Injection molding machine operation management system

Abstract

By comprehensively and thoroughly understanding the operating rate of injection molding machines and appropriately performing adjustments based on accurate analysis, bottlenecks in the production process can be effectively eliminated. [Solution] The system includes an operation data acquisition means 2 that acquires the operating time of an injection molding machine M during normal fully automatic operation as actual operating time data Ts, and acquires the non-operating times of the injection molding machine M corresponding to multiple different non-operating states during normal or abnormal conditions as multiple different non-operating time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc…, and an operation data display means 3 that graphically displays the actual operating time data Ts and multiple different non-operating time data Tna… acquired by the operation data acquisition means 2 on the display 11 of the molding machine controller 10 or a management computer 10e other than the molding machine controller 10.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operation management system for an injection molding machine, which is suitable for use in managing the operation state of the injection molding machine.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, the management of the operation state of an injection molding machine is important. In particular, on the user side, production information, information on the occurrence of abnormalities, etc. are reported to the administrator side such as the corresponding management section or technical center, and the necessary support is requested.

[0003] Conventionally, as a management system used for such operation state management, an operation management system and operation management method for an injection molding machine described in Patent Document 1 are known. This operation management system aims to perform accurate operation management efficiently and effectively, and specifically, to obtain operation data related to the operation state of the injection molding machine, store the obtained operation data in the molding machine controller at least temporarily, and create user data including operation data for a predetermined period, identification data for identifying this operation data, and a transmission destination on the Internet for transmitting the operation data and identification data. By creating an information storage code using a graphic pattern for storing this user data, it is configured to be displayed on a display attached to the molding machine controller.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the conventional operation management systems described above for injection molding machines also had the following issues that needed to be addressed.

[0006] In other words, with injection molding machines, the operating conditions differ for each process, and the processes included in the calculation of the operating rate often differ from user to user. As a result, from the user's perspective, it is difficult to grasp an accurate and objective operating rate, which limits the ability to improve production efficiency and capacity.

[0007] In particular, in injection molding machines that operate fully automatically, there are many non-operating processes in the pre- and post-operation stages, as well as in the intermediate stages during normal fully automatic operation. Specifically, these include pre-operation stages such as setup and manual operation, and mid- and post-operation stages such as sampling and additional molding. Therefore, from the perspective of accurately understanding the operating rate and performing efficient and waste-free molding, sufficient information is not always available. There has been a need for a means to effectively eliminate bottlenecks in the production process by comprehensively and thoroughly understanding the operating rate of injection molding machines and appropriately performing adjustments through accurate analysis.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an operation management system for injection molding machines that solves the problems present in the background technology described above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The injection molding machine operation management system 1 according to the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and, in configuring an operation management system for managing the operating status of an injection molding machine M that performs fully automatic operation, comprises: an operation data acquisition means 2 that acquires the operating time of the injection molding machine M during normal fully automatic operation as actual operating time data Ts, and acquires the non-operating times of the injection molding machine M corresponding to multiple different non-operating states during normal or abnormal times as multiple different non-operating time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc…; and an operation data display means 3 that graphically displays the actual operating time data Ts and multiple different non-operating time data Tna… acquired by the operation data acquisition means 2 on the display 11 of the molding machine controller 10 or a management computer 10e other than the molding machine controller 10.

[0010] On the other hand, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the non-operating time may include non-operating time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc… corresponding to non-operating states related to multiple different setup processes, and these multiple different setup processes may include set setup processes or one or more additional setup processes that are newly added. Furthermore, the non-operating time may include non-operating time data Tb corresponding to a non-operating state related to a set predetermined number of forced defect molding processes, and the acquisition of this non-operating time data Tb related to the forced defect molding process can be configured to select from a first mode X1 in which normal fully automatic operation is started by manual operation after the forced defect molding process is completed, a second mode X2 in which normal fully automatic operation is started by any manual operation without performing the forced defect molding process, and a third mode X3 in which normal fully automatic operation is continued after the forced defect molding process is completed. Furthermore, the non-working time may include non-working time data Tc related to a sampling process in which a predetermined sample is performed. The acquisition of this non-working time data Tc related to the sampling process can be performed by a start key X5, which initiates the acquisition of the non-working time data Tc by operation at the start of sampling, and an end key X6, which terminates the acquisition of the non-working time data Tc by operation at the end of sampling. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The following remarkable effects can be achieved with the injection molding machine operation management system 1 according to the present invention.

[0012] (1) Even if the operating conditions of the injection molding machine M differ for each process, and even if the processes included in the calculation of the operating rate differ for each user, it becomes possible to grasp the operating rate accurately and objectively from the user's perspective, thereby further improving production efficiency and production capacity. In particular, even in cases where there are many non-operating processes, such as with injection molding machine M which operates fully automatically, sufficient information can be obtained, allowing for accurate grasp of the operating rate and efficient, waste-free molding. As a result, the operating rate of the injection molding machine M can be grasped comprehensively and in detail, and by appropriately performing adjustments based on accurate analysis, bottlenecks in the production process can be effectively eliminated.

[0013] (2) In a preferred embodiment, if the non-working time includes non-working time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc… corresponding to the non-working state of multiple different setup processes, it becomes possible to obtain detailed and accurate non-working time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc… for different setup processes for each user, thereby enabling individual users to improve productivity and operating rate.

[0014] (3) In a suitable manner, if the set setup process or one or more additional setup processes are included as multiple different setup processes, each user will be able to modify, add, or delete setup processes, thereby contributing to improved usability and convenience for the user.

[0015] (4) In a preferred embodiment, if the non-operating time includes non-operating time data Tb corresponding to the non-operating state related to the forced defect molding process performed a set number of times, it is possible to incorporate the operating rate related to the forced defect molding process which differs for each user, thereby obtaining a more detailed and accurate operating rate.

[0016] (5) In a preferred embodiment, when acquiring non-operating time data Tb related to the forced defect molding process, if the system is configured to allow selection of a first mode X1 in which normal fully automatic operation is started by manual operation after the forced defect molding process is completed, a second mode X2 in which normal fully automatic operation is started by any manual operation without performing the forced defect molding process, and a third mode X3 in which normal fully automatic operation is continued after the forced defect molding process is completed, the handling of the forced defect molding process can be customized for each user, enabling the implementation of a more detailed and accurate forced defect molding process, and allowing for improvements in operating efficiency, etc.

[0017] (6) In a preferred embodiment, if non-working time data Tc related to a sampling process that performs predetermined sampling is included in the non-working time, a predetermined standard can be established for the sampling process, which can contribute to the calculation of a more accurate utilization rate for the sampling process.

[0018] (7) In a preferred embodiment, when acquiring non-working time data Tc related to the sampling process, if a start key X5 is used at the start of sampling to begin acquiring the non-working time data Tc by operation, and an end key X6 is used at the end of sampling to end acquiring the non-working time data Tc by operation, the user can determine the sampling quantity, etc., and thus contribute to improving the usability and convenience of sampling. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] A flowchart illustrating the processing procedure using the operational management system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram of the injection molding machine equipped with the same operation management system. [Figure 3] Block diagram of the control system of the injection molding machine, including the main components of the operation management system. [Figure 4]A display screen diagram showing an example of a graphic display related to the operating rate displayed on a display in the co - operation management system. [Figure 5] A display screen diagram showing another example of a graphic display related to the operating rate displayed on a display in the co - operation management system. [Figure 6] A process selection screen diagram of the setup process in the co - operation management system. [Figure 7] A mode selection screen diagram of the forced defective molding process in the co - operation management system. [Figure 8] An operation screen diagram of the sampling process in the co - operation management system.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be given and described in detail based on the drawings.

[0021] First, the overall system configuration of the operation management system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, and further FIGS. 4 - 8.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of an injection molding machine M equipped with the operation management system 1, and FIG. 3 shows a control system block configuration of the injection molding machine including the main part of the operation management system 1.

[0023] In FIG. 2, M is an injection molding machine. This injection molding machine M includes a base Mb, an injection device Mi and a mold clamping device Mc installed on the base Mb. The injection device Mi includes a heating cylinder 51. At the front end of the heating cylinder 51, an injection nozzle not shown in the figure is provided, and at the rear part of the heating cylinder 51, a hopper 52 for supplying molding material is provided. On the other hand, the mold clamping device Mc includes a mold 53 composed of a movable mold and a fixed mold.

[0024] Furthermore, the injection molding machine M incorporates the molding machine controller 10 shown in Figure 3, and as shown in Figure 2, a display 11 attached to the molding machine controller 10 is mounted using a side panel 54 provided on the machine base Mb. This display 11 is connected to the display port of the controller body 21 by using, for example, an LCD display with a touch panel.

[0025] The display 11 can display display screens V1 and V2 related to the operating rate using graphic displays as shown in Figures 4 and 5, as well as a process selection screen V10 for the setup process shown in Figure 6, a mode selection screen V11 for the forced defect molding process shown in Figure 7, and an operation screen V12 for the sampling process shown in Figure 8.

[0026] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the main components of the molding machine controller 10, that is, the main components of the operation management system 1. This molding machine controller 10 includes a controller body 21 having computer functions composed of hardware such as a CPU, and an internal memory 22 using an SST (Solid State Drive) attached to the controller body 21.

[0027] This internal memory 22 has a program area 22p for storing processing programs (software) that execute various control processes, including various arithmetic and sequence control processes, and a data area 22d on which various types of data, including databases, can be written.

[0028] In particular, the program area 22p stores application software for realizing the operation management system 1 according to the present invention, and together with the controller body 21 having computer functions, it includes application software that executes the main processing function units of the present invention, specifically, the processing function units shown in Figure 3, such as the setup item selection function unit Fw, the forced defect setting function unit Fn, the sample timing setting function unit Fs, and the additional production setting function unit Fa. Furthermore, it includes application software that executes time acquisition function units, such as the setup time acquisition function unit Fwt, the forced defect time acquisition function unit Fnt, the sample time acquisition function unit Fst, and the power stop monitoring function unit Fp, for acquiring time.

[0029] In this case, the power stop monitoring function unit Fp includes an abnormal stop monitoring function unit Fpe that monitors abnormal stoppages due to malfunctions or other abnormal situations, and a normal stop monitoring function unit Fps that monitors normal stoppages that stop the injection molding machine under normal conditions. The specific processing functions of the processing function unit and the specific collection functions of the time collection function unit will be explained later by the processing procedure of the operation management system 1 (flowchart shown in Figure 1).

[0030] As a result, the operation management system 1 (molding machine controller 10) has the basic function of acquiring the operating time of the injection molding machine M during fully automatic operation under normal conditions as actual operating time data Ts, and acquiring the non-operating time of the injection molding machine M corresponding to multiple different non-operating states under normal or abnormal conditions as multiple different non-operating time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc… and this basic function constitutes the operation data acquisition means 2.

[0031] Furthermore, the operation management system 1 has a basic function of graphically displaying the actual operating time data Ts and multiple different non-operating time data Tna… acquired by the operation data acquisition means 2 on the display 11 of the molding machine controller 10 or a management computer 10e other than the molding machine controller 10, and this basic function constitutes the operation data display means 3.

[0032] Furthermore, the output section of the controller body 21 is connected to a drive unit 31 including various actuators, and the sensor input section of the controller body 21 is connected to various sensors 32 and switches 33 attached to the injection molding machine M.

[0033] Next, the processing procedures for the main operations (main functions) of the operation management system 1 according to this embodiment, which is installed in the injection molding machine M, will be explained according to the flowchart shown in Figure 1, with reference to each figure. It is assumed that the injection molding machine M performs production using fully automated operation.

[0034] First, the setup mode is set using the setup item selection function unit Fw. Figure 6 shows an example of the process selection screen V10 for setting the setup mode, and this process selection screen V10 displays multiple setup items (step S1). The example shows three setup processes: the material purging process, the mold change process, and the peripheral equipment setting process. Figure 2 shows the process selection screen V10… displayed on the display 11.

[0035] When selecting setup processes, you may select all setup processes at once, or you may select each setup process in order. To make a selection, simply touch the material purging process key 41x, the mold change process key 42x, or the peripheral equipment setting process key 43x shown in Figure 6, and the selected setup item will become active (step S2). The embodiment illustrates the case where each setup process is executed in order.

[0036] Now, let's assume we are performing the material purging process. In this case, we touch the "Processing" key 41xm, which corresponds to the material purging process. This causes the "Processing" key 41xm to light up, initiating the material purging process and executing it (steps S3, S4). After the material purging process is complete, we touch the "Finish" key 41xe. This causes the "Finish" key 41xe to light up, ending the material purging process. Similarly, the remaining mold changeover process and peripheral equipment setup process can be performed sequentially in the same manner (steps S5, S2…).

[0037] While the example uses three setup processes, generally, multiple different setup processes can be set, and one or more additional setup processes can be added as needed. By including not only the set setup processes but also one or more additional setup processes in the multiple different setup processes, users can modify, add, and delete setup processes, thereby improving usability and convenience for the user.

[0038] The setup process is a preparatory stage before the start of fully automated operation, and therefore is a non-operational state. Consequently, it is collected as non-operational time. Specifically, the setup time collection function unit Fwt collects non-operational time data Tna, Tnb, and Tnc corresponding to the non-operational states of multiple different setup processes. By collecting non-operational time data Tna, Tnb, and Tnc corresponding to the non-operational states of multiple different setup processes in this way, it becomes possible to obtain detailed and accurate non-operational time data Tna, Tnb, and Tnc for different setup processes for each user, thereby improving productivity and utilization rates for individual users.

[0039] Next, manual molding is performed using the manual molding process (step S6). Since the manual molding process is a non-operating time during which no good products are produced, it is recorded as non-operating time Td. Furthermore, semi-automatic molding is performed using the semi-automatic molding process (step S7). Since the semi-automatic molding process is also a non-operating time during which no good products are produced, it is recorded as non-operating time Te. Note that the manual molding process or the semi-automatic molding process can also be included in the setup process described above, and can be arbitrarily selected by the user. Upon completion of the semi-automatic molding process, the process transitions to automatic operation.

[0040] In the automated driving process, the forced defect setting item is displayed first (step S8). The forced defect setting treats all items as defective for a set number of shots, regardless of whether they are good or defective, starting from the start of the automated driving process.

[0041] In this case, the forced defect setting function unit Fn can be used to set the mode of the forced defect molding process. Figure 7 shows the mode selection screen V11 for selecting the forced defect enabled / disabled mode. As shown in the figure, the mode selection screen V11 is configured to allow selection of the following modes: a first mode (combined mode) X1 in which normal fully automatic operation is started by manual operation after the forced defect molding process is completed; a second mode (enabled mode) X2 in which normal fully automatic operation is started by any manual operation without performing the forced defect molding process; and a third mode (disabled mode) X3 in which normal fully automatic operation is continued after the forced defect molding process is completed (step S9).

[0042] Thus, by configuring the system to allow selection of the first mode X1, second mode X2, or third mode X3 when acquiring non-operating time data Tb related to the forced defect molding process, the handling of the forced defect molding process can be customized for each user. This allows for the implementation of a more detailed and accurate forced defect molding process, and can be reflected in improvements to the operating rate, etc.

[0043] The non-operating time data Tb corresponding to the non-operating state related to the forced defect molding process is considered non-operating time. In this way, by including the non-operating time data Tb corresponding to the non-operating state related to the forced defect molding process, which is performed a predetermined number of times, it is possible to incorporate the operating rate related to the forced defect molding process, which differs for each user, thereby obtaining a more detailed and accurate operating rate.

[0044] Once the settings are complete, touching the start key 45 will initiate forced malfunction processing (step S10). During forced malfunction processing, the forced malfunction time collection function unit Fnt collects the non-operating time, i.e., the non-operating time data Tb corresponding to the non-operating state.

[0045] Then, once the forced defect processing is complete, the regular automated molding process is performed (steps S11, S12). In the automated molding process, a predetermined production is carried out based on the production plan, so when the sample timing setting function unit Fs reaches the set sample timing, a predetermined sample is performed by the sampling process (step S13).

[0046] In this case, the sampling process operation screen V12 shown in Figure 8 is displayed. That is, when performing sampling, touching "Yes," which is the start key X5, stops the production count. This allows production to continue, but the sampled items are not included in the production quantity (step S14). After this, the sampling process is performed (step S15). Once the sampling process is complete, touching "Yes," which is the end key X6 shown in Figure 8, terminates the sampling process (steps S16, S17).

[0047] Since the sampling process is a non-operating time, the sample time acquisition function unit Fst collects non-operating time data Tc related to the sampling process. By including non-operating time data Tc related to the sampling process, which performs predetermined sampling, in the non-operating time, a predetermined standard can be established for the sampling process, thereby contributing to the calculation of a more accurate utilization rate for the sampling process.

[0048] When acquiring non-working time data Tc related to the sampling process, if the acquisition is performed using a start key X5 to initiate the acquisition of said non-working time data Tc by operation at the start of sampling, and an end key X6 to terminate the acquisition of said non-working time data Tc by operation at the end of sampling, the sampling quantity and other parameters can be determined by the user's operation, thereby contributing to improved usability and convenience in sampling.

[0049] On the other hand, if production continues and there is a set sampling period, the same automated molding process is performed until the next sampling period (steps S18, S12...). On the other hand, once the series of production plans is completed, regular production is terminated, and additional production set by the additional production setting function Fa is performed, and production is terminated (steps S19, S20). Note that additional production is a measure to address situations where the number of good products becomes insufficient due to the occurrence of defective products.

[0050] Furthermore, during production, the power supply shutdown monitoring function unit Fp monitors the power supply shutdown status. Since the power supply shutdown status can include abnormal shutdowns due to troubles, etc., and shutdowns under normal conditions, the power supply shutdown status is monitored by the abnormal shutdown monitoring function unit Fpe, which monitors abnormal shutdowns due to the aforementioned troubles, etc., and the normal shutdown monitoring function unit Fps, which monitors normal shutdowns that stop the injection molding machine under normal conditions. In this case, a selection screen can also be provided to select the shutdown status as needed.

[0051] Through the above process, the operation management system 1 can acquire the operating time of the injection molding machine M during normal fully automatic operation as actual operating time data Ts, and can also acquire the non-operating times of the injection molding machine M corresponding to multiple different non-operating states during normal or abnormal conditions as multiple different non-operating time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc…. Furthermore, the actual operating time data Ts and the multiple different non-operating time data Tna… acquired by the operation data acquisition means 2 can be graphically displayed on the display 11 of the molding machine controller 10 or a management computer 10e other than the molding machine controller 10.

[0052] Figure 4 shows an example of a graphic display shown on display 11. In Figure 4, the upper section graphically displays the actual operating time data Ts and non-operating time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc… using a horizontal bar graph G1. The example shows multiple setup processes Tna…, a manual molding process Td, a semi-automatic molding process Te, a forced defect molding process Tb, the first fully automatic molding process (actual operating time data Ts), a sample process Tc, the next fully automatic molding process (actual operating time data Ts), and an abnormal stop Tf. In the lower section, the time for each process is graphically displayed using a step-shaped graph G2. Note that the length of each process block shown in the horizontal bar graph G1 in the upper section changes depending on the length of time.

[0053] Figure 5 shows an example of graphically displaying the time data for each process using both a bar graph G2 and a line graph G4. Such graphical displays allow users to visually grasp the operational status at a glance.

[0054] Therefore, the operation management system 1 according to this embodiment basically consists of an operation data acquisition means 2 that acquires the operating time of the injection molding machine M during fully automatic operation under normal conditions as actual operating time data Ts, and acquires the non-operating times of the injection molding machine M corresponding to multiple different non-operating states under normal or abnormal conditions as multiple different non-operating time data Tna, Tnb, Tnc…, and an operation data display means 3 that graphically displays the actual operating time data Ts and multiple different non-operating time data Tna… acquired by the operation data acquisition means 2 on the display 11 of the molding machine controller 10 or a management computer 10e other than the molding machine controller 10. As a result, even if the content of the operating state of the injection molding machine M differs for each process, and even if the processes included in the calculation of the operating rate differ for each user, it becomes possible to grasp the operating rate accurately and objectively from the user's perspective, thereby further improving production efficiency and production capacity. In particular, even if there are many non-operating processes, such as in the case of an injection molding machine M that operates under fully automatic conditions, sufficient information can be obtained, so the operating rate can be accurately grasped and efficient molding can be performed without waste. This allows for a comprehensive and detailed understanding of the operating rate of the injection molding machine M, and enables the effective elimination of bottlenecks in the production process by appropriately performing adjustments based on precise analysis.

[0055] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the details of the configuration, shape, materials, quantity, numerical values, etc. can be arbitrarily changed, added, or deleted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0056] For example, while the input and selection operations are shown using the screen displayed on display 11, they can also be operated from the management computer 10e, mobile terminals such as smartphones and tablets, and various external input devices. Furthermore, fully automatic operation indicates the status of the injection molding machine, not the type of injection molding machine. The graphic display shown is just one example, and it can be displayed in various formats. In addition, the non-operating time is shown to include non-operating time data Tna, Tnb… corresponding to the non-operating state related to multiple different setup processes, but the number of multiple setup processes is arbitrary. Furthermore, the non-operating time includes non-operating time data Tb corresponding to the non-operating state related to the forced defect molding process, which is performed a predetermined number of times. When acquiring this non-operating time data Tb related to the forced defect molding process, the system is configured to allow selection of three modes: a first mode X1 in which normal fully automatic operation is started by manual operation after the forced defect molding process is completed; a second mode X2 in which normal fully automatic operation is started by any manual operation without performing the forced defect molding process; and a third mode X3 in which normal fully automatic operation is continued after the forced defect molding process is completed. However, it is optional whether or not to provide such mode selection means. In addition, other modes may be added as needed. On the other hand, the non-operating time includes non-operating time data Tc related to a sampling process in which a predetermined number of samples are taken. When acquiring this non-operating time data Tc related to the sampling process, it is desirable to use a start key to start the acquisition of the non-operating time data Tc by operation at the start of sampling and an end key to end the acquisition of the non-operating time data by operation at the end of sampling. However, providing such start and end keys is not a mandatory configuration. [Industrial applicability]

[0057] The operation management system according to the present invention can be used to manage the operating status of various injection molding machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1: Operation management system, 2: Operation data acquisition means, 3: Operation data display means, 10: Molding machine controller, 10e: Management computer, 11: Display, 21: Control unit, 22: Internal memory, M: Injection molding machine, Ts: Actual operating time data, Tna, Tnb, Tnc…: Non-operating time data, Tb: Non-operating time data, Tc: Non-operating time data, X1: First mode, X2: Second mode, X3: Third mode

Claims

1. An injection molding machine operation management system for managing the operating status of an injection molding machine that operates fully automatically, comprising: an operation data acquisition means for acquiring the operating time of the injection molding machine during normal fully automatic operation as actual operating time data, and acquiring the non-operating time of the injection molding machine corresponding to multiple different non-operating states during normal or abnormal conditions as multiple different non-operating time data; and an operation data display means for graphically displaying the actual operating time data and the multiple different non-operating time data acquired by the operation data acquisition means on the display of the molding machine controller or a management computer other than the molding machine controller.

2. The operation management system for an injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned non-operating time includes non-operating time data corresponding to non-operating states related to multiple different setup processes.

3. The operation management system for an injection molding machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the aforementioned multiple different setup steps include a set setup step or one or more additional setup steps that are newly added.

4. The operation management system for an injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned non-operating time includes non-operating time data corresponding to a non-operating state related to a forced defect molding process that is performed a set number of predetermined times.

5. The operation management system for an injection molding machine according to claim 4, characterized in that the acquisition of non-operating time data related to the forced defect molding process is configured to allow selection of a first mode in which normal fully automatic operation is started by manual operation after the forced defect molding process is completed, a second mode in which normal fully automatic operation is started by any manual operation without performing the forced defect molding process, and a third mode in which normal fully automatic operation is continued after the forced defect molding process is completed.

6. The operation management system for an injection molding machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned non-operating time includes non-operating time data related to a sampling process in which a predetermined sample is performed.

7. The operation management system for an injection molding machine according to claim 6, characterized in that the acquisition of non-operating time data related to the sampling process includes a start key which is operated to start the acquisition of said non-operating time data at the start of sampling, and an end key which is operated to end the acquisition of said non-operating time data at the end of sampling.

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