Molding machine control apparatus and display, and human machine interface

Molding machine control device and display, and man-machine interface

Technical category

The present invention relates to a device and method for controlling a molding machine, and in detail relates to a man-machine interface in the form of a control panel as a machine controller, which controls and monitors the operation and program of a molding system ( Such as a plastic or metal injection molding machine) and its related equipment (such as automatic control devices or other product processing equipment. The present invention also relates to a human-machine interface, which provides the operator to simplify and customize the manual function of the machine. Device.

Background of the invention

A man-machine interface of a machine includes a display, arbitrary pointing devices and buttons, which provide functions such as data entry, screen selection, machine operation selection, and manual operation drive. In a molding system, a unique dedicated button is assigned to an independent machine for manual operation. As the injection molding process becomes more complex, the demand for more functions and operations provided by a machine controller also increases. For processing molds with multiple cavities or complex parts, in addition to basic machine functions, an increasing number of mold functions are required, such as multiple ejectors and air blowing functions for partial removal, and multiple cores The actuator (actuator) has a complicated part of the stroke. This adds a huge burden to the operator to find and press the correct button during manual operation. For example, see Figures 3 and 4. In addition, manual operations that need to operate several functions at the same time become more difficult. When the number of buttons increases, the man-machine interface, which also serves a control panel function, must increase in size. For small-sized machines that are required to provide high-demand molding functions, their control panel size may grow to the point where the operator's movable area is greatly reduced.

Summary of Invention

In the observation of the problem described in detail above, an object of the present invention is to provide a device and method for controlling a molding machine, and to provide a portable human-machine interface to improve and ease the mobility of the operator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a common human operation interface suitable for all products, with the same state and feeling, and reduce the learning and training of the product users.

Another object of the present invention is to simplify the operation of manual machine functions by dividing these functions into function groups for quick operation

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for customized manual machine function operation. The scope of customization includes, but is not limited by:

1. Select the user's preference function group from the group of installed functions;

2. Assign multiple functions to a single button for simultaneous actions;

3. Construct a series of operations from the set of installed functions to automatically execute a series of manual functions during manual mode.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for storing and restoring customization by each operator.

Another object of the present invention is to maximize the real stage of the display that the instant display machine handles variable factors when some manual operations are not in use.

The man-machine interface of the present invention preferably has a control panel, which includes:

a) A flat panel display screen;

b) An indicator device;

c) Multiple images with or without coverage;

d) A housing containing the above and related electronic parts;

e) Uniquely identify the device that each user prefers to configure;

f) A device connected to a remote controller for digital information and video signal communication at the same time;

g) A connection of electronic parts and displays used to receive external power to drive the panel;

h) Execute all operation functions that provide man-machine interface in the remote remote control.

Figures 1A and 1B are block diagrams of the hardware architecture in a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a picture of the front panel of the human-machine interface in a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a diagram with sixty A picture of the prior art front panel of the man-machine interface with dedicated manual control functions; Fig. 4 is an enlarged view of the prior art front panel of the man-machine interface with sixty dedicated manual control functions; Fig. 5 is a preferred one according to the present invention The front view of the human-machine interface in the embodiment; Fig. 6 is a view of the picture of the human-machine interface according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention from an angle; Fig. 7 is a selection list of images of a preferred embodiment for the purpose of illustration This technique; Figure 8 is a view of the screen showing the sidebar state of the functional group image after selecting the group image; Figure 9 is the view of the screen displayed after selecting the user configuration image, the The status of the function image displayed on the screen; Figure 10 is a view of the screen after the sidebar configuration image is selected. The screen displays the status of the sidebar and the user configuration image. In addition, a configured selection position is highlighted; Figure 11 It is the view of the screen showing the sidebar status after selecting the additional function; Figure 12 is the view of the screen showing the sidebar status after selecting the exchange function; Figure 13 is the view of the screen showing the sidebar status after the exchange is completed; Figure 14 is the display button Click the resource recycling image to remove a function after the sidebar status of the screen; Figure 15 shows the screen view of the dialog box status on the screen when the user touches to leave the image, if the change has been completed; Fig. 16 is a view showing the screen of normal operation after the operator confirms the dialog box; Fig. 17 is a view showing the screen showing the sidebar status of the real-time value of the program variable when the program variable group is selected; Fig. 18 is The view of the screen showing the sidebar function description when the information image is selected on the user configuration screen; Figure 19 is a view showing the screen of the online assistance information on the user configuration screen when the help image is selected.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment

1 Introduction

The beneficial functions of the plastic injection molding system or machine of the present invention will be described, for example, as described in the co-pending U.S. Patent Application No. 09/166,738 filed on October 5, 1998, by reference Incorporated into the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, but may It can be applied to any molding technology within the scope of the attached patent application.

2. Structure

The control structure according to the present invention provides both real-time control of the injection molding system and real-time interface with operator control. This structure also includes the human-machine interface (HMI) required to operate and monitor the injection molding system, and the interface for data exchange between the factory and the company headquarters. Software and hardware are integrated to convert a general-purpose computer into a system controller, which not only controls machine functions and operator control, but also has an open device that enables easy integration of any accessory equipment and information exchange with external systems and networks . In addition, with additional hardware and software, general-purpose computer functions are expanded, providing deterministic real-time control of the injection molding system, and realizing high-performance and intelligent manufacturing units.

1A is a schematic block diagram showing the general functions of the control architecture of the injection molding system according to the present invention. In FIG. 1A, an injection molding system or machine 10 uses digital devices 12, 14, 16 and 18 and analog devices 20 and 22 to complete the injection molding process in a well-known method. Each digital and analog device preferably includes an input for actuator control and an output that provides feedback used in closed loop control of the device. The digital devices 12, 14 preferably receive control signals from the field bus 24 and the analog devices 20, 22 preferably output feedback signals to the field bus 24 (described below), while the digital devices 16, 18 are from the digital bus 26 receives the control signal and outputs the feedback signal to the digital bus 26 (described below). Of course, according to the specific injection molding system to be controlled, either the field bus 24 or the digital bus 26 can have all the necessary control and feedback signals to control the injection molding process.

The man-machine interface (or control panel or platform) 30 is used by the operator to input control Data and view the process feedback information. The HMI 30 has a keyboard 32 and a pointing device (such as a mouse) 34, which are used by the operator to input data. A system function pocket keyboard (which may have an LED display) device 36 can also be used by the operator to input specific machine commands, depending on the system being controlled. The display 38 provides at least one viewing device for the operator to observe the display based on the feedback signal, and provides an interface for manual input of data. A removable storage device drive 40 (such as a floppy disk drive) can also be installed on the control panel 30, allowing the operator to input programmed control information, new control programs, or download feedback data to the removable storage device. The control board 30 also includes a multiplexer 42 (described below), which multiplexes various control and feedback data between the HMI 30 and the general-purpose computer 44.

The general-purpose computer 44 is preferably an off-the-shelf personal computer having a central processing unit (CPU) 46, a read-only memory (ROM) 48 and a random access memory (RAM) )50. Preferably, the computer 44 includes a control panel interface 52, which is connected to the multiplexer 42 of the HMI 30 via a bidirectional serial bus link 54 (described below) with more than 1 billion bits per second. The interface 52 is preferably a Beckhoff Industrial Electronics CP-Link PC multiplexer. Also not shown, the general-purpose personal computer 44 may be equipped with peripherals, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), a keyboard, a disk drive, a compact disk drive (CD-ROM), a mouse, a touch screen, and a light pen.

The computer 44 also has a digital interface 56 which is connected to the digital bus 26 via a connection 58. Likewise, the computer 44 has an interface 60 and is connected to the field bus 24 via a connection 62.

The computer 44 also includes a local area network interface 64, which can be connected to the factory The local area network used (e.g. Ethernet; not shown). In addition, the computer 44 may include a modem or other external interface 66, which may be used to connect the computer 44 to the Internet or corporate intranet.

Due to the above structure, the control structure according to the present invention can guide the injection molding device 12-22 to real real-time closed loop control without the need for PLC or ASP, as required in the prior art. At the same time, the operator can control the injection molding program from the HMI 30 via the computer 44. The computer 44 has sufficient processing speed and capability to simultaneously multi-process the injection molding function and the HMI function. For example, the computer 44 can process high-priority closed loop control injection molding device commands in the foreground, while low-priority HMI function commands are processed in the background. In this way, the computer 44 will alternately process the machine control function and the HMI function.

As explained above, a single general-purpose computer according to the present invention includes a hardware architecture similar to general-purpose commercial or industrial personal computers, and preferably operates under a general-purpose operating system, such as Windows NT (Tm). Preferably, the computer 44 is a model C6150 industrial personal computer from Beckhoff Industrial Electronics. The PC features a Pentium II microprocessor, a 2.0 billion bytes (or higher) hard drive and 64K RAM random access memory. The computer may also be equipped with a CD-ROM drive, a 1.44K and/or 120MB drive, four serial interfaces, a printer interface, and several (for example, seven) expansion slots for additional cards. The interface for LAN and/or Internet/Intranet connection is preferably installed in another expansion slot. The computer can multi-task three functions at the same time, namely the control of the injection molding system, the control of the HMI, and it can be used as a factory-wide network server.

The computer 44 performs analog-to-digital (A/D) and digital-to-analog (D/A) functions to receive analog feedback signals and provide analog control signals through the field bus 24. Therefore, the computer 44 digitally processes all control programs, HMI programs, and network programs. By operating in a digital manner, the computer 44 provides better performance and more accurate solutions than traditional analog circuits. The high computing power and large working memory capacity of the computer 44, together with the real-time expansion core of the software (explained below), provide real-time performance of machine control, HMI functions and network functions. Because the operation of real-time expansion of the core is at a resolution of one millionth of a second, the computer 44 operates all computer functions like a multiplex scheduler. In other words, the computer 44 can simultaneously control all the injection molding devices by using multiplexing processing. In addition, the machine control function can be multiplexed together with the HMI function and/or the network function. The system can complete the injection molding device control loop update information on the millisecond level, which makes it unnecessary to use an analog loop controller to control the injection molding device in real time.

Therefore, the computer 44 can use a plurality of predetermined device control programs to control the injection molding device (such as resin injection, mold clamping operations, etc.), and also use a plurality of predetermined HMI programs to control the HMI 30 (such as display, keyboard, Mouse, pocket keyboard, etc.). The computer 44 also uses a plurality of predetermined programs, such as an Internet browser, a word processor, a spreadsheet program, etc., to work with other computer devices through a local network (and/or the Internet). The computer 44 not only operates a plurality of the control and network programs, it can also use multiple processing processes based on the pre-determined priority rights in real time, such as key injection molding device first, feedback and status device second, HMI The device is third and the network communication function is last. Moreover, the open architecture of the computer 44 allows any of these predetermined control and network programs to be modified, updated, installed, or changed as needed.

The computer 44 not only eliminates the need for ASP, it also replaces the PLC used in previous technologies. The ability to easily install new application software to the computer 44 provides a method of mapping input/output to process images that can be displayed to the operator. The computer 44 provides input and output capabilities and real-time core expansion to its general operating system and software programs, according to international industry standards, such as IEC 1131-3. Therefore, the computer 44 replaces the commonly used PLC or a dedicated controller that controls the operation sequence of different injection molding system devices to perform the required injection molding functions. In addition to being the protagonist of controlling the machine functions, the computer 44 also acts as an information database, which collects information about all operations of the machine device and machine status, and then sends the information to the factory manager system.

The HMI (or control panel or machine) 30 is used to input control information to control the injection molding devices 12-22, and to receive feedback from these devices for display, storage, or transmission. The HMI 30 includes such standard control equipment, such as a keyboard 32, a pointing device (mouse) 34, a pocket keyboard 36, a removable storage device 40, a display 38, and a multiplexer 42. Preferably, HMI 30 is a Beckhoff CP7000 series control panel, which has special PLC keys with LED display, touch screen, 15-inch TFT display, PC keyboard, 31/2-inch drive and CP-link interface .

In the present invention, the effectiveness of the communication between the HMI 30 and the computer 44 is greatly improved. Because the operator interface and machine control functions are integrated into a single general-purpose computer, it eliminates the communication link between HMI, PLC and ASP. The imposed processing bottleneck, as used in the previous art.

Referring to Figure 1B, the HMI 30 is shown to be connected to the computer 44 through a serial bus link 54 with a speed greater than 1 billion bits. The use of such a high-speed two-way multiplexing bus between the HMI 30 and the computer 44 allows the operator control and display components to be physically separated from the computer 44. In the preferred embodiment, the link 54 can reach up to 50 meters, although a shorter length, such as 10 meters, is suitable. Using a cover to cover the computer 44 away from the HMI 30, all fragile computer devices, such as test drives, modems, CPUs, etc., can be protected to prevent heat, vibration and impact that are normally encountered in the injection molding environment. This high-speed link allows the HMI 30 to be installed close to the machine 10 and in the most ideal position, while maintaining sufficient separation from the computer 44 to make the operation simple. For this reason, the electronic components that exist inside the HMI should be the minimum required to display data through the keyboard 32, the pointing device 34, and the functional pocket keyboard 36, allowing data input and facilitating manual command functions.

In FIG. 1B, the display in the HMI is preferably a TFT display 382, although the display may be an LED, LCD, CRT, or other similar display devices. The HMI 30 also includes one or more pointing devices 342, which may include a mouse, a light pen, a touch screen device, and so on. Although a specialized keyboard with special function keys can be used, preferably, the keyboard 32 is a standard PC keyboard. The machine function keys and LED display 36 are typically those found in known injection molding systems. The removable storage device 40 is used for inputting control programs or point selection information, or is used for storing feedback signals. The aforementioned input and output devices are connected to the HMI multiplexer 42, which multiplexes information on the serial bus link 54 at a speed exceeding 1 billion bits. The multiplexer 42 also controls a 5 volt Source provider (not shown). Finally, the HMI 30 may include an emergency stop button or device 80, which can be used to stop the injection molding device in an emergency situation. The emergency stop button 80 is connected to the safety circuit 82, which in turn is connected to the computer 44 through an interface (not shown).

The link 54 provides two-way communication between the HMI and the computer 44, which greatly simplifies the system structure and improves the reliability of the system. The two-way link 54 connects the HMI 30 to the computer 44 for video control and data input. The computer 44 processes a large amount of HMI information in this way to replace the HMI 30. The communication speed between the HMI 30 and the computer 44 is at the level of one billion bits per second, and this allows the computer 44 to provide an instant response to the initial change from the operator to the machine device 12-22. The realization of the link 54 can use commercial links, such as PanelLink, manufactured according to international industry standards such as IEEE P1349b, or CP-Link from Beckhoff Industrial Electronics, or other equivalent products. In a preferred embodiment, CP-Link from Beckhoff is used.

In this way, the HMI 30 has communication processing capabilities. The preferred addresses are those required for displaying data, allowing data input, facilitating manual control functions through the function keys 36, and communicating with the operator through pictures, text, and video displays. Because the computer 44 can be covered away from the HMI 30 in a controlled environment (for example, in a control cabinet) to protect fragile computer devices, the operator control and display functions can be moved closer to the injection molding system, which is convenient for the operator. Observe the machine function closely.

The bidirectional link 54 may include a twisted-pair coaxial cable, two single-pair coaxial cables, one or more optical fiber cables, or other communication devices. The link 54 usually does not require an additional power supply. The cable interface can include a connection to a standard individual Computer bus (such as ISA or PCI) printer circuit board, and therefore can be used in any general-purpose computer.

As shown in FIG. 1B, the computer 44 may include more additional structures than those depicted in FIG. 1A. In detail, the computer 44 preferably also includes an LCD graphics controller board 84 for controlling the display 382. Preferably, the controller 84 includes an LCD interface. The computer 44 also includes a keyboard interface 86 for the keyboard 32 and a removable storage device controller 90 which controls the removable storage device 40. The serial interface 88 is used to control the serial communication port.

The signals from the computer interface for LCD, keyboard, pointing device, communication port or mobile storage device are converted into high frequency serial signals by the PC interface link board 52, and then transferred to the HMI 30 through the link 54. The HMI multiplexer 42 converts the serial signal back to the original computer interface to generate a signal, which is then sent to different devices for control and feedback. In this way, the devices on the HMI 30 can be controlled by the computer 44 far beyond the normal possible distance. Because the link 54 preferably has at least two separate channels, there is a link channel between the control board 30 and the computer 44 for each communication direction.

When necessary, the computer 44 also includes an interface 56 that is used to directly interface with the digital devices 16 and 18 on the digital bus 26, as seen in FIG. 1A. Preferably, the interface 56 is a SERCOS (serial instant messaging system). In addition, the open architecture of the computer 44 allows the control of the injection molding devices 16 and 18 directly through the digital bus 26 or, alternatively, through the field bus 24.

3.HMI

According to the present invention, the human-machine interface for machine control is preferably embodied in Figure 2 depicts the improved operator control device. This type of device allows the manual operation of the machine to be simplified and customized, and improves the ease of use of the machine. Its graphical user interface provides flexibility and functionality to current information in a simpler and more direct way than other existing control systems. The use of smart mechanism and touch screen, like a pointing device to obtain information, simplifies how the operator accesses the information. Enhanced graphic representation and easily recognizable images are also simplified display. The layout of the human-machine interface is designed to make it easy to set up and operate the machine. The most commonly used manual control function is activated by the buttons surrounding (in the preferred embodiment along the top and bottom) human-machine interface displays. Other manual operation functions are also arranged around the display (in the preferred embodiment arranged in two "side bars" along each side of the display). These side bars can be reorganized according to individual mold or program needs. Manual operation functions are divided into pre-defined groups, which are represented by graphics and/or text images. They can be selected by the operator to activate the desired manual operation function. A function is provided to the user for customized operation, and the pre-defined manual operation function selects unique options to form a personalized group. Additional functions are provided, allowing multiple independent manual operations to be assigned to a single function image to achieve one-button operation. The surface configuration of the screen and sidebar is stored on a memory device, which may be unique to each operator; access to the device corresponds to the organization's human-machine interface. The sidebar interface also includes the function of displaying the variable factors of the real-time program, and therefore maximizes the use of the real stage of the display.

The preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 includes the following methods and devices to simplify manual machine functions.

As shown in Figures 2, 5 and 6, manual machine functions are classified, at least two types Don't be formed: Basic Control Function (BCF) and Application Special Control Function (ASCF) are often used.

The basic control functions that are frequently used are those required to operate the injection molding machine, such as cycle start, automatic cycle mode selection, semi-automatic cycle mode selection, manual mode selection, automatic control device engagement selection, filling, suction, closing mold, Open the mold, clamp the mold, loosen the mold, move the machine ejector backward, move the machine ejector forward, open/close the mold cooling, open/close injection, close the nozzle, clean, plasticize, move the injection unit forward and move injection The unit is backwards.

Each dedicated control function button corresponds to a device and is used as a confirmation of the selected function.

Whenever the application special function is included in the molding system, the application special manual control function includes, but is not limited, multiple air blowing functions, product processing operations and related equipment operations.

A row of dedicated BCF buttons (one at the top of the display and one at the bottom in the preferred embodiment), with pre-defined images, are installed on the control panel. The buttons are preferably mechanical buttons or touchpad keys, which correspond to the image displayed on the screen immediately below the button. At the same time, they provide all the basic control functions for operating the machine. Another option is that the buttons can be part of the touch screen display panel, although these buttons are preferably dedicated mechanical buttons so that the screen can be dedicated to information display and other configurable functions.

Preferably, no hardware indicating device is installed to apply special manual control function buttons. Alternatively, each image, which is assigned to this kind of button, can be changed its appearance to indicate the activation of the selected function. Indicator The body, the part that forms the image, is provided to confirm the activation of the function. They indicate when these functions are activated. For safety purposes, all installed application-specific manual control functions should preferably only be activated when the button on the side stick is pressed. Preferably, pressing the image directly will not activate the pre-programmed manual control function. This is to avoid accidentally being touched manually by the touch screen pointing device during display browsing.

As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7, the rows with ASCF button side bars (in the preferred embodiment, one on the left side of the display and the other on the right side), have software-driven images for configurable The function is installed on the control board. At the same time and in conjunction with the methods described below, they provide all application-specific control functions.

It can be clearly seen from the above that by multiplexing the application special control function into the two rows of side stick buttons, the size of the operator control panel can be reduced.

Application special control functions are divided into several groups, which combine similar properties to the functions of actuators or composite subsystems to form a classification of control functions. As an example, the function group for wind blowing operation may have images for a plurality of independently operating hair dryer devices. As another example, the function group operated by the automatic control device may have a function for compounding independent operation axes. Using the hierarchical system of this design, the system can be extended to any special function that is satisfactory.

As will be explained in more detail below, pressing down the dedicated buttons in each row of the sidebar (the top button in the preferred embodiment) will display all the images of the function groups adjacent to the remaining buttons. Then the user can press the appropriate button or press the group image to select the factory preset control function or user-defined control function. Group. After that, the group image will replace the top image and the image of each control function of the group will appear next to each button.

The operator can then press the appropriate button again to activate and/or select the desired function. The control system supports composite buttons being activated at the same time. Therefore, the operator can activate several control functions. As in the same example, the control hardware allows the controller to confirm that the composite mechanical activation button is activated and decode the function selected by the operator. By pressing the composite button, such as the corresponding buttons of the "clamp the mold" function and the "move the injection unit forward" function, the two functions are executed at the same time. This will speed up manual machine operations.

In addition, it is also possible to customize side bars for various system users. In a preferred embodiment, the procedure for customizing side bars is as follows:

˙The button associated with the "group selection" (top) image of the sidebar is pressed, and a row of function group images appears adjacent to the sidebar button. See Figure 8. The button associated with the "User Configuration Group" image is pressed, and now the user-customized function image replaces the function group image on the sidebar. See Figure 9. The button associated with the "sidebar configuration" (bottom sidebar on the right) image is pressed, and a special image selection screen-the "user configuration" screen-appears. See Figure 10. This allows the addition, exchange or removal of effective machine functions. The "User Configuration" screen displays all installed machine functions/images; unassigned functions/images are displayed in their normal rows, and assigned ones are shown in gray.

˙By pressing the button associated with the unassigned position of the side stick, the function is added. Then the effective function from the "User Configuration" screen is selected. The image appears next to the button and is grayed out on the "User Configuration" screen. show. See Figure 11.

˙By pressing the button associated with the assigned position on the sidebar, the function is exchanged. Then the recently selected image appears next to the button and is displayed in gray on the "User Configuration" screen; the previously assigned image is displayed in the normal color on the "User Configuration" screen. See Figures 12 and 13.

˙By pressing the button associated with the position of the side bar that has been assigned, the function is removed. The "Resource Recovery" image from the "User Configuration" screen is selected. The previously assigned image is displayed in the normal color on the "User Configuration" screen, and the area adjacent to the button is displayed as unassigned. See Figure 14.

˙Simple commands that guide system users through customized side sticks are accessed by selecting the "information" image. See Figure 19.

˙Detailed information on each image/machine function, and how to make the commands on it be accessed by selecting the "information" image. Refer to Figure 18.

˙By selecting the "Exit" image, a dialog box that allows you to keep changing the sidebar configuration is accessed. This dialog box allows the system user to keep the changes or discard the changes. Once the dialogue is complete, a normal operating screen replaces the "User Configuration" screen. See Figures 15 and 16.

The above method is further extended to include the assignment of the compound function to a button to simultaneously operate the compound control function. For example, in order to complete the partial blowing of the composite cave mold, several blowing functions must be operated individually or simultaneously. If the number of functions is large, it is a lengthy task for the operator. By assigning a single activation button for a set of related blowing functions, it can be activated at the same time, and the operator's work is greatly simplified. Those ones Those who are proficient in this art can easily understand the expansion and relaxation based on the above discussion, by adding program functions to the image selection screen, allowing for compound function assignment. An option is provided on the image selection screen, allowing the operator to select composite functions. When this option is selected, a new group will appear on the screen. If it is not previously selected, all images in this group will disappear. The operator can select any image from any group and assign these images to a group. These categorized functions are activated by selecting this special group image. The procedure for accepting the new selection only selection or confirmation is executed, similar to those described above.

The above method has been extended to include a series of control functions assigned to a single button for continuous operation. An option is provided on the image selection window, allowing the operator to use a button to schedule a manual function for continuous operation. When this option is selected, a new group will appear on the window. The operator can use the function of selecting images from any group to be activated. When each image is selected, a dialog box will appear. The operator must select an option to stop the function represented by the image. These options include the parameter items during the operation duration, whether the function will be stopped by time; the parameter items of pressure setting point, whether the function will be stopped by pressure level; the parameter items of position setting point, whether the function will be stopped by distance; from The event selection of the pre-defined event programmed in the machine controller; or the end condition that is the same as the function when the operation is in the automatic node. The selection and confirmation procedures for accepting the new selection are executed, similar to those described above. By completing the assignment of a series of functions to this group, the operator will be able to control the desired continuous operation by pressing a single button.

In addition, a special group can be selected (not displayed, but similar to other group images, after appropriate modification), which is used to display the actual value of the process variable in real time. This function maximizes the use of the area where the display belongs, when a certain manual control function is not in use, such as during the automatic cycle of the system. Similar functions to press the assigned button, the process variables are available from the process provided by the machine controller are assigned to the variable factor table column.

A memory device is used to uniquely identify each operator and personalize settings. In a preferred embodiment, a portable type I can be used²CI/O EEPROM memory device, in the form of a key, as manufactured by DataKey Inc. The HMI cover has a key connecting device that matches the key. Through this connection, information can be stored and retrieved by the machine controller. This device can be accessed with passwords, biometrics, or it can be a removable key as described above. The machine controller can read or write to the device. This device is used for customization purposes. It stores the information of customized functions as described above and, but is not limited, to be displayed on all screens. The preferred language of the text, the operator's preference for the process variable factors, the engineering unit, the operator's preference for the organization of the information on the screen, etc. . It is scheduled for the operator's personal identification in advance, and it will be used by the machine controller to determine the operator's access to the system. All the customizations performed by the operator are stored into this device in the form of index files. According to reading the index file information from this device, the software of the machine controller will regenerate and customize. This will allow the operator to store his/her own preferences, such as language, engineering units, and customized manual functions while he/she is operating the machine with the device.

4 Conclusion

Thus, what has been described is a human-machine interface for injection molding systems, which provides unlimited flexibility in the structure and operation control system, provides a structure and an easy-to-use method for controlling the molding machine, and provides a The platform is used for future upgrades.

The individual components shown in the drawings are all well-known in the molding machine control technology, and their special structure operation is not very important for operation or the best mode for implementing the present invention.

When the present invention has been described in conjunction with the currently considered preferred embodiments, we should understand that the present invention is not limited by the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention is expected to cover different modifications and equivalent configurations included in the scope of the additional patent application. The scope of the following patent applications will be in line with the expanded interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.