Heating device and can body manufacturing system

Abstract

To optimize an amount of heat generated by a heating source used in heating of an image formed on a can body.SOLUTION: When a conveyance speed determined by conveyance speed information is a first conveyance speed as illustrated in (A), a control unit performs setting in which the number of heating sources 310 to be turned on is set to be larger as compared to a case (see (B)) of a second conveyance speed. In this case, even when the conveyance speed of the can body 100 is large and time required for the can body 100 to pass through the first heating device 300 is short, a case where heat supplied to the can body 100 is insufficient more hardly occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

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 manufacturing a can body on which an image is formed, a heat source may be used to heat the image formed on the can body. When heating an image formed on a can body, if the output of a plurality of heating sources is controlled as a single unit, a situation may arise in which the heating sources generate more heat than necessary. SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to optimize the amount of heat generated by a heat source used to heat an image formed on a can body. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The heating device to which the present invention is applicable is a heating device that includes a conveying means for conveying a can body on which an image is formed along a conveying path, a plurality of heating sources provided on the side of the conveying path, and a control means for controlling the output of the plurality of heating sources for each of the heating sources. Here, the multiple heat sources may be arranged side by side in the can body transport direction, and the control means may be configured to control the output of the multiple heat sources arranged side by side in the can body transport direction for each of the heat sources. The control means may control the output of each of the heating sources based on conveying speed information which is information about the conveying speed of the can bodies conveyed by the conveying means. In addition, the control means may turn on more of the heating sources and / or increase the output of each of the heating sources when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is high, compared to when the transport speed is low. In addition, when turning on multiple heating sources, the control means may turn on heating sources that are adjacent to each other in the can body transport direction, so that the heating sources that are turned on are lined up consecutively in the can body transport direction. In addition, the multiple heating sources may be arranged in a line in the axial direction of the can body transported along the transport path, and the control means may be configured to control the output of the multiple heating sources arranged in a line in the axial direction of the can body for each heating source. The control means may control the output of each of the heating sources based on size information which is information about the size in the axial direction of the can bodies transported by the transport means. Furthermore, the control means may turn on more of the heating sources or increase the output of some of the heating sources when the size specified by the size information is large, compared to when the size is small. The heating device may further include a change unit that changes which of the plurality of heating sources provided in the heating device is turned on depending on a usage state of the heating source. In addition, the change means may change the heating source that is turned on depending on the usage time of each heating source included in the plurality of heating sources, or may change the heating source that is turned on depending on the number of times each heating source included in the plurality of heating sources has been used.

[0006] 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

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the amount of heat generated by the heat source used to heat the image formed on the can body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [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] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functions realized by an information processing device. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a transport mechanism. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a specific example of processing by a control unit. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another specific example of the process by the control unit. [Figure 9] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing another specific example of the process by the control unit. [Figure 10] 13(A) and 13(B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the first heating device. [Figure 11] 13(A) and 13(B) are diagrams showing the state of the heat source when can bodies having different sizes in the axial direction of the can bodies are transported. [Figure 12]13(A) and 13(B) are diagrams showing an example of another state of the heat source. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of a change process. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device. [Figure 15] 13(A) and 13(B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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 that functions as an image forming section is an inkjet printing device, and forms an image on the outer peripheral surface, which is an example of the outer surface of the can body 100, by 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.

[0011] The inkjet printing device 200 refers to a printing device 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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. In this embodiment, a heat source that includes a light source and radiates infrared rays from the light source is used as an example of the heat source 310. In other words, in this embodiment, a so-called IR (Infrared Rays) heater is used as the heat source 310.

[0023] 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. It should be noted that 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 other than a heat source that radiates infrared rays may be used. Moreover, it is preferable to arrange the heat source 310 so that the distance between the heat source 310 and the can body 100 when the heat source 310 is positioned opposite the can body 100 is 5 mm to 100 mm. A more preferable distance between the heat source 310 and the can body 100 is 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] 3B, an information processing device 700 is provided in this embodiment. The information processing device 700 is configured by a computer. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 700. As shown in FIG. The information processing device 700 includes an arithmetic processing unit 11 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 91 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 91 is realized by an existing information storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or a magnetic tape.

[0031] The arithmetic processing unit 11 includes a CPU 11a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 11 also includes a RAM 11b used as a working memory for the CPU 11a, and a ROM 11c in which programs executed by the CPU 11a are stored. The arithmetic processing unit 11 is also provided with a non-volatile memory 11d that is rewritable and can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted.

[0032] The non-volatile memory 11d is composed of, for example, a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. In the secondary storage unit 91, various types of information such as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 11 are stored. In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 11 reads out programs stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit 91, whereby various processes performed in the first heating device 300 are executed.

[0033] The program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the information processing device 700 in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk), an optical recording medium (such as an optical disk), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the information processing device 700 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the information processing device 700. As shown in FIG. In this embodiment, a CPU 11a (see FIG. 4) provided in the information processing device 700 reads a program stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit 91, thereby realizing the functions shown in FIG. Specifically, in this embodiment, the CPU 11a reads a program stored in the ROM 11c or the secondary storage unit 91, whereby the control unit 710 and the change unit 720 are realized.

[0035] The control unit 710 , which is an example of a control means, controls the outputs of the multiple heat sources 310 provided in the first heating device 300 . The control unit 710 generates a control signal for each heat source 310 and controls the output of the multiple heat sources 310 individually for each heat source 310 . In this embodiment, a control signal generated by the control unit 710 is sent to the heat sources 310, and the outputs of the heat sources 310 are individually controlled in response to the control signal.

[0036] The changing unit 720, which is an example of a changing means, changes the heating source 310 that is turned on depending on the usage status of the plurality of heating sources 310 provided in the first heating device 300. In other words, the changing unit 720 changes the heat source 310 to which power is supplied depending on the usage status of the multiple heat sources 310 provided in the first heating device 300. In this embodiment, when the changing unit 720 changes the heat source 310 that is turned on, the control unit 710 controls the output of each of the heat sources 310 after the change.

[0037] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the transport mechanism 600. FIG. Fig. 6(A) is a top view of the transport mechanism 600, and Fig. 6(B) is a front view of the transport mechanism 600. In other words, Fig. 6(B) is a view of the transport mechanism 600 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow VIB in Fig. 6(A). As shown in Fig. 6B, 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 6(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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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. 6(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.

[0042] Moreover, the transport mechanism 600 is not limited to the mechanism shown in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(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.

[0043] 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 6 (B)), and the can body supporting section 620 begins to support the can body 100. The can body support part 620, which has begun supporting the can body 100, is attached to the moving part 610, and therefore moves downstream along the conveying path 300R (see Figure 3(A)), which is formed in a straight line, as the moving part 610 moves.

[0044] In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body 100 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.

[0045] [Control by the control unit] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(A), a plurality of heating sources 310 are provided lined up in the can body conveying direction. The control unit 710 (see FIG. 5) controls the output of each of the plurality of heating sources 310 arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. More specifically, the control unit 710 controls the output of each heating source 310 based on, for example, conveying speed information that is information about the conveying speed of the can body 100 conveyed by the conveying mechanism 600 .

[0046] In this embodiment, a user inputs the transport speed information via a reception device (not shown) that receives information from a user, such as a PC (Personal Computer). Accordingly, in this embodiment, the can body 100 is conveyed at a conveying speed specified by this conveying speed information.

[0047] Furthermore, when the user inputs transport speed information, the control unit 710 acquires the transport speed information input by the user. Then, the control unit 710 controls the output of the heating source 310 for each heating source 310 based on the acquired transport speed information. Here, the conveying speed information is obtained based on information input by the user, but this is not limited to the above. For example, the conveying speed information may be obtained based on information obtained by a sensor that acquires the conveying speed of the can body 100.

[0048] When the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is high, the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 310 compared to when the conveying speed is lower than the specified conveying speed. In other words, the control unit 710 increases the number of heat sources 310 to which power is supplied and / or increases the output of each heat source 310 as the transport speed specified by the transport speed information increases.

[0049] More specifically, for example, when the conveying speed identified by the conveying speed information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 310 compared to when the conveying speed is less than this predetermined threshold. In addition, for example, when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is a first speed, which is an example of a specific speed, the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 310 compared to when the conveying speed is a second conveying speed, which is an example of another specific speed that is slower than the first conveying speed.

[0050] As a form of input of conveying speed information by the user, in addition to the form of inputting a specific arbitrary numerical value, for example, a case is also envisaged in which the user inputs the conveying speed information by selecting a conveying speed from a first conveying speed and a second conveying speed that are predefined. In this case, the control unit 710 acquires, as the transport speed information, information on either the first transport speed or the second transport speed. When the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is a first conveying speed, the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 310 compared to when the conveying speed is a second conveying speed.

[0051] Note that, here, an example has been described in which the first conveying speed and the second conveying speed are prepared as predetermined conveying speeds, but it is also envisioned that three or more conveying speeds having different magnitudes are prepared as the predetermined conveying speeds. In this case, the control unit 710 acquires, as the transport speed information, information on the transport speed selected by the user from among the three or more transport speeds. In other words, it is assumed that a plurality of conveying speeds are prepared in advance, and in this case, the control unit 710 acquires information on the conveying speed selected by the user from the plurality of conveying speeds as the conveying speed information.

[0052] In this embodiment, the number of heat sources 310 to be turned on and the output of each of the heat sources 310 are set in advance for each of a plurality of transport speeds prepared in advance. More specifically, the number of heating sources 310 for each conveying speed and the output of the heating sources 310 for each conveying speed are set so that the faster the conveying speed, the more heating sources 310 are turned on, and also so that the faster the conveying speed, the greater the output of each of the heating sources 310. Information on the number of heating sources 310 for each transport speed and the output of the heating sources 310 for each transport speed is stored in an information storage unit such as the secondary storage unit 91.

[0053] The control unit 710 refers to the information stored in the secondary storage unit 91 to obtain information regarding the number of heating sources 310 corresponding to the transport speed and the output of the heating sources 310 corresponding to the transport speed. Then, the control unit 710 controls the heating sources 310 based on the acquired information, for example, so that the number of heating sources 310 corresponding to the transport speed is turned on. Additionally, the control unit 710 controls the heat sources 310 based on the acquired information, so that the output of each of the heat sources 310 corresponds to the conveying speed, for example.

[0054] 7A and 7B are diagrams showing a specific example of processing by the control unit 710. In FIG. 7(A) and (B) show the first heating device 300 as viewed from above. FIG. 7A shows the state of the heat source 310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the above-mentioned first transport speed, which is an example of the higher speed. FIG. 7B shows the state of the heat source 310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the above-mentioned second transport speed, which is an example of the smaller speed.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is a first conveying speed, as shown in FIG. 7(A), the control unit 710 sets the number of heating sources 310 to be turned on to be greater than when the conveying speed is a second conveying speed (see FIG. 7(B)). As a result, even if the conveying speed of the can body 100 is high and the time required for the can body 100 to pass through the first heating device 300 is short, a situation in which the heat supplied to the can body 100 is insufficient is unlikely to occur.

[0056] Note that Figure 7(B) shows a case where the three sets of heating sources 310 located most upstream in the can body transport direction are turned on, but this is not limited to the above case, and the three sets of heating sources 310 located most downstream in the can body transport direction may be turned on, or the three sets of heating sources 310 located at an intermediate position in the can body transport direction may be turned on. Also, the three sets of heating sources 310 that are turned on may be arranged so that every other one is turned on. Here, a "set" of heat sources 310 refers to two heat sources 310 that face each other across the transport path 300R (see FIG. 3(A)).

[0057] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing another specific example of the process by the control unit 710. In FIG. Instead of turning on the heat sources 310 in greater numbers, the output of each of the heat sources 310 may be changed as shown in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B). FIG. 8A shows the state of the heat source 310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the first transport speed, which is the higher transport speed. FIG. 8B shows the state of the heat source 310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the second transport speed, which is the smaller one.

[0058] In this processing example, as shown in FIG. 8(A), when the conveying speed identified by the conveying speed information is the first conveying speed, the control unit 710 increases the output of each of the heating sources 310 compared to when the conveying speed is the second conveying speed (see FIG. 8(B)). In this case, as with the above, even if the transport speed of the can body 100 is high and the time required for the can body 100 to pass through the first heating device 300 is short, a situation in which the heat supplied to the can body 100 is insufficient is unlikely to occur.

[0059] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing another specific example of the process by the control unit 710. In FIG. With reference to FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B), a process of turning on more heat sources 310 and further increasing the output of each of the heat sources 310 will be described. Fig. 9(A) shows the state of the heat source 310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the first transport speed, which is the larger one, and Fig. 9(B) shows the state of the heat source 310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the second transport speed, which is the smaller one.

[0060] In this processing example, when the conveying speed identified by the conveying speed information is a first conveying speed, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 and further increases the output of each of the heating sources 310 compared to when the conveying speed is a second conveying speed (see FIG. 9(B)). It is not necessary to perform only one of the two processes, namely, the process of turning on more heat sources 310 and the process of increasing the output of each of the heat sources 310, but rather, as shown in Figures 9(A) and (B), it is also possible to perform both the process of turning on more heat sources 310 and the process of increasing the output of each of the heat sources 310.

[0061] Note that, in the above, the processing is described when the conveying speed identified by the conveying speed information is either the first conveying speed or the second conveying speed, but as described above, it is also assumed that the user may input a specific arbitrary numerical value. In this case, the control unit 710 turns on more heat sources 310 when the numerical value input by the user exceeds a predetermined threshold value compared to when the numerical value does not exceed the predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, when the numerical value input by the user exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 710 increases the output of each of the heat sources 310 compared to when the numerical value does not exceed the predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, when the numerical value input by the user exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 710 turns on more heat sources 310 and increases the output of each heat source 310 compared to when the numerical value does not exceed the predetermined threshold value.

[0062] In addition, in this embodiment, when the control unit 710 turns on the multiple heating sources 310, it turns on the heating sources 310 that are adjacent to each other in the can body transport direction, so that the heating sources 310 that are turned on are lined up consecutively in the can body transport direction, as shown in Figures 7 to 9. In other words, when the control unit 710 turns on multiple heating sources 310 that are located at different positions in the can body transport direction, the control unit 710 turns on heating sources 310 that are adjacent to each other so that the heating sources 310 that are turned on are lined up consecutively in the can body transport direction. This increases the temperature of the image formed on the can body 100 and improves the efficiency of heating the image, as compared to when the heating sources 310 are turned on every few heating sources 310.

[0063] [Another Configuration Example of the First Heating Device 300] 10(A) and (B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the first heating device 300. As above, Fig. 10(A) is a top view of the first heating device 300, and Fig. 10(B) is a front view of the first heating device 300. In this configuration example shown in Figure 10, multiple heating sources 310 are provided at different positions in the vertical direction in the figure, as shown by symbol 10A in Figure 10(B), at each of the installation locations of the heating sources 310 arranged in a row in the can body transport direction.

[0064] The plurality of heating sources 310, which are arranged at different installation locations and at different positions in the vertical direction, are arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can bodies 100 transported along the transport path. More specifically, the multiple heating sources 310 arranged at each installation location are aligned in a direction intersecting the can body transport direction and aligned in the axial direction of the can body 100. More specifically, the multiple heating sources 310 arranged at each installation location are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the can body transport direction and aligned in the axial direction of the can body 100. In this configuration example, the control unit 710 controls the output of the multiple heat sources 310 arranged at the respective installation locations, individually for each heat source 310.

[0065] More specifically, in this configuration example, the control unit 710 controls the output of each heating source 310 based on size information, which is information about the size in the axial direction of the can body 100 transported by the transport mechanism 600. As in the above, in this embodiment, the user inputs size information via a reception device (not shown) that receives information from the user, such as a PC (Personal Computer). In response to this, the control unit 710 acquires this size information input by the user.

[0066] Here, an example of the size information is length information that is information about the length in the axial direction of the can body 100. More specifically, an example is a numerical value that specifically indicates the length in the axial direction of the can body 100. Other examples of size information include information indicating the size of can body 100 (hereinafter referred to as "size information"), such as information indicating that can body 100 is a 350 mL can or information indicating that can body 100 is a 500 mL can. The control unit 710 acquires this length information, size information, and the like as size information of the can body 100. As described above, size information may be acquired not based on information input by the user, but, for example, based on information obtained by a sensor that acquires information about the size of the can body 100.

[0067] When the size specified by the size information is large, the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 or increases the output of some of the heating sources 310 compared to when the size specified by the size information is smaller than this size. More specifically, for example, when the length identified by the above length information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 or increases the output of some of the heating sources 310 compared to when the length is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, when the size specified by the above size information is a first size, which is an example of a specific size, the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 or increases the output of some of the heating sources 310 compared to when the size specified by the above size information is a second size, which is an example of another specific size smaller than the first size.

[0069] As in the above, a case is also envisaged where the user selects a size from a plurality of predefined sizes and inputs size information. In other words, if a plurality of sizes are prepared in advance, it is conceivable that the user may select a size from the plurality of sizes prepared in advance and input size information. In this embodiment, the number of heating sources 310 to be turned on is preset for each size specified by the size information, or a setting as to whether or not to increase the output of some of the heating sources 310 is preset for each size specified by the size information.

[0070] More specifically, in this embodiment, the larger the size specified by the size information, the more heating sources 310 are turned on. Alternatively, the larger the size specified by the size information, the more the number of some heating sources 310 with higher output is increased. As described above, when the size specified by the size information is, for example, a first size which is an example of a specific size, the control unit 710 turns on more heating sources 310 or increases the output of some of the heating sources 310 compared to when the size specified by the size information is a second size which is an example of another specific size smaller than the first size.

[0071] 11(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the state of the heat source 310 when the can bodies 100 having different sizes in the axial direction of the can bodies 100 are transported. 11(A) and (B) show the state of the heat source 310 when the first heating device 300 is viewed from the front. Also, in Fig. 11(A) and (B), illustrations of components other than the can body 100 and the heat source 310 are omitted.

[0072] FIG. 11(A) shows the state of the heat source 310 when the larger can body 100 is being transported. When the larger can body 100 is transported, the control unit 710 performs a setting to turn on both of the two heating sources 310 arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can body 100, as indicated by reference symbol 11A. In this embodiment, two heating sources 310, a first heating source 311 and a second heating source 312, are provided, and when the larger can body 100 is transported, the control unit 710 sets both the first heating source 311 and the second heating source 312 to be on.

[0073] FIG. 11(B) shows the state of the heat source 310 when the smaller can body 100 is being transported. When the smaller can body 100 is being transported, the control unit 710 turns on only one of the two heating sources 310 arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can body 100 . Specifically, in this case, the control unit 710 turns on the first heating source 311 of the two heating sources 310, which is located at a position facing the can body 100 being transported. Also, in this case, the control unit 710 turns off the second heating source 312, at least a portion of which is not located at a position facing the can body 100 being transported. In this case, compared to when both of the two heat sources 310 are turned on, unnecessary power supply to the heat sources 310 is prevented, and power consumption is reduced.

[0074] 12(A) and (B) are diagrams showing an example of another state of the heat source 310. In FIG. In the above, the second heating source 312 is turned off when the smaller can body 100 is transported, but this is not limited to the above, and as shown in Figure 12 (B), the second heating source 312 may be turned on even when the smaller can body 100 is transported. However, when the smaller can body 100 is transported, the output of the second heating source 312 is made smaller than the output of the first heating source 311 when the second heating source 312 is turned on. As a result, in this case, power consumption is reduced compared to a case in which the output of second heating source 312 is not reduced and the output of second heating source 312 is the same as the output of first heating source 311.

[0075] Then, when the can body 100 to be conveyed is switched and the larger can body 100 is conveyed, the output of the second heating source 312 is increased as shown in Fig. 12(A). More specifically, the output of the second heating source 312 is set to be the same as the output of the first heating source 311. If the second heating source 312 is turned off while the smaller can body 100 is being transported, there is a risk of a long waiting time when the can body 100 being transported is switched to the larger can body 100.

[0076] When the second heating source 312 is set to off and the can body 100 being transported is switched to the larger can body 100, the second heating source 312 will be changed from an off state to an on state. In this case, it takes time before heating by second heating source 312 becomes possible, and the waiting time until heating by second heating source 312 becomes possible becomes long. In contrast, as described above, even when the smaller can body 100 is being transported, if the second heating source 312 is turned on, the time required until heating by the second heating source 312 is possible is shorter, and the above-mentioned waiting time is shorter.

[0077] 11 and 12, similarly to the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of heat sources 310 that are turned on and / or increase or decrease the output of the heat sources 310. Specifically, when the conveying speed of the can body 100 changes, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of heating sources 310 that are turned on and / or increase or decrease the output of the heating sources 310, which are arranged staggered from each other in the can body conveying direction.

[0078] More specifically, when the smaller can body 100 is being transported and the transport speed of the can body changes, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of first heating sources 311 that are turned on and / or increase or decrease the output of the first heating sources 311, which are arranged staggered from each other in the can body transport direction (see Figures 11(B) and 12(B)). Furthermore, when the larger can body 100 is being transported and the transport speed of the can body changes, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of first heating sources 311 and second heating sources 312 that are turned on and / or increase or decrease the output of the first heating sources 311 and second heating sources 312, which are arranged and shifted from each other in the can body transport direction (see Figures 11(A) and 12(A)).

[0079] [Processing for changing the heat source 310] Next, the process performed by the change unit 720 (see FIG. 5) will be described. In this embodiment, as described above, the changing unit 720 changes the heating source 310 that is turned on depending on the usage status of the multiple heating sources 310 provided in the first heating device 300. Specifically, the changing unit 720 changes the heating source 310 to be turned on, for example, in accordance with the usage time of each heating source 310 included in the multiple heating sources 310. Alternatively, the changing unit 720 changes the heating source 310 to be turned on, in accordance with the number of times each heating source 310 included in the multiple heating sources 310 has been used. This makes it less likely that only a specific one of the multiple heat sources 310 is used, thereby extending the life of the heat sources 310.

[0080] The change unit 720 grasps the usage time and number of times each heating source 310 is used, and further causes the grasped results to be stored in the secondary memory unit 91 (see FIG. 4), which is an example of an information storage unit. More specifically, the change unit 720 associates information about the usage time and number of times of use for each of the multiple heating sources 310 with each heating source 310. Then, the change unit 720 stores the information for identifying the heating source 310 and the information about the usage time and number of times of use in the secondary storage unit 91 in a state where the information is associated with each other.

[0081] Furthermore, each time the heat source 310 is used, the change unit 720 reads out information from the secondary storage unit 91 and grasps, for each heat source 310, the time during which the heat source 310 has been used and the number of times the heat source 310 has been used. Then, when the situation specified by the grasped usage time or number of usages is in a specific state, the change unit 720 performs setting to change the heat source 310 to be used. As a specific example, when the grasped usage time or number of usages exceeds a predetermined threshold, the change unit 720 performs a setting to change the heat source 310 to be used. In addition, when the grasped usage time or number of uses exceeds a predetermined threshold, the change unit 720 performs a process of resetting the usage time or number of uses for each heating source 310 that exceeds the predetermined threshold.

[0082] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of the change process. 13(A) and (B) show the first heating device 300 as viewed from above. FIG. 13(A) shows an example of the first heating device 300 in a first state. In this first state, the transport speed of the can body 100 is the second transport speed, which is the slower transport speed, and the three sets of heating sources 310 located on the upstream side are set to be turned on. In other words, the three sets of heating sources 310 located on the upstream side are set to be used. 13(A), it is assumed that the usage time or number of times for each of the three sets of heat sources 310 located on the upstream side exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In this case, the change unit 720 performs a setting to change the heat source 310 to be used to the other three sets of heat sources 310 located on the downstream side.

[0083] After this setting is made, the control unit 710 thereafter sets the three sets of heating sources 310 located on the upstream side to be turned off, and sets the three sets of heating sources 310 located on the downstream side to be turned on, as shown in FIG. 13(B). As described above, when the conveying speed of the can body 100 becomes the first conveying speed, which is the larger conveying speed, the control unit 710 sets the six sets of heating sources 310 to be turned on, regardless of the usage time or number of times each of the heating sources 310 has been used.

[0084] [Another Configuration Example of the First Heating Device 300] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing another configuration example 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. As described above, this flow path 320 is formed by a gap 319 existing between the heating sources 310.

[0085] 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. 14 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 conveyance direction. A flow path 320 is provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 390. This flow path 320 is formed by gaps 319 existing between the heat reflecting sections 390. In this configuration example, the image on the can body 100 is heated by infrared rays from a heating source 310 provided on one side 30X and infrared rays reflected by a heat reflecting portion 390.

[0086] In this configuration example as well, the same processing as above may be performed. That is, the output of a plurality of heating sources 310 arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction may be controlled for each heating source 310 . More specifically, for example, the output of each heating source 310 may be controlled based on conveying speed information, which is information about the conveying speed of the can body 100 conveyed by the conveying mechanism 600 (not shown in FIG. 14). More specifically, when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is high, more heating sources 310 may be turned on and / or the output of each heating source 310 may be increased compared to when the transport speed is low. Also, as described above, when multiple heating sources 310 are turned on, the heating sources 310 that are adjacent to each other in the can body transport direction may be turned on so that the heating sources 310 that are turned on are lined up consecutively in the can body transport direction.

[0087] Furthermore, although not shown, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 14, similarly to the above, a plurality of heat sources 310 may be provided lined up in the axial direction of the can body 100 at each of the installation locations of the heat source 310. As described above, the output of the plurality of heating sources 310 arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can body 100 may be controlled for each heating source 310 . Furthermore, similarly to the above, the output of each heating source 310 may be controlled based on size information, which is information about the size of the can body 100 in the axial direction. More specifically, when the size specified by the size information is large, more heating sources 310 may be turned on, or the output of some of the heating sources 310 may be increased, compared to when the size is small.

[0088] [Other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion] Figures 15(A) and (B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion 390. Figures 15(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. 14, 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. 15(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. 15(B).

[0089] 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. 14, a second type of heat reflecting section 390 shown in FIG. 15(A), and a third type of heat reflecting section 390 shown in FIG. 15(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.

[0090] 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. Furthermore, the arrangement of the heating sources 310 and the can body 100 is not limited to the above, and each of the heating sources 310 may be arranged along the horizontal direction, and the can body 100 may be arranged so that the axial direction of the can body 100 is along the horizontal direction. Alternatively, for example, the heating sources 310 may be arranged so as to extend in the vertical direction and to be aligned in the vertical direction. In this case, the can body 100 may be arranged so that the axial direction of the can body 100 is aligned in the horizontal direction, and the can body 100 may be moved in the vertical direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 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: conveying path, 310: heating source, 600: conveying mechanism, 710: control unit, 720: change unit

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 provided on the sides of the transport path; A control means for controlling the output of each of the plurality of heat sources; A heating device comprising:

2. The plurality of heating sources are arranged in a line in the can body conveying direction, 2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the output of each of the plurality of heat sources arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction.

3. 3. The heating device according to claim 2, wherein the control means controls the output of each of the heat sources based on conveying speed information which is information about the conveying speed of the can bodies conveyed by the conveying means.

4. The heating device according to claim 3 , wherein the control means turns on more of the heating sources and / or increases the output of each of the heating sources when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is high, compared to when the transport speed is low.

5. The heating device described in claim 2, wherein the control means, when turning on multiple heating sources, turns on heating sources that are adjacent to each other in the can body transport direction so that the heating sources that are turned on are lined up consecutively in the can body transport direction.

6. The plurality of heating sources are arranged in a line in an axial direction of the can body transported along the transport path, 2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the output of each of the plurality of heat sources arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can body.

7. The heating device according to claim 6 , wherein the control means controls the output of each of the heat sources based on size information which is information about the size in the axial direction of the can bodies transported by the transport means.

8. The heating device according to claim 7 , wherein the control means turns on more of the heating sources or increases the output of some of the heating sources when the size specified by the size information is large, compared to when the size information is small.

9. The heating device according to claim 1 , further comprising a change unit that changes which of the plurality of heating sources provided in the heating device is turned on depending on a usage state of the heating source.

10. The heating device according to claim 9, wherein the change means changes the heating source that is turned on depending on the usage time of each of the heating sources included in the plurality of heating sources, or changes the heating source that is turned on depending on the number of times each of the heating sources included in the plurality of heating sources has been used.

11. 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 10.

Images