermocouple 55, and relay 56 is lower than that of the other target parts.

The importance of a target part can be determined comprehensively based on factors such as whether the target part is directly required for injection molding and whether substitutes are easily available. As shown in Figure 3, the life prediction results for the ball screw 51, which has the highest importance, are displayed at the top of the result screen RS. On the other hand, the life prediction results for the cooling fan 54, thermocouple 55, and relay 56, which have low importance, are displayed at the bottom of the result screen RS. Note that the position where target parts with high importance are displayed does not have to be at the top of the result screen RS, as long as they are displayed in a position that is easiest for the operator to recognize.

In this way, in the injection molding machine 100 of embodiment 1, the results of the lifespan prediction for each target part are displayed in order of importance, allowing the results of the lifespan prediction to be displayed with priority given to parts with higher importance over parts with lower importance.

The injection molding machine 100 in embodiment 1 can change the display order from order of importance to another order. For example, the control device 40 displays the results of life predictions for each target part in order of most frequent maintenance. In response to receiving an operation to change the display order from the input device 32, the control device 40 switches the display order between order of importance and order of most frequent maintenance.

The control device 40 can also display the results of lifespan prediction for each target part in order of the earliest end-of-life date. This allows the control device 40 to easily understand the order in which the operator should begin preparation for replacement of the target parts. Furthermore, the control device 40 can display the results of lifespan prediction in order of the degree of deterioration.
<Method of lifespan prediction>
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of lifespan prediction. The control device 40 in the first embodiment performs two lifespan predictions: one based on the degree of deterioration due to load accumulation, and the other based on the degree of deterioration due to component aging. The control device 40 displays the lifespan end date shown in FIG. 3, taking into account both the degree of deterioration due to load accumulation and the degree of deterioration due to component aging. The degree of deterioration due to load accumulation will be described below.

The degree of deterioration due to load accumulation can be determined by calculating the load generated on the target part per unit time. A unit time could be, for example, the time it takes to mold one molded product. The period of time it takes to mold one molded product is called "one shot" or "one cycle."

The load generated on the target part refers to factors that cause deterioration in the target part, such as load, friction, and heat, due to injection molding. For example, the load generated on the ball screw 51 can be determined from the number of rotations of the ball screw 51 when one shot is performed. The load generated on the substrate 52 can correspond to the current load applied to the substrate 52 when one shot is performed.

The load generated on the target part per unit time varies depending on the molding conditions. That is, the molding method used by the injection molding machine 100 differs depending on the shape of the molded product, the type of resin used, etc., and the number of rotations or current load of the ball screw 51 per shot also differs.

The load applied to each target part may be set by the operator, or a one-shot test run may be actually performed and the magnitude of the load generated on the target part may be detected by a sensor. In this way, the control device 40 obtains the load generated on each target part per unit time.

The control device 40 obtains the accumulated load for the predicted execution year and month based on the past operating hours of the injection molding machine 100. That is, the control device 40 can calculate the accumulated load since the target part was introduced by multiplying the number of past shots by the load generated on the target part per shot. The control device 40 compares the calculated accumulated load with the rated life to calculate the degree of deterioration. The rated life is the total amount of load that serves as a guideline for replacement. The rated life is predetermined for each target part. For example, if the target part is a ball screw 51, the life rotation count of the ball screw 51 can be determined as the rated life.

The control device 40 calculates the total number of rotations of the ball screw 51 for the predicted execution date based on the number of past shots and the number of rotations of the ball screw 51 per shot. The control device 40 displays the ratio of the total number of rotations to the number of rotations over the life span as the degree of deterioration on the result screen RS.

The control device 40 predicts the number of shots per day in the future based on the average number of shots per day in the past. For example, the control device 40 predicts that injection molding will be performed in the future with the same number of shots as the average number of shots per day in the past. As shown in Figure 5, the control device 40 performs a lifespan prediction (shown by the dashed line) based on past data (shown by the solid line), and calculates the number of years and months until the integrated load reaches the rated lifespan as the lifespan end date.

Next, the degree of deterioration due to component aging will be explained. The degree of deterioration due to component aging is calculated based on the time elapsed between the start date of installation of the target component and the predicted execution date, regardless of the operating time of the injection molding machine 100. Each target component deteriorates due to exposure to the outside air even when the injection molding machine 100 is not in operation. Each target component has a predetermined rated lifespan for deterioration due to component aging. For example, if the rated lifespan of the ball screw 51 is 30 years and 15 years have passed since it was installed, the control device 40 will calculate that the degree of deterioration due to component aging is 50%.

Figure 6 shows the degree of deterioration due to load accumulation and part aging. As explained above, the control device 40 calculates the degree of deterioration due to load accumulation and part aging separately. Therefore, the control device 40 internally stores two degrees of deterioration for each target part, as shown in Figure 6.

The control device 40 compares the degree of deterioration due to load accumulation with the degree of deterioration due to component aging, and displays the degree of deterioration that will reach its end of life sooner as prediction results 51R to 56R in Figure 3. In this way, by displaying only either the degree of deterioration due to load accumulation or the degree of deterioration due to component aging, the control device 40 can optimally display the results of the life prediction to the operator.

In addition, the control device 40 may cause the display device 30 to display both the degree of deterioration due to load integration and the degree of deterioration due to part aging in response to an operation received from an operator.
<Details screen>
7 is a diagram showing a details screen DS for the cooling fan 54. When the operator selects the selection button 54B or the selection area 54S shown in FIG. 3, the control device 40 switches the results screen RS to a details screen DS showing detailed information about the cooling fan 54. That is, when an item corresponding to a target part is selected on the results screen RS, the control device 40 displays the details screen DS corresponding to the target part. In addition to the prediction result 54R for the cooling fan 54, the details screen DS displays a reset button BtR, an interior image P1, and an exterior image WP1.

The reset button BtR is a button for resetting the deterioration level of the target part. When the reset button BtR is selected, the control device 40 resets the deterioration level due to load accumulation and the deterioration level due to part aging, as described above, to their initial values (0%). When replacing a part with a new one, the operator can reset the deterioration level by selecting the reset button BtR.

The details screen DS is a screen that includes position information for the cooling fan 54 in the injection molding machine 100. In other words, by displaying the position information for the cooling fan 54 in the injection molding machine 100, the control device 40 allows even operators who are unfamiliar with replacing the cooling fan 54 to easily replace the cooling fan 54. Note that the details screen DS may include not only the position information for the cooling fan 54 in the injection molding machine 100, but also the model number, manufacturer information, etc.

The exterior image WP1 is an image for showing the arrangement in which the cooling fans 54 are stored in the injection molding machine 100. The exterior image WP1 only needs to be able to show the operator the arrangement in which the cooling fans 54 are stored. The exterior image WP1 may display the entire exterior of the injection molding machine 100, or may display only a portion of the exterior of the injection molding machine 100, as shown in Figure 7.

Exterior image WP1 shows area Ar1 surrounded by a dashed line. Area Ar1 is an area showing the location where the cooling fan 54 is stored. Interior image P1 is an image that allows the operator to identify the position of the cooling fan 54. In other words, interior image P1 shows the detailed internal structure of the injection molding machine 100 in area Ar1.

As shown in FIG. 7, the interior image P1 is an image that includes the cooling fan 54 and other parts. The other parts include, for example, parts E1 to E4, as shown in FIG. 7. Parts E1 to E4 are shown only as an example, and the interior image P1 actually displays multiple parts that the injection molding machine 100 includes, along with the cooling fan 54. The control device 40 may display a details screen DS for parts E1 to E4 in response to the selection of parts E1 to E4 shown in the interior image P1.

The control device 40 displays the cooling fan 54 in a color different from that of the components E1 to E4. That is, the color in which the display device 30 displays the cooling fan 54 is different from the color in which the display device 30 displays the other components E1 to E4. This allows the control device 40 to easily identify the position of the cooling fan 54. Note that the control device 40 may also allow the operator to identify the position of the cooling fan 54 using text information, audio information, or the like, without using the exterior image WP1 and the interior image P1. The control device 40 also changes the color of the cooling fan 54 depending on the results of the lifespan prediction for the cooling fan 54. That is, the color of the cooling fan 54 changes depending on the degree of deterioration indicated in the prediction result 54R.

For example, if the level of deterioration is high, the control device 40 displays the cooling fan 54 in a color closer to red. If the level of deterioration is low, the control device 40 displays the cooling fan 54 in a color closer to green. This allows the control device 40 to visually grasp the level of deterioration of the cooling fan 54. In Figure 7, only the details screen DS for the cooling fan 54 has been described. The control device 40 can display a details screen DS corresponding to each target part by selecting an item corresponding to a target part other than the cooling fan 54 on the results screen RS. Note that the level of deterioration may be displayed not only by color information, but also by shades of black and white, or by displaying text near the cooling fan 54.

The control device 40 may also change the color used to display each target part based on information other than the degree of deterioration related to the lifespan of each target part. For example, the control device 40 changes the color used to display each target part based on the magnitude of the load generated per unit time, the number of days remaining until the end of its lifespan, the importance of the target part, etc. This allows the injection molding machine 100 to use the color used to display each target part to allow the operator to easily grasp information related to the lifespan of each target part.

Figure 8 shows the details screen DS for relays 56a, 56b, and 56c. As explained above, the injection molding machine 100 has relays 56a, 56b, and 56c of the same model as target parts. Figure 8 shows the details screen DS in which relay 56b is selected. That is, the details screen DS has selection buttons Bta, Btb, and Btc arranged. Relays 56a, 56b, and 56c are associated with selection buttons Bta, Btb, and Btc, respectively.

In response to selection of the selection button Btb, the control device 40 displays a details screen DS for relay 56b. The details screen DS displays the device number Nm1 of relay 56b. This allows the control device 40 to allow the operator to recognize that the device number Nm1 of relay 56b is "Xb." As in FIG. 7, the details screen DS also displays an exterior image WP1 and an interior image P2. The interior image P2 shows the internal structure of the injection molding machine 100 in area Ar2. The interior image P2 displays relays 56a, 56b, and 56c.

When selection button Bta is selected, the control device 40 switches to and displays the details screen DS for relay 56a. When selection button Btc is selected, the control device 40 switches to and displays the details screen DS for relay 56c. In this way, the control device 40 distinguishes between relays 56a, 56b, and 56c, which are the same model, on the details screen DS. This allows the control device 40 to prevent the operator from becoming confused about which part of the same model should be replaced, even if the target parts include parts with the same model.

In this way, in the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment, the results of life predictions for multiple target parts are displayed all at once, as shown in Fig. 3. As a result, in the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment, the lifespans of multiple target parts included in the injection molding machine 100 can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner for the operator. Furthermore, when an item corresponding to a target part is selected on the result screen RS of Fig. 3, the result screen RS is switched to and displayed as the detail screen DS for the target part. As a result, in the injection molding machine 100 of the first embodiment, detailed information about the target part can be displayed in an appropriate manner, allowing the operator to easily replace the target part.
<Load setting screen>
Fig. 9 shows a load setting screen LS for the circuit board 52. When explaining the life prediction method with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, it was explained that the load applied to each target component can be set by the operator. Fig. 9 shows the load setting screen LS as an example of a screen for the operator to set the load to be applied to the circuit board 52.

The board 52 is connected to multiple destinations AX1 to AX8. The control device 40 accepts the load for each destination from the operator. In the example shown in Figure 9, a pull-down menu S1 is displayed for selecting the load for destination AX5. The pull-down menu S1 displays the options "OFF," "Small," "Medium," and "Large."

The control device 40 sets the load to be applied to the circuit board 52 according to the selection item selected by the operator, and uses the load for load integration. For example, if "small" is selected, the control device 40 determines that a current load of less than 100 mA will be generated because the circuit board 52 is connected to the connection destination AX5. If "medium" is selected, the control device 40 determines that a current load of 100 mA or more but less than 400 mA will be generated because the circuit board 52 is connected to the connection destination AX5. If "large" is selected, the control device 40 determines that a current load of 400 mA or more will be generated because the circuit board 52 is connected to the connection destination AX5.
<Calendar display>
Fig. 10 shows a calendar display screen CS1 showing the results of lifespan prediction. Fig. 3 describes the result screen RS that displays the results of lifespan predictions for multiple target parts in a single screen. Fig. 10 describes an example in which the results of lifespan predictions for multiple target parts are not displayed in a single screen, but are instead displayed using a calendar.

When the operator selects the calendar display button BtCa in FIG. 3, the control device 40 switches the results screen RS to the calendar display screen CS1. The control device 40 may also superimpose the calendar display screen CS1 on the results screen RS without switching the results screen RS to the calendar display screen CS1.

In Figure 3, only information related to the year and month was displayed as the end-of-life date. When calculating the life of the target part, the control device 40 calculates information related to the date in addition to the year and month. The calendar display screen CS1 displays a calendar for February 2024 and March 2024. As shown in Figure 10, February 10, 2024, February 19, 2024, March 8, 2024, and March 24, 2024 are each assigned a different symbol, representing the end-of-life date of the target part.

The circular symbol attached to February 10, 2024 indicates the end of life date for board 52. The triangular symbol attached to February 19, 2024 indicates the end of life date for servo amplifier 53. The square symbol attached to March 8, 2024 indicates the end of life date for relay 56a. The star-shaped symbol attached to March 24, 2024 indicates the end of life date for relay 56b.

In this way, the control device 40 can visually display the end of life dates of different target parts by adding symbols corresponding to the target parts to the dates on the calendar. This allows the operator of the injection molding machine 100 to more intuitively understand the end of life dates. Note that the calendar display screen CS1 may display not only the results of the life prediction but also the scheduled inspection dates for the target parts.
<Replacement procedure display>
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of how the replacement procedure screen W1 is displayed. The injection molding machine 100 according to the first embodiment can display the replacement procedure. Fig. 11 shows an example of how the replacement procedure is displayed when the board 52 has reached the end of its life.

The replacement procedure screen W1 is displayed superimposed on the load setting screen LS for the circuit board 52. Note that the replacement procedure screen W1 may be displayed superimposed on the result screen RS or the details screen DS for the circuit board 52, or may be displayed as a standalone screen.

11, the control device 40 displays the replacement procedure screen W1 on the condition that the board 52 has reached the end of its life. This allows the injection molding machine 100 to appropriately display to the operator the replacement procedure for the target part that needs to be replaced. Note that the control device 40 may also display the replacement procedure screen W1 for a target part that has not yet reached the end of its life in response to an operation from the operator.
<Advice display>
Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of how the advice screen W2 is displayed. In the injection molding machine 100 according to the first embodiment, advice for extending the life of a target part can be displayed. Fig. 12 shows an example of how advice for extending the life of the servo amplifier 53 is displayed.

The advice screen W2 is displayed superimposed on the detail screen DS of the servo amplifier 53. The advice screen W2 may be displayed superimposed on the result screen RS or the load setting screen LS of the servo amplifier 53, or may be displayed as a standalone screen. For example, when the control device 40 determines that a high load is occurring on the servo amplifier 53, the control device 40 displays the advice screen W2.
[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, a single injection molding machine 100 that displays the results of life prediction for a target part has been described. In the second embodiment, the configuration of a management system 200 that displays the results of life prediction for target parts in a plurality of injection molding machines will be described. In the second embodiment, the description of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will not be repeated.

Figure 13 is a configuration diagram of a management system 200 for injection molding machines 100 in embodiment 2. Figure 13 shows a factory 300 and a supplier 400 of the injection molding machines 100. The factory 300 is equipped with four injection molding machines 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d. Each of the injection molding machines 100a to 100d is connected to a control device 40A.

The control device 40A predicts the lifespan of the target parts included in each injection molding machine 100a-100d and displays the results of the lifespan prediction on the display device 30A. This allows the injection molding machine management system 200 to collectively display the results of the lifespan prediction of the target parts included in each injection molding machine 100a-100d.

Furthermore, when any of the target parts included in each of the injection molding machines 100a to 100d is nearing the end of its life, the control device 40A contacts the supplier 400 via the communication line IN. Nearing the end of its life includes, for example, when there is one month left until the end of its life. The remaining period for the control device 40A to contact the supplier 400 may be determined for each target part. The control device 40A transmits information including the model and end of life date of the target part that has reached the end of its life to the receiving device 410 of the supplier 400. This allows the management system 200 to automatically process orders without the factory 300 contacting the supplier 400 to place an order.
<Calendar Display in Second Embodiment>
Fig. 14 is a calendar display screen CS2 showing the results of lifespan prediction in embodiment 2. In the calendar display screen CS2 in Fig. 14, the backgrounds of the symbols attached to the dates indicating the end-of-life dates of the target parts are displayed differently. The backgrounds of the symbols correspond to each of the injection molding machines 100a to 100d.

Specifically, the triangular symbol attached to February 5, 2024 indicates the end of life date of the servo amplifier 53 of the injection molding machine 100a, and the circular symbol attached to March 14, 2024 indicates the end of life date of the circuit board 52 of the injection molding machine 100a. Furthermore, the circular symbol attached to February 10, 2024 indicates the end of life date of the circuit board 52 of the injection molding machine 100b, and the square symbol attached to March 8, 2024 indicates the end of life date of the relay 56a of the injection molding machine 100a.

The circular symbol attached to February 14, 2024 indicates the end of life date of the circuit board 52 of the injection molding machine 100c, and the triangular symbol attached to March 19, 2024 indicates the end of life date of the servo amplifier 53 of the injection molding machine 100c. Furthermore, the square symbol attached to February 16, 2024 indicates the end of life date of the relay 56a of the injection molding machine 100d, and the circular symbol attached to March 4, 2024 indicates the end of life date of the circuit board 52 of the injection molding machine 100d.

In this way, the calendar display screen CS2 shown in Figure 14 uses the shape of the symbol to indicate the type of target part, and the background of the symbol to indicate which of the injection molding machines 100a to 100d the target part is for. The background of the symbol may be a different color than the color assigned to the symbol. For example, blue, red, yellow, and green are associated with the injection molding machines 100a to 100d, respectively, and the symbol color is displayed as blue, red, yellow, or green.

10 Mold clamping unit, 11 Bed, 12 Fixed platen, 13 Mold clamping housing, 14 Movable platen, 15 Tie bar, 16 Mold clamping mechanism, 17, 18 Mold, 20 Injection unit, 21 Base, 22 Heating cylinder, 23 Screw, 24 Drive mechanism, 25 Hopper, 26 Injection nozzle, 27 Nozzle touch device, 30, 30A Display device, 31 Display, 32 Input device, 40, 40A Control device, 41 Control unit, 41b Memory, 42 Input interface, 43 Output interface, 44 Memory unit, 50S to 55S Selection area, 51 Ball screw, 51B to 56B, Bta to Btc Selection buttons, 51R to 56R Prediction result, 52 Board, 53, 53a, 53b Servo amplifier, 54 Cooling fan, 55 Thermocouple, 56, 56a-56c Relay, 60 Forecast execution date, 100, 100a-100d Injection molding machine, 200 Management system, 300 Factory, 400 Supplier, 410 Receiving device, AX1-AX8 Connection destination, Ar1, Ar2 Area, BtCa Calendar display button, BtEx Warning notification button, BtR Reset button, CS1, CS2 Calendar display screen, DS Details screen, E1-E4 Parts, Ex1 Replacement recommendation mark, IN Communication line, LS Load setting screen, P1, P2 Interior image, RS Result screen, S1 Pull-down, W1 Replacement procedure screen, W2 Advice screen, WP1 External image, LW1 Lifespan warning screen.

Claims (18)

A first part;
a second part different from the first part;
a control device capable of predicting the lives of the first part and the second part based on molding conditions;
a display device capable of displaying a result screen showing the prediction result of the control device,
The control device
displaying the result screen on the display device, the result screen simultaneously showing the prediction results for the first part and the second part;
displaying a details screen including detailed information of at least the first part on the display device;
when an item indicating the first part is selected on the result screen, switching the result screen to the detail screen including detailed information about the first part and displaying the detail screen on the display device ;
The detailed screen includes at least position information of the first part as detailed information . The injection molding machine of claim 1, wherein the control device, when the prediction result for the first part indicates that the part has reached the end of its life, causes the display device to display a symbol indicating that the first part has reached the end of its life on the results screen. the control device causes the display device to display a first image that can identify the position of the first part as the position information;
the first image is an image including the first part and another part,
2. The injection molding machine according to claim 1 , wherein the color in which the display device displays the first component is different from the color in which the display device displays the other components. The injection molding machine according to claim 3 , wherein the control device changes the color in which the display device displays the first component based on information about the life of the first component. the first part includes a third part and a fourth part of the same type;
5. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the display device to display the third part and the fourth part separately on the detail screen. 6. The injection molding machine according to claim 1, wherein the control device causes the display device to display a screen visually showing, using a calendar, a first schedule indicated by the prediction result for the first part and a second schedule indicated by the prediction result for the second part. The injection molding machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the control device causes the display device to display a screen showing a procedure for replacing the first part. 8. The injection molding machine according to claim 1 , wherein the control device causes the display device to display a screen showing advice for extending the life of the first component according to molding conditions. A first part;
a second part different from the first part;
a control device capable of predicting the lives of the first part and the second part based on molding conditions;
a display device capable of displaying a result screen showing the prediction result of the control device,
The control device
displaying the result screen on the display device, the result screen simultaneously showing the prediction results for the first part and the second part;
displaying a details screen including detailed information of at least the first part on the display device;
when an item indicating the first part is selected on the result screen, switching the result screen to the detail screen including detailed information about the first part and displaying the detail screen on the display device;
the first part includes a third part and a fourth part of the same type;
The control device causes the display device to distinguish between the third part and the fourth part on the detail screen. A first part;
a second part different from the first part;
a control device capable of predicting the lives of the first part and the second part based on molding conditions;
a display device capable of displaying a result screen showing the prediction result of the control device,
The control device
displaying the result screen on the display device, the result screen simultaneously showing the prediction results for the first part and the second part;
displaying a details screen including detailed information of at least the first part on the display device;
when an item indicating the first part is selected on the result screen, switching the result screen to the detail screen including detailed information about the first part and displaying the detail screen on the display device;
The injection molding machine causes the display device to display a screen showing a procedure for replacing the first part. A first part;
a second part different from the first part;
a control device capable of predicting the lives of the first part and the second part based on molding conditions;
a display device capable of displaying a result screen showing the prediction result of the control device,
The control device
displaying the result screen on the display device, the result screen simultaneously showing the prediction results for the first part and the second part;
displaying a details screen including detailed information of at least the first part on the display device;
when an item indicating the first part is selected on the result screen, switching the result screen to the detail screen including detailed information about the first part and displaying the detail screen on the display device;
The injection molding machine causes the display device to display a screen showing advice for extending the life of the first component in accordance with molding conditions. 1. A management system for an injection molding machine, comprising:
a plurality of injection molding machines, each including a first part and a second part different from the first part;
a control device capable of predicting the lives of the first part and the second part according to molding conditions;
a display device capable of displaying a result screen showing the prediction result of the control device,
The control device
displaying the result screen on the display device, the result screen simultaneously showing the prediction results for the first part and the second part;
displaying a details screen including detailed information of at least the first part on the display device;
when an item indicating the first part is selected on the result screen, switching the result screen to the detail screen including detailed information about the first part and displaying the detail screen on the display device ;
The detailed screen includes at least the position information of the first part as detailed information . The injection molding machine management system described in claim 12, wherein when the prediction result for the first part indicates that the part has reached the end of its life, the control device transmits the prediction result for the first part to a receiving device of the supplier of the first part via a communication line. 1. A management system for an injection molding machine, comprising:
a plurality of injection molding machines, each including a first part and a second part different from the first part;
a control device capable of predicting the lives of the first part and the second part according to molding conditions;
a display device capable of displaying a result screen showing the prediction result of the control device,
The control device
displaying the result screen on the display device, the result screen simultaneously showing the prediction results for the first part and the second part;
displaying a details screen including detailed information of at least the first part on the display device;
when an item indicating the first part is selected on the result screen, switching the result screen to the detail screen including detailed information about the first part and displaying the detail screen on the display device;
the first part includes a third part and a fourth part of the same type;
The control device causes the display device to display the third part and the fourth part separately on the detailed screen. 1. A management system for an injection molding machine, comprising:
a plurality of injection molding machines, each including a first part and a second part different from the first part;
a control device capable of predicting the lives of the first part and the second part according to molding conditions;
a display device capable of displaying a result screen showing the prediction result of the control device,
The control device
displaying the result screen on the display device, the result screen simultaneously showing the prediction results for the first part and the second part;
displaying a details screen including detailed information of at least the first part on the display device;
when an item indicating the first part is selected on the result screen, switching the result screen to the detail screen including detailed information about the first part and displaying the detail screen on the display device;
a management system that causes the display device to display a screen showing a procedure for replacing the first part. 1. A management system for an injection molding machine, comprising:
a plurality of injection molding machines, each including a first part and a second part different from the first part;
a control device capable of predicting the lives of the first part and the second part according to molding conditions;
a display device capable of displaying a result screen showing the prediction result of the control device,
The control device
displaying the result screen on the display device, the result screen simultaneously showing the prediction results for the first part and the second part;
displaying a details screen including detailed information of at least the first part on the display device;
when an item indicating the first part is selected on the result screen, switching the result screen to the detail screen including detailed information about the first part and displaying the detail screen on the display device;
a management system that causes the display device to display a screen showing advice for extending the life of the first part according to molding conditions. A first part;
another part different from the first part;
A display device;
a control device that causes the display device to display a details screen including detailed information of the first part,
the detail screen includes at least position information of the first part as detailed information,
the control device causes the display device to display a first image that can identify the position of the first part as the position information;
the first image is an image including the first part and the other part,
An injection molding machine, wherein the color in which the display device displays the first part is different from the color in which the display device displays the other parts. The injection molding machine according to claim 17 , wherein the control device changes the color in which the display device displays the first component based on information about the life of the first component.