Production line management system, production line management method, tank management system, tank, and tank manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention is a highly reliable production line management system, a production line management method, a tank management system, a tank, and a method for manufacturing a tank, which can identify each container and manage it individually. The production line management system for managing a container manufacturing line comprises: a first reading unit, which reads the identification code attached to each container when a container with an identification code representing an identifier passes a first location on the manufacturing line, wherein the identifier is information for identifying the container; a second reading unit, which reads the identification code attached to each container after the first reading unit reads the identification code; and a calculation unit, which generates a database by associating the identifier represented by the identification code with relevant information about each container, and for each container, compares the relevant information in the database associated with the identifier represented by the identification code read by the second reading unit with the specified setting information to determine whether the container is normal or abnormal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a production line management system and method, and more particularly, to a production line management system and method for identifying each container to manage a production line of containers and / or a filling line of containers. Background Art

[0002] An example of a conventional production line management system is described in Patent Document 1. According to Patent Document 1, by attaching an identification code representing an identifier to each container, management is performed individually regardless of the conveyance order of the containers, where the identifier identifies each container from the material members of each container such as a packaging can to the container.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-49769 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Generally, in many cases, an operator who manages a filling line of containers (hereinafter, also referred to as a container filler) is different from an operator who manages a production line of containers (hereinafter, also referred to as a container manufacturer). Even if the container manufacturer has information obtained by associating the identifier represented by the identification code attached to the container with data on processing contents and inspection results in the container production line, generally this information is not shared with the container filler.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a highly reliable production line management technology that allows a container filler to manage a production line for filling a container with a content using the identification code attached to the container even when the above information is not shared.

[0009] In addition, in a production line that manufactures a small number of containers of multiple varieties each time, multiple types of containers corresponding to multiple varieties are manufactured on the same line. Further, in a production line that manufactures a small number of products of multiple varieties each time, contents are filled in multiple types of containers corresponding to multiple varieties on the same production line. For example, after a period of filling a first content into a first container, a second content is filled into a second container on the same production line.

[0010] However, the first containers that are detained upstream of the production line for some reason may flow to the production line when filling the second content. As a result, in the container production line, the first containers may be packaged and shipped together with the second containers in a mixed state. Further, in the container filling line, it is possible that the second content is filled into the first containers, resulting in defective products in which the type of the container does not match the type of the content.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a highly reliable production line management technology that can sense the mixing of containers of other varieties such as different types of cans.

[0012] In addition, in production lines such as a container manufacturing line and a container filling line, sampling inspections of containers are often carried out in the middle of the production line. The sampled containers are returned to the production line after inspection.

[0013] However, when returning the sampled containers to the production line, there may be human errors such that the containers are wrongly returned to a process that is later than the process to which the containers should be returned. For example, a container sampled from a location before the inspection process on the production line may skip the inspection process and be returned to a location after the inspection process on the production line. In this case, even if the container is defective, it may not be detected during the inspection process and be sent to the subsequent process.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for a highly reliable production line management technology that can sense human errors during sampling inspections.

[0015] The present invention has been completed in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a highly reliable production line management system, a production line management method, a can management system, a can, and a can manufacturing method that can identify each container and manage them individually.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, the production line management system of the present invention manages a container manufacturing line and / or a filling line, and is characterized by including: a first reading unit that reads the identification code attached to each of the containers when the containers with the identification code indicating the identifier pass through a first location on the manufacturing line and / or the filling line, where the identifier is information for identifying the container; a second reading unit that reads the identification code attached to each of the containers after the first reading unit reads the identification code; and an arithmetic unit that generates a database in which the identifier indicated by the identification code is associated with relevant information about each of the containers, and for each of the containers, compares the relevant information associated with the identifier indicated by the identification code read by the second reading unit in the database with specified setting information to determine the normality / abnormality of the container.

[0018] In addition, in the production line management system of the present invention, preferably, the relevant information is the first reading time when the first reading unit reads the identification code, and the setting information is a specified setting time.

[0019] In addition, the production line management method of the present invention manages a manufacturing line and / or a filling line of containers, and is characterized in that it has: a first reading step of reading the identification code attached to each of the containers when the container with the identification code indicating the identifier passes through a first location on the manufacturing line and / or the filling line, wherein the identifier is information for identifying the container; a database generation step of generating a database obtained by associating the identifier indicated by the identification code with the relevant information about each of the containers; a second reading step of reading the identification code attached to the container after the first reading unit reads the identification code; and a determination step of comparing, for each of the containers, the relevant information associated with the identifier indicated by the identification code read by the second reading unit in the database with the specified setting information to determine the normality / abnormality of the container.

[0020] In addition, in the production line management method of the present invention, preferably, the relevant information is the first reading time when the first reading unit reads the identification code, and the setting information is the specified setting time.

[0021] Thus, in the production line management system and method of the present invention, for each container with an identification code indicating an identifier attached thereto, when passing through a first location on the production line, the identification code attached to each container is read, and the first reading time when the identification code is read is recorded in advance. The first reading time associated with the identifier indicated by the identification code read by the second reading unit and the specified setting time are compared to determine the normality / abnormality of the container. Thereby, the production line for filling the content into the container can be managed using the identification code attached to the container.

[0022] In addition, in the management system of a can manufactured through a plurality of processing steps of the present invention, the bottom of the can has: a main bottom, which is dome-shaped or flat and constitutes the main part of the bottom; an annular part, formed as the part of the bottom other than the main bottom, having an annular shape when viewed from the can axis direction, and having a cross-sectional shape of at least one of convex and concave in a cross-section orthogonal to the can axis direction; and an individual identification code, attached to the side surface of the annular part and corresponding to an individual identifier as information capable of identifying the individual can. The management system has: a storage unit that stores the correspondence between the individual identifier of each can and a process identifier, wherein the process identifier is information capable of identifying each processing step for manufacturing each can.

[0023] In addition, the can of the present invention has a bottom, and the bottom includes: a main bottom, which is dome-shaped or flat and constitutes the main part of the bottom; an annular part, which is formed as the part of the bottom other than the main bottom, has an annular shape when viewed from the can axis direction, and has at least one of a convex shape and a concave shape in a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the can axis direction; and an individual identification code, which is attached to the side surface of the annular part and corresponds to an individual identifier that is information capable of identifying an individual can.

[0024] In addition, the method for manufacturing a can of the present invention is characterized by including: an individual identification code attaching step of attaching the individual identification code to a part to be processed into the bottom of the can in a material member cut out from a metal plate as a raw material, or a part to be processed into the bottom of the can in a predetermined part of the metal plate to be cut into the material member; and a plurality of processing steps, which are carried out after the individual identification code attaching step, and each processing step includes: an individual identification code reading step of reading the individual identification code attached in the individual identification code attaching step; and an individual identifier - process identifier correspondence establishing step of establishing a correspondence between the individual identifier corresponding to the individual identification code read in the individual identification code reading step and the process identifier of each processing step and storing the correspondence in a storage unit.

[0025] Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a highly reliable production line management system, a production line management method, a can management system, a can, and a method for manufacturing a can that can identify each container and manage them individually. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. is a block diagram for explaining a production line management system for a production line for manufacturing a management container according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. is a block diagram for explaining a production line management system for a production line for manufacturing a management container according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 FIG. is a block diagram for explaining a production line management system for a filling line for a management container according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 FIG. is a view for explaining an individual of a can manufactured in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 FIG. is a view for explaining the overall configuration of a can management system according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6This is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a printing press according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the process history record sheet, the histogram of the printing process, the histogram of the necking process, and the process history display screen of the inquiry terminal according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0034] [First Embodiment]

[0035] Refer to Figure 1 The first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, as a production line management system and method for managing a container manufacturing line, an example of sensing the mixing of different cans will be described.

[0036] (Container Manufacturing Line)

[0037] First, the container manufacturing line 100 of a two-piece can, which is the management object in this embodiment, will be described. As Figure 1 shown, the container manufacturing line 100 includes a cupping press process 11, a body manufacturing process 12, a printing process 13, and an inspection process 14.

[0038] In the cupping press process 11, a circular material member C1 is punched out from a sheet-shaped metal plate S, which is a raw material unrolled from a coil, by eight punching units (not shown) arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the metal plate S and formed into a cup shape.

[0039] Next, in the body manufacturing process 12, it is divided into eight paths (not shown), and the cup-shaped material member C1 is drawn to make the can body part thinner, and then the bottom of the can is formed to form the can body C2 in parallel.

[0040] Next, in the printing process 13, each can body C2 is held on any mandrel of a mandrel wheel (not shown) and pressed by a printing plate (not shown), so that painting, printing, and then drying / baking are performed on the can body part.

[0041] Then, in the inspection process 14, defects on the inner and outer surfaces of the can body C3 that have passed through the printing process 13 are inspected. As a result of the inspection, the can body C3 determined to be defective is excluded from the production line, and only the can body C3 determined to be a qualified product is shipped out.

[0042] Note that the manufacturing line 100 of the container is not limited to the manufacturing line including all the above-described processing steps 11 to 13. In addition, it may be that the manufacturing line 100 of the container includes various steps such as a cleaning step and a coating step in addition to the above-described processing steps 11 to 13. In addition, the inspection step 14 may also be implemented in multiple steps.

[0043] (Overall Configuration of Production Line Management System)

[0044] Next, a production line management system for managing the manufacturing line 100 of the container will be described.

[0045] As Figure 1 shown, the production line management system includes: a code assignment unit 1, a main body manufacturing process reading unit 2a, a printing process reading unit 2b, an inspection process reading unit 3, an arithmetic unit 4, and a database 5.

[0046] The code assignment unit 1 is a code assignment unit that attaches an identification code representing an identifier to the container. The identification code is attached in the deep drawing process 11, where the identifier is information for identifying the container.

[0047] In the present embodiment, in the deep drawing process 11, before each material member C1 is punched and separated from the metal plate S, an identification code is attached to a predetermined portion of the metal plate S that is to be punched into a circle to form the material member C1. Preferably, the identification code is attached to a portion of the metal plate S that becomes the bottom of the can with less deformation in the forming process, and in particular, near the center of this portion. Thus, even before the container is formed, the identifiers can be used to manage each container formed from the material member and reaching the can body.

[0048] Note that in the present embodiment, the identification code is attached in the deep drawing process 11, but the process of attaching the identification code is not particularly limited. For example, the identification code may also be attached to the formed can body C2 in the main body manufacturing process 12.

[0049] The identification code only needs to be able to represent an identifier that is information for identifying the container, and is not particularly limited. For example, it may be alphanumeric characters, may be symbols, may be barcodes, or may be two-dimensional codes. The method of attaching the identification code to the container is also not particularly limited. For example, the identification code may be printed on the container with ink, may be engraved on the container, or may be branded on the container with a laser beam. In addition, for example, a sticker or component displaying the identification code may also be pasted on the container. Therefore, the code assignment unit 1 may be, for example, any one of a printing device, an engraving device, a laser irradiation device, and a sticker pasting device (the same applies to other embodiments).

[0050] In addition, the identification code is not limited to an identification code that can be read visually or optically, but can also be an identification code that can be read electromagnetically by contact or non-contact. As an example of such an identification code, a chip such as RFID (radio frequency identifier) that can send a signal of a code representing an identifier electromagnetically can be cited. The method of attaching the chip to the container is not particularly limited. For example, the chip can be pasted on the container, or the chip can be buried in the container. Therefore, the code assigning unit 1 can also be, for example, either a device having a chip pasting mechanism for pasting the chip on the container or a device having a chip burying mechanism for burying the chip in the container (the same applies to other embodiments).

[0051] The main body manufacturing process reading unit 2a reads the identification code attached to each container as the object to be processed in the main body manufacturing process 12.

[0052] In the production line management system of the present embodiment, the printing process reading unit 2b, as the first reading unit that reads the identification code attached to each container when the container with the identification code passes through the first location on the production line, reads the identification code attached to the container as the object to be processed in the printing process 13 as the first location.

[0053] It should be noted that the main body manufacturing process reading unit 2a can be used as the first reading unit instead of the printing process reading unit 2b. In addition, the location between the processing processes can be set as the first location to read the identification code attached to the container during transportation.

[0054] The inspection process reading unit 3, as the second reading unit that reads the identification code attached to the container when the container with the identification code passes through the second location downstream of the first location on the production line, reads the identification code attached to the container as the object to be inspected in the inspection process 14 downstream of the printing process 13.

[0055] It should be noted that the main body manufacturing process reading unit 2a, the printing process reading unit 2b, and the inspection process reading unit 3 are not particularly limited as long as they can read the identification code. For example, when the identification code can be read optically, a photographing device such as a camera is preferred. In addition, when the identification code can be read electromagnetically, a receiving device such as a reader that receives signals from a chip such as RFID is preferred.

[0056] The information of the read identification code or the information of the identifier represented by the identification code is sent to the arithmetic unit 4.

[0057] The arithmetic unit 4 generates a database 5 that associates the identifier ID represented by the identification code with the first reading time T1 when the printing process reading unit 2b reads the identification code.

[0058] It should be noted that it is preferable that the arithmetic unit 4, which receives the identification code from the printing process reading unit 2b in real time, has a clock function for determining the first reading time T1. Alternatively, it is also possible that a first reading unit such as the printing process reading unit 2b has the clock function and sends the first reading time T1 and the read identification code to the arithmetic unit 4 together.

[0059] In addition, in the present embodiment, in the database 5, the identifier represented by the identification code attached to each container is associated not only with the first reading time T1 but also with information on the main body manufacturing process 12 and the printing process 13 and the result of the inspection in the inspection process 14.

[0060] It should be noted that the arithmetic unit 4 may be constituted by a computer or may be provided on a cloud computing system via the Internet. In addition, the database 5 may also be constructed as data in a storage device or may be provided on a cloud computing system via the Internet.

[0061] Here, an example of the content of the database 5 is shown in Table 1.

[0062] [Table 1]

[0063]

[0064] In the database 5 shown in Table 1, as information on each process, the number of the deep drawing process represents the number of the punching unit (not shown) that punches out the material member C1 from the metal plate S in the deep drawing process. In addition, the number of the main body manufacturing process represents the path number of the main body manufacturing machine. In addition, the number of the printing process represents the number of the mandrel that holds the can body in the printing process. It should be noted that the same applies to other tables.

[0065] Furthermore, for each container, the arithmetic unit 4 compares the first reading time T1 associated with the identifier represented by the identification code read by the inspection process reading unit 3 in the database 5 with a specified setting time Th to determine whether the container is normal or abnormal.

[0066] In the present embodiment, an example of sensing the mixing of different types of cans by the production line management system is described as follows: In the container production line 100, after manufacturing the first type of two-piece can in the morning, the second type of two-piece can is manufactured in the same line in the afternoon.

[0067] If, for some reason, the first type of two-piece cans remaining upstream in the production line flow into the production line during the manufacturing process of the second type of two-piece cans, the mixed first type of two-piece cans may be packaged and shipped together with the second type of two-piece cans.

[0068] Therefore, in order to detect the mixing of different types of cans, when the first reading time T1 is earlier than the set time, the arithmetic unit 4 determines the container as abnormal. Regarding the specified set time Th, it is preferably set to the time after the manufacturing period of the first type of two-piece cans in the morning ends and before the manufacturing period of the second type of two-piece cans in the afternoon starts. Here, the set time Th is set to "noon (12:00:00)".

[0069] Specifically, in Table 1, the first reading time T1: "13:40:21" associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA21" is later than "noon" which is the set time Th. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 4 determines the two-piece can with this ID as "normal".

[0070] On the other hand, in Table 1, the first reading time T1 "09:34:27" associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA41" is earlier than noon which is the set time Th. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 4 determines the two-piece can with this ID as "abnormal".

[0071] Thus, even without previously associating the identifier ID with the type of two-piece cans, the mixing of different types of cans can be easily detected by the first reading time T1.

[0072] [Variant Example]

[0073] In the above first embodiment, an example of detecting the mixing of different types of cans using the first reading time is described. However, there are various ways of using the first reading time in production management.

[0074] For example, when there is a defective condition in the process of the manufacturing line, it is necessary to exclude the two-piece cans manufactured in the process where the defective condition occurred. In particular, when a defective condition in the manufacturing line is detected after the two-piece cans are packaged, it was previously necessary to check all the packaged two-piece cans outside the manufacturing line. In such a case, it is necessary to visually check the defective part of the two-piece cans or discard all the packaged two-piece cans.

[0075] In the production management system of this variant example, except that the second reading unit reads the identification code outside the manufacturing line, the rest has the same configuration as the first embodiment. However, when there is a defective condition in the process of the manufacturing line, the two-piece cans manufactured during the time period from when the defective condition occurred to when the adjustment is completed are selectively excluded. As an example of the second reading unit, a handheld code reader can be cited, for example.

[0076] It should be noted that the timing of reading the identification code by the second reading unit only needs to be after the first reading unit reads the said identification code.

[0077] In this modification example, a prescribed time range is given to the set time Th. It is preferable that this time range is set as the time period from the generation time of the defective condition to the completion time of adjustment.

[0078] Then, when the first reading time T1 is within the prescribed time range Th, the arithmetic unit 4 determines the container to be abnormal. For example, when the time range of the set time Th is from "14:00:00" to "15:00:00", in the database 5 of Table 1 shown in the first embodiment, the first reading time T1 of the two-piece can with ID: "9D33FA31" is "14:41:22", which is within this time range. Therefore, the arithmetic unit 4 determines this two-piece can to be abnormal.

[0079] Thus, even when a defective condition of the production line is detected after the two-piece cans are packaged, it is not necessary to visually inspect the defective condition parts of all the two-piece cans, nor is it necessary to discard all the packaged two-piece cans.

[0080] [Second Embodiment]

[0081] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, as a production line management system and method for managing the production line of containers, reference is also made to Figure 1 An example of detecting the mixing of different types of cans in the production line of containers will be described.

[0082] It should be noted that for the same components as those in the above first embodiment, the same reference numerals are added and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0083] In the above first embodiment, when detecting the mixing of different types of cans, the arithmetic unit 4 sets the set time Th as noon and determines the container to be abnormal when the first reading time T1 is earlier than the set time Th. However, as described in this embodiment, the set time Th is not limited to a fixed time.

[0084] In this embodiment, through the arithmetic unit 4, in the database 5, in addition to associating the first reading time T1 with the identifier represented by the identification code, the second reading time T2 when the inspection process reading unit 3 as the second reading unit reads the identification code is also associated with this identifier.

[0085] Then, in order to detect the mixing of different types of cans, when the first reading time T1 is earlier than the set time, the arithmetic unit 4 determines the container to be abnormal. In this embodiment, as the prescribed set time Th, the time at ΔT before the second reading time T2 is set.

[0086] It should be noted that the prescribed time ΔT can be appropriately set according to the production line.

[0087] Here, an example of the content of the database 5 is shown in Table 2.

[0088] [Table 2]

[0089]

[0090] In the database 5 shown in Table 2, similar to Table 1, as information about each process, the number in the deep drawing process represents the number of the punching unit (not shown) that punches out the material member C1 from the metal sheet S in the deep drawing process. In addition, the number in the main body manufacturing process represents the path number of the main body manufacturing machine. It should be noted that in Table 2, the data display of the printing process shown in Table 1 is omitted.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the manufacturing line 100 for containers is managed such that after manufacturing the first type of two-piece cans in the morning, the second type of two-piece cans are manufactured in the same line in the afternoon.

[0092] If for some reason, the first type of two-piece cans remaining upstream of the manufacturing line 100 flow into the production line during the manufacturing process of the second type of two-piece cans, there is a possibility that the mixed first type of two-piece cans will be packaged and shipped together with the second type of two-piece cans.

[0093] Therefore, in order to detect the mixing of different types of cans, the arithmetic unit 4 compares, for each container, the first reading time T1 associated with the identifier represented by the identification code read by the inspection process reading unit 3 in the database 5 and the set time Th at a predetermined time ΔT forward from the second reading time T2, for example, the set time Th 2 hours forward. Then, when the first reading time T1 is earlier than the set time, the container is determined to be abnormal, that is, determined to be a different type of can.

[0094] Specifically, in Table 2, for the two-piece can with the identifier ID: "9D33FA21", the set time Th is "11:50:21", which is 2 hours before the second reading time T2: "13:50:21". Then, the arithmetic unit 4 compares the set time Th: "11:50:21" with the first reading time T1: "13:40:21". In this case, since the first reading time T1 is later than the set time Th, the arithmetic unit 4 determines the two-piece can with this ID as "normal".

[0095] On the other hand, in Table 2, for the two-piece can with the identifier ID: "9D33FA41", the set time Th is "12:53:38", which is 2 hours before the second reading time T2: "14:53:38". Then, the arithmetic unit 4 compares this set time Th: "12:53:38" with the first reading time T1: "09:34:27". In this case, since the first reading time T1 is earlier than the set time Th, the arithmetic unit 4 determines that the two-piece can with this ID is "abnormal".

[0096] [Third Embodiment]

[0097] Next, refer to Figure 2 The third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, as a production line management system and method for managing a production line of containers, an example of sensing the following containers in a container production line is described: the containers that erroneously return to the subsequent process of the production line after sampling inspection.

[0098] It should be noted that for the same components as those in the above first embodiment, the same reference numerals are added and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0099] In the present embodiment, there is provided a packaging process reading unit 3a, which is a second reading unit that reads the identification code attached to the container when the container with the identification code passes through a second location downstream of the first location on the production line. The packaging process reading unit 3a reads the identification code attached to the container to be packaged in the packaging process 15 downstream of the printing process 13.

[0100] Then, the arithmetic unit 4 generates a database 5 that associates the identifier ID represented by the identification code, the first reading time T1 when the printing process reading unit 2b reads the identification code, and the second reading time T2 when the packaging process reading unit 3a reads the identification code.

[0101] In addition, in the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, in the database 5, the identifier ID is also associated with information about the main body manufacturing process 12 and the printing process 13.

[0102] An example of the content of the database 5 is shown in Table 3.

[0103] [Table 3]

[0104]

[0105] Moreover, for each container, the arithmetic unit 4 compares the first reading time T1 associated with the identifier represented by the identification code read by the packaging process reading unit 3a in the database 5 with a specified set time Th, and determines whether the container is normal / abnormal.

[0106] In the present embodiment, an example of sensing the following container in the container manufacturing line 100 will be described: the container erroneously returns to the subsequent process of the production line after sampling inspection.

[0107] Containers extracted from a location before the inspection process on the production line may skip the inspection process and return to a location after the inspection process on the production line. In this case, even if the container is defective, it may not be detected in the inspection process and be sent to the subsequent process.

[0108] Therefore, in order to sense a container that erroneously returns to the subsequent process of the production line after sampling inspection, when the first reading time T1 is later than the set time, the arithmetic unit 4 determines the container as abnormal. Regarding the specified set time Th, the time AT specified forward from the second reading time T2 is set, for example, 10 minutes ago. It should be noted that the specified time ΔT can be appropriately set according to the production line.

[0109] Specifically, in Table 3, the second reading time T2 associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA21" is "13:55:21", and its set time Th which is ΔT = 10 minutes ago is "13:45:21". As a result, the first reading time T1 = "13:40:21" associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA21" is earlier than the set time Th = "13:45:21", so the arithmetic unit 4 determines the two-piece can with this ID as "normal".

[0110] On the other hand, in Table 3, the second reading time T2 associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA31" is "13:55:22", and its ΔT = 10 minutes ago set time Th is "13:45:22". As a result, the first reading time T1 = "13:50:22" associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA31" is later than the set time Th = "13:45:22", so the arithmetic unit 4 determines the two-piece can with this ID as "abnormal".

[0111] Thus, it is possible to prevent the two-piece cans that have undergone sampling inspection from being sent to the subsequent process due to human error.

[0112] In this way, it is possible to easily detect human errors during sampling inspection by using the identifier ID and time. Moreover, since the specified set time Th is the time of the specified time ΔT forward from the second reading time T2, the set time is set for each two-piece can. Thus, each two-piece can can be managed with high precision using time.

[0113] [Fourth Embodiment]

[0114] Refer to Figure 3A description is given of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the fourth embodiment, a production line management system and method for managing a filling line of the following containers are described: the filling line of the containers fills the containers manufactured by the container manufacturing line 100 of the first embodiment with contents.

[0115] (Filling line of containers)

[0116] First, a filling line 200 of containers, which is the management object in this embodiment, is described. As Figure 3 shown, the filling line 200 of containers includes an unpacking process 21, a filling process 22, a sterilization process 23, and an inspection process 24.

[0117] In the unpacking process 21, the containers that have been packaged and transported on a pallet are unpacked and cleaned. The containers transported have been attached with an identification code indicating an identifier in the same manner as in the above-described first embodiment, where the identifier is information for identifying the containers.

[0118] In the filling process 22, the contents are filled into the containers using a filler, and after filling, the containers are sealed using a sealer. Moreover, a level checker is used to check the filling amount of the contents in the containers.

[0119] In the sterilization process 23, the containers filled with the contents are introduced into a heating sterilization device such as a retort (autoclave) or a pasteurizer using a loader. After the containers are heated in the heating sterilization device for a specified time (for example, 2 hours), they are taken out from the heating device using an unloader.

[0120] In the inspection process 24, the shelf life, etc. are printed on the identification surface and the printing is inspected. Moreover, a level checker is used to re-check the filling amount of the contents in the containers.

[0121] It should be noted that the filling line 200 of containers is not limited to a filling line including all of the above-described processing steps 21 to 24. In addition, it may be that the filling line 200 of containers includes various steps in addition to the above-described processing steps 21 to 24.

[0122] (Overall configuration of the production line management system)

[0123] Next, a production line management system for managing the filling line 200 of containers is described.

[0124] As Figure 3 shown, the production line management system includes an unpacking process reading unit 2c, a filling process reading unit 2d, a sterilization process reading unit 2e, an inspection process reading unit 3b, an arithmetic unit 4a, and a database 5a.

[0125] The unpacking process reading unit 2c, the filling process reading unit 2d, the sterilization process reading unit 2e, and the inspection process reading unit 3b read the identification codes attached to the containers in the unpacking process 21, the filling process 22, the sterilization process 23, and the inspection process 24 in the same manner as the reading units 2a, 2b, and 3 of the first embodiment.

[0126] It should be noted that each of the reading units 2c to 2e and 3b is not particularly limited as long as it can read the identification code. For example, when the identification code can be read optically, a photographing device such as a camera is preferred. In addition, when the identification code can be read electromagnetically, a receiving device such as a reader that receives signals from a chip such as an RFID is preferred.

[0127] In the production line management system of the present embodiment, the filling process reading unit 2d, as the first reading unit that reads the identification codes attached to the containers when the containers with identification codes pass through the first location on the production line, reads the identification codes attached to the containers to be processed in the filling process 22 as the first location.

[0128] It should be noted that, in addition to the filling process reading unit 2d, for example, the unpacking process reading unit 2c can also be set as the first reading unit. In addition, the location between the processing processes can also be set as the first location to read the identification codes attached to the containers during transportation.

[0129] The inspection process reading unit 3b, as the second reading unit that reads the identification codes attached to the containers when the containers with identification codes pass through the second location downstream of the first location on the production line, reads the identification codes attached to the containers to be inspected in the inspection process 24 downstream of the filling process 22.

[0130] The arithmetic unit 4a generates a database 5a that associates the identifier ID represented by the identification code, the first reading time T1 when the filling process reading unit 2d reads the identification code, and the second reading time T2 when the inspection process reading unit 3b reads the identification code.

[0131] It should be noted that the arithmetic unit 4a may have a clock function for determining the first reading time T1 and the second reading time T2, or each of the reading units 2c and 3b may have this clock function.

[0132] It should be noted that the arithmetic unit 4a can be composed of a computer in the same manner as in the above-mentioned first embodiment, or can be provided on a cloud computing system via the Internet. In addition, the database 5a can also be constructed as data in a storage device, or can be provided on a cloud computing system via the Internet.

[0133] An example of the content of the database 5a is shown in Table 4.

[0134] [Table 4]

[0135]

[0136] It should be noted that in the database 5a, it is also possible that in addition to establishing an association with the first reading time T1 and the second reading time T2, the identifier is also associated with information on the unpacking process 21, the filling process 22, and the sterilization process 23, as well as the results of the inspection in the inspection process 24.

[0137] Moreover, for each container, the arithmetic unit 4a compares the first reading time T1 associated with the identifier represented by the identification code read by the inspection process reading unit 3b in the database 5a with a specified setting time Th, and determines whether the container is normal or abnormal.

[0138] In the present embodiment, an example of sensing the following filled containers in the filling line 200 of the container will be described: the filled containers return to a process after the sterilization process 23 by mistake after the sampling inspection before the sterilization process 23. In this case, there is a possibility that the filled containers that have not undergone the sterilization process 23 may be shipped out.

[0139] Therefore, in order to sense human errors in the sampling inspection, when the first reading time T1 is later than the setting time, the arithmetic unit 4a determines the container as abnormal. Regarding the specified setting time Th, the time ΔT specified forward from the second reading time T2 is set, for example, the time (e.g., 2 hours) of forward heat sterilization is set. It should be noted that the specified time ΔT can be appropriately set according to the production line.

[0140] Specifically, in Table 4, the second reading time T2 associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA21" is "12:40:21", and the setting time Th, which is 2 hours before ΔT, is "10:40:21". As a result, the first reading time T1 = "10:25:21" associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA21" is earlier than the setting time Th = "10:40:21", so the arithmetic unit 4 determines the container with this identifier ID as "normal".

[0141] On the other hand, in Table 4, the second reading time T2 associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA41" is "12:40:23", and the setting time Th, which is 2 hours before ΔT, is "10:40:23". As a result, the first reading time T1 = "12:20:24" associated with the identifier ID: "9D33FA41" is later than the setting time Th = "10:40:23", so the arithmetic unit 4 determines the container with this identifier ID as "abnormal".

[0142] Thus, it is possible to prevent filled containers that have undergone sampling inspection from being sent to subsequent processes due to human error.

[0143] In this way, it is possible to easily detect human error during sampling inspection by means of the identifier ID and the time. Moreover, since the specified setting time Th is the time at a time ΔT specified forward from the second reading time T2, a setting time is set for each two-piece can. Thus, even without previously associating the identifier ID with the type of container, it is possible to perform management with high precision using the first reading time T1.

[0144] In this way, even when the information obtained by associating the identifier indicated by the identification code attached to the container with the processing content and inspection result data in the manufacturing line of the container is not shared between the container manufacturer and the container filler, the container filler can use the identification code and time attached to the container to manage the production line for filling the content into the container.

[0145] It should be noted that when comparing the first reading time T1 and the setting time Th across a batch processing step such as the sterilization step 23, the setting time Th can be set as a fixed time without using the second reading time T2.

[0146] (Variant example)

[0147] In the above-described fourth embodiment, when the first reading time T1 is later than the setting time Th, the container is determined to be "abnormal". However, for example, the time when the unpacking process reading unit 2c reads the identification code in the unpacking process 21 as the first location can be set as the first reading time. In this case, when the first reading time T1 associated with the identifier indicated by the identification code read in the inspection process 24 or the packaging process (not shown) after the inspection process as the second location is earlier than the specified setting time Th, the arithmetic unit 4a determines the container to be "abnormal". Thus, for example, when in the unpacking process 21, other types of containers unpacked from other pallets flow to the filling line after being detained for some reason, it is possible to detect the mixing of different types of cans.

[0148] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be implemented within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described first to third embodiments, a production management system for the can body of a two-piece can integrally formed with a can bottom and a can body portion has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to the production management of three-piece cans and bottle cans. In addition, the can body can be a steel can made of a steel metal plate as a raw material, or an aluminum can made of an aluminum or aluminum alloy metal plate as a raw material. In addition, the can body can have a can bottom with a domed depression, or can have a flat can bottom.

[0149] In addition, the present invention can also be applied to the production line management of manufacturing articles such as plastic bottles, bottles, sachets, boxes, paper bags, caps, lids or cups, and the production line management of filling contents into containers.

[0150] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, examples of managing a production line for manufacturing containers or a filling line for containers have been described. However, the present invention can also manage both a production line for manufacturing containers and a filling line.

[0151] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, an example of determining an abnormality of a container based on a time as information regarding the container has been described. However, in the present invention, the information regarding the container is not limited to time, and may include, for example, one or more of process information such as machine speed, path number, coil information, pocket number, machine number, printing information, pressure information, environmental information (temperature / humidity / illuminance / cleanliness / vibration), etc.

[0152] In this case, it may also be set that when the relevant information associated with the identifier represented by the identification code read by the second reading unit in the database matches the specified setting information, such as a specific machine, a specific path number, a specific pocket number, a specific machine number, and when the conditions of the relevant information match the specific coil information, specific printing information, specific pressure information, and specific environmental information (temperature / humidity / illuminance / cleanliness / vibration), the arithmetic unit determines that the container is abnormal for each container and excludes the corresponding container. In addition, it is also possible to compare the setting information formed by combining multiple pieces of these process information with these multiple pieces of information to determine the normality / abnormality of the container.

[0153] Moreover, in the above-described embodiments and modified examples, it is also possible to combine time with one or more of these process information to determine the normality / abnormality of the container.

[0154] [Fifth Embodiment]

[0155] Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0156] It should be noted that in the following description and drawings, for parts that achieve the same functions as those in the above-described embodiments, the same names are appropriately added or the same names are appropriately added in parentheses, etc., and repeated descriptions are appropriately omitted.

[0157] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining an individual of the can 501 manufactured in the fifth embodiment.

[0158] Figure 4 (A) is a view of the can 501 when observed from the bottom 502 side (in the direction of the can axis C501, which is the central axis of the can 501).

[0159] Figure 4 (B) is a perspective view of a part of the shape of the can 501 cut by a cross-section orthogonal to the can axis C501 ( Figure 4 the B-B cross-section of (A)).

[0160] The can 501 is, for example, a two-piece can, a three-piece can, a bottle can, or the like.

[0161] The bottom 502 of the can 501 includes a main bottom 503, a groove portion 504 (ring portion), and a protrusion portion 505 (ring portion).

[0162] The main bottom 503 is the part that constitutes the main part of the bottom 502. The main bottom 503 is formed in a flat shape. It should be noted that the main bottom 503 may also be formed in a dome shape that bulges upward (toward the neck side) of the can axis C501.

[0163] The groove portion 504 and the protrusion portion 505 are annular portions provided in a region other than the main bottom 503 in the bottom 502 and provided around the main bottom 503 so as to surround the main bottom 503. The groove portion 504 and the protrusion portion 505 are arranged in this order on the outer peripheral side of the bottom 502.

[0164] As Figure 4 shown in (B), the cross-sectional shape of the groove portion 504 is concave and recessed upward (toward the neck side) of the can axis C501.

[0165] The protrusion portion 505 is the part that constitutes the chime portion on the bottom side of the can 501. The protrusion portion 505 is arranged continuously on the outer peripheral side of the groove portion 504.

[0166] As Figure 4 shown in (B), the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion portion 505 is convex and protrudes in a mountain shape downward of the can axis C501.

[0167] An individual identification code 506 is attached to the inner side surface 505a of the protrusion portion 505 (the inner peripheral side surface among the outer surfaces of the protrusion portion 505 that protrudes in a mountain shape). The individual identification code 506 is an identification code obtained by encoding an individual identifier that is identification information of the individual of the can 501. The individual identification code 506 in the embodiment is a two-dimensional code and is attached to the protrusion portion 505 by laser printing.

[0168] It should be noted that the position where the individual identification code 506 is attached is not limited to the inner side surface of the protrusion portion 505, and may also be provided on the outer side surface 505b of the protrusion portion 505 or the side surface 504a of the groove portion 504.

[0169] In addition, the can 501 is not limited to the form that includes both the groove portion 504 and the protrusion portion 505, and it is sufficient if it includes at least one of them.

[0170] Here, the manufactured can 501 is shipped to a manufacturer that manufactures beverage products or the like, and the manufacturer fills the can 501 with beverages or the like. Thus, a final product such as a beverage in its final product form is manufactured. Sometimes, the manufacturer of the beverage product or the like attaches product information such as the batch number and shelf life of the final product, i.e., product information, to the main bottom 503 by laser printing or the like. Therefore, in a method of attaching the individual identification code 506 to the main bottom 503 of the can 501, which is different from the embodiment, there is a disadvantage that the area for attaching the product information is limited to a relatively small size. In addition, in this method, the individual identification code 506 and the product information may be overlapped and attached, and in this case, there is a disadvantage that it becomes difficult to read the product information.

[0171] In the embodiment, the individual identification code 506 is attached to the inner side surface 506a of the protrusion 505 or the like. Therefore, the product information can be attached to the main bottom 503 in the same manner as in the past. Therefore, the above-mentioned disadvantages do not occur. In addition, in the method of attaching the individual identification code 506 to the inner side surface 505a of the protrusion 505 and the side surface 504a of the groove portion 504, the individual identification code 506 is not easily visually confirmed from the outside, so the quality level of the can 501 and the final product is not damaged.

[0172] In the following description, mainly shown is a method of attaching the individual identification code 506 to the inner side surface of the protrusion 505 or the like. In the method of attaching it to the inner side surface of the protrusion 505 and the side surface of the groove portion 504, it is only necessary to appropriately change the laser irradiation position of the code printing device 524 (described later) or the like.

[0173] It should be noted that the can 501 can also be appropriately applied to the containers of the first to fourth embodiments. In this case, for example, it is only necessary to arrange a code attaching process implemented by the code printing device 524 (code giving unit) between the main body manufacturing process and the printing process.

[0174] [Configuration of Can Management System 510]

[0175] Figure 5 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of the can management system 510 of the fifth embodiment.

[0176] Figure 6 FIG. is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the printing machine 525 of the fifth embodiment.

[0177] Figure 6 (A) of FIG. is a diagram when observing the printing machine 525 from the direction of the rotation axes of the blanket cylinder 525a, the mandrel cylinder 525b, etc.

[0178] Figure 6 FIG. (B) is Figure 6 an enlarged view of a partial cross-section (section B-B) of FIG. (A).

[0179] Figure 7 This is a diagram for explaining the process history record form 555a of the fifth embodiment, the histogram H525 of the printing process, the histogram H526 of the necking process, and the process history display screen 564a of the inquiry terminal 560.

[0180] In the embodiment, the intermediate product until the material member is processed into the completed can 501 is also appropriately referred to as the can 501.

[0181] The can management system 510 is a system for managing the production line 520 of the can 501 and managing the processing history of the manufactured can 501, etc.

[0182] The can management system 510 includes a deep drawing device 521, a body manufacturing machine 522, a washer 523, a code printing device 524 (code assigning unit, code attaching part), a printing machine 525, a necking device 526, an inspection device 527, a management device 550, and an inquiry terminal 560.

[0183] The deep drawing device 521, the body manufacturing machine 522, the washer 523, the code printing device 524 (code assigning unit, code attaching part), the printing machine 525, the necking device 526, and the inspection device 527 are processing devices (processing parts) arranged on the production line 520. The production line 520 is a processing system for the can 501. These processing devices 521 to 527 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side of the production line 520.

[0184] It should be noted that Figure 5 only a part of the processing devices of the production line 520 is shown in the figure, and actually includes multiple other devices (such as a coating device for coating the inner surface of the can 501, a baking device for fixing the coating, etc.).

[0185] Each of the processing devices 521 to 527 and the inquiry terminal 560 is connected to the management device 550 through a communication network 512 such as a LAN (local area network) in the manufacturing factory of the can 501 or a public Internet, and can communicate as needed.

[0186] It should be noted that in the embodiment, a computer refers to an electronic computer having a storage device, a control device, an arithmetic device, etc. Figure 5 Each of the devices 521 to 527, 535 to 537, 560, and 570 shown has a storage unit, a control unit, etc. (appropriately omitting the illustration), and is included in the concept of a computer. In addition, each of the devices 521 to 527, 535 to 537, 560, and 570 is not limited to a configuration composed of a single electronic computer, and may also be composed of multiple electronic computers as needed.

[0187] The storage unit is a storage device such as a hard disk or a semiconductor storage element that stores programs, information, etc. required for the operations of each of the devices 521 to 527, 535 to 537, 560, and 570.

[0188] The control unit is a device that performs arithmetic processing required for the operations of each of the devices 521 to 527, 535 to 537, 560, and 570 or comprehensively controls each of the devices. The control unit includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The control unit can implement various functions of the embodiment by appropriately reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit.

[0189] (Devices of the production line 520)

[0190] The deep drawing device 521, the main body manufacturing machine 522, and the printing machine 525 are devices that perform the deep drawing process, the main body manufacturing process, and the printing process, respectively.

[0191] The washer 523 is a device that removes oil adhering to the can 501 during processing up to the main body manufacturing process by cleaning.

[0192] The necking device 526 is a device that processes the neck of the can 501 or processes the upper end of the can 501 into a flange shape.

[0193] The code printing device 524 is a device such as a laser marking machine. The code printing device 524 attaches the individual identification code 506 to the inner side of the protrusion 505 by laser marking. It should be noted that in the embodiment, the case where the can surface is discolored by laser marking is also referred to as printing, laser printing, etc.

[0194] The inspection device 527 is a device that inspects the quality of the can 501 after all processing. The inspection device 527 may include multiple devices. The inspection device 527 includes, for example, devices such as a DCT (Defective Can Tester) that inspects the shape of the can 501 and the printing state.

[0195] Here, each of the devices in the deep drawing device 521, the main body manufacturing machine 522, the printing machine 525, and the necking device 526 is configured to process multiple cans 501 simultaneously or continuously. Therefore, the multiple cans 501 manufactured using the can management system 510 are cans processed by different devices (for example, printing machine 525) corresponding to each process using different devices (for example, plates P1 to P5, etc.).

[0196] For example, the deep drawing device 521 includes eight die sets C1 to C8 for producing circular plates.

[0197] Although the illustration is omitted, eight punching dies C1 to C8 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of a metal plate (a plate material as a raw material of the can 501). The deep drawing device 521 manufactures eight circular plate materials with different punching dies, namely, material members, by punching the metal plate. The material members are workpieces to be processed and are processed into the can 501 by the above processing device.

[0198] In addition, in Figure 6 In the example of, five plates (blankets) P1 to P5 are provided on the peripheral surface of the blanket cylinder 525a of the printing press 525. In addition, five cans 501 are held on the mandrels 525c of the mandrel cylinder 525b. Then, the can 501 held on the mandrel 525c is printed on the trunk portion 509 of the can 501 by any one of the five plates P1 to P5 of the printing press 525.

[0199] In addition, the main body manufacturing machines 522 are respectively arranged on five paths B1 to B5. Therefore, in the main body manufacturing process, a plurality of cans 501 are formed by any one of the main body manufacturing machines 522 on these paths B1 to B5.

[0200] Similarly, the necking processing devices 526 are also respectively arranged on five paths N1 to N5. Therefore, in the necking processing device 526 process, a plurality of cans 501 are formed on any one of these paths N1 to N5.

[0201] (Readers 535 to 537 (reading units))

[0202] The printing press 525, the necking processing device 526, and the inspection device 527 arranged on the downstream side of the code printing device 524 are respectively provided with readers 535 to 537. The readers 535 to 537 are, for example, photographing devices and read the individual identification code 506 attached to the can 501.

[0203] After the readers 535 to 537 read the individual identification code 506 attached to the can 501, they decode the individual identification code 506 into an individual identifier and send it to the management device 550.

[0204] The readers 535 to 537 are configured to be able to establish a correspondence between the individual identifier of each can 501 and the process identifier of the device that has processed each can 501 (such as the plates P1 to P5 of the printing press 525, the paths N1 to N5 of the necking processing device 526, etc.) and send it to the management device 550.

[0205] For example, the reader 535 of the printing press 525 may be configured as follows to establish a correspondence between the individual identifier of each can 501 and the plates P1 to P5 of the printing press 525 that have printed each can 501.

[0206] The reader 535 is fixed at a position where it can photograph the bottom 502 of each can 501 on the mandrel 525c held by the mandrel wheel 525b when the plates P1 to P5 are in the printing process. In order to easily read the individual identification code 506 provided on the protrusion 505, it is preferable that the photographing direction of the reader 535 (the optical axis direction of the camera of the photographing device) is a direction orthogonal to the inner side surface 505a of the protrusion 505 of the can 501. Thereby, the reader 535 can acquire the individual identification code 506 attached to the bottom 502 of the can 501. In the Figure 6 example, an example is shown in which the timing for the reader 535 to read the individual identification code 506 is when the printing press 525 is in the printing process, but it is not limited thereto, and it may also be before or after printing.

[0207] On the other hand, the ranges of the setting angles of the five plates P1 to P5 with respect to the blanket cylinder 525a are stored in advance in the storage unit of the printing press 525. The control unit of the printing press 525 determines the rotation angle of the blanket cylinder 525a based on the output of a sensor or the like, and refers to the information in the storage unit, whereby it can determine the plates P1 to P5 that are printing the can 501.

[0208] Then, after the reader 535 of the printing press 525 acquires the information of the plate numbers (process identifiers) of the plates P1 to P5 that are printing the can 501 from the control unit of the printing press 525, it only needs to establish a correspondence between the plate number and the individual identifier.

[0209] In addition, in the necking device 526, five readers 536 that photograph the bottom 502 of the cans 501 moving in the respective paths N1 to N6 may also be provided. In this case, each reader 536 only needs to establish a correspondence between the individual identifier of the can 501 and the identifier for identifying each reader 536 (that is, the path numbers (process identifiers) of the paths N1 to N6) and send it to the management device 550.

[0210] It should be noted that, in this way, the process of establishing a correspondence between the individual identifier of the can 501 and the process identifier and sending it to the management device 550 can also be performed by a control device such as a PLC (programmable logic controller). In this case, as long as the PLC or the like control device is connected to each reader 535 to 537 and each processing device 525 to 527 so as to be able to communicate, the PLC or the like control device can acquire the individual identifier and the process identifier of the can 501 from each reader 535 to 537, each processing device 525 to 527, etc.

[0211] (Management device 550)

[0212] As Figure 5As shown, the management device 550 is a device such as a server that can comprehensively manage the tank management system 510. The management device 550 is not limited to a form composed of a single server or the like, and may be a form composed of a plurality of servers or the like.

[0213] The management device 550 may be disposed in a facility where the production line 520 is installed, or may be disposed outside the facility. In addition, the management device 550 may be connected to each production line 520 disposed in a plurality of facilities in a communicable manner, thereby managing the plurality of production lines 520.

[0214] The management device 550 includes an operation unit 552 , a display unit 553 , a storage unit 555 , and a control unit 556 .

[0215] The operation unit 552 is an operation device for the administrator of the tank management system 510 or the like to operate the management device 550 , and includes, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like.

[0216] The display unit 553 is a display device that displays various information, such as a liquid crystal display device.

[0217] like Figure 7 As shown in (A) of FIG. 5 , the storage unit 555 includes a process history record table 555 a (process history record storage unit).

[0218] The process history record table 555a stores information obtained by establishing correspondence between the individual identifier of the tank 501 sent from the processing device (printing machine 525, necking processing device 526, etc.), the process identifier (plate number of the printing process, path number of the necking process, inspection result of the inspection process), etc. as a process history record.

[0219] The control unit 556 performs processing related to analyzing the process in which the tank 501 becomes defective, processing related to querying the process history, and the like.

[0220] (Query terminal 560)

[0221] The inquiry terminal 560 is a terminal held by a practitioner of the manufacturer of the tank 501 (also referred to as a practitioner in the embodiment). The inquiry terminal 560 may also be a general-purpose portable computer (for example, a tablet computer, a notebook computer, a multifunctional portable terminal, etc.). Figure 7 (D) shows an example in which the inquiry terminal 560 is a tablet computer.

[0222] The inquiry terminal 560 is used to inquire about the process history record of the tank 501 based on the individual identification code 506 of the tank 501 .

[0223] like Figure 5As shown, the inquiry terminal 560 includes a camera 561 , a touch panel 564 , a storage unit 565 , and a control unit 566 .

[0224] The camera 561 is a photographing device.

[0225] Touch panel 564 is a device that serves as both an operation unit and a display unit. The operation unit and the display unit may be independent devices such as a keyboard and a liquid crystal display device.

[0226] [Operation of the Tank Management System 510]

[0227] (Processing during the manufacture of tank 501)

[0228] The process for manufacturing the tank 501 is performed according to the following steps.

[0229] like Figure 5 As shown, the can 501 is transported to the code printing device 524 after sequentially undergoing a deep stamping process implemented by a deep stamping device 521 , a main body manufacturing process implemented by a main body manufacturing machine 522 , and a washing process implemented by a washer 523 .

[0230] (Code printing process (individual identification code adding process))

[0231] When the can 501 is transported, the code printing device 524 encodes the individual identifier of the can 501 into an individual identification code 506 (two-dimensional code), and then laser prints the two-dimensional code on the protrusion 505 of the bottom 502 of the can 501 (see Figure 4 ).

[0232] Then, the control unit of the code printing device 524 associates the time of laser printing, that is, the code printing time (hour, minute, second) with the individual identifier and sends it to the management device 550. It should be noted that the code printing time may also include year, month, and day.

[0233] When receiving this information from the code printing device 524 , the management device 550 stores it in the process history table 555 a .

[0234] (Printing process)

[0235] The can 501 after the code printing process is conveyed to the printer 525. The printer 525 prints on the outer surface of the trunk 509 of the can 501 and the like.

[0236] When the printer 525 prints on the can 501 , the reader 535 of the printer 525 associates the individual identifier and the plate number and transmits the associated information to the management device 550 as described above.

[0237] like Figure 7As shown in (A) of , when the control unit 556 of the management device 550 receives this information, it stores the information in the process history record table 555a (individual identifier - process identifier correspondence establishment process).

[0238] (Necking process)

[0239] The can 501 after the printing process is conveyed to the necking device 526. The necking device 526 performs necking on the neck of the can 501.

[0240] When the necking device 526 performs necking on the can 501, the reader 536 of the necking device 526 associates the individual identifier with the path number of the necking device 526 as described above and sends it to the management device 550.

[0241] As Figure 7 As shown in (A) of , when the control unit 556 of the management device 550 receives this information, it stores the information in the process history record table 555a (individual identifier - process identifier correspondence establishment process).

[0242] (Inspection process)

[0243] The can 501 after the necking process is conveyed to the inspection device 527. The inspection device 527 inspects the can 501.

[0244] When the inspection device 527 inspects the can 501, after the reader 537 of the inspection device 527 obtains the individual identification code 506 by photographing the bottom 502 of the can 501, it decodes the individual identification code 506 into an individual identifier. Then, the reader 537 of the inspection device 527 sends information on the inspection time (i.e., the photographing time), the individual identifier, and the inspection result (good or bad) of the individual identification code 506 to the management device 550. It should be noted that the photographing time may also include the year, month, and day.

[0245] As Figure 7 As shown in (A) of , when the control unit 556 of the management device 550 receives this information, it stores the information in the process history record table 555a (individual identifier - process identifier correspondence establishment process).

[0246] It should be noted that the can 501 is, for example, loaded onto a pallet and shipped after the inspection process.

[0247] Through the above content, a series of processing steps for the can 501 are completed.

[0248] As Figure 7As shown in (A), as the manufacturing of multiple cans 501 proceeds, the management device 550 sequentially stores in the process history record table 555a the history records of the processing steps corresponding to the individual identifiers.

[0249] [Defect analysis and processing]

[0250] Defect analysis and processing is a process in which the management device 550 analyzes the information in the process history record table 555a. Through this process, managers of the production line 520 and others can analyze the processing steps that are the main factors causing defects in the cans 501.

[0251] There is no limitation on the timing when the management device 550 performs defect analysis and processing. For example, it can also be that the management device 550 analyzes the information in the process history record table 555a up to the current time of the day according to an arbitrary operation timing of the operation unit 552. In addition, it is also possible to schedule the management device 550 in advance after the operation of the factory for the day ends, so that the management device 550 performs defect analysis and processing in a batch process based on all the information in the process history record table 555a for the day.

[0252] The control unit 556 of the management device 550 performs defect analysis and processing according to the following steps. (Defective can individual identifier extraction process)

[0253] The control unit 556 extracts the individual identifiers of the cans 501 with defective inspection results by referring to the process history record table 555a.

[0254] For example, within the storage range of the process history record table 555a shown in (A) Figure 7 , the individual identifiers C0005 and C0010 of two cans 501 are extracted.

[0255] (Process identifier extraction process)

[0256] The control unit 556 extracts the process identifiers (plate number, path number) corresponding to each individual identifier extracted in the defective can individual identifier extraction process.

[0257] For example, within the storage range of the process history record table 555a shown in (A) Figure 7 , the plate P5 and path N5 corresponding to the individual identifier C0005, and the plate P5 and path N3 corresponding to the individual identifier C0010 are extracted.

[0258] (Can quantity total process)

[0259] The control unit 556 counts the number of each process identifier extracted in the process identifier extraction process, that is, counts and totals the number of cans 501.

[0260] For example, within the storage range of the process history record table 555a shown in (A) of Figure 7 , for the individual identifier C0005, version P5 is counted once and path N5 is counted once. Similarly, for the individual identifier C0010, version P5 is counted once and path N5 is counted once. Then, the quantity of cans 501 is totaled for each process identifier.

[0261] As Figure 7 shown in (B) of

[0262] As Figure 7 shown in (C) of

[0263] The control unit 556 creates a histogram H525 with the plate number of the printing process as the horizontal axis and the number of cans 501 as the vertical axis.

[0264] Managers of the production line 520, etc., can analyze the processes that become defective by confirming the histograms H525 and H526 displayed on the display unit 553.

[0265] For example, in the histogram H526 of the necking process shown in (C) of Figure 7 , the difference in the number of defective cans for each path number is small compared to that of other path numbers. That is, the histogram H526 indicates that the same number of defective cans are produced in the five paths N1 to N5 of the necking process.

[0266] Therefore, managers of the production line 520, etc., can analyze that the possibility of the necking process being the main factor for defects is low.

[0267] On the other hand, in the histogram H525 of the printing process shown in (B) of Figure 7 , the number of defective cans for version P5 is larger than that of other versions P1 to P4.

[0268] Therefore, managers of the production line 520, etc., can analyze that the possibility of version P5 being the main factor for defects is high.

[0269] In this way, by analyzing the information in the process history record table 555a through the management device 550, managers of the production line 520, etc., can analyze the processing processes that are the main factors for defects.

[0270] [History Record Query Processing]

[0271] The historical record query process is a process of querying the historical record of the processing steps of the can 501 based on the individual identification code 506.

[0272] Persons engaged in the can manufacturing factory such as the manufacturer of the can 501 can perform the historical record query process by using the query terminal 560 as follows. The timing of performing the historical record query process is not limited. For example, it can also be during the manufacturing process of the can 501, between after the manufacturing of the can 501 and before shipment, etc. In addition, the can 501 for which the historical record query process is performed can be a can that has been delivered to a beverage manufacturer, etc., or a can that has been circulated in the market as a beverage product.

[0273] The can management system 510 performs the historical record query process according to the following steps.

[0274] (Individual identifier acquisition process)

[0275] When persons engaged in the can 501 perform a historical record query, they only need to operate the query terminal 560 to use the camera 561 to photograph the individual identification code 506 printed on the protrusion 505 of the can 501.

[0276] The control unit 566 of the query terminal 560 decodes the photographed information of the individual identification code 506 to obtain an individual identifier.

[0277] The control unit 566 of the query terminal 560 sends the individual identifier to the management device 550 to inquire the management device 550 about the process history record of the can 501.

[0278] (Process history record reference process)

[0279] The control unit 556 of the management device 550 receives the individual identifier from the query terminal 560 and accordingly refers to the process history record table 555a, thereby extracting the process identifier corresponding to the individual identifier.

[0280] The control unit 556 of the management device 550 sends the extracted process identifier to the query terminal 560.

[0281] (Process history record display process)

[0282] As Figure 7 shown in (D) of, when the control unit 566 of the query terminal 560 receives the process identifier from the query terminal 560, it displays the process history record screen 564a on the touch panel 564.

[0283] For example, when the process history of the individual identifier C0001 is queried from the query terminal 560, the control unit 566 of the query terminal 560 displays the information of the plate P1 and the path N1 corresponding to the individual identifier C0001 on the process history display screen 564a.

[0284] An operator or the like can confirm the process history by checking the process history display screen 564a.

[0285] It should be noted that Figure 7 The process history display screen 564a in (D) shows an example in which, in addition to the plate number and the path number, information such as the manufacturing date, the code printing time, the inspection result, and the inspection time is also displayed. In this case, an operator or the like can obtain more detailed information on the process history.

[0286] In this way, the can management system 510 can display the process history of the can 501 on the query terminal 560 based on the individual identification code 506 printed on the can 501.

[0287] For example, when multiple cans 501 have unexpected appearance defects in the market, etc., an operator or the like can confirm the process history of these cans 501 by photographing the individual identification codes 506 of these cans 501. An operator or the like can analyze the processing process that is the main factor causing the defect based on, for example, the common process identifiers among these cans 501.

[0288] (Modification of the Fifth Embodiment)

[0289] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made, for example, as in the following modification methods. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments only list the most appropriate effects produced by the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. Regarding the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments and the modification methods, only a part of them can be used or they can be used in appropriate combinations, but detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0290] (1) In the present embodiment, an example in which the code printing process is arranged between the washing process and the printing process is shown, but it is not limited to this. For example, in the dry forming of a metal plate laminated with a polyester film, etc., the code printing process can also be arranged between the main body manufacturing process and the washing process. In addition, in the state where the can bottom is to be formed before the main body manufacturing process, when it is possible to predict a part that will become a protrusion or the like, the code printing process can also be performed on a predetermined part of the material member of the metal plate that is to be punched into a can and is to be processed into the bottom, or on a part of the material member after the deep drawing process that is to be processed into the bottom.

[0291] Thus, the code printing process can be arranged at an appropriate position on the production line according to the type of the can, manufacturing conditions, etc. Even in such a case, in each processing step after the code printing process, by providing a reader in the processing device of each processing step, the management system can manage the process history obtained by associating the individual identifier of the can after the code printing process with the process identifier of each processing step. For example, in a case where it is possible to predict a portion such as a protrusion in the state of a metal sheet, by arranging the code printing process before the deep drawing process and providing readers in eight dies (punching units) of the deep drawing device respectively, the management system can manage the process history obtained by associating the number (process identifier) of the die allocated to the deep drawing device with the individual identifier of the can.

[0292] (2) In the present embodiment, an example in which the management device performs defect analysis processing according to the operation of the management device is shown, but it is not limited thereto. The management device may also perform defect analysis processing according to the operation of a terminal (such as an inquiry terminal, a personal computer owned by the company, etc.) held by a worker or the like. In this case, it may also be that the management device sends information such as a histogram to the terminal, and the terminal displays the histogram or the like on the display unit of the terminal.

[0293] (3) In the history query processing, it may also be that, in a case where there is a request for query history records of a plurality of individual identifiers from the query terminal, the management device stores these individual identifiers in advance.

[0294] Then, the management device may also perform process identifier extraction processing, can quantity total processing, etc. similar to the defect analysis processing based on these individual identifiers. In this case, the management device can analyze the process identifiers corresponding to the plurality of individual identifiers for which there is a request for query history records. Thereby, a worker or the like can easily analyze the main factors of defects of a plurality of cans for which query history records have been requested.

[0295] (4) In the present embodiment, an example in which the method of attaching an individual identification code to the can is laser printing realized by laser irradiation is shown, but it is not limited thereto. In this method, as long as the individual identification can be attached to a protrusion or a groove, for example, the device for attaching the individual identification code may also be an inkjet printer or the like. In the case of using an inkjet printer, fluorescent ink that can be visually confirmed by irradiating ultraviolet rays may also be used for the ink. In this case, the individual identification code printed on the can is even less likely to be visually confirmed when observed under natural light. Therefore, the quality of the appearance of the can is good.

[0296] In addition, the method of attaching an individual identification code to the can may also be appropriately used by pasting a sticker, pasting a chip, etc. in the same manner as in the first to fourth embodiments.

[0297] (5) In the present embodiment, an example where the processing steps are physical processing, printing, etc. of a can is shown, but it is not limited thereto. The processing steps may also include a conveying step of the can realized by a conveying device.

[0298] The conveying device may be, for example, a mandrel wheel of a printing machine. In this case, the reader only needs to associate the individual identifier corresponding to the read individual identification code with the number of each mandrel of the mandrel wheel (that is, the conveying groove for conveying the can) (the groove number assigned to the conveying groove) and send it to the management device.

[0299] Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0300] 1: Code assigning unit;

[0301] 2a - 2e, 3, 3a, 3b: Reading units;

[0302] 4, 4a: Arithmetic units;

[0303] 5, 5a: Databases;

[0304] 100: Manufacturing line of the container;

[0305] 11: Deep drawing process;

[0306] 12: Main body manufacturing process;

[0307] 13: Printing process;

[0308] 14: Inspection process;

[0309] 15: Packaging process;

[0310] 200: Filling line of the container;

[0311] 21: Unpacking process;

[0312] 22: Filling process;

[0313] 23: Sterilization process;

[0314] 24: Inspection process;

[0315] C1: Material component;

[0316] C2, C3: Can body;

[0317] S: Metal plate;

[0318] 501: Can;

[0319] 502: Bottom;

[0320] 503: Main bottom;

[0321] 504: Groove part;

[0322] 505: protrusion;

[0323] 506: individual identification code;

[0324] 510: Tank management system;

[0325] 520: production line;

[0326] 521: Deep drawing device;

[0327] 524: code printing device;

[0328] 525: Printing press;

[0329] 525a: rubber wheel;

[0330] 525b: spindle wheel;

[0331] 525c: spindle;

[0332] 526: Neck reduction device;

[0333] 527: Inspection device;

[0334] 535-537: reader;

[0335] 550: management device;

[0336] 555a: process history table;

[0337] 560: query terminal;

[0338] 564: Touch panel.

Claims

1. A production line management system that manages the manufacturing line and / or filling line of containers, characterized in that, The production line management system includes: A first reading unit that reads the identification code attached to each of the containers when the container with the identification code indicating the identifier passes through a first location on the manufacturing line and / or the filling line, where the identifier is information for identifying the container; A second reading unit that reads the identification code attached to each of the containers after the first reading unit reads the identification code; and An arithmetic unit that generates a database in which the identifier indicated by the identification code read by the first reading unit is associated with the relevant information about each of the containers, and for each of the containers, compares the relevant information associated with the identifier indicated by the identification code read by the second reading unit in the database with the specified setting information to determine the normality / abnormality of the container, The relevant information includes information for determining the time point when the first reading unit reads the identification code, The setting information includes information for determining a specified period.

2. The production line management system according to claim 1, wherein the production line management system manages a manufacturing line of containers, characterized in that The production line management system further includes: A code assigning unit that attaches the identification code to the container.

3. The production line management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second reading unit reads the identification code attached to the container when the container with the identification code passes through a second location on the manufacturing line and / or the filling line that is downstream of the first location.

4. The production line management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The relevant information is the first reading time when the first reading unit reads the identification code, The setting information is a specified setting time.

5. The production line management system according to claim 4, wherein: When the first reading time is earlier than the setting time, the arithmetic unit determines the container as abnormal.

6. The production line management system according to claim 4, wherein: When the first reading time is later than the setting time, the arithmetic unit determines the container as abnormal.

7. The production line management system according to claim 4, wherein: In the database, the identifier indicated by the identification code, the first reading time, and the second reading time when the second reading unit reads the identification code are associated, The setting time is the time at a specified time forward from the second reading time.

8. The production line management system according to claim 4, wherein: The setting time has a specified time range, When the first reading time is within the specified time range, the arithmetic unit determines the container as abnormal.

9. The production line management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The container is a can with a bottom, The bottom includes: A main bottom, which is dome-shaped or flat and constitutes the main part of the bottom; The annular part is formed as a part other than the main bottom in the bottom, has an annular shape when viewed from the can axis direction, and has at least one of a convex shape and a concave shape as a cross-sectional shape of a cross-section orthogonal to the can axis direction; and The individual identification code is attached to the side surface part of the annular part and corresponds to an individual identifier which is information capable of identifying a can individual.

10. A production line management method, the production line management method managing a manufacturing line and / or a filling line of containers, characterized in that, The production line management method includes: A first reading step of reading the identification code attached to each of the containers when the container attached with an identification code indicating an identifier passes through a first location on the manufacturing line and / or the filling line, where the identifier is information for identifying the container; A database generation step of generating a database in which the identifier indicated by the identification code read in the first reading step is associated with relevant information about each of the containers; A second reading step of reading the identification code attached to the container after reading the identification code in the first reading step; and A determination step of comparing, for each of the containers, the relevant information associated with the identifier indicated by the identification code read in the second reading step in the database with prescribed setting information, and determining the normality / anomaly of the container, The relevant information includes information for determining the time point when the identification code was read in the first reading step, The setting information includes information for determining a prescribed period.

11. The production line management method according to claim 10, wherein the production line management method manages a manufacturing line of containers. The production line management method further includes: An identification code attachment step of attaching the identification code to the container.

12. The production line management method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein In the second reading step, when the container attached with the identification code passes through a second location downstream of the first location on the manufacturing line and / or the filling line, the identification code attached to the container is read.

13. The production line management method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein The relevant information is the first reading time when the identification code was read in the first reading step, The setting information is a prescribed setting time.

14. The production line management method according to claim 13, wherein In the determination step, when the first reading time is earlier than the setting time, the container is determined to be abnormal.

15. The production line management method according to claim 13, wherein In the determination step, when the first reading time is later than the setting time, the container is determined to be abnormal.

16. The production line management method according to claim 13, wherein In the database generation step, the identifier indicated by the identification code, the first reading time, and the second reading time when the identification code was read in the second reading step are associated, The setting time is the time of a prescribed time forward from the second reading time.

17. The production line management method according to claim 13, wherein The setting time has a prescribed time range, In the determination step, when the first reading time is within the specified time range, the container is determined to be abnormal.

18. A can management system, which is a management system for cans manufactured through multiple processing steps, wherein, The bottom of the can has: A main bottom, which is dome-shaped or flat and constitutes the main part of the bottom; An annular portion, which is formed as a portion of the bottom other than the main bottom, has an annular shape when viewed from the can axis direction, and has at least one of a convex shape and a concave shape in a cross-section orthogonal to the can axis direction; and An individual identification code, which is attached to the side surface portion of the annular portion and corresponds to an individual identifier that is information capable of identifying an individual can, The can management system includes: A storage unit that establishes correspondence between the individual identifiers of each can and process identifiers and stores them, where the process identifiers are information capable of identifying each processing step for manufacturing each can; and A control unit that performs a process identifier extraction process, which is a process of extracting the process identifiers corresponding to each individual identifier from the storage unit, The storage unit establishes correspondence between the individual identifiers of each can and the inspection results of each can and stores them, The control unit performs a defective can identifier extraction process of extracting the individual identifiers of a plurality of cans whose inspection results in the inspection process are defective from the storage unit, In the process identifier extraction process, the control unit extracts the process identifiers corresponding to each individual identifier extracted in the defective can identifier extraction process from the storage unit, The control unit performs a can quantity total process of totaling the quantities of cans corresponding to each process identifier.

19. The can management system according to claim 18, wherein The can management system includes: An individual identification code attachment unit that attaches the individual identification code to a portion of a material member cut out from a metal plate as a raw material and to be processed into the bottom of the can, or to a predetermined portion of the metal plate to be cut into the material member and to be processed into the bottom of the can; and A processing unit that performs a processing step downstream of the individual identification code attachment unit and includes a reader that reads the individual identification code attached by the individual identification code attachment unit, The control unit establishes correspondence between the individual identifier corresponding to the individual identification code read by the reader and the process identifier of the processing unit provided with the reader and stores them in the storage unit.

20. The can management system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein The multiple processing steps include at least one of the following steps: A deep drawing step, where numbers are assigned to multiple punching units as the process identifiers; A main body manufacturing step, where path numbers are assigned to multiple main body manufacturing machines as the process identifiers; A printing step, where plate numbers are assigned to multiple printing plates as the process identifiers; A conveying step, where groove numbers are assigned to multiple conveying grooves as the process identifiers; and An inspection step, where the inspection results of each can are assigned to each can as the process identifiers.

Images