Barrel printing method and barrel printing system

Abstract

To provide a barrel printing method and a barrel printing system that can safely print on an outer surface of a returnable metal barrel without using a plastic film such as a label, without introducing a new facility into an existing barreling system.SOLUTION: A barrel printing system 10 is for printing either one or both of characters and images on the outer surface of a barrel by a barreling system 1 that fills a content into a returnable metal barrel. The barreling system 1 sequentially has an internal washing device 3 that cleans an inner surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100°C or higher, and a filling device 4 that fills the barrel with the content, and has a conveying device 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) that conveys the barrel in this order. The barrel printing system 10 comprises a printing device 11 that applies ink to the outer surface of the barrel. The printing device 11 is arranged along the conveying device 5c between the internal washing device 3 and the filling device 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a barrel printing method and system. [Background technology]

[0002] Returnable barrels are known as metal barrels for storing beverages such as beer. They are distributed on the market, and when the contents are consumed, they are collected and reused. Information for quality control, such as lot numbers, letters, numbers, or symbols, is printed on the outer surface of returnable barrels. After collection, the printing is removed when the outer surface of the barrel is washed, and information about the contents to be newly filled is printed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 proposes a barrel printing device that can prevent the printing from chipping or bleeding even if the barrel is not dried sufficiently after washing, and describes letters, numbers, or symbols as the form of printing. Plastic labels are also sometimes attached to the surface of the barrel (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0003] A technology has been proposed for applying highly decorative characters, designs, or patterns to the outer surface of a returnable container (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Patent Document 3 proposes a technology in which an inkjet printer is used to draw a pattern, etc., on the outer surface of a returnable container with a first ink that can be removed with a solvent, and after hardening the pattern, etc., characters, etc. are overlaid on the pattern made with the hardened first ink with a second ink.

[0004] When printing on the outer surface of a three-dimensional object of revolution such as a cylinder, a method is generally adopted in which a printed image is formed while the three-dimensional object of revolution is rotated (see, for example, Patent Document 4). In this case, if the outer surface of the container is made of a non-absorbent material such as metal that does not absorb printing ink, there is a problem that the ink flows and bleeds when the three-dimensional object of revolution rotates. In order to solve this problem, a method has been proposed in which a clear printed image is printed on the ink-non-absorbent surface of a cylindrical container using an inkjet printing ink having a special composition (see, for example, Patent Document 5). Patent Document 5 discloses a method in which the non-absorbent surface of a cylindrical container is adjusted to a temperature of 25 to 100°C, then inkjet printing is performed using an inkjet printing ink having a special composition, and then a finishing varnish is applied. As a method for adjusting the temperature of the non-absorbent surface, a method of indirectly heating the cylindrical container by heating a mandrel that supports and fixes the cylindrical container, or a method of directly heating the non-absorbent surface of the cylindrical container itself by hot air, high-frequency heating, or infrared heating is disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-131858 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2022-51477 A [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-107255 [Patent Document 4] JP 2014-136217 A [Patent Document 5] JP 2013-177571 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In Patent Document 1, letters, numbers, or symbols (hereinafter, letters, numbers, or symbols may be collectively referred to as letters, etc.) are described as the form of printing, but there is a demand for displaying not only letters, but also stylish designs including images on the outer surface of the barrel. Conventionally, such stylish designs have been printed on plastic films such as labels or stretch labels as in Patent Document 2, and the plastic films have been attached or wrapped around the outer surface of the barrel to display them. However, in recent years, there has been a promotion of reducing the amount of plastic used, and there is a demand for printing stylish designs on the outer surface of the barrel without using plastic films.

[0007] Furthermore, in the case of labels such as those in Patent Document 2, the printing design is fixed, and adding a new design with a design element that includes a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code having information requires the production of new plates, which entails a large cost. There is also the problem that adding different information for each barrel cannot be realized with plate printing.

[0008] Patent Document 3 proposes a method for printing highly decorative letters, designs, or patterns on the outer surface of a returnable container, but does not consider a method for in-line printing in a barreling system. A method for forming a printed image while rotating a rotating three-dimensional body as in Patent Document 4 may be applicable to in-line printing, but as mentioned above, there is a problem with the ink flow during rotation, and it is necessary to use an inkjet printing ink with a special composition as in Patent Document 5. The ink in Patent Document 5 is intended for seamless cans, which are one-way containers, and is not intended to remove the printing by washing after collection as in the case of returnable barrels, and is therefore not applicable to printing on returnable barrels.

[0009] In addition, when printing a design with design, the amount of ink used tends to be greater than when printing letters, numbers, or symbols as in Patent Document 1. The more ink used, the longer the time required for drying to fix the ink, so the challenge is to dry the ink within the limited time it takes to pass through the barreling system. There is a technology for drying the ink with high-temperature hot air as a technology for quickly drying the ink, but there is a problem that the hot air causes color unevenness and damages the aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, there is a problem that the introduction of new equipment for generating high-temperature hot air is required, which forces changes to the factory layout and increases manufacturing costs. Due to this background, a technology for printing a design with design on the outer surface of a barrel inline in a barreling system has not been realized until now.

[0010] The present disclosure aims to provide a barrel printing method and barrel printing system that can safely print on the outer surface of a returnable metal barrel without using plastic film such as a label, and without introducing new equipment into an existing barreling system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The barrel printing method of the present invention is a barrel printing method in which either letters or images, or both, are printed on the outer surface of a returnable metal barrel in a barrel filling system that fills contents into the barrel, the barrel filling system having, in order, an internal washing device that washes the inner surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100°C or higher, and a filling device that fills the barrel with the contents, and a transport device that transports the barrel in this order, and the barrel printing method is characterized in that it includes a steam introduction process for introducing the steam into the barrel in the internal washing device, a barrel heating and drying process for heating the outer surface of the barrel by introducing the steam into the barrel to dry the outer surface of the barrel, an ink adhesion process for adhering ink to the dried outer surface of the barrel, and an ink drying process for drying the ink adhered to the outer surface of the barrel before the barrel that has undergone the ink adhesion process reaches the filling device.

[0012] In the barrel printing method according to the present invention, the ink attachment step is preferably carried out while the outer surface temperature of the barrel is kept at 60 to 150° C. This makes it possible to form a printed surface with better visibility.

[0013] In the barrel printing method according to the present invention, the ink applying step preferably includes a step of ejecting the ink from an inkjet head. Variable printing can be realized. In addition, since plate making costs are not required, costs can be reduced.

[0014] In the barrel printing method according to the present invention, the ink application step preferably includes the steps of lifting the barrel conveyed by the conveying device from the conveying surface of the conveying device, printing on the side surface of the barrel with the inkjet head while rotating the lifted barrel about the central axis of the barrel, and returning the printed barrel to the conveying surface. Printing can be performed efficiently without stopping the conveying device.

[0015] In the barrel printing method according to the present invention, it is preferable that either or both of the characters and the image include design printing. This method can be suitably applied to various applications where good appearance is required, such as placing the barrels in a place in a store where they can be seen by customers or selling them to general households.

[0016] In the barrel printing method of the present invention, it is preferable that the ink application process includes a primer ink application process of applying a primer ink as the ink to the dried outer surface of the barrel, and a character image ink application process of applying, after the primer ink application process, a character image ink that forms either the characters or the image, or both, as the ink, onto the primer ink application process.

[0017] In the barrel printing method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the ink application process further includes an overcoat ink application process of applying an overcoat ink as the ink onto the character image ink application process after the character image ink application process.

[0018] In the barrel printing method of the present invention, it is preferable that the ink application process includes a character image ink application process of applying a character image ink that forms either the character or the image, or both, to the dried outer surface of the barrel, and an overcoat ink application process of applying an overcoat ink as the ink onto the character image ink application process after the character image ink application process.

[0019] In the barrel printing method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the ink is a water-based ink.

[0020] In the barrel printing method according to the present invention, it is preferable that either or both of the characters and / or the images are printed in a manner suitable for small-lot, high-mix production or include variable printing.

[0021] The barrel printing system of the present invention is a barrel filling system that fills contents into returnable metal barrels, and prints either letters or images, or both, on the outer surface of the barrel, wherein the barrel filling system has, in order, an internal washing device that cleans the inner surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100°C or higher, and a filling device that fills the barrel with contents, and a conveying device that transports the barrel in this order, and the barrel printing system is characterized in that it includes a printing device that adheres ink to the outer surface of the barrel, and the printing device is arranged along the conveying device between the internal washing device and the filling device.

[0022] In the barrel printing system according to the present invention, the printing device is an inkjet printer having an inkjet head, and the barrel printing system further includes a lifting and rotating device that lifts the barrel transported by the transport device from the transport surface of the transport device and rotates the barrel around the central axis of the barrel, and it is preferable that the inkjet head faces the side of the barrel lifted by the lifting and rotating device, and the inkjet head prints on the side of the barrel while the lifting and rotating device lifts and rotates the barrel. Printing can be realized by small changes in details such as incorporating a printer and a lifting and rotating device without requiring major layout changes to an existing barreling system.

[0023] In the barrel printing system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the printing device is a drop-on-demand full-color inkjet printer, which can achieve aesthetic quality equal to or greater than that of plastic labels.

[0024] In the barrel printing system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the printing device has a first printing device that prints the primer ink as the ink, and a second printing device that prints the character image ink as the ink.

[0025] In the barrel printing system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the printing device further includes a third printing device that prints the overcoat ink as the ink.

[0026] In the barrel printing system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the printing device has a second printing device that prints the character image ink as the ink, and a third printing device that prints the overcoat ink as the ink.

[0027] In the barrel printing system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the ink is a water-based ink.

[0028] It is preferable that the barrel printing system of the present invention further includes a print instruction device that transmits print data for either or both of the characters and / or the images to the printing device, and that the printing device receives the print data from the print instruction device and performs printing based on the received print data.

[0029] In the barrel printing system according to the present invention, it is preferable that the print data includes print data corresponding to small-lot, high-mix production or variable print data. Effect of the Invention

[0030] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a barrel printing method and barrel printing system that can safely apply printing to the outer surface of a returnable metal barrel without using plastic films such as labels, and without introducing new equipment into an existing barreling system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a barrel printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a returnable metal barrel. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a lifting and rotating device. [Figure 4] This shows the results of Experimental Example 1. [Diagram 5] This shows the results of Experimental Example 2. [Figure 6] 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of a barrel printing system according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a first modified example of the printing system shown in FIG. 3, in which a barrel 100 (B2) is viewed from above. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a second modified example of the printing system shown in FIG. 3, in which a barrel 100 (B2) is viewed from above. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a third modified example of the printing system shown in FIG. 3, in which a barrel 100 (B2) is viewed from above. [Figure 10]FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a fourth modified example of the printing system shown in FIG. 3, in which the barrel 100 (B2) is viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. Various modifications of the embodiments may be made as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved.

[0033] First, the barrel printing system according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the barrel printing system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the barrel transport path 6 is shown by a broken line. The barrel printing system 10 according to the present embodiment is a barrel printing system that prints either characters or images or both on the outer surface of a barrel in a barrel filling system 1 that fills a returnable metal barrel 100 (for example, shown in FIG. 2) with contents. The barrel filling system 1 has an inner washing device 3 that washes the inner surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100° C. or higher, and a filling device 4 that fills the barrel with contents, in that order, and a conveying device 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) that conveys the barrel in this order. The barrel printing system 10 has a printing device 11 that attaches ink to the outer surface of the barrel, and the printing device 11 is arranged along the conveying device 5c between the inner washing device 3 and the filling device 4.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an image showing an example of a returnable metal barrel. The returnable metal barrel 100 has a body 101 in which the contents are stored, and an upper skirt 102 and a lower skirt 103 connected to the top and bottom of the body 101. A cap 101a is provided at the top end of the body 101, and the contents are filled and poured through the cap 101a. The upper and lower skirts 102, 103 are provided so as to extend the outer periphery of the body 101 in the up and down directions, respectively. The upper skirt 102 is provided with a handle 104 for a worker to hold when transporting the barrel 100. The contents are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, beer, sparkling wine, or other sparkling alcoholic beverages. The capacity of the barrel 100 is typically 7 to 20 L, but is not particularly limited in the present invention.

[0035] The outer surface of the barrel 100 that is the printing area includes, for example, the side of the body 101, the side of the upper skirt portion 102, and the side of the lower skirt portion 103. The printing area may be provided only on a part of the circumferential direction of the side of the barrel, or may be provided intermittently or continuously over the entire circumferential area of ​​the side of the barrel. For example, it is preferable that printing is performed continuously or intermittently over the entire circumference of the side of the barrel 101. The printed content may be only characters, only images, or both characters and images. For example, FIG. 2 shows an example in which the characters "Kirin Lager Beer" (Kirin Lager is a registered trademark) as the product name, the characters "beer" as the variety, the characters "20L" as the content volume, and a two-dimensional code are printed on the side of the barrel 101, but the present invention is not limited to this. The printing area may be only the side surface of the body portion 101, or may extend to the side surfaces of the body portion 101 as well as the side surfaces of the upper skirt portion 102 and / or the side surfaces of the lower skirt portion 103, or may be only the side surfaces of the upper skirt portion 102 or only the side surfaces of the lower skirt portion 103. Although an image processed into grayscale is shown in Fig. 2, a more accurate representation is achieved by using a color image before processing into grayscale. For example, full color printing may be used, with the text in red and the image in black.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 1, the barrel filling system 1 preferably has an external washing device 2 for washing the external surfaces of barrels, prior to the internal washing device 3. The external washing device 2 is a device for removing dirt from the external surfaces of barrels collected from stores and the like, and for removing characters, patterns, etc. printed on the external surfaces. For example, the barrels are washed by spraying them with detergent, hot water, water, etc. while being transported by a transport device 5.

[0037] The inside washing device 3 is a device for washing and sterilizing the inside of the barrel, and for example, after introducing a washing liquid into the inside of the barrel to wash the inside, steam is introduced into the inside of the barrel to sterilize the inside. The washing liquid and steam are introduced through the nozzle part 101a of the barrel (shown in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 1, the inside washing device 3 may be a rotary type inside washing device that washes and sterilizes the barrel while moving it along a circular conveying path 6, or a lane type inside washing device (not shown) equipped with a linear conveying path. The steam is, for example, saturated steam or superheated steam. The temperature of the steam is 100° C. or higher, preferably 115° C. or higher, and more preferably 120° C. or higher. The upper limit of the temperature of the steam is not particularly limited, but is, for example, preferably 200° C. or lower, and preferably 150° C. or lower.

[0038] The filling device 4 is a device that fills the contents into the barrel. The contents are filled through the nozzle 101a (shown in FIG. 2) of the barrel. As shown in FIG. 1, the filling device 4 may be a rotary type filling device that continuously fills the barrel while moving it along a circular conveying path 6, or a lane type filling device (not shown) that has a linear conveying path and fills the barrel intermittently.

[0039] The conveying devices 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are devices that move barrels along the conveying path 6, such as belt conveyors. The conveying devices 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) include a conveying device 5a on the upstream side of the conveying path 6 of the external washing device 2, a conveying device 5b between the external washing device 2 and the internal washing device 3, a conveying device 5c between the internal washing device 3 and the filling device 4, and a conveying device 5d on the downstream side of the conveying path 6 of the filling device 4.

[0040] The barreling system 1 only needs to have a conveying device 5c interposed between the internal washing device 3 and the filling device 4, and in addition to a form in which the barreling system 1 has a rotary type internal washing device 3 and a rotary type filling device 4 as shown in Figure 1, it may also have a form in which, for example, the barreling system 1 has a lane type internal washing device 3 and a filling device 4 separate from the lane type internal washing device 3.

[0041] In the barrel filling system 1, the barrel is transported by the conveying device 5a and sent to the external washing device 2, where the external surface is washed to remove characters, patterns, etc. from the external surface, and then transported by the conveying device 5b and sent to the internal washing device 3. Next, the barrel whose internal surface has been washed and sterilized by the internal washing device 3 is transported by the conveying device 5c and sent to the filling device 4. At this time, the barrel is discharged from the internal washing device 3 with steam introduced therein, so steam sterilization continues until it reaches the filling device 4, where it is transported by the conveying device 5c. After the barrel reaches the filling device 4, it is filled with the contents, transported by the conveying device 5d, and loaded on a pallet after inspection. In the barrel filling system 1, a plurality of barrels are continuously transported by the conveying devices 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) at predetermined intervals, and are filled with the contents after undergoing external and internal washing.

[0042] In the barrel printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the printing device 11 is preferably an aqueous ink printer that prints aqueous ink. The aqueous ink is an ink containing water as a main component of the solvent, and may contain a coloring material. The coloring material may be a pigment or a dye. In the present embodiment, the aqueous ink is preferably an aqueous ink containing a pigment as a coloring material. The aqueous ink containing a pigment as a coloring material has excellent weather resistance such as water resistance, light resistance, and gas resistance, compared to the aqueous ink containing a dye as a coloring material. In addition, when the printing area is large, such as when the printing content includes not only characters but also images, the amount of organic solvent used is large in the solvent ink containing an organic solvent as the main component of the solvent, and there is a risk of exceeding the allowable consumption amount of the organic solvent. However, the aqueous ink has less impact on the environment and is less likely to ignite, and is therefore highly safe, compared to the solvent ink. Furthermore, the aqueous ink is easier to remove by washing with the external washing device 2 compared to the solvent ink, so that high washability can be achieved. On the other hand, the aqueous ink is printed on a substrate having a fixing layer, such as a paper medium, and the ink penetrates the fixing layer, thereby drying in a short time and achieving adhesion. For this reason, in the past, ensuring the adhesion of ink on metal surfaces that do not have an ink fixing layer has been a problem. Therefore, the present inventors have found that the moisture in the water-based ink can be evaporated in a short period of time using the residual heat of the barrel discharged from the internal washing device 3, thereby ensuring the adhesion of the ink without adding a dedicated device for drying the ink, and have completed the present invention. That is, in the barrel printing system 10 according to this embodiment, the printing device 11 is arranged along the conveying device 5c between the internal washing device 3 and the filling device 4, thereby solving the problem of the present invention. The barrel printing system 10 according to this embodiment includes a form in which printing is performed directly on the outer surface of the barrel. Here, direct printing means that the ink is attached to the outer surface of the barrel, not to a label such as a shrink label, and then dried and fixed. The method of attaching the ink to the outer surface of the barrel is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, a method in which the ink is sprayed from the inkjet head of an inkjet printer onto the outer surface of the barrel, and a method in which the ink attached to a transfer sheet is pressed against the outer surface of the barrel to transfer the ink.

[0043] In this embodiment, the ink may be a water-based ink or a solvent ink. The solvent ink is an ink containing an organic solvent as a main component of the solvent, and may contain a coloring material. The coloring material may be any of the coloring materials exemplified for the water-based ink. The solvent may be any solvent that is generally used as a solvent for ink or paint, and the type of the solvent is not particularly limited.

[0044] In this embodiment, the ink includes a character image ink for forming characters and / or images, a primer ink for forming a primer layer provided between the character image layer and the outer surface of the barrel, and an overcoat ink for forming an overcoat layer provided on the character image layer. Liquids, viscous bodies, or solids for applying to objects include those so-called "ink" and those so-called "paint". The so-called "ink" is mainly used for the purpose of printing (drawing) characters and images on objects, and is often prepared on the premise of use with a printing machine such as an inkjet printer or a transfer printer. The so-called "paint" is mainly used for the purpose of protecting or beautifying an object or for the purpose of imparting a function, and is often prepared on the premise of use in painting such as brush painting or spray painting. In this embodiment, the ink is a concept that includes so-called "ink" and so-called "paint". The ink application process is a process of applying at least one type of ink, and the ink is, for example, a water-based character image ink, a solvent character image ink, a water-based primer ink, a solvent primer ink, a water-based overcoat ink, or a solvent overcoat ink.

[0045] Printed materials containing either or both of letters and images include a form in which only a letter image layer is provided on the outer surface of the barrel; a form having a primer layer provided on the outer surface of the barrel and a letter image layer provided on the primer layer; a form having a letter image layer provided on the outer surface of the barrel and an overcoat layer provided on the letter image layer; and a form having a primer layer provided on the outer surface of the barrel, a letter image layer provided on the primer layer, and an overcoat layer provided on the letter image layer.

[0046] The primer ink is an undercoat paint applied to ensure adhesion between the outer surface of the barrel and the character image ink. In this embodiment, the composition of the primer ink is not particularly limited, but for example, the primer ink preferably contains at least a resin and a solvent. The resin may be any resin that is generally blended into ink or paint, and is not particularly limited, but is, for example, an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, an epoxy resin, or a polyurethane resin. The primer ink may be a water-based ink or a solvent ink. In addition, the primer ink may be colorless and transparent, or may be colored with any color.

[0047] The primer layer is a cured product of the primer ink. By providing the primer layer, the character image layer can be more firmly adhered. In addition, by providing the primer layer, even if a more general-purpose and inexpensive ink is used as the character image ink, the fixability can be improved and the washability can be ensured. The shape of the primer layer is not particularly limited as long as it is interposed between the outer surface of the barrel and the character image layer, but for example, it may be the same shape as the shape of the character image layer, a shape slightly enlarged than the shape of the character image layer, or may be solid printed in any shape that covers the entire character image layer.

[0048] The overcoat ink is a topcoat paint applied to ensure protection of the character image ink. In this embodiment, the composition of the overcoat ink is not particularly limited, but for example, the overcoat ink preferably contains at least a resin and a solvent. The resin may be any resin that is generally blended into ink or paint, and is not particularly limited, but is, for example, an acrylic resin, a polyester resin, an epoxy resin, or a polyurethane resin. The overcoat ink may be a water-based ink or a solvent ink. In addition, the overcoat ink may be colorless and transparent, or may be colored with any color.

[0049] The overcoat layer is a cured product of the overcoat ink. By providing the overcoat layer, it is possible to impart texture such as glossiness or matteness to the character image layer, thereby improving the cosmetic properties. In addition, by providing the overcoat layer, it is possible to improve the abrasion resistance against various physical and mechanical contacts during distribution, and it is possible to further improve handling. The shape of the overcoat layer is not particularly limited as long as it covers the surface of the character image layer, but for example, it may be the same shape as the shape of the character image layer, a shape slightly enlarged than the shape of the character image layer, or may be solid printed in any shape that covers the entire character image layer.

[0050] The printing device 11 is preferably arranged along the conveying device 5c along which the barrels with dry outer surfaces are conveyed. The outer surface of the barrel being in a dry state means that there are no water droplets on at least the printing area of ​​the outer surface of the barrel. For example, if there are no water droplets on at least the printing area of ​​the outer surface of the barrel immediately after it leaves the internal washing device 3, the suitable location for arranging the printing device 11 corresponds to the entire section along the conveying device 5c between the internal washing device 3 and the filling device 4. By printing on the outer surface of the barrel by the printing device 11 while the barrel is being discharged from the internal washing device 3 and then reaching the filling device 4, the moisture in the ink can be evaporated in a short period of time by utilizing the residual heat of the barrel discharged from the internal washing device 3. As a result, the adhesion of the ink to the metal surface of the barrel can be ensured.

[0051] In the barrel printing system 10 according to this embodiment, the printing device 11 is preferably an inkjet printer having an inkjet head 11a. By using an inkjet printer as the printing device 11, it is possible to respond flexibly to requests such as small-lot, high-mix production and variable printing. In addition, the barrel printing system 10 can be easily incorporated into the existing barreling system 1 simply by installing the inkjet printer along the conveying path 6 of the barreling system 1.

[0052] In the barrel printing system 10 according to this embodiment, the printing device 11 is preferably a drop-on-demand full-color inkjet printer. By using a drop-on-demand full-color inkjet printer as the printing device 11, it is possible to maintain the same aesthetic quality as a plastic label.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram for explaining the lifting and rotating device. In FIG. 3, the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) and the lifting and rotating device 12 are simplified and illustrated as cylindrical, and the ink dot group P is simplified and illustrated as hatched with diagonal lines. In the barrel printing system 10 according to this embodiment, the printing device 11 is an inkjet printer having an inkjet head, and the barrel printing system 10 further includes a lifting and rotating device 12 that lifts the barrel 100 transported by the transport device 5 from the transport surface of the transport device 5 and rotates the barrel 100 around the central axis O of the barrel 100, and it is preferable that the inkjet head 11a faces the side of the barrel 100 lifted by the lifting and rotating device 12, and the inkjet head 11a prints on the side of the barrel 100 while the lifting and rotating device 12 lifts and rotates the barrel 100. It is not necessary to make a major layout change to the existing barreling system 1, and printing can be realized only by a small change in details, such as incorporating the printing device 11 and the lifting and rotating device 12.

[0054] The lifting and rotating device 12 preferably has a gripping part that grips the barrel 100, a lifting part that moves the barrel 100 up and down, and a rotating part. The gripping part is a mechanism that detachably fixes a predetermined part of the barrel 100. The predetermined part of the barrel 100 is not particularly limited, and is, for example, the upper skirt part 102 or the lower skirt part 103. The method of fixing the barrel 100 by the gripping part is not particularly limited, and is, for example, engagement, clamping, or suction. The lifting part is a mechanism that moves the gripping part up and down. The rotating part is a mechanism that rotates the barrel 100 gripped by the gripping part around the central axis O of the barrel 100. The central axis O of the barrel 100 is an axis that extends in the vertical direction of the barrel 100, and is, for example, the axis of a spear valve.

[0055] The inkjet head 11a is fixed so as to face a portion of the side surface of the barrel 100 that is lifted by the lifting and rotating device 12, which will be the printing area. Then, when the inkjet head 11a ejects ink toward the side surface of the barrel 100 while the lifting and rotating device 12 lifts and rotates the barrel 100, a group of ink dots P adheres to the side surface of the barrel 100, forming either a character or an image, or both.

[0056] In the barrel printing system 10 according to the present embodiment, the number of inkjet heads 11a may be one or two or more. When there is one inkjet head 11a, the inkjet head 11a is disposed on either the left or right side of the conveying direction X of the conveying device 5. Since printing is performed while rotating the barrel 100 by the lifting and rotating device 12, printing can be performed efficiently even with only one inkjet head 11a. In addition, space saving is possible. When there are two or more inkjet heads 11a, two or more inkjet heads 11a may be arranged in parallel on either the left or right side of the conveying direction X of the conveying device 5, or the inkjet heads 11a may be arranged facing each other on both the left and right sides of the conveying direction X of the conveying device 5. By facing the inkjet heads 11a on both the left and right sides of the conveying direction X of the conveying device 5, printing can be performed simultaneously from both sides of the barrel 100, thereby shortening the printing time.

[0057] 6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the barrel printing system according to the present embodiment. In the barrel printing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the printing device 11 preferably includes a first printing device 21 that prints a primer ink as the ink, and a second printing device 22 that prints a character image ink as the ink, as shown in FIG.

[0058] The first printing device 21 is not particularly limited, and various types of printing devices can be used, such as an inkjet printer, a spray device that sprays ink, or a transfer printer that presses ink attached to a transfer sheet, a transfer roller, or an application brush. Of these, the first printing device 21 is preferably an inkjet printer. The first printing device 21 is preferably arranged upstream of the conveying path relative to the second printing device 22. When the barrel printing system includes the lifting and rotating device 12, the first printing device 21 is preferably arranged upstream of the rotation direction of the barrel 100.

[0059] The second printing device 22 may be, but is not limited to, a printing device of the same type as the first printing device 21, or a printing device of a different type from the first printing device 21. Of these, the second printing device 22 is preferably an inkjet printer. When both the first printing device 21 and the second printing device 22 are inkjet printers, it is preferable that one inkjet printer has a plurality of inkjet heads, and the first printing device 21 and the second printing device 22 are inkjet heads mounted on the one inkjet printer. When the first printing device 21 and the second printing device 22 are printing devices of different types, the combination of the printing devices is not particularly limited, but for example, the first printing device 21 may be a brush coating device or a spray device, and the second printing device 22 may be an inkjet printer. When the second printing device 22 is a full-color inkjet printer, it is preferable that the second printing device 22 has at least heads of C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black).

[0060] In the barrel printing system 1 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the printing device 11 further includes a third printing device 23 that prints overcoat ink as the ink, as shown in FIG.

[0061] The third printing device 23 is not particularly limited, but may be a printing device of the same type as the first printing device 21, or a printing device of a different type from the first printing device 21. The third printing device 23 may be a printing device of the same type as the second printing device 22, or a printing device of a different type from the second printing device 22. Of these, the third printing device 23 is preferably an inkjet printer. The third printing device 23 is preferably arranged downstream of the conveying path from the second printing device 22. When the barrel printing system includes the lifting and rotating device 12, the first printing device 21 is preferably arranged downstream of the rotation direction of the barrel 100. When the first printing device 21, the second printing device 22, and the third printing device 23 are all inkjet printers, it is preferable that one inkjet printer has a plurality of inkjet heads, and the first printing device 21, the second printing device 22, and the third printing device 23 are inkjet heads mounted on the one inkjet printer. The combination of the first printing device 21, the second printing device 22, and the third printing device 23 is not particularly limited, but for example, the first printing device 21 and the third printing device 23 may be a brush application device or a spray device, and the second printing device 22 may be an inkjet printer.

[0062] In FIG. 6, the printing device 11 has the first printing device 21, the second printing device 22, and the third printing device 23, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The printing device 11 may have the second printing device 22 that prints character image ink as ink, and the third printing device 23 that prints overcoat ink as ink. The second printing device 22 and the third printing device 23 may be printing devices of the same type or different types. It is preferable that both the second printing device 22 and the third printing device 23 are inkjet printers, and it is more preferable that one inkjet printer has a plurality of inkjet heads, and the second printing device 22 and the third printing device 23 are inkjet heads mounted on the one inkjet printer. In addition, when the second printing device 22 and the third printing device 23 are printing devices of different types, the combination of the printing devices is not particularly limited, but for example, the second printing device 22 may be an inkjet printer, and the third printing device 23 may be a brushing device or a spraying device.

[0063] In this embodiment, the printing device 11 may be in a form having only the second printing device 22, a form having only the first printing device 21 and the second printing device 22, a form having only the second printing device 22 and the third printing device 23, or a form having the first printing device 21, the second printing device 22 and the third printing device 23.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a first modified example of the printing system shown in FIG. 3, in which the barrel 100 (B2) is viewed from above. FIGS. 7 to 10 are specific examples in which two or more inkjet heads are arranged in parallel on either the left or right side of the conveying direction X of the conveying device 5. When the printing device 11 is an inkjet printer as shown in FIG. 3 and the barrel printing system 10 includes the lifting and rotating device 12, the printing device 11 has an inkjet head 11pr for primer ink as the first printing device 21 and an inkjet head 11a for character image ink as the second printing device 22 as shown in FIG. 7, and it is preferable that the inkjet head 11pr for primer ink and the inkjet head 11a for character image ink are arranged side by side so as to be located around the side of the barrel 100 (B2) rotated by the lifting and rotating device 12. It is preferable that the inkjet head 11pr for primer ink is arranged upstream of the inkjet head 11a for character image ink in the rotation direction of the barrel 100. Since the primer ink and the character image ink are printed while the elevating and rotating device 12 rotates the barrel 100, the printed matter can be formed efficiently. Also, space can be saved. The printed matter having the primer layer and the character image ink layer can be formed efficiently without stopping the conveying device 5.

[0065] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a second modified example of the printing system shown in FIG. 3, in which the barrel 100 (B2) is viewed from above. When the printing device 11 is an inkjet printer as shown in FIG. 3 and the barrel printing system 10 includes the lifting and rotating device 12, the printing device 11 has an inkjet head 11a for character image ink as the second printing device 22 and an inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ink as the third printing device 23 as shown in FIG. 8, and it is preferable that the inkjet head 11a for character image ink and the inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ink are arranged side by side so as to be located around the side of the barrel 100 (B2) rotated by the lifting and rotating device 12. It is preferable that the inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ink is arranged downstream of the inkjet head 11a for character image ink in the rotation direction of the barrel 100. Since the printing of the character image ink and the printing of the overcoat ink are performed while the barrel 100 is rotated by the lifting and rotating device 12, a printed matter can be formed efficiently. In addition, it is possible to save space. A printed matter having a character image ink layer and an over-ink layer can be efficiently formed without stopping the conveying device 5.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a third modified example of the printing system shown in FIG. 3, in which the barrel 100 (B2) is seen from above. When the printing device 11 is an inkjet printer as shown in FIG. 3 and the barrel printing system 10 includes the lifting and rotating device 12, the printing device 11 has an inkjet head 11pr for primer ink as the first printing device 21, an inkjet head 11a for character image ink as the second printing device 22, and an inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ink as the third printing device 23, as shown in FIG. 9, and it is preferable that the inkjet head 11pr for primer ink, the inkjet head 11a for character image ink, and the inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ink are arranged side by side so as to be located around the side of the barrel 100 (B2) rotated by the lifting and rotating device 12. It is preferable that the inkjet head 11pr for primer ink, the inkjet head 11a for character image ink, and the inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ink are arranged in order from the upstream side of the rotation direction of the barrel 100. Since the primer ink, the character image ink, and the overcoat ink are printed while the barrel 100 is rotated by the lifting and rotating device 12, a printed matter can be formed efficiently. Also, space can be saved. A printed matter having a primer layer, a character image ink layer, and an overcoat ink layer can be formed efficiently without stopping the conveying device 5.

[0067] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a fourth modified example of the printing system shown in FIG. 3, in which the barrel 100 (B2) is seen from above. When the printing device 11 is an inkjet printer as shown in FIG. 3, and the barrel printing system 10 includes a lifting and rotating device 12, the inkjet head 11pr for the primer ink may be one as shown in FIG. 7 or FIG. 9, or may be two or more as shown in FIG. 10. Although FIG. 10 shows an example in which there are three inkjet heads 11pr for the primer ink, the present invention is not limited to this, and the inkjet head 11pr for the primer ink may be one, two, or four or more. By arranging a plurality of inkjet heads 11pr for the primer ink, the primer layer can be printed without gaps or printed thickly, and the adhesion of the character image ink layer can be more reliably ensured throughout the character image ink layer.

[0068] In addition, the inkjet head 11oc for the overcoat ink may be one as shown in Fig. 8 or Fig. 9, or may be two or more as shown in Fig. 10. Although Fig. 10 shows an example in which there are three inkjet heads 11oc for the overcoat ink, the present invention is not limited to this, and there may be one inkjet head 11oc for the overcoat ink, two inkjet heads 11oc for the overcoat ink, or four or more inkjet heads for the overcoat ink. By arranging a plurality of inkjet heads 11oc for the overcoat ink, it is possible to print the overcoat layer without gaps or to print it thickly, and it is possible to more reliably ensure the beauty and protectiveness of the character image ink layer throughout the entire character image ink layer.

[0069] Furthermore, the inkjet head 11a for the character image ink may be one as shown in Figures 8 to 10, or may be two or more (not shown). When multiple inkjet heads 11a for the character image ink are arranged, it is preferable to arrange the inkjet head pr for the primer ink upstream of the inkjet head 11a for the character image ink that is the most upstream of the multiple inkjet heads 11a for the character image ink. When multiple inkjet heads 11a for the character image ink are arranged, it is preferable to arrange the inkjet head oc for the overcoat ink downstream of the inkjet head 11a for the character image ink that is the most downstream of the multiple inkjet heads 11a for the character image ink.

[0070] When the inkjet heads 11a are arranged facing each other on both the left and right sides of the transport direction X of the transport device 5, the inkjet heads pr for the primer ink may be arranged upstream of the left and right inkjet heads 11a, respectively, and the inkjet heads oc for the overcoat ink may be arranged downstream of the left and right inkjet heads 11a, respectively.

[0071] In the barrel printing system 1 according to this embodiment, the ink is preferably a water-based ink.

[0072] The barrel printing system 1 according to this embodiment further includes a print instruction device (not shown) that transmits print data of either or both of characters and / or images to the printing device 11, and the printing device 11 preferably receives print data from the print instruction device and executes printing based on the received print data. The print instruction device is a device that instructs the printing device 11 to execute a print job, and is, for example, a terminal such as a personal computer, tablet, or smartphone. The printing device 11 and the print instruction device are preferably connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a network such as a LAN.

[0073] In the barrel printing system 1 according to this embodiment, the printing data preferably includes printing data or variable printing data corresponding to small-lot, high-mix production. This makes it possible to add new value, such as reducing the workload of pre-shipment inspection and providing URL information to various customers. Printing data or variable printing data corresponding to small-lot, high-mix production is, for example, product traceability information, product information linked to a logistics system, URL information or campaign information referenced by customers. These may be printed one by one on one barrel, or multiple items may be printed in combination on one barrel.

[0074] Next, the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment will be described. The barrel printing method according to the present embodiment is a barrel printing method in which either one or both of characters or images are printed on the outer surface of a barrel in a barrel filling system 1 that fills a returnable metal barrel with contents. The barrel filling system 1 has an inner washing device 3 that washes the inner surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100°C or higher, and a filling device 4 that fills the barrel with contents, in that order, and a conveying device 5 (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) that conveys the barrel in this order. The barrel printing method includes a steam introduction step of introducing steam into the barrel in the inner washing device 3, a barrel heating and drying step of heating the outer surface of the barrel by introducing steam into the barrel to dry the outer surface of the barrel, an ink attachment step of attaching ink to the outer surface of the dried barrel, and an ink drying step of drying the ink attached to the outer surface of the barrel before the barrel that has undergone the ink attachment step reaches the filling device 4.

[0075] In the steam introduction step, steam for sterilization is introduced into the barrel by the internal washing device 3.

[0076] In the barrel heating and drying process, steam is introduced in the steam introduction process, and the heat of the steam is transferred to the outer surface of the barrel, heating the outer surface of the barrel, so that water droplets adhering to the outer surface of the barrel are naturally evaporated and removed. The barrel heating and drying process may be performed simultaneously with the sterilization process in the internal washing device 3 in the barrel filling system 1.

[0077] In the ink application step, ink is applied to the outer surface of the barrel by a printing device 11 to form predetermined characters or images, or both.

[0078] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the ink attachment process is preferably performed while the barrel outer surface temperature is kept at 60 to 150°C. A printed surface with better visibility can be formed. If the barrel outer surface temperature is less than 60°C, the ink may not dry before reaching the filling device 4, resulting in poor ink adhesion. If the barrel outer surface temperature exceeds 150°C, the water in the ink may evaporate before the ink spreads, resulting in poor visibility. It is more preferable that the barrel outer surface temperature in the ink attachment process is 90 to 120°C. The barrel outer surface temperature is measured, for example, by a temperature sensor. By controlling the barrel outer surface temperature measured by a temperature sensor, the ink adhesion can be indirectly confirmed.

[0079] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the ink application step preferably includes a step of ejecting ink from an inkjet head 11a as shown in Fig. 3. Variable printing can be realized. In addition, since plate making costs are not required, costs can be reduced.

[0080] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the ink attachment step preferably includes a step of lifting the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) conveyed by the conveying device 5c from the conveying surface of the conveying device 5c, a step of printing on the side of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) by the inkjet head 11a while rotating the lifted barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) about the central axis O of the barrels 100, and a step of returning the printed barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) to the conveying surface, as shown in FIG. 3. During the ink attachment step, it is preferable to keep the conveying device 5 in operation. As a result, while the barrel B2 is raised and rotated by the lifting and rotating device 12, ink is ejected from the inkjet head 11a to adhere a group of ink dots P of a predetermined shape to the side of the barrel, and then the barrel B2 to which the group of ink dots P is adhered is lowered by the lifting and rotating device 12 and returned to the conveying surface. Then, the barrel B2 is moved to the position of the barrel B1 by the conveying device 5, and at the same time, the barrel B3 is moved directly below the lifting and rotating device 12 by the conveying device 5. Next, while the barrel B3 is raised and rotated by the lifting and rotating device 12, ink is ejected from the inkjet head 11a to attach a group of ink dots P of a predetermined shape to the side of the barrel, and then the barrel B2 to which the group of ink dots P is attached is lowered by the lifting and rotating device 12 and returned to the conveying surface. By repeating this operation, printing can be performed efficiently without stopping the flow of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) in the barreling system 1. The time required for the ink attachment process is preferably set according to the moving speed of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) on the conveying device 5, and it is preferable to raise and lower the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) at a timing that maintains the pitch of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) flowing through the conveying device 5. The pitch of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) flowing through the conveying device 5 is synchronized with the pitch of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) discharged from the internal washing device 3.

[0081] In the ink application process, when printing over the entire circumference of the barrel's side, one inkjet head 11a may be used and the lifting and rotating device 12 may be used to rotate the barrel 100 by 360° or more to print over the entire circumference of the barrel's side, or two inkjet heads 11a may be positioned opposite each other on the left and right sides of the conveying device 5 and the lifting and rotating device 12 may be used to rotate the barrel 100 by 180° to print over the entire circumference of the barrel's side.

[0082] In the ink drying process, the ink adheres to the outer surface of the barrel, which is heated by the heat of the steam introduced into the barrel in the steam introduction process, and the solvent in the ink is evaporated and removed. The initial stage or all stages of the ink drying process may be performed simultaneously with the ink application process. When the water-based ink adheres to the outer surface of the barrel, the solvent evaporates as it wets and spreads over the outer surface of the barrel. This allows the ink to dry in a short time, ensuring high ink adhesion. In addition, since there is no need to provide a separate process for drying the ink, printing on the barrel can be performed more efficiently.

[0083] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the ink application step preferably includes a primer ink application step of applying primer ink as ink to the outer surface of the dried barrel 100, and a character image ink application step of applying character image ink forming either or both of characters or images as ink onto the primer ink application step after the primer ink application step. In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the solvent of the ink is evaporated using the residual heat of the steam introduced into the barrel in the steam introduction step, so that even if the primer ink application step is added before the character image ink application step, the solvent of the primer ink can be evaporated in a short period of time. As a result, the character image ink can be applied onto the primer ink application step without bleeding, and a clear character image can be obtained.

[0084] The primer ink application process is preferably performed while the outer surface temperature of the barrel is maintained at 60 to 150°C, and more preferably while the outer surface temperature is maintained at 90 to 120°C.

[0085] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the ink application step preferably further includes an overcoat ink application step of applying an overcoat ink as an ink onto the deposit of the character image ink after the character image ink application step. In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the residual heat of the steam introduced into the barrel in the steam introduction step is used to evaporate the ink solvent, so that even if an overcoat ink application step is added after the character image ink application step, the solvent of the character image ink can be evaporated in a short period of time. As a result, the overcoat ink can be applied onto the deposit of the character image ink without bleeding the character image.

[0086] The overcoat ink application process is preferably carried out while the outer surface temperature of the barrel is maintained at 60 to 150°C, and more preferably while the outer surface temperature is maintained at 90 to 120°C.

[0087] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the ink application step preferably includes a character image ink application step of applying character image ink that forms either a character or an image or both as ink to the dried outer surface of the barrel, and an overcoat ink application step of applying overcoat ink as ink onto the character image ink application after the character image ink application step. In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, the residual heat of the steam introduced into the barrel in the steam introduction step is used to evaporate the ink solvent, so that the character image ink can be applied onto the outer surface of the barrel without bleeding, and a clear character image can be obtained. In addition, even if an overink application step is added after the character image ink application step, the solvent of the character image ink can be evaporated in a short period of time. As a result, the overcoat ink can be applied onto the character image ink application without bleeding the character image.

[0088] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, a step of drying the primer ink using a drying device or the like may be performed after the primer ink application step and before the character image ink application step, but it is preferable to perform the character image ink application step without performing a step of drying the primer ink using a drying device or the like after the primer ink application step. When the primer ink is applied to the outer surface of the barrel, the solvent evaporates due to the residual heat of the barrel while spreading wet over the outer surface of the barrel. Therefore, the primer ink can be dried in a short time, and high adhesion can be ensured. In addition, since there is no need to provide a separate step for drying the primer ink, the primer ink can be applied to the barrel more efficiently.

[0089] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, a step of drying the overcoat ink using a drying device or the like may be performed after the overcoat ink application step, but it is preferable not to perform a step of drying the overcoat ink using a drying device or the like after the overcoat ink application step. When the overcoat ink is applied to the text image ink deposit, it spreads wet and the solvent evaporates due to the residual heat of the barrel. Therefore, the overcoat ink can be dried in a short time, and high adhesion can be ensured. In addition, since there is no need to provide a separate step for drying the overcoat ink, the overcoat ink can be applied to the barrel more efficiently.

[0090] When using the barrel printing system 1 of the first modification shown in Fig. 7, the inkjet head 11pr for primer ink and the inkjet head 11a for character image ink are fixed so as to face the portion of the side surface of the barrel 100 lifted by the lifting and rotating device 12 that will be the printing area. Then, while the lifting and rotating device 12 lifts and rotates the barrel 100, the inkjet head 11pr for primer ink ejects primer ink to deposit it on the side surface of the barrel 100. Immediately after that, the inkjet head 11a for character image ink ejects character image ink toward the side surface of the barrel 100 to deposit the character image ink on the primer ink deposit.

[0091] When using the barrel printing system 1 of the second modification shown in Fig. 8, the inkjet head 11a for character image ink and the inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ink are fixed so as to face the portion of the side surface of the barrel 100 lifted by the lifting and rotating device 12 that will be the printing area. Then, while the lifting and rotating device 12 lifts and rotates the barrel 100, the inkjet head 11a for character image ink ejects character image ink to deposit it on the side surface of the barrel 100. Immediately after that, the inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ejects overcoat ink toward the side surface of the barrel 100 to deposit the overcoat ink on the deposit of the character image ink.

[0092] When using the barrel printing system 1 of the third modification shown in FIG. 9, the inkjet head 11pr for primer ink, the inkjet head 11a for character image ink, and the inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ink are fixed so as to face the portion of the side of the barrel 100 lifted by the lifting and rotating device 12 that will be the printing area. Then, while the lifting and rotating device 12 lifts and rotates the barrel 100, the inkjet head 11pr for primer ink ejects primer ink to adhere to the side of the barrel 100. Immediately after that, the inkjet head 11a for character image ink ejects character image ink toward the side of the barrel 100 to adhere the character image ink onto the primer ink deposit. Immediately after that, the inkjet head 11oc for overcoat ejects overcoat ink toward the side of the barrel 100 to adhere the overcoat ink onto the character image ink deposit.

[0093] The time to start the character image ink application process after the primer ink application process is preferably set according to the movement speed of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) on the conveying device 5, and more preferably the speed of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) required to supply the barrels 100 supplied from the internal washing device 3 to the conveying device 5 to the filling device 4 without delay. The time to start the overcoat ink application process after the character image ink application process is preferably set according to the movement speed of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) on the conveying device 5, and more preferably the speed of the barrels 100 (B1, B2, B3) required to supply the barrels 100 supplied from the internal washing device 3 to the conveying device 5 to the filling device 4 without delay.

[0094] In the barrel printing method according to this embodiment, the ink is preferably a water-based ink.

[0095] In the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that either or both of the characters and the image include design printing. It can be suitably applied to various applications where good appearance is required, such as placing the barrel in a place in a store where it can be seen by customers or selling it to general households. In this specification, design printing means that the printed content includes a design for enhancing the design, such as a logo indicating the product name or company name, a two-dimensional code, or a color, a picture, a photograph, an illustration, or a pattern. By directly printing the design printing on the outer surface of the barrel, it is possible to make it plastic label-free. It is possible to reduce costs, improve environmental compatibility, and reduce the workload. In addition, in the barrel printing method according to the present embodiment, either or both of the characters and the image may further include quality control printing that simply lists letters, numbers, or symbols, such as a manufacturing date, a factory number, and a lot number, in addition to the design printing.

[0096] Either the text or the image, or both, include an identification code, and it is preferable that the identification code includes either a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, or both.

[0097] The one-dimensional code is, for example, a barcode such as JAN / EAN / UPC code, ITF code, CODE39, NW-7 (CODABAR), or CODE128. The two-dimensional code is, for example, a matrix type two-dimensional code such as QR Code (registered trademark), microQR Code (registered trademark), DataMatrix, or VeriCode, or a stack type two-dimensional code such as PDF417 or CODE49.

[0098] By including the identification code in either the text or the image, or both, the following problems can be solved. For example, in the pre-shipment inspection work in logistics, it takes time to check the date of manufacture and the type of product printed on the product against the invoice before shipping. In addition, the time required for training on how to attach kegs to servers such as beer servers and how to clean them has become a problem as the diversity of workers increases. Furthermore, although the products are mainly for commercial use, new materials are required when implementing campaigns, etc., which is costly, and there is a problem that new ideas cannot be implemented. Furthermore, although there is a technology to print multiple pieces of information, such as URL information for customers in addition to traceability information for the manufacturing process, on the same container, a technology that meets the above-mentioned conditions has not been realized. In addition, although there are inkjet printers that print on objects while transporting them on a conveyor, in the case of round containers such as barrels, the distance between the inkjet head and the printing unit is not constant, making it difficult to print at a constant size that can be read by a reader. In addition, there was a problem that it was not possible to print a size or printing accuracy of 10 mm or more that can be read by a reader from a distance of 1 m or more on 1,400 or more containers per hour in order to read the 1D or 2D code of a product placed on the bed of a truck. The barrel printing system 1 and barrel printing method according to this embodiment make it possible to print 1D and / or 2D codes at high speed with high accuracy.

[0099] The one-dimensional code or two-dimensional code preferably indicates at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of customer information, quality control information, individual information for each barrel, and traceability information.

[0100] Customer information is information to be provided to customers, such as campaign information, information on the results of campaigns, URL information for checking product information, how to attach the keg to the server, and information indicating how to clean the server.Quality control information is information about the quality of the keg and its contents, such as production conditions, production date, production time, lot number, and variety.Individual information for each barrel is information about each individual barrel, such as a serial number.Traceability information is information for managing the history of each process in the distribution of barrel products, such as a cleaning process, printing process, filling process, shipping process, delivery process, and return process.

[0101] It is preferable that either the text or the image, or both, include a plurality of identification codes, each of which indicates information different from the others.

[0102] The combination of multiple identification codes is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a combination of two or more one-dimensional codes, a combination of two or more two-dimensional codes, or a combination of a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code. Examples of information that are different from each other are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a one-dimensional code indicating a serial number and a two-dimensional code indicating product information linked to a logistics system and / or a method of attaching a keg to a server or a method of cleaning. This makes it possible to add new value, such as reducing the workload of pre-shipment inspection and providing URL information to various customers. Print data or variable print data that supports small-lot, high-mix production is, for example, product traceability information, product information linked to a logistics system, URL information or campaign information referenced by customers.

[0103] In the barrel printing method according to this embodiment, it is preferable that either or both of the text and / or image are printed in a manner that corresponds to small-lot, high-mix production or include variable printing. In this case, it is preferable that the printing device 11, particularly the second printing device 22, is an inkjet printer. This eliminates the need for plate making, and makes it easier to add new, creative designs including one-dimensional codes and / or two-dimensional codes. Also, it makes it easier to add different information for each barrel. EXAMPLES

[0104] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. In the examples, "parts" and "%" refer to "parts by mass" and "% by mass", respectively, unless otherwise specified. The number of parts added is a value calculated as a solid content.

[0105] (Experimental Example 1) An experiment was conducted to confirm the suitable installation location of the printing device 11 in the barreling system 1 shown in FIG. 1. In Example 1, the printing device 11 was installed along the conveying device 5c between the internal washing device 3 and the filling device 4 in the barreling system 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and characters and images were printed by an inkjet printer on the outer surface of the barrel passing through the conveying device 5c, and the barrel was taken up from the conveying device 5c immediately after printing and tested. In Comparative Example 1, the printing device 11 was moved along the conveying device 5b between the external washing device 2 and the internal washing device 3 in the barreling system 1, and characters and images were printed on the outer surface of the barrel passing through the conveying device 5b in the same manner as in Example 1, and the barrel was taken up from the conveying device 5b immediately after printing and tested before entering the internal washing device 3. The visibility, water resistance and washability of the characters were evaluated for the barrels after printing in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. The evaluation results are shown in FIG. 4. For the visibility evaluation and washability evaluation, the printed characters and images were "Kirin Lager Beer" (Kirin Lager is a registered trademark), "7L" and "beer" printed in red, and a two-dimensional code was printed in black as an image. For the water resistance evaluation, Example 1 had the characters "Kirin" (Kirin is a registered trademark) and "beer" printed in red, and Comparative Example 1 had the characters "lager beer" and the lot number printed in red.

[0106] (Experimental Example 2) Experiments were conducted to confirm the temperature of the outer surface of the barrel and the visibility, water resistance, and washability of the printed characters and images. The barrel was heated to temperatures of 60°C, 90°C, and 120°C, and characters and images were printed on the outer surface of the barrel using an inkjet printer. The outer surface of the barrel was heated by leaving it in a thermostatic chamber with a temperature setting. The temperature of the outer surface of the barrel was measured using a contact-type temperature sensor. The evaluation results are shown in Figure 5. For the visibility evaluation and washability evaluation, the characters "Kirin Lager Beer" (Kirin Lager is a registered trademark), "7L," and "Beer" were printed in red as characters, and a two-dimensional code was printed in black as an image. For the water resistance evaluation, a character string assumed to be a lot number was printed in red as characters and a two-dimensional code was printed in black as an image at 60°C, and the characters "Kirin" (Kirin is a registered trademark) and "Beer" were printed in red as characters at 90°C and 120°C.

[0107] (Visibility test) Visibility was evaluated by visually checking the printed characters immediately after printing, and when the characters could be seen without bleeding, it was rated as a practical level (◯), and when the characters could not be seen due to bleeding, it was rated as an unsuitable level (×). The evaluation results are shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5. Figures 4 and 5 show images showing the evaluation results and the state of the printed part.

[0108] (Water resistance test) For water resistance, a test piece was prepared by cutting out a portion including the printed part from the barrel immediately after printing. A dye fastness test was conducted on the printed part of the test piece using a dyed material rubbing fastness tester (model: RT-200, company name: Japan TMC Co., Ltd.) in accordance with JIS L 0849:2013 "Test method for color fastness to rubbing", and the presence or absence of color fading of the printed characters and color transfer to a white cotton cloth for rubbing (hereinafter referred to as white cloth) was confirmed. When there was no color fading or color transfer, it was evaluated as a practical level (○), when there was only slight color fading or color transfer, it was evaluated as a lower limit of practical use level (△), and when there was a lot of color fading or color transfer, it was evaluated as an unsuitable level for practical use (×). The evaluation results are shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5. Figures 4 and 5 show the evaluation results, an image showing the state of the printed part after the color fastness test (image on the right), and an image of the white cloth after the color fastness test (image on the left).

[0109] (Washability test) For the cleanability, the barrels were washed with an external washing device one month after printing, and the condition of the printed letters and images was visually confirmed. Cases where the printed letters and images were removed were rated as practical (○), and cases where the printed letters and images were not removed were rated as unsuitable for practical use (×). The evaluation results are shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5. Figures 4 and 5 show images showing the evaluation results and the condition of the printed parts.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 4, Example 1 had a practical level of visibility, water resistance, and washability. In Example 1, the visibility image in FIG. 4 shows that the letters and images were clear and did not bleed. In Example 1, the right-hand image of water resistance in FIG. 4 shows that the printed part did not fade, and in the left-hand image of water resistance, no ink transfer was observed on the white cloth after rubbing. In Example 1, the washability image in FIG. 4 shows that the printed letters and images were removed after washing. In contrast, in the visibility evaluation of Comparative Example 1, water droplets were attached to the outer surface of the barrel due to washing with the external washing device 2, so the letters were bled and the level was unsuitable for practical use. In Comparative Example 1, the visibility image in FIG. 4 shows that the letters were bled in the area circled in black. In Comparative Example 1, the water resistance test showed that the letters bled and the color transfer was unsuitable for practical use. Regarding Comparative Example 1, the image on the right side of the water resistance in FIG. 4 shows that the printed characters "lager beer" have faded due to friction with the white cloth, and the image on the left side of the water resistance shows that the white cloth has red ink that has transferred from the printed characters. In Comparative Example 1, the washability was at a practical level. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the visibility, water resistance, and washability were at a practical level regardless of the temperature of the outer surface of the barrel being 60°C, 90°C, or 120°C. Although the images in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are processed to grayscale, a more accurate representation would be obtained using a color image before processing to grayscale.

[0111] Example 2 In Example 1, printing was performed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that before printing the characters and images with the inkjet printer, a primer ink was applied by the inkjet printer to an area covering the area where the characters and images were to be formed.

[0112] Example 3 In Example 1, printing was performed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that after printing the characters and images with the inkjet printer, an overcoat ink was applied with the inkjet printer to an area that covered the area where the characters and images were to be formed.

[0113] Example 4 In Example 2, printing was performed in the same manner as in Example 2, except that after printing the characters and images with the inkjet printer, an overcoat ink was applied with the inkjet printer to an area that covered the area where the characters and images were to be formed.

[0114] The printed barrels of Examples 2 to 4 were evaluated for visibility of characters, water resistance, and washability in the same manner as in Example 1. Examples 2 to 4 achieved results at a practical level in all evaluations.

[0115] A part or all of the above-mentioned embodiments may be described as the following supplementary notes, but are not limited thereto. In the above-mentioned embodiment, the first aspect of the present invention is disclosed as an inventive aspect that solves the first problem, that is, "to provide a barrel printing method and a barrel printing system that can safely print on the outer surface of a returnable metal barrel without using a plastic film such as a label, without introducing new equipment into an existing barreling system." In addition to the first aspect, the present invention includes the following second aspect. The second aspect is an inventive aspect that solves the following second problem. The second aspect has an object to "provide a barrel printing method and a barrel printing system that can print information including an identification code on the outer surface of a returnable metal barrel without using a plastic film such as a label" (second problem). The second aspect proposes a way to present new information on a returnable metal barrel, regardless of the temperature of the outer surface of the barrel at the time of ink attachment, and includes the invention described in the supplementary notes shown below.

[0116] (Appendix 1) A method for printing information on an outer surface of a returnable metal barrel in a barrel filling system for filling a content, comprising: the information includes an identification code; A barrel printing method characterized in that the identification code includes either a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, or both.

[0117] (Appendix 2) The barrel printing method described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the one-dimensional code or the two-dimensional code indicates at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of customer information, quality control information, individual information for each barrel, and traceability information.

[0118] (Appendix 3) Either the character or the image, or both, include a plurality of the identification codes; The barrel printing method described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein each of the multiple identification codes indicates different information from the others.

[0119] (Appendix 4) 3. The barrel printing method according to claim 1, further comprising an ink applying step of applying a water-based ink to the outer surface of the barrel. (Appendix 5) The barrel printing method described in Appendix 1 or 2, characterized in that the information is printed in a manner suitable for small-lot, high-mix production or includes variable printing.

[0120] (Appendix 6) A barrel printing system for printing information on an outer surface of a returnable metal barrel in a barrel filling system for filling a content into the barrel, comprising: the information includes an identification code; The barrel printing system is characterized in that the identification code includes either a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, or both.

[0121] (Appendix 7) The barrel printing system described in Appendix 6, characterized in that it includes a printing device that applies water-based ink to the outer surface of the barrel.

[0122] (Appendix 8) The barrel printing system further includes a print instruction device that transmits print data of the information to the printing device, The barrel printing system described in Appendix 6 or 7, characterized in that the printing device receives the print data from the print instruction device and performs printing based on the received print data.

[0123] (Appendix 9) The barrel printing system described in Appendix 8, characterized in that the printing data includes printing data or variable printing data suitable for small-lot, high-mix production.

[0124] (Appendix 10) The barrel printing system described in Appendix 6 or 7, characterized in that the one-dimensional code or the two-dimensional code indicates at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of customer information, quality control information, individual information for each barrel, and traceability information.

[0125] (Appendix 11) The print data includes a plurality of the identification codes, A barrel printing system as described in Appendix 6 or 7, characterized in that each of the multiple identification codes indicates different information from the others.

[0126] In the invention according to Appendix 1, the one-dimensional code is, for example, a barcode such as JAN / EAN / UPC code, ITF code, CODE39, NW-7 (CODABAR), or CODE128. The two-dimensional code is, for example, a matrix type two-dimensional code such as QR Code (registered trademark), microQR Code (registered trademark), DataMatrix, or VeriCode, or a stack type two-dimensional code such as PDF417 or CODE49.

[0127] The barrel printing method according to Supplementary Note 1 preferably includes an ink attachment step of attaching ink to the outer surface of the barrel. In the barrel printing method according to Supplementary Note 1, the outer surface temperature of the barrel when the ink attachment step is performed is not particularly limited, and may be room temperature. Here, room temperature refers to the state of the barrel in which no operation of applying heat to the outer surface of the barrel is performed. When the outer surface temperature of the barrel when the ink attachment step is performed is room temperature, it is preferable to perform a step of drying the ink after the ink attachment step. The drying method is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a method of drying with high-temperature hot air or natural drying.

[0128] In the barrel printing method according to Supplementary Note 1, the temperature of the outer surface of the barrel when the ink application step is performed is preferably 60 to 150°C, more preferably 90 to 120°C. When such a temperature is used, in the barrel printing method according to Supplementary Note 1, the barrel filling system has, in order, an inner washing device that washes the inner surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100°C or higher, and a filling device that fills the barrel with the contents, and a conveying device that conveys the barrel in this order, and the barrel printing method preferably includes a steam introduction step of introducing the steam into the barrel in the inner washing device, a barrel heating and drying step of heating the outer surface of the barrel by introducing the steam into the barrel to dry the outer surface of the barrel, an ink application step of applying ink to the dried outer surface of the barrel, and an ink drying step of drying the ink applied to the outer surface of the barrel before the barrel that has undergone the ink application step reaches the filling device. This allows the ink to be dried in a short time by utilizing the residual heat of the barrel discharged from the inner washing device, so that an identification code with high printing accuracy can be printed at high speed.

[0129] Regarding the invention according to Appendix 1, the following problems can be solved by including either one or both of a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code as the identification code. For example, in the pre-shipment inspection work in logistics, it takes time to check the date of manufacture and the type of product printed on the product against the invoice before shipping. In addition, the time required for training on how to attach kegs to servers such as beer servers and how to clean them has become a problem as the diversity of workers increases. Furthermore, although the products are mainly for commercial use, new materials are required and costs are incurred when implementing campaigns, etc., so there is a problem that new ideas cannot be implemented. Furthermore, although there is a technology to print multiple pieces of information, such as URL information for customers in addition to traceability information for the manufacturing process, on the same container, a technology that meets the above-mentioned conditions has not been realized. These problems can be solved by printing one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional codes containing information, as in the invention according to Appendix 1.

[0130] In addition, although there are conventional inkjet printers that print on objects while transporting them on a conveyor, in the case of circular containers such as barrels, the distance between the inkjet head and the printing unit is not constant, so there is a problem that it is not possible to print at a constant size that can be read by a reader from a distance of 1m or more on 1,400 or more containers per hour. In order to read the one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes of products placed on a truck bed, for example, there is a problem that it is not possible to print at a size or printing accuracy of 10 mm or more that can be read by a reader from a distance of 1m or more. In order to solve such problems, for example, in the invention according to Appendix 1, it is preferable to print using a barrel printing system 10 equipped with a lifting and rotating device 12 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0131] In the invention according to Appendix 1, by using a barrel printing system 1 as shown in Figs. 1, 3, and 6 to 10, one-dimensional codes and / or two-dimensional codes can be printed at high speed with high accuracy.

[0132] In the invention according to Supplementary Note 1, in addition to the identification code, the information preferably includes text and / or an image for explaining the identification code. The text and / or image for explaining the identification code is, for example, a sentence that provides an overview of the information obtained by the identification code.

[0133] In the inventions according to Supplementary Note 2 and Supplementary Note 10, each piece of information includes the following information: Customer information is information to be provided to customers, such as campaign information, information on the results of the campaign, URL information for checking product information, how to attach the keg to the server, and information showing how to clean the server. Quality control information is information about the quality of the barrel and its contents, such as production conditions, production date, production time, lot number, and variety. The individual information for each barrel is information about each individual barrel, such as a serial number. The traceability information is information for managing the history of each process involved in the distribution of barrel products, and each process is, for example, a cleaning process, a printing process, a filling process, a shipping process, a delivery process, and a return process.

[0134] In the inventions according to Supplementary Note 3 and Supplementary Note 11, the combination of multiple identification codes is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a combination of two or more one-dimensional codes, a combination of two or more two-dimensional codes, or a combination of a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code. Examples of information that are different from each other are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a one-dimensional code indicating a serial number and a two-dimensional code indicating product information linked to a logistics system and / or a method of attaching a barrel to a server or a method of cleaning. This makes it possible to reduce the workload of pre-shipment inspection and add new value such as providing URL information to various customers. Print data or variable print data compatible with small-lot, high-mix production is, for example, product traceability information, product information linked to a logistics system, URL information or campaign information referenced by customers.

[0135] Regarding the inventions according to Supplementary Note 4 and Supplementary Note 7, by using water-based ink, it is possible to print information that can be easily and repeatedly washed and erased more safely.

[0136] In the invention according to Supplementary Note 5, the ink application step preferably includes a step of ejecting ink from an inkjet head. This eliminates the need for plate making, and makes it easier to add new designs with unique designs, including one-dimensional codes and / or two-dimensional codes. In addition, it makes it easier to add different information for each barrel.

[0137] In the invention according to Supplementary Note 6, the barrel filling system has, in order, an internal washing device that washes the internal surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100°C or higher, and a filling device that fills the barrel with the contents, and a conveying device that conveys the barrel in this order, and the barrel printing system has a printing device that applies ink to the external surface of the barrel, and the printing device is preferably disposed along the conveying device between the internal washing device and the filling device. This allows the ink to be dried in a short time by utilizing the residual heat of the barrel discharged from the internal washing device, so that an identification code with high printing accuracy can be printed at high speed.

[0138] In the invention according to Supplementary Note 9, the printing device is preferably an inkjet printer. This eliminates the need for plate making and makes it easier to add new designs with unique designs, including one-dimensional and / or two-dimensional codes. In addition, it makes it easier to add different information for each barrel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1. Barrelling System 2 External washing device 3 Internal washing device 4 Filling device 5(5a,5b,5c,5d) Conveying device 6. Transport Route 10. Barrel Printing System 11 Printing device 11a Inkjet head (inkjet head for character image ink) 11pr Inkjet head for primer ink 11oc Inkjet head for overcoat ink 12 Lifting and rotating device 21 1st printing device 22 2nd printing device 23 Third printing device 100(B1,B2,B3) Barrel 101 Torso 101a Cap part 102 Upper skirt part 103 Lower Skirt 104 Handle O Barrel axis P Ink dot group

Claims

1. A barrel printing method for printing either or both of characters or images on an outer surface of a returnable metal barrel in a barrel filling system for filling a content into the barrel, comprising: The barrel filling system includes, in order, an inside washing device that washes the inside surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100°C or higher, and a filling device that fills the barrel with contents, and a conveying device that conveys the barrel in this order; The barrel printing method includes: a steam introducing step of introducing the steam into the barrel in the inside washing device; a barrel heating and drying process for heating and drying the outer surface of the barrel by introducing the steam into the barrel; an ink application step of applying ink to the dried exterior surface of the barrel; and an ink drying step in which the ink adhered to the outer surface of the barrel is dried before the barrel that has undergone the ink application step reaches the filling device.

2. 2. The barrel printing method according to claim 1, wherein the ink attachment step is carried out while the outer surface temperature of the barrel is maintained at 60 to 150°C.

3. The barrel printing method according to claim 1 , wherein the ink applying step includes a step of ejecting the ink from an inkjet head.

4. The ink application step includes: lifting the barrel conveyed by the conveying device from a conveying surface of the conveying device; a step of printing on a side surface of the barrel using the inkjet head while rotating the lifted barrel around a central axis of the barrel; and returning the printed barrel onto the transport surface.

5. The barrel printing method according to claim 1 , wherein either or both of the characters and the image include a design print.

6. The ink application step includes: a primer ink application step of applying a primer ink as the ink to the dried outer surface of the barrel; The barrel printing method described in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that after the primer ink application process, it includes a character image ink application process of applying character image ink that forms either the character or the image, or both, as the ink, onto the primer ink application process.

7. The ink application step includes:

7. The barrel printing method according to claim 6, further comprising an overcoat ink applying step of applying an overcoat ink as the ink onto the deposited character image ink after the character image ink applying step.

8. The ink application step includes: a character image ink applying step of applying a character image ink, which forms either or both of the character and the image, as the ink, to the dried outer surface of the barrel; 5. The barrel printing method according to claim 1, further comprising an overcoat ink applying step of applying an overcoat ink as the ink onto the character image ink deposit after the character image ink applying step.

9. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ink is a water-based ink.

10. The barrel printing method according to claim 3 , wherein either or both of the characters and / or the images are printed in a manner suitable for small-lot, high-mix production or include variable printing.

11. A barrel filling system for filling a returnable metal barrel with contents, the barrel printing system printing either or both of characters or images on an outer surface of the barrel, The barrel filling system includes, in order, an inside washing device that washes the inside surface of the barrel and sterilizes it with steam at 100°C or higher, and a filling device that fills the barrel with contents, and a conveying device that conveys the barrel in this order; The barrel printing system includes a printing device that applies ink to an exterior surface of the barrel; A barrel printing system, characterized in that the printing device is arranged along the conveying device between the internal washing device and the filling device.

12. the printing device is an inkjet printer having an inkjet head, The barrel printing system further includes a lifting and rotating device that lifts the barrel transported by the transport device from the transport surface of the transport device and rotates the barrel around the central axis of the barrel, the inkjet head faces a side surface of the barrel lifted by the lifting and rotating device; The barrel printing system according to claim 11, wherein the lifting and rotating device lifts and rotates the barrel while the inkjet head prints on the side of the barrel.

13. The barrel printing system of claim 12, wherein the printing device is a drop-on-demand full-color inkjet printer.

14. The printing device includes: A first printing device that prints a primer ink as the ink; a second printing device that prints character image ink as the ink; The barrel printing system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising:

15. 15. The barrel printing system according to claim 14, wherein the printing device further comprises a third printing device that prints an overcoat ink as the ink.

16. The printing device includes: a second printing device that prints character image ink as the ink; a third printing device that prints an overcoat ink as the ink; The barrel printing system according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising:

17. The barrel printing system of claim 11 , wherein the ink is a water-based ink.

18. The barrel printing system further includes a print instruction device that transmits print data of either or both of the characters and / or the image to the printing device; The barrel printing system according to claim 11 , wherein the printing device receives the print data from the print instruction device and executes printing based on the received print data.

19. The barrel printing system according to claim 18 , wherein the print data includes print data corresponding to small-lot, high-mix production or variable print data.

Images