Molding condition adjustment method and molding condition adjustment apparatus

Abstract

To provide a molding condition adjustment method that enables appropriate adjustment of molding conditions in blow molding.SOLUTION: A molding condition adjustment method by a molding condition adjustment apparatus 3 adjusts molding conditions when a molded body manufacturing apparatus operating according to a plurality of apparatus setting values blow-molds a body to be molded to manufacture a hollow molded body. The molding condition adjustment method includes a plurality of adjustment steps S20 to S50 for adjusting a plurality of adjustment items related to the body to be molded and the molded body according to a predetermined adjustment order for the plurality of adjustment items. Each of the plurality of adjustment steps S20 to S50 adjusts the adjustment items by setting the apparatus setting values related to the adjustment items using at least one setting method among a plurality of setting methods.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for adjusting molding conditions and a molding condition adjusting device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a molding body manufacturing apparatus has been used as an apparatus for blow molding a molded body (such as a preform or a parison) to manufacture a hollow molded body (such as a bottle). The molding body manufacturing apparatus is an apparatus that manufactures a molding body from a molded body by performing, for example, a heating step, a stretching step, and a blow molding step of the molded body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The shape and quality of a molded body manufactured through steps such as a heating step, a stretching step, and a blow molding step of a molded body are affected by various molding conditions such as temperature, pressure, and time in each step. Therefore, in order to obtain the shape and quality of a target molded body for a plurality of adjustment items, it is necessary to perform a conditioning operation of adjusting the molding conditions of each step before the production of the molded body. However, since there are various combinations of molding conditions, it greatly depends on the experience and intuition of skilled workers, and it is a very difficult operation.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a molding condition adjusting method and a molding condition adjusting device that enable appropriate adjustment of molding conditions in blow molding.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a method for adjusting molding conditions according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for adjusting molding conditions for blow molding a workpiece into a hollow molded body by a molding body manufacturing apparatus that operates according to a plurality of apparatus setting values using a computer, including a plurality of adjustment steps for adjusting a plurality of adjustment items related to the workpiece and the molded body according to a predetermined adjustment order for the plurality of adjustment items, each of the plurality of adjustment steps adjusts the adjustment item by setting the apparatus setting value related to the adjustment item by at least one of a plurality of setting methods.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the method for adjusting molding conditions and the molding condition adjustment apparatus according to the present invention, when each of the plurality of adjustment steps adjusts a plurality of adjustment items according to a predetermined adjustment order, the apparatus setting value related to the adjustment item is set by at least one of a plurality of setting methods, thereby adjusting the adjustment item. Therefore, the molding conditions in blow molding can be appropriately adjusted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the scope necessary for the description for achieving the object of the present invention will be schematically shown, and mainly the scope necessary for the description of the relevant part of the present invention will be described, and the parts where the description is omitted shall be based on known techniques.

[0010] (Configuration of the Bottle Manufacturing Management System 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the bottle manufacturing management system 1. The bottle manufacturing management system 1 functions as a system for blow molding a formed body to manufacture a hollow molded body. Further, the bottle manufacturing management system 1 is a system for managing various information regarding the formed body, the molded body, the molding conditions, etc.

[0011] In this embodiment, a case of manufacturing a hollow bottle 11 (for example, a PET bottle), which is one form of a molded body, from a preform 10, which is one form of a body to be molded, by a biaxial stretching blow molding method will be described. Note that the molded body is not limited to the bottle 11 and may have any shape as long as it is blow molded from the body to be molded.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the bottle manufacturing management system 1 mainly includes a bottle manufacturing apparatus 2, a molding condition adjusting apparatus 3, and a user terminal apparatus 4. Each of the apparatuses 2 to 4 is configured by, for example, a general-purpose or dedicated computer (see FIG. 10 described later), and is connected to a wired or wireless network 5 so as to be able to transmit and receive various data to and from each other. Note that the number of each of the apparatuses 2 to 4 and the connection configuration of the network 5 are not limited to the example of FIG. 1 and may be changed as appropriate.

[0013] The bottle manufacturing apparatus 2 is an apparatus that uses a mold 200 and operates according to adjusted molding conditions to blow mold the preform 10 into the bottle 11. The molding conditions include various apparatus setting values when each part included in the bottle manufacturing apparatus 2 operates.

[0014] The bottle manufacturing apparatus 2 includes an injection molding apparatus 20a that injection molds a synthetic resin, which is a raw material, into the preform 10, a preform taking-out apparatus 20b that takes out the preform 10 from the injection molding apparatus 20a and transfers it to a preform transfer conveyor 20c, a preform transfer conveyor 20c that conveys the preform 10, a preform heating apparatus 20d that is provided in the middle of the preform transfer conveyor 20c and heats the preform 10, a preform supply apparatus 20e that receives the preform 10 from the preform transfer conveyor 20c and supplies it to a blow molding apparatus 20f, a blow molding apparatus 20f that molds the heated preform 10 into the bottle 11, a molded body taking-out apparatus 20g that takes out the bottle 11 from the blow molding apparatus 20f and transfers it to a molded body transfer conveyor 20h, and a molded body transfer conveyor 20h that conveys the molded bottle 11. Note that the configuration of the bottle manufacturing apparatus 2 is not limited to the example of FIG. 1 and may be changed as appropriate. ​

[0015] The molding condition adjustment device 3 is a device that cooperates with the bottle manufacturing device 2 and the user terminal device 4 to adjust the molding conditions (specifically, various device setting values) for a plurality of adjustment items related to the preform 10 and the bottle 11.

[0016] The molding condition adjustment device 3 includes a database 310 capable of registering by associating molding condition information A indicating molding conditions with adjustment item information B indicating target values and adjustment results for a plurality of adjustment items. The molding condition information A and the adjustment item information B registered in the database 310 are referred to by the bottle manufacturing device 2 and the user terminal device 4 and used for manufacturing the bottle 11.

[0017] The user terminal device 4 is a device used by a user such as a manufacturing manager of the bottle 11. The user terminal device 4 has programs such as an application program and a web browser installed, accepts various input operations, and outputs various information via a display screen or voice. The user terminal device 4 is used when a user inputs an instruction or the like to the molding condition adjustment device 3, outputs the processing result of the molding condition adjustment device 3, or edits the database 310.

[0018] (Preform heating device 20d) FIG. 2 is a schematic front view showing an example of the preform heating device 20d. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the preform heating device 20d. The preform heating device 20d performs a preform heating process for heating the preform 10 sequentially conveyed by the preform conveying conveyor 20c. The preform 10 is held in an upright state by, for example, a rotatable mandrel (not shown) and conveyed at a predetermined conveying speed by the preform conveying conveyor 20c.

[0019] The preform heating device 20d includes, as its main components, a plurality of preform heating units 21 for heating the preform 10 and a control unit 22 for controlling each part of the preform heating device 20d. As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of preform heating units 21 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the conveyance direction of the preform 10 by the preform conveyance conveyor 20c.

[0020] Each of the plurality of preform heating units 21 includes a plurality of preform heating modules 210 for heating each part of the preform 10, a preform local heating module 211 for locally heating a part of the preform 10, and a temperature sensor 212. The plurality of preform heating modules 210 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction and are each constituted by an infrared heater or the like. The preform local heating module 211 is arranged, for example, at a position where the neck portion of the preform 10 can be locally heated and is each constituted by an infrared heater or the like. At that time, the preform local heating module 211 may be used in common with the preform heating module 210. The number and arrangement of the preform heating modules 210, the preform local heating modules 211, and the temperature sensors are not limited to the example of FIG. 2 and may be changed as appropriate. Note that the preform heating unit 21 may be arranged inside the preform 10 and may further include a heating module for heating the inside of the preform 10. Further, the preform heating unit 21 may further include a blower module for supplying blowing air at a predetermined temperature to the preform 10.

[0021] The control unit 22 is electrically connected to the module group and the sensor group included in the plurality of preform heating units 21 and functions as a control unit for comprehensively controlling the plurality of preform heating units 21. Although FIG. 3 shows the preform heating module 210 and the preform local heating module 211 as part of the module group and the temperature sensor 212 as part of the sensor group, the illustration of the other module group and sensor group is omitted.

[0022] The control unit 22 is composed of, for example, a general-purpose or dedicated computer (refer to FIG. 10 described later). The control unit 22 includes, as its main components, a control section 220, a communication section 221, an input section 222, an output section 223, and a storage section 224.

[0023] The storage section 224 stores various programs (operating system (OS), preform heating program 2240, etc.) and data (device setting information 2241, etc.) used in the operation of the preform heating device 20d. The device setting information 2241 is information capable of registering various device setting values when the preform heating device 20d executes a preform heating process, and is configured to be editable by a device user via a display screen (setting interface), for example.

[0024] The control section 220 is composed of, for example, an arithmetic processing unit (processor such as CPU, MPU, GPU, etc.) and a sequencer. The control section 220 functions as a preform heating control section 2200 by executing, for example, the preform heating program 2240 stored in the storage section 224.

[0025] The preform heating control section 2200 operates the module group included in each preform heating unit 21. At this time, the preform heating control section 2200 heats each part of the preform 10 by operating each preform heating module 210 according to the device setting values registered in the device setting information 2241.

[0026] The communication unit 221 is connected to a communication network and functions as a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various data between not only the molding condition adjustment device 3 and the user terminal device 4 but also terminal devices (not shown) used by device users such as the preform heating device 20d and manufacturing management devices (not shown) that perform manufacturing management of the bottle manufacturing management system 1. The input unit 222 accepts various input operations by the user of the preform heating device 20d, and the output unit 223 outputs various information to the device user via screen display, signal tower lighting, and buzzer sounding, thereby functioning as a user interface.

[0027] (Blow molding device 20f) FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the blow molding device 20f. FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the molding unit 25. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the blow molding device 20f. The blow molding device 20f is a device that repeatedly performs a blow molding process of supplying blow fluid into the preform 10 held between the molds 200 using a plurality (12 in this embodiment) of molds 200 and blow molding a hollow bottle 11 from the preform 10 for each mold 200. In this embodiment, the blow fluid is described as air, but it may be any gas other than air or a liquid.

[0028] The main components of the blow molding device 20f include a rotary unit 24 and a ro tary unit 24 and a plurality (12 in this embodiment) of molding units 25 arranged at predetermined intervals on the circumferential orbit of the rotary unit 24, and a control unit 26 that controls each part of the blow molding device 20f.

[0029] The rotary unit 24 is formed in a disk shape, for example, and includes a rotary support portion 240 that supports a plurality of molding units 25 and a rotation mechanism portion 241 that rotates the rotary support portion 240 at a predetermined rotational speed (rotation period).

[0030] Each of the plurality of molding units 25 includes a mold support unit 250 that supports the mold 200 in an openable and closable manner, a holding unit 251 that holds the preform 10 sandwiched between the molds 200 in a sealed state, a stretching unit 252 that stretches the preform 10 supported by the holding unit 251, a blowing unit 253 that supplies or discharges blowing fluid (air) to or from the preform 10 supported by the holding unit 251, and a mold heating unit 254 that heats the mold 200.

[0031] The stretching unit 252 includes a stretch rod 2520 inserted into the preform 10 and a stretch rod support mechanism unit 2521 that supports the stretch rod 2520 so as to be movable forward and backward.

[0032] The blowing unit 253 includes a main pipe 2530 connected to the stretch rod 2520 via the holding unit 251, three branch pipes 2531A to 2531C branched from the main pipe 2530, a pre-blow valve 2532 provided in the branch pipe 2531A connected to a low-pressure pre-blow air supply source, a main blow valve 2533 provided in the branch pipe 2531B connected to a high-pressure main blow air supply source, an exhaust valve 2534 provided in the branch pipe 2531C connected to an exhaust system, and a pressure sensor 2535, a flow rate sensor 2536, and a temperature sensor 2537 provided in the main pipe 2530 or the holding unit 251. The pressure sensor 2535, the flow rate sensor 2536, and the temperature sensor 2537 each function as a measuring unit capable of measuring the pressure, flow rate, and temperature of the blowing fluid (pre-blow air, main blow air, blow air exhaust) supplied into the preform 10 at predetermined measurement time intervals, and output measured values at each time point as the measurement results.

[0033] In addition, in FIGS. 4 and 5, although the specific configurations of the rotation mechanism unit 241, the mold support unit 250, the holding unit 251, and the stretching unit 252 are omitted, for example, they are configured by appropriately combining a driving force generation module such as a servo motor or a cylinder, a driving force transmission mechanism such as a linear guide, a ball screw, a gear, a cam, a belt, a coupling, or a bearing, and a sensor such as a linear sensor, an encoder sensor, or a limit sensor. Further, in FIGS. 4 and 5, although the specific configuration of the mold heating unit 254 is omitted, for example, it is configured by appropriately combining a module such as an electric heater and a sensor such as a temperature sensor.

[0034] The control unit 26 is electrically connected to the module group and the sensor group provided in the rotary unit 24 and the plurality of molding units 25, and functions as a control unit that comprehensively controls the rotary unit 24 and the plurality of molding units 25. In FIG. 6, the pre-blow valve 2532, the main blow valve 2533, and the exhaust valve 2534 as part of the module group, and the pressure sensor 2535, the flow rate sensor 2536, and the temperature sensor 2537 as part of the sensor group are illustrated, but the illustration of the other module group and sensor group is omitted.

[0035] The control unit 26 is configured by, for example, a general-purpose or dedicated computer (see FIG. 10 described later). The control unit 26 includes, as its main components, a control unit 260, a communication unit 261, an input unit 262, an output unit 263, and a storage unit 264.

[0036] The storage unit 264 stores various programs (operating system (OS), blow molding program 2640, etc.) and data (device setting information 2641, etc.) used in the operation of the blow molding apparatus 20f. The device setting information 2641 is information in which various device setting values when the blow molding apparatus 20f executes the blow molding process can be registered, and is configured to be editable by the device user via a display screen (setting interface), for example.

[0037] The control unit 260 is composed of, for example, an arithmetic processing unit (a processor such as a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc.) and a sequencer. The control unit 260 functions as a blow molding control unit 2600 by executing, for example, the blow molding program 2640 stored in the storage unit 264.

[0038] The blow molding control unit 2600 operates the module group provided in the rotary unit 24 and the module group provided in each molding unit 25. At this time, the blow molding control unit 2600 extends the preform 10 by operating the rotary unit 24 and each molding unit 25 according to the device setting values registered in the device setting information 2641, and supplies blow fluid into the preform 10 to blow-mold a hollow bottle 11 from the preform 10.

[0039] The communication unit 261 is connected to a communication network and functions as a communication interface for transmitting and receiving various data between not only the molding condition adjustment device 3 and the user terminal device 4, but also a terminal device (not shown) used by the device user of the blow molding device 20f and a production management device (not shown) that performs production management of the bottle production management system 1. The input unit 262 receives various input operations by the user of the blow molding device 20f, and the output unit 263 functions as a user interface by outputting various information to the device user through screen display, lighting of a signal tower, and sounding of a buzzer.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the bottle manufacturing process. The bottle manufacturing process is a process for manufacturing the bottle 11 by heating the preform 10, setting the heated preform 10 in the mold 200, and blow-molding the set preform 10. The bottle manufacturing process includes a preform heating process (step S100), a pre-blow process (steps S110 to S114), and a main blow process (steps S120 to S124).

[0041] First, in step S100, when the preform 10 conveyed by the preform transfer conveyor 20c passes through the heating section by the preform heating device 20d, the preform heating modules 210 heat the preform 10 to a predetermined temperature. Then, the preform supply device 20e supplies the heated preform 10 to the blow molding device 20f.

[0042] Next, in step S110, the blow molding device 20f holds the heated preform 10 by the holding unit 251. In step S111, the blow molding device 20f closes the mold 200 by the mold support unit 250. At this time, the mold heating unit 254 heats the mold 200 to a predetermined temperature. In step S112, the blow molding device 20f stretches the preform 10 by advancing the stretch rod 2520 along the central axis of the preform 10. In step S113, the blow molding device 20f opens the pre-blow valve 2532. In step S114, the blow molding device 20f maintains the pre-blow pressure at the target pressure by continuing the supply of the pre-blow air for the pre-blow time while advancing the stretch rod 2520.

[0043] Next, in step S120, the blow molding device 20f opens the pre-blow valve 253 Close 2 to stop the supply of pre-blow air, and open the main blow global valve 2533 to increase the main blow pressure. In step S121, the blow molding device 20f maintains the main blow pressure at the target pressure by continuing to supply the main blow air for the main blow time. In step S122, the blow molding device 20f closes the main blow global valve 2533 and opens the exhaust valve 2534 to discharge the blow fluid from the main pipe 2530 to the outside. In step S123, the blow molding device 20f opens the mold 200 with the mold support unit 250 while retracting the stretch rod 2520 from inside the preform 10. In step S124, the blow molding device 20f releases the fixation of the bottle 11 by the holding unit 251. Then, the molded body take-out device 20g takes out the blow-molded bottle 11 from the mold 200.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of the database 310. The database 310 has a plurality of records for each bottle management ID for associating various types of information handled in the bottle manufacturing management system 1. The bottle management ID is information (such as part number and model number) for identifying the bottle 11. Each record has fields in which, for example, a plurality of device setting values included in the molding condition information A and target values and measurement results for a plurality of adjustment items included in the adjustment item information B can be registered.

[0045] The molding condition information A and the adjustment item information B registered in the database 310 can be referred to from the molding condition adjustment device 3 and the user terminal device 4. Note that editing operations such as addition, deletion, and modification of each data may be performed on the display screen of the user terminal device 4.

[0046] The molding condition information A is information indicating the molding conditions in the bottle manufacturing process shown in FIG. 7. The molding condition information A includes, for example, device setting values for the preform heating unit 21 of the preform heating device 20d and device setting values for the stretching unit 252, the blowing unit 253, and the mold heating unit 254 of the blow molding device 20f.

[0047] The device setting values for the preform heating unit 21 include device setting values for overall increasing and decreasing the heating amount of a plurality of preform heating modules 210, device setting values for individually increasing and decreasing the heating amount of a plurality of preform heating modules 210, device setting values for individually increasing and decreasing the heating amount of the preform local heating module 211, device setting values for increasing and decreasing the air volume and air pressure of the blower module, etc. The device setting values for the preform heating module 210 and the preform local heating module 211 are set by designating any one of the heating levels having multiple stages. The device setting values for the blower module are set by designating either the air volume level having multiple stages or the air pressure level having multiple stages.

[0048] The device setting values for the stretching unit 252 include the stretching amount by the stretch rod 2520, device setting values for increasing and decreasing the stretching speed, etc. The device setting values for the stretching unit 252 are set by designating numerical values corresponding to the stretching amount and the stretching speed.

[0049] The device setting values for the blowing unit 253 include the pre-blowing pressure, pre-blowing time, device setting values for increasing and decreasing the pre-blowing flow rate, main blowing pressure, main blowing time, device setting values for increasing and decreasing the main blowing flow rate, etc. The device setting values for the blowing unit 253 are set by designating numerical values corresponding to the pre-blowing pressure or the main blowing pressure, or designating time corresponding to the pre-blowing time or the main blowing time, or designating numerical values corresponding to the pre-blowing flow rate or the main blowing flow rate.

[0050] The device setting values for the mold heating unit 254 include device setting values for increasing and decreasing the heating amount of the mold 200, etc. The device setting values for the mold heating unit 254 are set by designating any one of the heating levels having multiple stages. having multiple stages.

[0051] The adjustment item information B is information indicating target values for a plurality of adjustment items related to the preform 10 and the bottle 11. The target values are values determined at the design stage or inspection stage of the preform 10 and the bottle 11, and correspond to design values or standard values. Among the plurality of adjustment items, at least one of the temperature of the preform 10, the mass distribution of the bottle 11, the height of the bottle 11, and the internal volume of the bottle 11 is included. In particular, it is preferable that the plurality of adjustment items include the temperature of the preform 10, the mass distribution of the bottle 11, and at least one of the height of the bottle 11 and the internal volume of the bottle 11. In the present embodiment, the case where the plurality of adjustment items are the temperature of the preform 10, the mass distribution of the bottle 11, the height of the bottle 11, and the internal volume of the bottle 11 will be described. Note that the adjustment items may be related to the shape and quality of the preform 10 and the bottle 11, and adjustment items other than the above may be used. Also, the adjustment items may vary depending on the product number, model number, etc. of the bottle 11.

[0052] The "temperature of the preform 10" as an adjustment item is, for example, the temperature of the preform 10 after the preform 10 is heated in step S100 and before the preform 10 is held by the holding unit 251 in step S110. The adjustment item information B includes the target value for the temperature of the preform 10 at that time and the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10.

[0053] The "mass distribution of the bottle 11" as an adjustment item is, for example, the mass distribution of the bottle 11 after it is taken out of the mold 200 in S124. The adjustment item information B includes the target value for the mass distribution of the bottle 11 at that time and the measurement result of the mass distribution of the bottle 11.

[0054] The "height of the bottle 11" as an adjustment item is, for example, the height of the bottle 11 after it is taken out of the mold 200 in S124. The adjustment item information B includes the target value for the height of the bottle 11 at that time and the measurement result of the height of the bottle 11.

[0055] The "internal volume of the bottle 11" as an adjustment item is, for example, the internal volume of the bottle 11 at the time after it is taken out of the mold 200 at S124. The adjustment item information B includes the target value for the internal volume of the bottle 11 at that time and the measurement result of the internal volume of the bottle 11.

[0056] (Molding condition adjustment device 3) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the molding condition adjustment device 3. The molding condition adjustment device 3 includes a control unit 30 configured by a processor or the like, a storage unit 31 configured by an HDD, an SSD, a memory, etc., a communication unit 32 which is a communication interface with the network 5 and external devices, an input unit 33 configured by a keyboard, a mouse, etc., and an output unit 34 configured by a display or the like. Note that the input unit 33 and the output unit 34 may be omitted.

[0057] The storage unit 31 stores a database 310 and a molding condition adjustment program 311, and also stores an operating system, other programs, data, etc.

[0058] The control unit 30 functions as a plurality of adjustment processing units 300A to 300D by executing the molding condition adjustment program 311 stored in the storage unit 31.

[0059] The plurality of adjustment processing units 300A to 300D adjust a plurality of adjustment items related to the preform 10 and the bottle 11 according to a predetermined adjustment order. Then, the plurality of adjustment processing units 300A to 300D adjust the adjustment item by setting the device setting value related to the adjustment item by at least one of a plurality of setting methods. At that time, the plurality of adjustment processing units 300A to 300D refer to the database 310 and register the adjustment result of the device setting value in the database 310.

[0060] The adjustment order of adjustment items is predetermined for a plurality of adjustment items. For example, the adjustment order for the temperature of the preform 10 is determined earlier than the adjustment order for other adjustment items. More specifically, the adjustment order for the temperature of the preform 10 is determined earlier than the adjustment order for the mass distribution of the bottle 11, and the adjustment order for the mass distribution of the bottle 11 is determined earlier than the adjustment order for the height of the bottle 11 and the adjustment order for the internal volume of the bottle 11. In the present embodiment, the first adjustment processing unit 300A adjusts the temperature of the preform 10 as the adjustment order of the adjustment items, the second adjustment processing unit 300B adjusts the mass distribution of the bottle 11, the third adjustment processing unit 300C adjusts the height of the bottle 11, and the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D adjusts the internal volume of the bottle 11. The adjustment order of the adjustment items is not limited to the above example and can be changed as appropriate.

[0061] As a method for setting the device setting values, the following setting method is used. (a) Preform overall heating conditions: Set device setting values related to the overall heating of the preform 10, such as device setting values for adjusting the overall heating amount of a plurality of preform heating modules 210 up and down. (b) Preform individual heating conditions: Set device setting values related to the individual heating of the preform 10, such as each device setting value for individually adjusting the heating amount of a plurality of preform heating modules 210 up and down. (c) Preform local heating conditions: Set device setting values related to the local heating of the preform 10, such as device setting values for individually adjusting the heating amount of the preform local heating module 211 up and down. (d) Pre-blow conditions: Set device setting values related to pre-blowing, such as each device setting value for increasing or decreasing the stretching amount and stretching speed by the stretching unit 252, and each device setting value for increasing or decreasing the pre-blow pressure, pre-blow time, and pre-blow flow rate by the blow unit 253. (e) Main blow conditions: Set device setting values related to the main blow, such as the main blow pressure, main blow time, and each device setting value for increasing or decreasing the main blow flow rate by the blow unit 253. (f) Bottle cooling conditions: Set device setting values related to the cooling of the bottle 11, such as the device setting value for increasing or decreasing the heating amount of the mold 200 by the mold heating unit 254.

[0062] The method of setting the device setting values is not limited to the above examples and can be changed as appropriate. For example, when (a) the preform overall heating conditions, (b) the preform individual heating conditions, and (c) the preform local heating conditions are grouped into a common category called the preform heating conditions for setting the device setting values related to the heating of the preform 10, in the preform heating conditions, each device setting value for increasing or decreasing the air volume and air pressure of the blower module may be further set. Also, the above one setting method may be divided into multiple setting methods. For example, (d) the pre-blow conditions may be divided into a first pre-blow condition for setting the device setting values of the draw ratio and draw speed and a second pre-blow condition for setting the device setting values of the pre-blow pressure, pre-blow time, and pre-blow flow rate. Furthermore, a combination of the above multiple setting methods may be used as one setting method. For example, a setting method combining (a) the preform overall heating conditions and (d) the pre-blow conditions may be set as one setting method for performing the setting process. Also, in one setting method, multiple device setting values may be set, or one device setting value may be set. For example, in (e) the main blow conditions, the device setting values of the main blow pressure and main blow flow rate may be set, or only the device setting value of the main blow pressure may be set, or only the device setting value of the main blow flow rate may be set.

[0063] Note that each of the plurality of adjustment processing units 300A to 300D may perform a plurality of setting processes for setting device setting values related to adjustment items by a plurality of setting methods. In that case, each of the plurality of adjustment processing units 300A to 300D sequentially performs the plurality of setting processes according to a predetermined setting order. Then, each of the plurality of adjustment processing units 300A to 300D determines whether the target value for the adjustment item is satisfied with the device setting value set by the setting process performed in the order of the earlier setting order. When the target value is satisfied, the adjustment of the adjustment item is terminated. When the target value is not satisfied, the adjustment of the adjustment item is continued by proceeding to the setting process by the setting method in the next setting order. As a result, for each adjustment item, the setting processes by the plurality of setting methods are performed step by step, so that the molding conditions in blow molding can be appropriately adjusted.

[0064] At that time, the setting order by the plurality of setting methods is predetermined for the plurality of setting methods. As the setting order by the plurality of setting methods, for example, the setting order of the setting method for performing rough adjustment regarding the adjustment item is determined earlier, and the setting order of the setting method for performing fine adjustment regarding the adjustment item is determined later. As a result, for each adjustment item, the priority order when the setting processes by the plurality of setting methods are performed is appropriately set, and the device setting value is likely to converge, so that the molding conditions in blow molding can be appropriately adjusted. Note that the setting method may be different for each adjustment item, and the setting order may also be different for each adjustment item.

[0065] The output processing unit 301 performs output processing for outputting the adjustment results adjusted by the adjustment processing units 300A to 300D to an external device. As an example of the output processing, the output processing unit 301 transmits the adjustment results by the adjustment processing units 300A to 300D to the bottle manufacturing apparatus 2, the user terminal apparatus 4, and the like.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900 constituting each device. Each device 2 to 4 constituting the bottle manufacturing management system 1 is constituted by a general-purpose or dedicated computer 900.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, the main components of computer 900 include bus 910, processor 912, memory 914, input device 916, output device 917, display device 918, storage device 920, communication I / F (interface) unit 922, external device I / F unit 924, I / O (input / output) device I / F unit 926, and media input / output unit 928. Note that the above components may be appropriately omitted depending on the application for which computer 900 is used.

[0068] Processor 912 is composed of one or more arithmetic processing units (such as CPU (Central Processing Unit), MPU (Micro-processing unit), DSP (digital signal processor), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc.), and operates as a control unit that oversees the entire computer 900. Memory 914 stores various data and programs 930, and is composed of, for example, a volatile memory (such as DRAM, SRAM, etc.) that functions as a main memory, a non-volatile memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.

[0069] Input device 916 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, mouse, numeric keypad, electronic pen, etc., and functions as an input unit. Output device 917 is composed of, for example, a sound (audio) output device, vibration device, etc., and functions as an output unit. Display device 918 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, organic EL display, electronic paper, projector, etc., and functions as an output unit. Input device 916 and display device 918 may be integrally configured, such as a touch panel display. Storage device 920 is composed of, for example, an HDD, SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. Storage device 920 stores various data necessary for the execution of the operating system and programs 930.

[0070] The communication I / F unit 922 is connected, either wired or wirelessly, to a network 940 such as the Internet or an intranet (which may be the same as the network 5 in FIG. 1), and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from other computers according to a predetermined communication standard. The external device I / F unit 924 is connected, either wired or wirelessly, to an external device 950 such as a camera, printer, scanner, or reader / writer, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the external device 950 according to a predetermined communication standard. The I / O device I / F unit 926 is connected to an I / O device 960 such as various sensors and actuators, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives various signals and data such as detection signals from sensors and control signals to actuators to and from the I / O device 960. The media input / output unit 928 is composed of, for example, drive devices such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive and a CD (Compact Disc) drive, a memory card slot, and a USB connector, and reads and writes data to a media (non-volatile storage medium) 970 such as a DVD, CD, memory card, or USB memory.

[0071] In the computer 900 having the above configuration, the processor 912 calls and executes the program 930 stored in the storage device 920 in the memory 914, and controls each part of the computer 900 via the bus 910. Note that the program 930 may be stored in the memory 914 instead of the storage device 920. The program 930 may be recorded in the media 970 in an installable file format or an executable file format, and provided to the computer 900 via the media input / output unit 928. The program 930 may be provided to the computer 900 by being downloaded via the network 940 through the communication I / F unit 922. Also, the computer 900 may implement various functions realized when the processor 912 executes the program 930 in hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0072] The computer 900 is composed of, for example, a stationary computer or a portable computer, and is an electronic device in any form. The computer 900 may be a client-type computer, a server-type computer or a cloud-type computer, or may be an embedded computer called, for example, a control panel, a controller (including a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, a sequencer, etc.).

[0073] (Molding condition adjustment method by the molding condition adjustment device 3) FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a molding condition adjustment method by the molding condition adjustment device 3. Hereinafter, the case where the manufacturing manager performs various input operations on the user terminal device 4 to adjust the molding conditions of the bottle 11 specified by the bottle management ID will be described.

[0074] First, in step S20 (adjustment step) shown in FIG. 11, the first adjustment processing unit 300A adjusts the "temperature of the preform 10" as the first adjustment item.

[0075] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the details of the adjustment step (step S20) for adjusting the temperature of the preform 10. In the adjustment step for adjusting the temperature of the preform 10, a plurality of setting processes for setting the device setting value for the preform heating device 20d by a plurality of setting methods are performed. As the setting methods at that time, one or more of (a) preform overall heating conditions, (b) preform individual heating conditions, and (c) preform local heating conditions are used. For example, (a) preform overall heating conditions, (b) preform individual heating conditions are used.

[0076] FIG. 12 describes the case where any two of the above setting methods are used as the first setting method and the second setting method.

[0077] In step S200, the first adjustment processing unit 300A sets an initial value of the device setting value regarding the temperature of the preform 10. The initial value is set for, for example, a plurality of preform heating modules 210 included in the preform heating unit 21. At this time, when the device setting value when manufacturing the bottle 11 of the same product number in the past is stored in the molding condition information A of the database 310, the device setting value or a device setting value similar to the device setting value is set as the initial value. Note that the initial value may be set by the first adjustment processing unit 300A receiving the device setting value input by the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4.

[0078] In step S201, the first adjustment processing unit 300A measures the temperature of the preform 10 when the preform 10 is heated with the device setting value set for the preform heating unit 21 in step S200, and acquires the measurement result. The temperature of the preform 10 is measured by, for example, the temperature sensor 212 and acquired from the preform heating device 20d. Also, the temperature of the preform 10 may be measured by an external measuring device, and the first adjustment processing unit 300A may acquire the measurement result by receiving the measurement result of the measuring device input by the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4.

[0079] In step S202, the first adjustment processing unit 300A determines whether or not the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 measured in step S201 satisfies the target value of the temperature of the preform 10. The target value of the temperature of the preform 10 is represented by, for example, a temperature distribution indicating the temperatures of a plurality of locations of the preform 10. The determination as to whether or not the target value is satisfied is made, for example, according to whether or not the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 is included within a predetermined range based on the target value. The target value is acquired by referring to the adjustment item information B of the database 310. Also, the first adjustment processing unit 300A may acquire the target value by receiving the target value input by the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4.

[0080] As a result of the determination in step S202, if the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 satisfies the target value (step S202: Yes), the process proceeds to step S230, where the device setting value and the measurement result at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the temperature of the preform 10 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S202: No), the process proceeds to step S210.

[0081] In step S210, the first adjustment processing unit 300A performs a setting process of setting a device setting value related to the temperature of the preform 10 by the first setting method. As the first setting method, when using the above (a) preform overall heating condition, the device setting value is the overall heating level, and when using the above (b) preform individual heating condition, the device setting value is the individual heating level. The device setting value is set according to, for example, the difference value between the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 and the target value. Also, the first adjustment processing unit 300A can set the device setting value by receiving the device setting value input by the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4.

[0082] In step S211, the first adjustment processing unit 300A measures the temperature of the preform 10 when the preform 10 is heated with the device setting value set by the first setting method in step S210, and acquires the measurement result in the same manner as in step S201.

[0083] In step S212, the first adjustment processing unit 300A determines whether the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 measured in step S211 satisfies the target value of the temperature of the preform 10 in the same manner as in step S202.

[0084] As a result of the determination in step S212, if the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 satisfies the target value (step S212: Yes), the process proceeds to step S230, where the device setting value and the measurement result at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the temperature of the preform 10 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S212: No), the process proceeds to step S220.

[0085] In step S220, the first adjustment processing unit 300A performs a setting process of setting a device setting value related to the temperature of the preform 10 by a second setting method. As the second setting method, when using the above (a) preform overall heating condition, the device setting value is the overall heating level, and when using the above (b) preform individual heating condition, the device setting value is the individual heating level. The device setting value is set according to, for example, the difference value between the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 and the target value. Also, the first adjustment processing unit 300A can set the device setting value by accepting the device setting value input by the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4.

[0086] In step S221, the first adjustment processing unit 300A measures the temperature of the preform 10 when the preform 10 is heated with the device setting value set by the second setting method in step S220, and obtains the measurement result in the same manner as in steps S201 and S211.

[0087] In step S222, the first adjustment processing unit 300A determines whether the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 measured in step S221 satisfies the target value of the temperature of the preform 10 in the same manner as in steps S202 and S212.

[0088] As a result of the determination in step S222, if the measurement result of the temperature of the preform 10 satisfies the target value (step S222: Yes), the process proceeds to step S230, where the device setting values and measurement results at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the temperature of the preform 10 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S222: No), an error termination occurs. Note that when an error termination occurs, the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 may be terminated halfway, or it may be confirmed with the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4 whether to terminate halfway or not.

[0089] Next, in step S30 (adjustment step) shown in FIG. 11, the second adjustment processing unit 300B adjusts the "mass distribution of the bottle 11" as the second adjustment item.

[0090] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the details of the adjustment step (step S30) for adjusting the mass distribution of the bottle 11. In the adjustment step for adjusting the mass distribution of the bottle 11, a plurality of setting processes for setting the device setting values for at least one of the preform heating device 20d and the blow molding device 20f by a plurality of setting methods are performed. As the setting methods at that time, one or more of (a) preform overall heating conditions, (b) preform individual heating conditions, (c) preform local heating conditions, (d) pre-blow conditions, (e) main blow conditions (f), and bottle cooling conditions are used. For example, (a) preform overall heating conditions, (b) preform individual heating conditions, and (d) pre-blow conditions are used.

[0091] In FIG. 13, a case where any two of the above setting methods are used as the first setting method and the second setting method will be described. Also, since the basic operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is common to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the description will focus on the different parts.

[0092] ​In step S300, the second adjustment processing unit 300B sets an initial value of the device setting value regarding the mass distribution of the bottle 11. The initial value is set for, for example, the preform heating unit 21, the stretching unit 252, the blowing unit 253, and the mold heating unit 254.

[0093] In step S301, the second adjustment processing unit 300B measures the mass distribution of the bottle 11 when heating the preform 10 with the device setting values set for the preform heating unit 21, the stretching unit 252, the blowing unit 253, and the mold heating unit 254 in step S300, and acquires the measurement result. The mass distribution of the bottle 11 is, for example, when the bottle 11 is divided into a plurality of parts (for example, the neck part, the shoulder part, the body part, the bottom part, etc.), the mass of each part is measured by an external measuring device, and the second adjustment processing unit 300B receives the measurement result of the measuring device input by the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4, and can also acquire the measurement result.

[0094] In step S302, the second adjustment processing unit 300B determines whether the measurement result of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 measured in step S301 satisfies the target value of the mass distribution of the bottle 11.

[0095] As a result of the determination in step S302, when the measurement result of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 satisfies the target value (step S302: Yes), the process proceeds to step S330, and the device setting value and the measurement result at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, when the target value is not satisfied (step S302: No), the process proceeds to step S310.

[0096] In step S310, the second adjustment processing unit 300B performs a setting process of setting device setting values related to the mass distribution of the bottle 11 by the first setting method. In step S311, the second adjustment processing unit 300B measures the mass distribution of the bottle 11 when blow molding is performed with the device setting values set by the first setting method in step S310, and obtains the measurement result in the same manner as in step S301. In step S312, the second adjustment processing unit 300B determines whether the measurement result of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 measured in step S311 satisfies the target value of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 in the same manner as in step S302.

[0097] As a result of the determination in step S312, if the measurement result of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 satisfies the target value (step S312: Yes), the process proceeds to step S330, where the device setting values and the measurement results at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S312: No), the process proceeds to step S320.

[0098] In step S320, the second adjustment processing unit 300B performs a setting process of setting device setting values related to the mass distribution of the bottle 11 by the second setting method. In step S321, the second adjustment processing unit 300B measures the mass distribution of the bottle 11 when blow molding is performed with the device setting values set by the second setting method in step S320, and obtains the measurement result in the same manner as in steps S301 and S311. In step S322, the second adjustment processing unit 300B determines whether the measurement result of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 measured in step S321 satisfies the target value of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 in the same manner as in steps S302 and S312.

[0099] As a result of the determination in step S322, if the measurement result of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 satisfies the target value (step S322: Yes), the process proceeds to step S330, where the device setting values and measurement results at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the mass distribution of the bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S322: No), the process ends with an error.

[0100] Next, in step S40 (adjustment step) shown in FIG. 11, the third adjustment processing unit 300C adjusts the "height of the bottle 11" as the third adjustment item.

[0101] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing details of the adjustment step (step S40) for adjusting the height of the bottle 11. In the adjustment step for adjusting the height of the bottle 11, A plurality of setting processes for setting device setting values for at least one of the preform heating device 20d and the blow molding device 20f by a plurality of setting methods are performed. As the setting methods at that time, one or more of (a) preform overall heating conditions, (b) preform individual heating conditions, (c) preform local heating conditions, (d) pre-blow conditions, (e) main blow conditions (f), and bottle cooling conditions are used. For example, (c) preform local heating conditions, (d) pre-blow conditions, and (f) bottle cooling conditions are used.

[0102] In FIG. 14, the case where any two of the above setting methods are used as the first setting method and the second setting method will be described. Also, since the basic operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 is common to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the description will focus on the different parts.

[0103] In step S400, the third adjustment processing unit 300C sets an initial value of the device setting value related to the height of the bottle 11. The initial value is set, for example, for the preform heating unit 21, the stretching unit 252, the blow unit 253, and the mold heating unit 254.

[0104] In step S401, the third adjustment processing unit 300C measures the height of the bottle 11 when heating the preform 10 with the device setting values set for the preform heating unit 21, the stretching unit 252, the blowing unit 253, and the mold heating unit 254 in step S400, and obtains the measurement result. The height of the bottle 11 can be measured by, for example, an external measuring device, and the third adjustment processing unit 300C can also obtain the measurement result by receiving the measurement result of the measuring device input by the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4.

[0105] In step S402, the third adjustment processing unit 300C determines whether the measurement result of the height of the bottle 11 measured in step S401 meets the target value of the height of the bottle 11.

[0106] As a result of the determination in step S402, if the measurement result of the height of the bottle 11 meets the target value (step S402: Yes), the process proceeds to step S430, and the device setting value and the measurement result at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the height of the bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not met (step S402: No), the process proceeds to step S410.

[0107] In step S410, the third adjustment processing unit 300C performs a setting process of setting a device setting value related to the height of the bottle 11 by the first setting method. In step S411, the third adjustment processing unit 300C measures the height of the bottle 11 when blow molding with the device setting value set by the first setting method in step S410, and in the same manner as step S401 obtains the measurement result. In step S412, the third adjustment processing unit 300C determines whether the measurement result of the height of the bottle 11 measured in step S411 meets the target value of the height of the bottle 11 in the same manner as step S402.

[0108] As a result of the determination in step S412, if the measurement result of the height of bottle 11 satisfies the target value (step S412: Yes), the process proceeds to step S430, where the device setting values and measurement results at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the height of bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S412: No), the process proceeds to step S420.

[0109] In step S420, the third adjustment processing unit 300C performs a setting process of setting the device setting value related to the height of bottle 11 by the second setting method. In step S421, the third adjustment processing unit 300C measures the height of bottle 11 when blow molding is performed with the device setting value set by the second setting method in step S420, and obtains the measurement result in the same manner as in steps S401 and S411. In step S422, the third adjustment processing unit 300C determines whether the measurement result of the height of bottle 11 measured in step S421 satisfies the target value of the height of bottle 11 in the same manner as in steps S402 and S412.

[0110] As a result of the determination in step S422, if the measurement result of the height of bottle 11 satisfies the target value (step S422: Yes), the process proceeds to step S430, where the device setting values and measurement results at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the height of bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S422: No), an error termination occurs.

[0111] Next, in step S50 (adjustment step) shown in FIG. 11, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D adjusts the "internal volume of bottle 11" as the fourth adjustment item.

[0112] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing details of an adjustment step (step S50) for adjusting the internal volume of the bottle 11. In the adjustment step for adjusting the internal volume of the bottle 11, a plurality of setting processes are performed to set device setting values for at least one of the preform heating device 20d and the blow molding device 20f by a plurality of setting methods. As the setting methods at that time, one or more of (a) preform overall heating conditions, (b) preform individual heating conditions, (c) preform local heating conditions, (d) pre-blow conditions, (e) main blow conditions (f), and bottle cooling conditions are used. For example, (a) preform overall heating conditions, (e) main blow conditions, and (f) bottle cooling conditions are used.

[0113] In FIG. 15, the case where any two of the above setting methods are used as the first setting method and the second setting method will be described. Also, since the basic operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 15 is common to the flowchart shown in FIG. 12, the description will focus on the different parts.

[0114] In step S500, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D sets an initial value of the device setting value related to the internal volume of the bottle 11. The initial value is set for, for example, the preform heating unit 21, the stretching unit 252, the blow unit 253, and the mold heating unit 254.

[0115] In step S501, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D measures the internal volume of the bottle 11 when the preform 10 is heated with the device setting values set for the preform heating unit 21, the stretching unit 252, the blow unit 253, and the mold heating unit 254 in step S500, and acquires the measurement result. The internal volume of the bottle 11 is measured by, for example, an external measuring device, and the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D can also acquire the measurement result by receiving the measurement result of the measuring device input by the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4. It is also possible to obtain the measurement result.

[0116] In step S502, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D determines whether the measurement result of the internal volume of the bottle 11 measured in step S501 satisfies the target value of the internal volume of the bottle 11.

[0117] As a result of the determination in step S502, if the measurement result of the internal volume of the bottle 11 satisfies the target value (step S502: Yes), the process proceeds to step S530, where the device setting value and the measurement result at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the internal volume of the bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S502: No), the process proceeds to step S510.

[0118] In step S510, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D performs a setting process of setting a device setting value related to the internal volume of the bottle 11 by the first setting method. In step S511, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D measures the internal volume of the bottle 11 when blow molding is performed with the device setting value set by the first setting method in step S510, and obtains the measurement result in the same manner as in step S501. In step S512, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D determines whether the measurement result of the internal volume of the bottle 11 measured in step S511 satisfies the target value of the internal volume of the bottle 11 in the same manner as in step S502.

[0119] As a result of the determination in step S512, if the measurement result of the internal volume of the bottle 11 satisfies the target value (step S512: Yes), the process proceeds to step S530, where the device setting value and the measurement result at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the internal volume of the bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S512: No), the process proceeds to step S520.

[0120] In step S520, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D performs a setting process of setting a device setting value related to the internal volume of the bottle 11 by the second setting method. In step S521, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D measures the internal volume of the bottle 11 when blow molding is performed with the device setting value set by the second setting method in step S520, and obtains the measurement result in the same manner as in steps S501 and S511. In step S522, the fourth adjustment processing unit 300D determines whether the measurement result of the internal volume of the bottle 11 measured in step S521 satisfies the target value of the internal volume of the bottle 11 in the same manner as in steps S502 and S512.

[0121] As a result of the determination in step S522, if the measurement result of the internal volume of the bottle 11 satisfies the target value (step S522: Yes), the process proceeds to step S530, where the device setting value and the measurement result at that time are registered in the database 310, and the adjustment of the internal volume of the bottle 11 is normally terminated. On the other hand, if the target value is not satisfied (step S522: No), an error termination occurs.

[0122] Next, in step S60 (output step) shown in FIG. 11, the output processing unit 301 performs an output process of outputting the adjustment result adjusted in steps S20 to S50. For example, the output processing unit 301 outputs the adjustment result to the user terminal device 4, so that the adjustment result is provided to the manufacturing manager via the display screen of the user terminal device 4. In addition, the output processing unit 301 outputs the adjustment result to the bottle manufacturing device 2, so that the adjustment result is stored in the device setting information 2241 of the preform heating device 20d and the device setting information 2641 of the blow molding device 20f. Then, the bottle manufacturing device 2 operates according to the adjustment result, that is, the adjusted molding conditions, and the bottle 11 is manufactured.

[0123] In this way, a series of molding condition adjustment methods shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 is completed. The series of molding condition adjustment methods is executed, for example, at an arbitrary execution timing before the start of manufacturing the bottle 11 based on an instruction from a manufacturing manager, but may be executed when specific execution conditions are satisfied, such as changes in the ambient environment such as temperature and humidity, or changes in raw materials.

[0124] As described above, according to the molding condition adjustment device 3 and the molding condition adjustment method by the molding condition adjustment device 3 according to the present embodiment, when each of the plurality of adjustment steps (steps S20 to S50) by the adjustment processing units 300A to 300D adjusts a plurality of adjustment items according to a predetermined adjustment order, the device set value related to the adjustment item is set by at least one of the plurality of setting methods, thereby adjusting the adjustment item. Therefore, the molding conditions in blow molding can be appropriately adjusted.

[0125] At that time, the plurality of adjustment steps (steps S20 to S50) at least include adjustment steps for adjusting the temperature of the preform 10, the mass distribution of the bottle 11, the height of the bottle 11, and the internal volume of the bottle 11 in this order. Thereby, first, the temperature of the preform 10 that affects the entire adjustment item is adjusted, and then the mass distribution of the bottle 11, the height of the bottle 11, and the internal volume of the bottle 11 are adjusted in this order, so that the molding conditions in blow molding can be appropriately adjusted.

[0126] In addition, each of the plurality of adjustment steps (steps S20 to S50) performs a plurality of setting processes for setting the device set value related to the adjustment item by a plurality of setting methods according to a predetermined setting order for the plurality of setting methods. As a result, for each of the adjustment items, setting processes by a plurality of setting methods are performed, so that even when it is difficult to adjust the adjustment item with only a specific setting method, the molding conditions in blow molding can be appropriately adjusted.

[0127] (Other Embodiments) The present invention is not restricted to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention. And all of them are included in the technical idea of the present invention.

[0128] In the above embodiment, the database 310 has been described as being stored in the storage unit 31 of the molding condition adjusting device 3. In contrast, the database 310 may be stored in an external storage device. In that case, each of the devices 2 to 4 may access the database 310 via the network 5.

[0129] In the above embodiment, the case where the molding condition adjusting device 3 operates according to each step shown in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 15 has been described.

[0130] In contrast, a part of each step may be omitted, or other steps may be added. For example, each adjustment step (steps S20 to S50) shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 performs two setting methods, but three or more setting methods may be performed. In that case, in each adjustment step (steps S20 to S50) shown in FIGS. 12 to 15, after the setting process by the second setting method, for example, the setting process by the third setting method is added, and then the setting process by the fourth setting method is added, so that the setting process by three or more setting methods can be performed.

[0131] Also, each adjustment step (steps S20 to S50) may perform the setting process by a setting method defined as follows.

[0132] For example, the adjustment steps (steps S30 to S50) whose adjustment order is determined to be the second or later Each of them may perform a setting process of setting device setting values by a setting method different from the setting method already performed in other adjustment steps as a setting method whose setting order is determined first. In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, as the setting method of step S20, when (a) the preform overall heating condition and (b) the preform individual heating condition have already been performed, in the first setting method of step S30, the setting process is performed according to the (d) pre-blow condition, which is a different setting method from these. Thereby, when adjusting a new adjustment item, since a setting method not performed in other adjustment steps is used as the first setting method in the setting order, it is possible to suppress the need for readjustment of the adjusted adjustment items.

[0133] At that time, at least one of the adjustment steps (steps S30 to S50) determined to be the second and subsequent in the adjustment order may perform a setting process of setting device setting values by a setting method different from the setting method performed at the end of the previous adjustment step as a setting method whose setting order is determined first. In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, at the end of step S20, when (b) the preform individual heating condition is performed, in the first setting method of step S30, the setting process is performed according to the (d) pre-blow condition, which is a different setting method from this. Thereby, when adjusting a new adjustment item, since a setting method not performed at the end of the previous adjustment step is used as the first setting method in the setting order, it is possible to suppress the need for readjustment of the adjusted adjustment items.

[0134] In addition, at least one adjustment step among the adjustment steps (steps S30 to S50) whose adjustment order is determined to be the second or later may perform a setting process for setting the device setting value by the same setting method as at least one setting method among the setting methods whose setting order is determined to be the second or later and which has already been performed in other adjustment steps. In the examples shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, as the setting method of step S20, when (a) the preform overall heating condition and (b) the preform individual heating condition have already been performed, in the setting methods after the second of step S30, the setting process is performed by (a) the preform overall heating condition or (b) the preform individual heating condition, which is the same setting method as these. Thereby, when adjusting a new adjustment item, since the setting method that has already been performed in other adjustment steps is used as the setting method after the second in the setting order, it is possible to converge the adjustment for the new adjustment item while suppressing the influence on the adjusted adjustment items as much as possible.

[0135] Furthermore, each of the plurality of adjustment steps (steps S20 to S50) may perform a setting process for setting the device setting value for the preform heating module 210 as at least one setting method among the plurality of setting methods. That is, when (a) the preform overall heating condition, (b) the preform individual heating condition, and (c) the preform local heating condition are regarded as a common category called the preform heating condition, each of the plurality of adjustment steps (steps S20 to S50) may perform a setting process for setting the device setting value for the preform heating module 210 or the preform local heating module 211 by any one of the setting methods included in the above preform heating condition. Thereby, since the heating condition of the preform 10, which has a high influence on the shape and quality of the bottle 11, is set in each of the plurality of adjustment steps, the molding conditions in blow molding can be appropriately adjusted.

[0136] Hereinafter, various aspects of the present disclosure will be summarized as appendices.

[0137] (Appendix 1) A method for adjusting molding conditions when blow molding a workpiece using a molding apparatus that operates according to a plurality of apparatus setting values to produce a hollow molded body, comprising: including a plurality of adjustment steps for adjusting a plurality of adjustment items related to the workpiece and the molded body according to a predetermined adjustment order for the plurality of adjustment items; each of the plurality of adjustment steps: adjusting the adjustment item by setting the apparatus setting value related to the adjustment item by at least one of a plurality of setting methods; A method for adjusting molding conditions.

[0138] (Appendix 2) each of the plurality of adjustment steps: performing a plurality of setting processes for setting the apparatus setting value related to the adjustment item by a plurality of the setting methods according to a predetermined setting order for the plurality of setting methods; The method for adjusting molding conditions according to Appendix 1.

[0139] (Appendix 3) each of the plurality of adjustment steps: determining whether a target value for the adjustment item is satisfied by the apparatus setting value set by the setting process performed in the order of the setting order that is earlier; when the target value is satisfied, ending the adjustment of the adjustment item; when the target value is not satisfied, proceeding to the setting process by the setting method in the next setting order to continue the adjustment of the adjustment item; The method for adjusting molding conditions according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2.

[0140] (Appendix 4) each of the plurality of adjustment steps: performing a plurality of the setting processes according to a setting order in which the setting order of the setting method for performing a rough adjustment with respect to the plurality of setting methods for the adjustment item is determined earlier and the setting order of the setting method for performing a fine adjustment with respect to the adjustment item is determined later. The method for adjusting molding conditions according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3.

[0141] (Supplementary Note 5) Each of the adjustment steps in which the adjustment order is determined to be the second or later is As the setting method in which the setting order is determined first, the setting process of setting the apparatus setting value is performed by the setting method different from the setting method performed at the end of the adjustment step one before the adjustment order. The method for adjusting molding conditions according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4.

[0142] (Supplementary Note 6) At least one of the adjustment steps in which the adjustment order is determined to be the second or later is As the setting method in which the setting order is determined first, the setting process of setting the apparatus setting value is performed by the setting method different from the setting method already performed in the other adjustment steps. The method for adjusting molding conditions according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0143] (Supplementary Note 7) At least one of the adjustment steps in which the adjustment order is determined to be the second or later is As at least one of the setting methods in which the setting order is determined to be the second or later, the setting process of setting the apparatus setting value is performed by the setting method common to the setting methods already performed in the other adjustment steps. The method for adjusting molding conditions according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6.

[0144] (Supplementary Note 8) The plurality of adjustment items are including at least one of the temperature of the object to be molded, the mass distribution of the molded body, the height of the molded body, and the internal volume of the molded body. The plurality of adjustment steps are an adjustment step of adjusting the temperature of the object to be molded, and An adjustment step of adjusting the mass distribution of the molded body; An adjustment step of adjusting the height of the molded body; including at least one adjustment step of an adjustment step of adjusting the internal volume of the molded body; The method for adjusting molding conditions according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7.

[0145] (Supplementary Note 9) The plurality of adjustment items include: the temperature of the object to be molded, the mass distribution of the molded body, and at least one of the height and the internal volume of the molded body; The plurality of adjustment steps include: an adjustment step of adjusting the temperature of the object to be molded; an adjustment step of adjusting the mass distribution of the molded body; including at least one adjustment step of an adjustment step of adjusting the height of the molded body and an adjustment step of adjusting the internal volume of the molded body; The method for adjusting molding conditions according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8.

[0146] (Supplementary Note 10) The adjustment order for the temperature of the object to be molded is determined earlier than the adjustment order for the other adjustment items; The method for adjusting molding conditions according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9.

[0147] (Supplementary Note 11) The adjustment order for the temperature of the object to be molded is determined earlier than the adjustment order for the mass distribution of the molded body, and the adjustment order for the mass distribution of the molded body is determined earlier than the adjustment order for the mass distribution of the molded body; The method for adjusting molding conditions according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10.

[0148] (Supplementary Note 12) The molded body manufacturing apparatus includes: an object-to-be-molded heating device for heating the object to be molded; A blow molding apparatus for manufacturing the molded body by blow molding the molded body heated by the molded body heating device, and at least comprising: The adjusting step of adjusting the temperature of the molded body is: By one or more of the setting methods of the molded body overall heating condition for setting the device setting value related to the overall heating of the molded body, the molded body individual heating condition for setting the device setting value related to the individual heating of the molded body, and the molded body local heating condition for setting the device setting value related to the local heating of the molded body, a plurality of setting processes for setting the device setting value for the molded body heating device are performed. The adjusting step of adjusting the mass distribution of the molded body, the adjusting step of adjusting the height of the molded body, and the adjusting step of adjusting the internal volume of the molded body are: By one or more of the setting methods of the molded body overall heating condition, the molded body individual heating condition, the molded body local heating condition, the pre-blow condition for setting the device setting value related to pre-blow, the main blow condition for setting the device Setting value for setting the main blow condition, and the molded body cooling condition for setting the device setting value related to the cooling of the molded body, a plurality of setting processes for setting the device setting value for at least one of the molded body heating device and the blow molding device are performed. The molding condition adjusting method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 11.

[0149] (Appendix 13) Each of the plurality of the adjusting steps is: The device setting value related to the adjustment item is set by a plurality of setting methods according to a preset setting order for the plurality of setting methods, and a plurality of setting processes are performed. Each of the adjusting steps in which the adjustment order is determined to be the second or later is: As the setting method determined first in the setting order, the setting process of setting the device setting value by a setting method different from the setting method performed at the end of the adjusting step one before the adjustment order is performed. The molding condition adjusting method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 12.

[0150] (Appendix 14) Among the at least one of the adjustment steps in which the adjustment order is determined to be the second or later, As the setting method in which the setting order is determined first, the setting process of setting the device setting value is performed by a setting method different from the setting method already performed in the other adjustment steps. The molding condition adjustment method according to Appendix 12 or Appendix 13.

[0151] (Appendix 15) Among the at least one of the adjustment steps in which the adjustment order is determined to be the second or later, As at least one of the setting methods in which the setting order is determined to be the second or later, the setting process of setting the device setting value is performed by a setting method common to the setting methods already performed in the other adjustment steps. The molding condition adjustment method according to any one of Appendices 12 to 14.

[0152] (Appendix 16) Each of the plurality of adjustment steps Performs a plurality of setting processes of setting the device setting value related to the adjustment item by a plurality of setting methods according to a preset setting order with respect to the plurality of setting methods. As at least one of the plurality of setting methods, the setting process of setting the device setting value for the preform heating device is performed by any one of the overall heating condition of the preform, the individual heating condition of the preform, and the local heating condition of the preform. The molding condition adjustment method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 12.

Explanation of Signs

[0153] 1... Bottle manufacturing management system, 2... Bottle manufacturing device, 3... Molding condition adjustment device 4... User terminal device, 5... Network, 10... Preform (preform) 11… Bottle (molded body), 20a… Injection molding device, 20b… Preform extraction device, 20c… Preform conveyor, 20d… Preform heating device, 20e… Preform supply device, 20f… Blow molding device, 20g… Molded body extraction device, 20h… Molded body conveyor, 21… Preform heating unit, 22… Control unit 24… Rotary unit, 25… Molding unit, 26… Control unit, 30… Control section, 31… Memory section, 32… Communication section, 33… Input section, 34… Output section, 200… Mold, 210… Preform heating module, 211… Preform local heating module, 212… Temperature sensor, 240… Rotary support section, 241… Rotation mechanism section, 250… Mold support unit, 251… Holding unit, 252… Extension unit, 253… Blow unit, 254… Mold heating unit, 300A… First adjustment processing section, 300B… Second adjustment processing section, 300C… Third adjustment processing section, 300D… Fourth adjustment processing section, 301… Output processing section, 310… Database, 311… Molding condition adjustment program, 900… Computer

Claims

1. A method for adjusting molding conditions when blow molding a preform using a molding apparatus that operates according to a plurality of apparatus setting values by a computer to produce a hollow molded body, including a plurality of adjustment steps for adjusting a plurality of adjustment items related to the preform and the molded body in accordance with a predetermined adjustment order for the plurality of adjustment items, each of the plurality of adjustment steps, adjusts the adjustment item by setting the apparatus setting value related to the adjustment item by at least one of a plurality of setting methods, A molding condition adjustment method.

2. each of the plurality of adjustment steps, performs a plurality of setting processes for setting the apparatus setting value related to the adjustment item by a plurality of the setting methods in accordance with a predetermined setting order for the plurality of the setting methods, The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 1.

3. each of the plurality of adjustment steps, determines whether a target value for the adjustment item is satisfied by the apparatus setting value set by the setting process performed in the order of the earliest setting order, when the target value is satisfied, the adjustment of the adjustment item is terminated, when the target value is not satisfied, the adjustment of the adjustment item is continued by proceeding to the setting process by the setting method in the next setting order, The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 2.

4. each of the plurality of adjustment steps, performs the plurality of setting processes in accordance with a setting order in which the setting order of the setting method for performing a rough adjustment with respect to the plurality of the setting methods for the adjustment item is determined earlier, and the setting order of the setting method for performing a fine adjustment with respect to the adjustment item is determined later, The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 2.

5. each of the adjustment steps determined to be the second and subsequent in the adjustment order, performs the setting process of setting the apparatus setting value by a setting method different from the setting method performed last in the adjustment step one before in the adjustment order as the setting method determined first in the setting order, The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 2.

6. at least one of the adjustment steps determined to be the second and subsequent in the adjustment order, As the setting method in which the setting order is determined first, perform the setting process of setting the device setting value by a setting method different from the setting method already performed in the other adjustment steps. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 5.

7. Among the adjustment steps in which the adjustment order is determined after the second, at least one of the adjustment steps is As at least one of the setting methods in which the setting order is determined after the second, perform the setting process of setting the device setting value by a setting method common to the setting method already performed in the other adjustment steps. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 6.

8. The plurality of adjustment items are including at least one of the temperature of the object to be molded, the mass distribution of the molded body, the height of the molded body, and the internal volume of the molded body. The plurality of adjustment steps are an adjustment step of adjusting the temperature of the object to be molded; an adjustment step of adjusting the mass distribution of the molded body; an adjustment step of adjusting the height of the molded body; including at least one adjustment step of an adjustment step of adjusting the internal volume of the molded body. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 1.

9. The plurality of adjustment items are including the temperature of the object to be molded, the mass distribution of the molded body, and at least one of the height and the internal volume of the molded body. The plurality of adjustment steps are an adjustment step of adjusting the temperature of the object to be molded; an adjustment step of adjusting the mass distribution of the molded body; including at least one adjustment step of an adjustment step of adjusting the height of the molded body and an adjustment step of adjusting the internal volume of the molded body. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 1.

10. The adjustment order for the temperature of the object to be molded is determined earlier than the adjustment order for the other adjustment items. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 9.

11. The adjustment order for the temperature of the object to be molded is determined earlier than the adjustment order for the mass distribution of the molded body, and The adjustment order for the mass distribution of the molded body is determined earlier than the adjustment order for the height of the molded body and the adjustment order for the internal volume of the molded body. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 9.

12. The molded body manufacturing apparatus is a molded body heating device for heating the molded body; A blow molding device that manufactures the molded body by blow molding the molded body heated by the molded body heating device, and at least includes: The adjustment step of adjusting the temperature of the molded body is: By one or more of the above setting methods of the overall heating condition of the molded body for setting the device set value related to the overall heating of the molded body, the individual heating condition of the molded body for setting the device set value related to the individual heating of the molded body, and the local heating condition of the molded body for setting the device set value related to the local heating of the molded body, a plurality of setting processes for setting the device set value for the molded body heating device are performed. The adjustment step of adjusting the mass distribution of the molded body, the adjustment step of adjusting the height of the molded body, and the adjustment step of adjusting the internal volume of the molded body are: By one or more of the above setting methods of the overall heating condition of the molded body, the individual heating condition of the molded body, the local heating condition of the molded body, the pre-blow condition for setting the device set value related to pre-blow, the main blow condition for setting the device set value related to main blow, and the molded body cooling condition for setting the device set value related to the cooling of the molded body, a plurality of setting processes for setting the device set value for at least one of the molded body heating device and the blow molding device are performed. The molding condition adjustment method according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. Each of the plurality of adjustment steps is: Perform a plurality of setting processes for setting the device set value related to the adjustment item by a plurality of the above setting methods according to a preset setting order for the plurality of the above setting methods. For each of the adjustment steps determined to be the second and subsequent in the adjustment order: As the setting method determined first in the setting order, perform the setting process of setting the device set value by a setting method different from the setting method performed at the end of the adjustment step one before in the adjustment order. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 12.

14. At least one of the adjustment steps determined to be the second and subsequent in the adjustment order is: As the setting method determined first in the setting order, perform the setting process of setting the device set value by a setting method different from the setting methods already performed in other adjustment steps. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 13.

15. At least one of the adjustment steps determined to be the second and subsequent in the adjustment order is: As at least one of the setting methods in which the setting order is determined to be the second or later, perform the setting process of setting the device setting value by the setting method common to the setting method already performed in the other adjustment steps. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 14.

16. Each of the plurality of adjustment steps Performs a plurality of setting processes for setting the device setting value related to the adjustment item by a plurality of the setting methods according to a preset setting order for the plurality of the setting methods. As at least one of the plurality of the setting methods, perform the setting process of setting the device setting value for the preform heating device by any one of the preform overall heating condition, the preform individual heating condition, and the preform local heating condition. The molding condition adjustment method according to claim 12.

17. A molding condition adjustment device that adjusts molding conditions when blow molding a preform into a hollow molded body by a molding body manufacturing device that operates according to a plurality of device setting values, Comprises a plurality of adjustment processing units that adjust a plurality of adjustment items related to the preform and the molded body according to a preset adjustment order for the plurality of the adjustment items. Each of the plurality of adjustment processing units Adjusts the adjustment item by setting the device setting value related to the adjustment item by at least one of the plurality of setting methods. Molding condition adjustment device.

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