Heating apparatus and can body manufacturing system

Abstract

To make it possible to perform hardening of an image formed on a can body in a shorter time.SOLUTION: A fed part 353 is provided on both of one lateral side 30X and the other lateral side 30Y of a transport path 300R as shown in (A). Each of the fed part 353 is provided with a gas discharge port 353X on a side where the transport path 300R is provided as shown in (A), (B). A gas is discharged from the discharge port 353X, and the discharged gas passes a flow channel 320, and is fed to a can body 100 on the transport path 300R as shown by an arrow 3C in (A).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating device and a can body making system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a process for manufacturing bottle cans, which includes a printing / overcoating and baking process, an inner surface painting and baking process, a necking process, and a screw processing process. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-289381 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When hardening the image formed on the can body, the hardening is accelerated by heating the image formed on the can body. When the image is heated, the solvent and water contained in the image evaporate, but if the evaporated solvent and water tend to remain on the surface of the can body, it will take longer to harden the image. An object of the present invention is to make it possible to cure an image formed on a can body in a shorter time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The heating device to which the present invention is applicable is a heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a can body on which an image is formed along a conveying path; and a plurality of heating sources arranged on the sides of the conveying path and in line in the conveying direction of the can body, the plurality of heating sources having flow paths for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the conveying path between adjacent heating sources. Here, a gap may be provided between the adjacent heating sources, the gap serving as the flow path, and gas may be supplied to the can body through the gap. Furthermore, a placement member may be further provided between the adjacent heating sources, and the flow path may be provided in the placement member. The apparatus may further comprise a gas supplying means for supplying gas to the can bodies on the transport path through the flow path. The gas supply means may supply heated gas to the can body. The plurality of heating sources, each having the flow path between adjacent heating sources, may be provided on both one side and the other side of the transport path. In addition, the position of the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on one side in the can body transport direction may be aligned with the position of the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on the other side in the can body transport direction. In addition, the position of the one-side flow path, which is the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on one side, in the can body transport direction may be different from the position of the other-side flow path, which is the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on the other side, in the can body transport direction. In addition, each of the one-side flow paths and the other-side flow paths may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged so that their positions in the can body transport direction are different from each other, and multiple one-side flow paths and multiple other-side flow paths may be provided so that, when comparing their positions in the can body transport direction, the other-side flow paths are located between adjacent one-side flow paths in the can body transport direction. In addition, the multiple heating sources may be provided on one side of the transport path, and a heat reflecting section may be provided on the other side of the transport path that reflects heat from the heating sources included in the multiple heating sources toward the transport path. In addition, the heat reflecting sections may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged in a line in the can body transport direction, and a flow path may be provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the transport path. The heat source may be a heat source that radiates infrared rays.

[0006] From another perspective, a heating device to which the present invention can be applied is a heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a can body on which an image has been formed along a conveying path; a heating source provided on one side of the conveying path; and a plurality of heat reflecting sections provided on the other side of the conveying path and arranged in a line in the can body conveying direction, which reflect heat from the heating source toward the conveying path, wherein a flow path for passing gas supplied to the can body on the conveying path is provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections. Here, a gap may be provided between the heat reflecting portions adjacent to each other, the gap serving as the flow path, and gas may be supplied to the can body through the gap. Also, a placement member may be further provided between the heat reflecting portions adjacent to each other, and the flow path may be provided in the placement member.

[0007] Furthermore, when the present invention is considered as a can body manufacturing system, the can body manufacturing system to which the present invention is applicable is a can body manufacturing system that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and that manufactures can bodies with an image formed thereon, and the heating device is configured to include any of the heating devices described above. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to cure the image formed on the can body in a shorter time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a can body manufacturing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a printing device. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a first heating device. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a transport mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the supply of gas to a can body. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device. [Figure 8] 13(A) and 13(B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the first heating device. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device. [Figure 11] 13(A) and 13(B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the can body manufacturing system 1, a can body 100 (not shown in FIG. 1) is manufactured, which is made of metal and has a cylindrical shape and a bottom, and has an image formed on its outer peripheral surface, which is an example of an outer surface. The manufactured can body 100 is filled with a beverage. The beverage is not particularly limited, and the manufactured can body 100 is filled with, for example, an alcoholic beverage such as beer or chuhai, or a soft drink (non-alcoholic beverage). After filling with the beverage, a lid member is attached to the can body 100, and a beverage can filled with the beverage is completed.

[0011] 1, the can body manufacturing system 1 is provided with a printing device 200 that prints on a can body 100. The printing device 200 of this embodiment, which functions as an image forming section, is an inkjet printing device, and forms an image on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 100 using the inkjet method. It should be noted that the printing device 200 is not limited to an inkjet printing device, but may be a printing device that performs printing using a method other than the inkjet method, such as a plate-type printing device.

[0012] The inkjet printing device 200 refers to a printing device 200 that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of paint, from an inkjet head and attaching the ink to the can body 100. Known inkjet printing methods can be used in the printing device 200. Specifically, for example, a piezo method, a thermal (bubble) method, a continuous method, etc. can be used.

[0013] Moreover, the plate-type printing device 200 refers to a printing device that performs printing using a plate. In the plate-type printing device 200, ink, which is an example of paint, is applied to the plate, and then the ink applied to the plate is transferred to the can body 100, thereby printing on the can body 100. This transfer may be performed by directly contacting the plate with the can body 100, or by placing an intermediate transfer body between the plate and the can body 100 and transferring the image to the can body 100 via this intermediate transfer body. Here, examples of printing using a plate include letterpress printing, intaglio printing, lithographic printing, and stencil printing, and any of these may be used for printing using a plate.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device 200. As shown in FIG. The printing device 200 shown in FIG. Specifically, there are provided a first inkjet head 411Y that ejects yellow ink, a second inkjet head 411M that ejects magenta ink, a third inkjet head 411C that ejects cyan ink, and a fourth inkjet head 411K that ejects black ink.

[0015] The four inkjet heads 411 are arranged so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the can body 100 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure). Also, each of the four inkjet heads 411 is arranged so as to extend along the axial direction of the can body 100 being transported. Each of the four inkjet heads 411 is disposed above the transport path of the can body 100, and ejects ink toward the can body 100 located below. In this embodiment, ink is ejected from each of the four inkjet heads 411 onto the can body 100 that is positioned below and rotates in the circumferential direction, thereby forming an image on the outer circumferential surface of the can body 100.

[0016] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a device for performing processes other than printing processes is provided upstream of the printing device 200 in the transport direction of the can bodies 100. Specifically, in this embodiment, an uncoiler (UC), a lubricator (LU), a cupping press (CP), a body maker (BM), a trimmer (TR), and a washer (WS) are provided in this order from the upstream side in the conveying direction of the can body 100. The uncoiler (UC) unwinds the coiled aluminum sheet. The lubricator (LU) applies lubricant to the aluminum sheet. The cupping press (CP) punches out a circular blank and then draws it to form a cup-shaped material.

[0017] In the body maker (BM) that performs the forming, the cup-shaped material is subjected to drawing and ironing processes to make the peripheral wall a predetermined thickness. The bottom is then formed into a dome shape. This results in a cylindrical can body 100 that has an opening on one side and a bottom on the other side. The trimmer (TR) trims and straightens the edge portion on the upper part of the peripheral wall of the can body 100. In other words, the trimmer (TR) removes the end portion of the can body 100 on the opening side. In the washer (WS), the can body 100 is washed, lubricating oil and other deposits are removed, and a chemical coating treatment is performed as necessary.

[0018] Furthermore, a first heating device 300 is provided downstream of the printing device 200 in the transport direction of the can body 100. The first heating device 300 heats the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 100, and prints the image onto the can body 100. In other words, the first heating device 300 heats the paint made of ink that is attached to the outer surface of the can body 100, and hardens the paint. If necessary, a clear paint may be applied on top of the paint made of ink (outside the paint in the radial direction of the can body 100) and heated together with the ink to harden it. The first heating device 300 heats the image formed on the can body 100 by the printing device 200 functioning as an image forming section, and hardens the image.

[0019] On the downstream side of the first heating device 300, an inside spray (INS) and a second heating device 400 are provided. In inside spray (INS), paint is applied to the inner surface of the can body 100. In other words, in inside spray (INS), the inner surface is painted. In inside spray (INS), paint is sprayed onto the inner surface of the can body 100 to paint the inner surface. In the second heating device 400, the paint attached to the inner surface of the can body 100 is heated and baked, whereby the paint attached to the inner surface of the can body 100 is cured.

[0020] Furthermore, a smooth die necker flanger (hereinafter referred to as "necker flanger") (SDN) is provided downstream of the second heating device 400 as an example of a diameter reducing process. The necker flanger (SDN) reduces the diameter of the opening of the can body 100 and forms a flange for attaching a can lid. Through the above processes, an empty can body 100 is completed. This empty can body 100 is shipped after an inspection process (not shown) and transported to a beverage filling process (not shown). Then, in this filling process, the empty can body 100 is filled with the beverage, and a can lid is attached to the can body 100 after it has been filled with the beverage.

[0021] Although not shown, a base coater (BC) and a third heating device 500 (not shown) may be further provided between the washer (WS) and the printing device 200. In the base coater (BC), a base layer (base coat layer) is formed by applying a colored paint such as white paint to the outer peripheral surface of the can body 100. In the third heating device 500, this base layer is heated and hardened. The above-mentioned processes and devices provided in the can body manufacturing system 1 are merely examples, and some of the processes and devices may be deleted, other processes and devices may be added, or the processes may be interchanged or changed.

[0022] 3(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the first heating device 300. FIG. Fig. 3(A) is a top view of the first heating device 300, and Fig. 3(B) is a front view of the first heating device 300. In other words, Fig. 3(B) is a view of the first heating device 300 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow IIIB in Fig. 3(A). As shown in FIG. 3(A), the first heating device 300 of this embodiment is provided with a conveying mechanism 600 as an example of a conveying means for conveying a can body 100 on which an image has been formed by the printing device 200 (see FIG. 1) along a predetermined conveying path 300R.

[0023] 3(A), the first heating device 300 is provided with a plurality of heating sources 310 arranged side by side in the conveying direction of the can body 100 on the sides of the conveying path 300R along which the can body 100 is conveyed. In this embodiment, a plurality of heating sources 310 are provided on both one side 30X and the other side 30Y of the conveying path 300R. It is preferable to arrange the heat source 310 so that the distance between the heat source 310 and the can body 100 is 5 mm to 100 mm when the heat source 310 is positioned opposite the can body 100. The distance between the heat source 310 and the can body 100 is more preferably 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0024] Further, on each of one side 30X and the other side 30Y of the conveying path 300R, a flow path 320 is provided between adjacent heating sources 310 for passing gas supplied to the can bodies 100 on the conveying path 300R. In this embodiment, a gap 319 is provided between the heat sources 310 adjacent to each other in the can body transport direction, which is the transport direction of the can body 100. In this embodiment, the gap 319 serves as a flow path 320, and gas is supplied to the can body 100 through the gap 319 (details will be described later).

[0025] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3(A) and (B), a gas supply mechanism 350 is provided as an example of a gas supply means for supplying gas through a flow path 320 to the can bodies 100 on the transfer path 300R. As shown in Fig. 3(B), the gas supply mechanism 350 is composed of a heater 351, a blower 352 serving as an air source, and two supplied parts 353 to which the gas sent by the blower 352 is supplied. Fig. 3(B) shows only one of the supplied parts 353 located on one side 30X.

[0026] 3A, the supplied portion 353 is provided on each of one side 30X and the other side 30Y of the transport path 300R. The inside of the supplied portion 353 is hollow. The supply portion 353 provided on one side 30X of the conveying path 300R is disposed on the opposite side to the side on which the conveying path 300R is provided, sandwiching a plurality of heating sources 310 provided on one side 30X of the conveying path 300R. In addition, the supply section 353 provided on the other side 30Y of the conveying path 300R is also positioned on the opposite side to the side on which the conveying path 300R is provided, sandwiching a plurality of heating sources 310 provided on the other side 30Y of the conveying path 300R.

[0027] The heater 351 and the blower 352 are disposed below the transport path 300R of the can body 100, as shown in FIG. 3(B). As described above and as shown in FIG. 3(A), the supplied portions 353 are provided on both the one side 30X and the other side 30Y of the transport path 300R. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), each of the supply recipients 353 is provided with a gas exhaust port 353X on the side where the transfer path 300R is provided. In this embodiment, gas is discharged from this outlet 353X, and the discharged gas passes through the flow path 320 and is supplied to the can body 100 on the transfer path 300R, as shown by an arrow 3C in FIG. 3(A).

[0028] In this embodiment, a heater 351 is provided as part of the gas supply mechanism 350, and the gas supply mechanism 350 heats the gas to be supplied to the can body 100. As a result, in this embodiment, the heated gas is supplied to the can body 100. In this embodiment, air is used as the gas. In this embodiment, heated air is supplied to the can body 100. The components of the gas are not particularly limited, and a gas other than air may be supplied to the can body 100.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(B), an exhaust blower 355 is provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 300, and this exhaust blower 355 exhausts the gas inside the first heating device 300 to the outside of the first heating device 300. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an intake port (not shown) for taking in gas from outside the first heating device 300 into the first heating device 300 is provided. In this embodiment, as the exhaust blower 355 exhausts gas, gas outside the first heating device 300 is supplied into the first heating device 300 through the intake port.

[0030] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the transport mechanism 600. FIG. Fig. 4(A) is a top view of the transport mechanism 600, and Fig. 4(B) is a front view of the transport mechanism 600. In other words, Fig. 4(B) is a view of the transport mechanism 600 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow IVB in Fig. 4(A). As shown in Fig. 4B, the transport mechanism 600 is provided with a moving part 610 that moves to the right in the figure. As shown in Fig. 3A, the moving part 610 is formed in a ring shape and performs a circulating movement.

[0031] In this embodiment, a part of the moving section 610 that performs the circulating movement moves along the linear transport path 300R shown in FIG. 3(A). After moving along the linear conveying path 300R, the moving part 610 moves in a circulating manner toward the upstream side in the can body conveying direction as shown by the arrow 2C in Fig. 3(A). The moving part 610 is composed of, for example, a chain or a belt. When moving toward the upstream side in the can body conveying direction, the moving part 610 moves through the inside of the first heating device 300 as shown in Fig. 3(A). This suppresses the temperature drop of the moving part 610 compared to when the moving part 610 moves through the outside of the first heating device 300.

[0032] 4(B), the conveying mechanism 600 is provided with a plurality of can body support parts 620 that support the can bodies 100. The can body support parts 620 are attached to the moving part 610. The can body support parts 620 are provided so as to protrude upward from the moving part 610. In this embodiment, the can body support part 620 is inserted into the inside of the can body 100, whereby the can body support part 620 supports the can body 100. As the moving section 610 moves, each of the can body support sections 620 moves downstream along the conveying path 300R shown in Fig. 3(A) and then turns around and moves in a circulating manner as indicated by the arrows 2C. In Fig. 3(A), the moving section 610 is depicted as moving in a circulating manner horizontally, but it may also move in a circulating manner vertically.

[0033] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rotation mechanism for rotating each of the can body supporting portions 620 is provided. The rotation mechanism is realized by, for example, a motor (not shown) provided in each of the can body supports 620. When this motor is driven, the can body support part 620 rotates around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 100 supported by the can body support part 620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 100.

[0034] As another example of the rotation mechanism, a contact portion 633 that comes into contact with an outer periphery 621 of a can body support portion 620 may be provided as shown in FIG. 4(A). The contact portion 633 is disposed along the movement direction (the direction of the conveying path 300R) of the can body supporting portion 620. When the contact portion 633 is used, the moving can body supporting portion 620 receives a resistance from the contact portion 633. As a result, the can body support part 620 rotates about a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 100 supported by the can body support part 620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 100. The rotation mechanism is not limited to the mechanism described above, and other known mechanisms may be used.

[0035] Moreover, the transport mechanism 600 is not limited to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), and other known mechanisms may be used. Specifically, for example, the can body 100 may be moved using a linear movement mechanism. Alternatively, for example, a drive source such as a motor may be provided on a support that supports the can body 100, and the support may move by itself, thereby moving the can body 100. Alternatively, the can bodies 100 may be moved by placing the can bodies 100 on a belt conveyor that moves in a circular manner.

[0036] In this embodiment, at the can body mounting section 361 shown in Figure 3 (A), the can body 100 transported from the upstream side is supplied to the can body supporting section 620 (see Figure 4 (B)), and the can body supporting section 620 begins to support the can body 100. The can body support part 620, which has started supporting the can body 100, is attached to the moving part 610, and therefore moves downstream along the linearly formed conveying path 300R (see FIG. 3(A)) in association with the movement of the moving part 610. In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body is heated while the can body support part 620 moves downstream along the conveying path 300R. This promotes hardening of the image. Then, when the can body supporting portion 620 reaches the can body removing portion 362 shown in FIG. 3(A), the can body 100 is removed from the can body supporting portion 620 by a removing mechanism (not shown). After the can body 100 is removed, the can body support part 620 returns to the can body attachment part 361 located upstream in the can body conveying direction.

[0037] The first heating device 300 will be further described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(A), the position of the flow path 320 provided on one side 30X in the can body transport direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 320 provided on the other side 30Y in the can body 100 transport direction. In this embodiment, a flow path 320 is provided between a plurality of heating sources 310 provided on one side 30X, and a plurality of flow paths 320 are provided on one side 30X.

[0038] In this embodiment, a flow path 320 is provided between the multiple heat sources 310 provided on the other side 30Y, and the multiple flow paths 320 are provided on the other side 30Y. In this embodiment, the positions of the multiple flow paths 320 provided on one side 30X in the can body transport direction are aligned with the positions of the multiple flow paths 320 provided on the other side 30Y in the can body transport direction.

[0039] Here, as shown in FIG. 3(A), a virtual plane 300H is assumed to be aligned with the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, the flow paths 320 provided on one side 30X and the flow paths 320 provided on the other side 30Y are projected in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveying direction onto this imaginary plane 300H. In this case, in this embodiment, the position of the flow channel 320 provided on one side 30X coincides with the position of the flow channel 320 provided on the other side 30Y on the imaginary plane 300H.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the supply of gas to the can body 100. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, as described above, the position of the flow passage 320 provided on one side 30X in the can body transport direction is aligned with the position of the flow passage 320 provided on the other side 30Y in the can body transport direction. In this case, as indicated by reference symbol 5A in Fig. 5, the gases collide with each other on the conveying path 300R of the can bodies 100. In this case, turbulence is likely to occur on the conveying path 300R of the can bodies 100. When turbulence occurs, the gas surrounding the can body 100 is agitated. When the gas surrounding the can body 100 is agitated, fresher gas is supplied to the can body 100 than when the gas is not agitated. In this case, the hardening of the image formed on the can body 100 is further promoted.

[0041] In addition, when the position of the flow path 320 provided on one side 30X in the can body conveying direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 320 provided on the other side 30Y in the can body conveying direction, it is preferable to make the gas flow rate and flow speed equal. Specifically, it is more preferable to make the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas passing through the flow passage 320 provided on one side 30X equal to the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas passing through the flow passage 320 provided on the other side 30Y. In this case, the location where the gases collide with each other is less likely to deviate from the transport path 300R of the can body 100, compared to when at least one of the flow rate and the flow speed is different.

[0042] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device 300. In FIG. In this configuration example shown in Figure 6, the position of the flow path 320 (hereinafter referred to as the "one-side flow path 320") provided on one side 30X of the conveying path 300R in the can body conveying direction is different from the position of the flow path 320 (hereinafter referred to as the "other-side flow path 320") provided on the other side 30Y of the conveying path 300R in the can body conveying direction. In this configuration example, a plurality of one-side flow paths 320 and a plurality of other-side flow paths 320 are provided, and are arranged at different positions in the can body conveying direction. In this configuration example, when the one-side flow path 320 and the other-side flow path 320 are projected in a direction perpendicular to the can body transport direction onto a virtual plane 300H, the position of the one-side flow path 320 and the position of the other-side flow path 320 on this virtual plane 300H do not match.

[0043] In this configuration example, multiple one-side flow paths 320 and multiple other-side flow paths 320 are provided so that, when comparing positions in the can body transport direction, the other-side flow paths 320 are located between adjacent one-side flow paths 320 in the can body transport direction. In this configuration example, when the one-side flow path 320 and the other-side flow path 320 are projected in a direction perpendicular to the can body transport direction and onto a virtual plane 300H, the other-side flow path 320 is located between adjacent one-side flow paths 320 on this virtual plane 300H.

[0044] More specifically, in this configuration example, the second-side flow passage 320 is positioned at a midpoint 339C of a straight line 339 connecting adjacent first-side flow passages 320 on an imaginary plane 300H. In this configuration example shown in Figure 6, the number of supply points at which air is supplied to the can body 100 and which are arranged offset from each other in the can body transport direction is greater than the configuration example shown in Figure 3. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the installation location of a pair of discharge outlets 353X arranged opposite each other becomes one supply point, and in the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, there are five pairs of such discharge outlets 353X, and the number of supply points is five. In contrast, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, the installation location of one discharge outlet 353X corresponds to one supply point, and the number of supply points in the configuration example shown in FIG. 6 is nine.

[0045] 3 and 6, the direction of the gas flow through the flow path 320 toward the transport path 300R of the can body 100 intersects with the axial direction of the can body 100 when the gas is supplied to the can body 100. In this embodiment, the gas flow direction is horizontal, and the axial direction of the can body 100 is vertical. In this embodiment, when gas is supplied to the can body 100, the gas does not flow along the axial direction of the can body 100, but flows along a direction intersecting the axial direction and is supplied to the can body 100.

[0046] It should be noted that this does not exclude a situation in which, when gas is supplied to the can body 100, the gas flows along the axial direction of the can body 100. For example, the can body 100 may be arranged so that the axial direction of the can body 100 is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveying direction and horizontally, and gas may be supplied to the can body 100 from the side of the conveying path 300R. In this case, when gas is supplied to the can body 100, the gas flows along the axial direction of the can body 100.

[0047] In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 6, the direction of movement of the can body 100 when the can body 100 moves along the conveying path 300R and the direction of the gas flow through the flow path 320 toward the conveying path 300R intersect with each other. The direction of movement of can body 100 when it moves along conveying path 300R and the direction of gas flow are both horizontal, but the direction of movement of can body 100 when it moves along conveying path 300R is horizontal and in one direction, and the direction of gas flow is horizontal and in a direction that intersects this one direction.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the gas passing through the flow passage 320 toward the transfer path 300R flows across the transfer path 300R. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3(A), gas particles collide with each other on the conveying path 300R of the can body 100, making it difficult for the gas particles to cross the conveying path 300R, but in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, gas particles do not collide with each other and the gas flows to cross the conveying path 300R of the can body 100.

[0049] In addition, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3(A), gas is supplied onto the transport path 300R from both of the two flow paths 320 (one side flow path 320, the other side flow path 320) that are opposed to each other across the transport path 300R, and gas is supplied to the transport path 300R from both sides of the transport path 300R. However, without being limited to this, gas may be supplied onto the transport path 300R from only one of the two flow paths 320 that face each other across the transport path 300R, and gas may not be supplied from the other flow path 320.

[0050] Also, for example, gas may be supplied onto the transport path 300R from only one of the two flow paths 320 that face each other across the transport path 300R, and the gas flowing from this one flow path 320 may be discharged through the other flow path 320. When gas is supplied onto the conveying path 300R from only one of the two opposing flow paths 320, it is preferable that the flow path 320 supplying gas (hereinafter referred to as the "supply flow path 320") be arranged alternately in the conveying direction of the can body 100, as shown in Figure 7 (a diagram showing another example configuration of the first heating device 300).

[0051] In this configuration shown in Figure 7, multiple supply flow paths 320 are provided so that, when comparing positions in the can body conveying direction, a supply flow path 320 provided on one side 30X of the conveying path 300R is located between the supply flow paths 320 provided on the other side 30Y.

[0052] Next, the heat source 310 will be described. In this embodiment, a heating source 310 that includes a light source and radiates infrared rays from the light source is used as an example of the heating source 310. In other words, in this embodiment, a so-called IR (Infrared Rays) heater is used as the heating source 310. When infrared rays are emitted from the light source, energy is supplied to the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 100, causing the molecules in the image to vibrate (move). This vibration creates friction between the materials that make up the image, generating heat. This heat heats the image, accelerating its hardening. The heat source 310 that radiates infrared rays is just an example, and the heat source 310 is not particularly limited, and a heat source 310 other than the heat source 310 that radiates infrared rays may be used.

[0053] 8(A) and (B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the first heating device 300. In FIG. In this configuration example, a placement member 700 is provided that is disposed between two adjacent heating sources 310. The placement member 700 is connected to both of the two adjacent heating sources 310 and is supported by the two heating sources 310. It is not essential that the arrangement member 700 be connected to both of the two heat sources 310, and the arrangement member 700 may be connected to only one of the two heat sources 310. Furthermore, the arrangement member 700 may not be connected to the two heat sources 310, and may be provided, for example, in a form supported by the floor surface and extending upward from the floor surface.

[0054] In this configuration example, the arrangement member 700 is provided with a flow path 320 . In this configuration example, a plurality of through holes are provided in the arrangement member 700, and each of the through holes functions as a flow path 320. The flow paths 320 formed in the arrangement member 700 are not limited to those constituted by circular or rectangular through holes, but may be slits formed in the arrangement member 700 and the flow paths 320 may be constituted by the slits.

[0055] More specifically, the flow path 320 may be formed by a slit extending in the axial direction of the can body 100 moving on the conveying path 300R, or a slit extending along the can body conveying direction. Also, for example, a mesh-like arrangement member 700 may be provided, and in this case as well, the arrangement member 700 has a plurality of through holes formed therein. The flow path 320 for supplying gas to the can body 100 is not limited to being formed by the gap 319 between the heating sources 310 (see Figure 3 (A)), but may also be formed by a through hole or slit provided in the positioning member 700 arranged between the heating sources 310.

[0056] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 8, the position of the arrangement member 700 provided on one side 30X in the can body transport direction is aligned with the position of the arrangement member 700 provided on the other side 30Y in the can body transport direction. In this case, similar to the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the position of the flow path 320 provided on one side 30X in the can body transport direction will be aligned with the position of the flow path 320 provided on the other side 30Y in the can body transport direction.

[0057] However, this is not limiting, and the position of the arrangement member 700 provided on one side 30X in the can body transport direction may be different from the position of the arrangement member 700 provided on the other side 30Y in the can body transport direction. In this case, similar to the configuration example shown in Figure 6, the position of the flow path 320 provided on one side 30X in the can body transport direction will be different from the position of the flow path 320 provided on the other side 30Y in the can body transport direction.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device 300. In FIG. In this configuration example, similar to the above, a plurality of heating sources 310 are provided on one side 30X of the transport path 300R. Also, in this configuration example, a heat reflecting section 390 is provided on the other side 30Y of the transport path 300R. As described above, a plurality of heating sources 310 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, as described above, a flow path 320 is provided between adjacent heating sources 310. This flow path 320 is formed by a gap 319 existing between the heating sources 310.

[0059] The heat reflecting portion 390 reflects heat from a heating source 310 provided on one side 30X toward the transport path 300R. The heat reflecting portion 390 is configured by a so-called mirror and has a function of reflecting light. The heat reflecting portion 390 shown in Fig. 9 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 300R. A plurality of heat reflecting sections 390 are provided and are arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a flow path 320 for passing gas supplied to the can body 100 on the conveying path 300R is provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 390. This flow path 320 is formed by a gap 319 existing between the heat reflecting sections 390.

[0060] In this configuration example, on one side 30X of the transport path 300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 100 on the transport path 300R through a flow path 320 provided between adjacent heating sources 310, as described above. On the other hand, on the other side 30Y of the transport path 300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 100 on the transport path 300R through a flow path 320 provided between the heat reflecting sections 390 adjacent to each other.

[0061] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device 300. In FIG. In this other configuration example, similar to the configuration example shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of heating sources 310 are provided on one side 30X of the transport path 300R, and a plurality of heat reflecting sections 390 are provided on the other side 30Y of the transport path 300R. Furthermore, in this configuration example, an arrangement member 700 is provided between adjacent heating sources 310. This arrangement member 700 is provided with a flow path 320 (not shown in FIG. 10) in the same manner as described above. In this configuration example, the arrangement member 700 is also provided between the adjacent heat reflecting portions 390. The arrangement member 700 is provided with the flow path 320 (not shown in FIG. 10) in the same manner as described above.

[0062] As in the above, the flow path 320 provided in the arrangement member 700 is constituted by a through hole or a slit provided in the arrangement member 700. Also in this configuration example, on one side 30X of the conveying path 300R, gas is supplied to the can body 100 on the conveying path 300R through a flow path 320 formed in a placement member 700 provided between adjacent heating sources 310. Moreover, on the other side 30Y of the transport path 300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 100 on the transport path 300R through a flow path 320 formed in a placement member 700 provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 390.

[0063] In the configuration example shown in Figures 9 and 10, the position of the one-side flow path 320, which is the flow path 320 provided on one side 30X, in the can body transport direction is aligned with the position of the other-side flow path 320, which is the flow path 320 provided on the other side 30Y, in the can body transport direction. However, similarly to the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, the position of the one-side flow path 320 in the can body transport direction may be made different from the position of the other-side flow path 320 in the can body transport direction. More specifically, similar to the above, multiple one-side flow paths 320 and multiple other-side flow paths 320 may be provided so that, for example, when comparing positions in the can body transport direction, the other-side flow paths 320 are located between adjacent one-side flow paths 320 in the can body transport direction.

[0064] Figures 11(A) and (B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion 390. Figures 11(A) and (B) show the heat reflecting portion 390 as viewed from above. The shape of the heat reflecting portion 390 is not particularly limited. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 9, the heat reflecting portion 390 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 300R. Without being limited thereto, as shown in Fig. 11(A), the heat reflecting portion 390 may be given an uneven shape to diffusely reflect infrared rays at the heat reflecting portion 390. Moreover, the heat reflecting portion 390 may be formed in a flat shape as shown in Fig. 11(B).

[0065] In addition, the first heating device 300 may be provided with two or more types of heat reflecting sections 390, for example, two or more types of heat reflecting sections 390 selected from a first type of heat reflecting section 390 shown in FIG. 9, a second type of heat reflecting section 390 shown in FIG. 11(A), and a third type of heat reflecting section 390 shown in FIG. 11(B). The heat reflecting section 390 may be provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 300, and may direct infrared rays directed upward from the heat source 310 toward the transport path 300R located below.

[0066] In the above, a first configuration has been described in which a gap 319 is provided on both the one side 30X and the other side 30Y, and a second configuration has been described in which a placement member 700 having a flow path 320 is provided on both the one side 30X and the other side 30Y. The configuration is not limited to these two, and a gap 319 may be provided on one of the side 30X and the other side 30Y, and a placement member 700 having a flow path 320 may be provided on the other side. Also, for example, the arrangement members 700 having the gaps 319 and the flow paths 320 may be provided in a mixed manner on each of the one side 30X and the other side 30Y. Further, in the above, the first heating device 300 has been described, but the second heating device 400 (see FIG. 1) and the third heating device 500 (not shown) may also be configured in the same manner as the first heating device 300. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] Reference Signs List 1...can body manufacturing system, 30X...one side, 30Y...other side, 100...can body, 200...printing device, 300...first heating device, 300R...transport path, 310...heat source, 319...gap, 320...flow path, 350...gas supply mechanism, 390...heat reflecting section, 600...transport mechanism, 700...arrangement member

Claims

1. A conveying means for conveying the can body on which the image is formed along a conveying path; A plurality of heating sources are provided on the sides of the transport path and arranged in a line in the transport direction of the can bodies, and a flow path for passing a gas supplied to the can bodies on the transport path is provided between the adjacent heating sources; A heating device comprising:

2. A gap is provided between the adjacent heating sources, The heating device according to claim 1 , wherein the gap serves as the flow path, and gas is supplied to the can body through the gap.

3. A positioning member is further provided between the adjacent heating sources, The heating device according to claim 1 , wherein the flow path is provided in the arrangement member.

4. The heating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a gas supplying means for supplying gas to the can bodies on the transport path through the flow path.

5. 5. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein the gas supply means supplies heated gas to the can body.

6. The heating device according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of heating sources, each having the flow path between adjacent heating sources, are provided on both one side and the other side of the transport path.

7. A heating device as described in claim 6, wherein the position of the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on one side in the can body transport direction is aligned with the position of the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on the other side in the can body transport direction.

8. A heating device as described in claim 6, wherein the position of a one-side flow path, which is the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on the one side, in the can body transport direction is different from the position of a other-side flow path, which is the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on the other side, in the can body transport direction.

9. The one-side flow passage and the other-side flow passage are each provided in plurality and are arranged at different positions in the can body conveying direction, A heating device as described in claim 8, wherein a plurality of one-side flow paths and a plurality of other-side flow paths are provided so that, when comparing positions in the can body transport direction, the other-side flow paths are located between adjacent one-side flow paths in the can body transport direction.

10. The plurality of heating sources are provided on one side of the transport path, The heating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat reflecting section provided on the other side of the transport path, the heat reflecting section reflecting heat from a heating source included in the plurality of heating sources toward the transport path.

11. The heat reflecting portion is provided in plurality and arranged in a line in the can body conveying direction, The heating device according to claim 10, wherein a flow path is provided between the heat reflecting portions adjacent to each other, for passing a gas supplied to the can bodies on the transport path.

12. The heating device according to claim 1 , wherein the heat source is a heat source that radiates infrared rays.

13. A conveying means for conveying the can body on which the image is formed along a conveying path; A heating source provided on one side of the transport path; a plurality of heat reflecting sections provided on the other side of the transport path and arranged in line in the can body transport direction, the heat reflecting sections reflecting heat from the heating source toward the transport path, the plurality of heat reflecting sections having flow paths between adjacent heat reflecting sections for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the transport path; A heating device comprising:

14. A gap is provided between the adjacent heat reflecting portions, The heating device according to claim 13 , wherein the gap serves as the flow path, and gas is supplied to the can body through the gap.

15. A placement member is further provided between the adjacent heat reflecting portions, The heating device according to claim 13 , wherein the flow path is provided in the arrangement member.

16. A can body manufacturing system comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and which produces can bodies with an image formed thereon, wherein the heating device is configured to include a heating device described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

Images