Can management device, can management system, and can management method

Abstract

To provide a can management device capable of appropriately associating a product kind with each can.SOLUTION: A can management device 3 manages a can manufacturing line for manufacturing a bottomed cylindrical can to which a can identifier storage medium storing a can identifier is added. The can manufacturing line is provided with a printer that executes a printing step of printing a drawing pattern corresponding to a can product kind on a can, a pre-step manufacturing device that executes a printing pre-step before the printing step, a post-step manufacturing device that executes a printing post-step after the printing step, and a printing step reading device that is installed on the upstream side or the downstream side of the printer, or in the printer to acquire the can identifier stored in the can identifier storage medium added to the can. The can management device 3n comprises: a product kind reception unit 301 that receives designation of a product kind identifier indicating the product kind corresponding to the drawing pattern printed by the printer; and a database management unit 300 that registers the can identifier acquired by the printing step reading device and the product kind identifier received by the product kind reception unit 301 in association in a database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a can management device, a can management system, and a can management method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in can manufacturing lines, identifiers are attached to cans in order to manage the lot, manufacturing date, raw materials, etc. of each can (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Also, in some manufacturing processes among the multiple manufacturing processes carried out in can manufacturing lines, multiple cans are transported in multiple rows (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-175005 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-219538 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses the use of identifiers to manage each can's lot, manufacturing date, raw materials, etc., but does not disclose other uses of identifiers. For example, a design corresponding to the product type is printed on the body of a can, but does not disclose associating the can identifier with the product type for management. Furthermore, as disclosed in Patent Document 2, when multiple cans are transported in a row, the transport order of the cans changes irregularly. Therefore, if the product type is associated with the can identifier, it is necessary to devise a way to ensure that the order of the cans is not affected by the change in the transport order. Furthermore, the manufacturing equipment used in the can manufacturing process must switch various settings depending on the can specifications (diameter, inner diameter, height, plate thickness, material, etc.). The specifications of the can 10 may vary depending on the product type, or may be the same even across different product types. The product type of the can is ultimately identified by determining the design to be printed on the can in the printing process. Therefore, when the product type is finally identified, it may or may not be necessary to switch settings in the manufacturing equipment installed upstream or downstream of the printing device, which could lead to human error.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a can management device, a can management system, and a can management method that enable appropriate association of product types with each can. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a can management device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: A can management device that manages a can manufacturing line that manufactures bottomed tubular cans to which can identifier storage media that store can identifiers are attached, The can manufacturing line comprises: a printing device that performs a printing process of printing a design corresponding to the product type of the can on the can; a pre-printing manufacturing device that performs a manufacturing process of manufacturing the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a pre-printing process that is performed before the printing process; a post-process manufacturing device that manufactures the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a post-printing process that is carried out after the printing process; a conveying device that conveys the cans to the front-end manufacturing device, the printing device, and the back-end manufacturing device in this order; a printing process reading device that is installed upstream, downstream, or inside the printing device and that acquires the can identifier stored in the can identifier storage medium attached to the can when the can is conveyed by the conveying device and passes through a reading range of the can identifier storage medium; The can management device includes: a product type receiving unit that receives a designation of a product type identifier that indicates the product type corresponding to the design to be printed by the printing device; The printing process reading device includes a database management unit that associates the can identifier acquired by the printing process reading device with the product type identifier accepted by the product type acceptance unit and registers them in a database. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a can management device associates can identifiers acquired when cans are transported to a printing device with product type identifiers that indicate the product type corresponding to the design to be printed on the cans by the printing device, and the associated can identifiers are registered in a database. Therefore, even if the transport order of cans is irregular, it is possible to appropriately associate each can with a product type.

[0008] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the detailed description of the invention that follows. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a can management system 1. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of a can manufacturing line 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a can 10. [Figure 4]2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a multi-row conveying device 22A and a multi-row reading device 24A. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a single-row conveying device 22B and a single-row reading device 24B. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a can management device 3. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a can management database 11. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a can management database 11. [Figure 8A] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a device management database 12. [Figure 8B] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a device management database 12. [Figure 8C] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a device management database 12. [Figure 8D] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a device management database 12. [Figure 8E] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a device management database 12. [Figure 8F] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a device management database 12. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a product type management database 13. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of a product type management database 13. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a functional explanatory diagram showing an example of a determination process of manufacturing conditions in a post-printing process. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a functional explanatory diagram showing an example of a determination process of manufacturing conditions in a pre-printing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The scope necessary for the explanation to achieve the object of the present invention will be schematically shown, and the scope necessary for explaining the relevant parts of the present invention will be mainly explained, and the parts that are omitted from the explanation will be based on publicly known techniques.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an example of a can management system 1. FIG. Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a can 10. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a multi-row conveying device 22A and a multi-row reading device 24A. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a single-row conveying device 22B and a single-row reading device 24B.

[0012] Can management system 1 includes can making line 2 that produces bottomed cylindrical cans 10, can management device 3 that manages can making line 2 that produces cans 10 using can management database 11, and terminal device 4 used by users (such as managers and operators of can making line 2). Furthermore, each of devices 20-24 (described in detail below) included in can making line 2, can management device 3, and terminal device 4 are configured to be able to communicate various types of data via wired or wireless network 5.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 3 , the can 10 has a can bottom 101, a can body 102, and an opening 103. The can bottom 101 has a bottom portion 101a, a chime portion 101b, and a dome portion 101c. The can body 102 has an outer peripheral surface 102a, an inner peripheral surface 102b, a neck portion 102c, and a flange portion 102d. A can identifier storage medium 100 that stores a can identifier D1 is attached to the can bottom 101. A design corresponding to the product type of the can 10 is printed on the can body 102. The design printed on the can body 102 is determined by the contents to be filled into the can 10.

[0014] Can 10 may be a steel can made of steel sheet metal, or an aluminum can made of aluminum or aluminum alloy sheet metal. Can 10 may have any of a two-piece can, a three-piece can, and a bottle-shaped can. The shape of can bottom 101 is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 3, and may be, for example, flat.

[0015] The specifications of the can 10 (diameter, inside diameter, height, plate thickness, material, etc.) may vary depending on the product type, or may be the same for different product types. Even if the cans 10 have the same specifications, different designs printed on the cans 10 can result in different product types being manufactured.

[0016] The product type identifier D0 is information for identifying the product type. The product type identifier D0 is expressed, for example, as a character string that combines alphanumeric characters and symbols. By specifying the product type using the product type identifier D0, a design corresponding to the specified product type is printed on the can 10 by the printing device 201 (printer 20H), which will be described later.

[0017] The can identifier D1 is information for individually identifying the can 10. The can identifier D1 is expressed, for example, as a character string that combines alphanumeric characters and symbols. The can identifier D1 is issued in accordance with predetermined issuing rules and is uniquely assigned to each can 10.

[0018] The can identifier storage medium 100 stores the can identifier D1 in a visually or optically readable state. The can identifier storage medium 100 may be, for example, a code image attached to the can 10 according to a standard such as a one-dimensional code or a two-dimensional code, or alphanumeric characters or symbols may be attached directly to the can 10. In this case, the can identifier storage medium 100 is attached to the can 10 by any method such as printing, engraving, burning, or attaching a sticker.

[0019] The can identifier storage medium 100 stores the can identifier D1 in a state that can be electromagnetically read with or without contact. For example, an electronic tag (IC tag) called RFID can be used as the can identifier storage medium 100. In this case, the can identifier storage medium 100 is attached to the can 10 by any method such as pasting or embedding.

[0020] The can identifier storage medium 100 is attached to, for example, the can bottom 101 or the can body 102, but may be attached to any part of the can 10. In this embodiment, the can 10 is a two-piece can made of aluminum, and the can identifier storage medium 100 storing the can identifier D1 by a two-dimensional code is attached to the can bottom 10. This section will focus on the case where item 1 is applied.

[0021] 1, can manufacturing line 2 includes manufacturing equipment 20, inspection equipment 21, conveying equipment 22, can identifier assigning equipment 23, and can identifier reading equipment 24. Each of the equipment 20 to 24 included in can manufacturing line 2 is configured with, for example, a general-purpose or dedicated computer called an embedded computer (see FIG. 10 described later).

[0022] The manufacturing device 20 is a device that performs a manufacturing process to manufacture cans 10 according to predetermined manufacturing conditions. The manufacturing device 20 is configured so that the manufacturing conditions of the manufacturing process can be set by a user, and can transmit manufacturing condition transmission data including the time when the manufacturing conditions were set and the set manufacturing conditions to the can management device 3. At this time, the manufacturing condition transmission data includes a manufacturing device number for identifying each manufacturing device 20.

[0023] The manufacturing equipment 20 includes a printing equipment 201 that performs a printing process of printing a design corresponding to the product type of the can 10 onto the can 10, a pre-process manufacturing equipment 200 that performs a manufacturing process according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a pre-printing process that is performed before the printing process, and a post-process manufacturing equipment 202 that performs a manufacturing process according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a post-printing process that is performed after the printing process.

[0024] In this embodiment, the manufacturing devices 20 (reference numerals 20A to 20M in FIG. 2) used to perform each manufacturing process include a printer 20H as a printing device 201, an uncoiler 20A, a cupping press 20B, a body maker 20C, a trimmer 20D, a washer 20E, a body coater 20F, and a first pin oven 20G as pre-process manufacturing devices 200, and a second pin oven 20I, a spray machine 20J, a bake oven 20K, a necker flanger 20L, and a palletizer 20M as post-process manufacturing devices 202. As indicated by reference numerals 20A to 20M in FIG. 2, the manufacturing devices 20 are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side in the conveying direction 220 of the cans 10.

[0025] The uncoiler 20A feeds the aluminum sheet wound into a coil (uncoiler process). At this time, a lubricant for forming is applied to the surface of the aluminum sheet. The cupping press 20B punches out a circle from the aluminum sheet and forms a cup body by shallow drawing (cupping press process). The cupping press 20B forms multiple cup bodies in parallel, for example, using multiple cutting dies arranged in the width direction of the aluminum sheet. A die number is assigned to each cutting die as a process identifier D2 for identifying each cutting die.

[0026] The body maker 20C applies deep drawing and ironing processes to the cup body to stretch the side wall of the cup body to a predetermined height, forming the can 10 into which the can bottom 101 and the can body 102 are integrally formed (body maker process). The trimmer 20D cuts the upper end of the can body 102 and aligns it to a predetermined height (trimmer process).

[0027] Washer 20E washes and dries cans 10 to remove lubricants and other deposits applied to the surfaces of cans 10 (washing process). Inside washer 20E, cans 10 are washed by being sprayed with cleaning liquid from nozzles for supplying cleaning liquid arranged in a width direction 221 perpendicular to conveyance direction 220. Therefore, cans 10 are placed in an upside-down position with can bottom 101 facing upward to prevent cleaning liquid from accumulating inside the can. After washing, warm air is blown into cans 10 to dry them.

[0028] The body coater 20F applies paint to the outer peripheral surface 102a of the can body 102 (body coating process). The first pin oven 20G dries the paint on the outer peripheral surface 102a of the can body 102.

[0029] The printer 20H prints a predetermined design on the outer peripheral surface 102a of the can body 102 (printing process For example, the printer 20H prints on a plurality of cans 10 using blankets (plates) mounted on a blanket wheel while holding the cans 10 on mandrels mounted on a mandrel wheel. Each plate is assigned a plate number as a process identifier D2 for identifying the plate. The second pin oven 20I dries the design printed on the outer peripheral surface 102a of the can body 102.

[0030] The spray machine 20J applies paint to the inner circumferential surface 102b of the can body 102 and also applies paint to the bottom portion 101a (spray machine process). The bake oven 20K dries the paint on the inner circumferential surface 102b of the can body 102 and the paint on the bottom portion 101a.

[0031] The necker-flanger 20L reduces the diameter of the opening 103 of the can 10 to form a neck portion 102c and a flange portion 102d for attaching a can lid (necker-flanger process). For example, the necker-flanger 20L sequentially performs neck forming and flange forming processes on each of the cans 10 held in multiple pockets. A pocket number is assigned to each pocket as a process identifier D2 for identifying the pocket.

[0032] The palletizer 20M stacks the cans 10 in multiple layers on a pallet (palletizer process).

[0033] Note that a plurality of body makers 20C, trimmers 20D, and spray machines 20J are installed, and each manufacturing process is performed in parallel. Each of these devices is assigned a machine number as a process identifier D2 for identifying the device. In addition, a rejection device (not shown) that rejects cans 10 is installed downstream of or inside the washer 20E, first pin oven 20G, second pin oven 20I, and bake oven 20K. Note that the location where the rejection device is installed is not limited to the above example, and it can be installed at any location.

[0034] The inspection device 21 is a device that performs an inspection process to inspect cans 10 (including cans 10 in the middle of production). The inspection device 21 includes, for example, an imaging device (two-dimensional or three-dimensional) that captures an image of the can 10 and a measuring device that measures each part of the can 10. The inspection device 21 inspects the can 10 for various inspection items based on the images captured by the imaging device and the measurements taken by the measuring device, and acquires a can identifier D1 stored in a can identifier storage medium 100 attached to the can 10 and inspection result information D4 that indicates the inspection results for the can 10. The inspection items include the shape of each part of the can 10, the print quality on the outer peripheral surface 102a of the can body 102, the presence or absence of dirt on the inner peripheral surface 102b of the can body 102, the presence or absence of pinholes, etc.

[0035] The inspection device 21 is configured to be able to transmit inspection transmission data including the can identifier D1 and inspection result information D4 acquired from each can 10 and the time at which they were acquired to the can management device 3. Note that a rejection device (not shown) is installed downstream of or inside the inspection device 21, which rejects a can 10 when the inspection result of the inspection device 21 on the can 10 is bad.

[0036] The conveying device 22 is a device that is installed inside the manufacturing device 20 or the inspection device 21, or between the manufacturing device 20 or the inspection device 21, and conveys cans 10 (including cans 10 in the middle of being manufactured). The conveying device 22 installed inside the device may have a structure that is integrated with the manufacturing device 20 or the inspection device 21.

[0037] The conveying device 22 can be roughly divided into a multi-row conveying device 22A that conveys a plurality of cans 10 without aligning them, and a single-row conveying device 22B that conveys a plurality of cans 10 aligned in a line. A device (not shown) is installed to align the materials in a row or distribute them into multiple rows.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4, the multi-row conveying device 22A has a multi-row conveyor 222 that can place multiple cans 10 in an inverted or upright position relative to a conveying direction 220 of the cans 10 and a width direction 221 perpendicular to the conveying direction 220, and guides 223 provided on both sides of the multi-row conveyor 222 in the width direction 221. The multi-row conveying device 22A conveys multiple cans 10 by sending the multi-row conveyor 222 in the conveying direction 220. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the multi-row conveying device 22A conveys cans 10 in an inverted position, which is the normal position for the cans 10.

[0039] 5, the single-row conveying device 22B has a single-row conveyor 224 on which a plurality of cans 10 can be placed in an inverted or upright position so that they are lined up in a line along a conveying direction 220 of the cans 10, and guides 225 provided on both sides of the single-row conveyor 224 in a width direction 221. The single-row conveying device 22B conveys a plurality of cans 10 by sending the single-row conveyor 224 in the conveying direction 220. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the single-row conveying device 22B conveys cans 10 in an inverted position, which is the normal position for the cans 10.

[0040] The can identifier assigning device 23 is a device for assigning a can identifier storage medium 100 storing a can identifier D1 to a can bottom 101. The can identifier assigning device 23 is configured to be able to issue a new can identifier D1 and transmit to the can management device 3 assignment transmission data including the can identifier D1 assigned to the can 10 and the time of assignment.

[0041] In this embodiment, the can identifier assigning device 23 is a laser marker that uses laser light to mark a two-dimensional code serving as the can identifier storage medium 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the can identifier assigning device 23 is installed upstream of the cupping press 20B and marks a two-dimensional code (can identifier storage medium 100) at a predetermined position on the aluminum plate that will become the can bottom 101. At this time, the assigned transmission data includes, in addition to the can identifier D1, a process identifier D2 (version number) for when the aluminum plate is subjected to the cupping press process.

[0042] The can identifier reading devices 24 are installed at various locations on the can manufacturing line 2 and read the can identifiers D1 stored in the can identifier storage medium 100. The can identifier reading devices 24 include a front-end reading device installed upstream, downstream, or inside the front-end manufacturing equipment 200 (reference numerals 20A to 20G in FIG. 2), a printing process reading device installed upstream, downstream, or inside the printing equipment 201 (reference numeral 20H in FIG. 2), a back-end reading device installed upstream, downstream, or inside the back-end manufacturing equipment 202 (reference numerals 20I to 20M in FIG. 2), and an inspection process reading device installed upstream, downstream, or inside the inspection equipment 21.

[0043] The can identifier reading device 24 is composed of, for example, a two-dimensional code reader that optically reads a two-dimensional code serving as the can identifier storage medium 100, an electronic tag reader that electromagnetically reads an electronic tag serving as the can identifier storage medium 100, an imaging device that captures an image of the can 10 including the can identifier storage medium 100, etc. When reading the can identifier D1 of a can 10 in an inverted position, the can identifier reading device 24 is installed with the reading direction facing downward. When reading the can identifier D1 of a can 10 in an upright position, the can identifier reading device 24 is installed with the reading direction facing upward.

[0044] The can identifier reading devices 24 are roughly divided into a multi-row reading device 24A installed on the multi-row conveying device 22A and a single-row reading device 24B installed on the single-row conveying device 22B.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 4, the multi-row reading device 24A sets a part of the range of the multi-row transfer conveyor 222 in the transfer direction 220 as a reading range 240 of the can identifier storage medium 100, and the cans 10 placed on the multi-row transfer conveyor 222 are transferred to read the can identifier storage medium 100 within the reading range 240. As a can 10 passes by, the multi-row reader 24A acquires the can identifier D1 stored in the can identifier storage medium 100 attached to that can 10 and can placement position information D3 indicating the placement position of that can 10 in the conveying direction 220 and the width direction 221 on the multi-row transport conveyor 222. The multi-row reader 24A is configured to be able to transmit read transmission data including the can identifier D1 and can placement position information D3 acquired from each can 10 and the time at which they were acquired to the can management device 3. Note that the multi-row reader 24A may be configured with a plurality of multi-row readers 24A arranged in at least one of the conveying direction 220 and the width direction 221.

[0046] In this embodiment, multi-row reader 24A as a pre-process reader is installed upstream and downstream of washer 20E and upstream and downstream of first pin oven 20G, as shown in Fig. 2. Multi-row reader 24A as a post-process reader is installed upstream and downstream of second pin oven 20I and upstream and downstream of bake oven 20K, as shown in Fig. 2. In this case, the read transmission data includes a reader number for identifying multi-row reader 24A in addition to can identifier D1 and can placement position information D3.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 5, the single-line reading device 24B uses a portion of the single-line transfer conveyor 224 in the transfer direction 220 as a reading range 241 of the can identifier storage medium 100, and when a can 10 placed on the single-line transfer conveyor 224 is transferred and passes through the reading range 241 of the can identifier storage medium 100, the single-line reading device 24B acquires the can identifier D1 stored in the can identifier storage medium 100 attached to the can 10. The single-line reading device 24B is configured to be able to transmit read transmission data including the can identifier D1 acquired from each can 10 and the time at which the can identifier D1 was acquired to the can management device 3. Note that when the single-line reading device 24B is installed inside the manufacturing device 20 or the inspection device 21, the single-line reading device 24B may acquire the can identifier D1 while the can 10 is being held by the manufacturing device 20 or the inspection device 21.

[0048] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the single-line reader 24B serving as a pre-process reader is installed upstream of the body maker 20C and upstream of the body coater 20F. The single-line reader 24B serving as a printing process reader is installed upstream of the printer 20H. The single-line reader 24B serving as a post-process reader is installed upstream of the spray machine 20J and inside the Neckar-Flanger 20L. The single-line reader 24B serving as an inspection process reader is installed upstream of the inspection device 21. In this case, the read transmission data includes, in addition to the can identifier D1, a reader number for identifying the single-line reader 24B and a process identifier D2 for each manufacturing process (the machine numbers of the body maker 20C, trimmer 20D, and spray machine 20J, the plate number of the printer 20H, and the pocket number of the Neckar-Flanger 20L).

[0049] Can management device 3 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer (see FIG. 10 described later), and is configured, for example, as a server-type computer or a cloud-type computer. Can management device 3 registers various pieces of information transmitted from devices 20-24 provided in can production line 2 in can management database 11, and refers to the information registered in can management database 11 to perform various processes.

[0050] The terminal device 4 is a general-purpose or dedicated computer (see FIG. 10 described later), and may be, for example, a stationary computer or a portable computer. Programs such as a browser or an application are installed on the terminal device 4, and the terminal device 4 accepts various input operations and outputs various information via a display screen or voice. The terminal device 4 may be equipped with a reading device for reading the can identifier D1, and may refer to the can management database 11 based on the results of reading the can identifier D1. The reading device of the terminal device 4 may be, for example, a code reader, a camera, an electronic tag reader, or the like, and may be a fixed or handheld type, or may be a portable computer (smartphone, etc.). It may also be a built-in type incorporated into a computer (such as a smartphone).

[0051] (Configuration of can management device 3) 6 is a block diagram showing an example of can management device 3. Can management device 3 includes control unit 30 configured with a processor or the like, storage unit 31 configured with an HDD, SSD, memory or the like, communication unit 32 which is a communication interface with network 5, input unit 33 configured with a keyboard, mouse or the like, and output unit 34 configured with a display or the like. Note that input unit 33 and output unit 34 may be omitted.

[0052] By executing the can management program 310 stored in the memory unit 31, the control unit 30 functions as a database management unit 300, a product type reception unit 301, a post-process essential condition identification unit 302A, a set condition acquisition unit 302B, a post-process condition determination unit 302C, a post-process operation unit 302D, a post-process control unit 302E, a pre-process essential condition identification unit 303A, an executed condition acquisition unit 303B, a pre-process condition determination unit 303C, a pre-process operation unit 303D, and a pre-process control unit 303E. Details of each unit 300 to 303E will be described later.

[0053] Storage unit 31 stores can management database 11, device management database 12, product type management database 13, and can management program 310, as well as an operating system, other programs, data, and the like.

[0054] 7A and 7B are data configuration diagrams showing an example of can management database 11. Can management database 11 is a database for storing and managing various information related to cans 10 when the manufacturing process and inspection process are performed.

[0055] The can management database 11 has a plurality of fields (columns) for each record (row) corresponding to each can 10. In each field, for example, a can identifier D1, the time when the manufacturing process was carried out on the can 10 identified by the can identifier D1, a process identifier D2, can placement position information D3, the time when the inspection process was carried out on the can 10 identified by the can identifier D1, and inspection result information D4 are registered. New records are added to the can management database 11 as cans 10 are successively manufactured, and information in each field is registered.

[0056] As the process identifier D2, for example, a machine number, a model number, a version number, a pocket number, and a pallet number are registered. As the can placement position information D3, for example, a placement position on the upstream side and a placement position on the downstream side are registered. As the inspection result information D4, for example, whether the inspection result is normal (OK) or defective (NG) is registered. Note that the inspection result information D4 may record whether the result is normal or defective for each inspection item. Furthermore, the inspection result information D4 may include images captured by imaging equipment when the can 10 is inspected and measurement values ​​measured by various measuring equipment.

[0057] 8A to 8F are data configuration diagrams showing an example of the equipment management database 12. The equipment management database 12 is a database for storing and managing the manufacturing conditions of the manufacturing equipment 20 when the manufacturing process is performed.

[0058] The equipment management database 12 is managed, for example, by a table prepared for each manufacturing equipment 20. Each table of the equipment management database 12 has a plurality of fields (columns) for records (rows) corresponding to the respective manufacturing conditions. In each field, for example, a time period specified by a start time and an end time, a can identifier D1 of the can 10 manufactured in that time period, and the manufacturing conditions under which the can 10 was manufactured in that time period are registered. In this embodiment, the body maker 20C, the trimmer 20D, and the spray machine 20J are multiple As several devices are installed, a table is provided for each device.

[0059] In can management database 11, new records are added as manufacturing conditions are set (changed) when cans 10 are successively manufactured, and information in each field is registered. Records in which an end time is registered are manufacturing conditions for a manufacturing process previously performed by manufacturing equipment 20, and records in which an end time is not registered are manufacturing conditions for a manufacturing process currently being performed by manufacturing equipment 20. Note that equipment management database 12 may further store inspection conditions for inspection equipment 21 and conveying conditions (conveying speed, etc.) for conveying equipment 22.

[0060] The manufacturing conditions have multiple setting items, and a setting value is set for each setting item. The content and number of setting items vary depending on the type of manufacturing equipment 20, but common setting items may be included. The setting values ​​are set in the form of a selection option, such as used / unused, present / absent, material A / material B / material C, mode A / mode B / mode C, or in the form of a number in any unit, such as time, number of times, size, speed, pressure, flow rate, temperature, etc. The options and numerical ranges for the setting values ​​vary depending on the content of the setting item. The setting values ​​may be set via the input and output units provided in the manufacturing equipment 20, or via the terminal device 4.

[0061] 8A to 8F, for the sake of simplicity, the multiple setting items for each manufacturing apparatus 20 are illustrated as item 1 to item N, but the setting items for each manufacturing apparatus 20 include the following setting items.

[0062] Setting items for the uncoiler 20A include plate thickness, material, etc. Setting items for the cupping press 20B include cutting dimensions, etc. Setting items for the body maker 20C include the size of the cup body. Setting items for the trimmer 20D include the height of the can 10, etc. Setting items for the washer 20E include the type of cleaning agent, flow rate, temperature, conveying speed, etc. Setting items for the body coater 20F include the type of paint, whether or not to coat, etc. Setting items for the first pin oven 20G include the temperature, conveying speed, etc.

[0063] The setting items for the printer 20H include whether or not to use varnish, the type of varnish (matt varnish, clear varnish), and the like.

[0064] Setting items for the second pin oven 20I include temperature, conveying speed, etc. Setting items for the spray machine 20J include the type of paint and whether or not a correction material is used for the can bottom 101. Setting items for the bake oven 20K include temperature, conveying speed, etc. Setting items for the Necka flanger 20L include the diameter, whether or not a thin wall is used, etc. Setting items for the palletizer 20M include the number of rows, etc.

[0065] The setting items for each manufacturing device 20 are not limited to the above examples, and may include any content.

[0066] 9A and 9B are data configuration diagrams showing an example of the product type management database 13. The product type management database 13 is a database for storing and managing information related to the product type of the can 10.

[0067] The product type management database 13 has a plurality of fields (columns) for each record (row) corresponding to a product type. In each field, for example, a product type identifier D0 and manufacturing conditions required for manufacturing cans 10 corresponding to the product type identified by the product type identifier D0 are registered.

[0068] For example, when a product type of can 10 corresponding to a content or design developed as a new product is added, a new record is added and information in each field is registered in can management database 11. Product type management database 13 may further store the inspection conditions of inspection device 21 and the conveying conditions (conveying speed, etc.) of conveying device 22.

[0069] The data configuration of each of the databases 11 to 13 is not limited to the above example and may be changed as appropriate, some of the above data may be omitted, or data other than the above may be added. Also, some or all of each of the databases 11 to 13 may be stored in an external device (or devices) connectable to the network 5, in which case the control unit 30 may access the external device via the communication unit 32.

[0070] 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer 900 constituting each device. Each device in the can management system 1 is constituted by a general-purpose or dedicated computer 900.

[0071] 10, the computer 900 includes, as its main components, a bus 910, a processor 912, a memory 914, an input device 916, an output device 917, a display device 918, a storage device 920, a communication I / F (interface) unit 922, an external device I / F unit 924, an I / O (input / output) device I / F unit 926, and a media input / output unit 928. Note that the above components may be omitted as appropriate depending on the application of the computer 900.

[0072] The processor 912 is composed of one or more arithmetic processing devices (such as a central processing unit (CPU), a micro-processing unit (MPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), or a graphics processing unit (GPU)), and operates as a control unit that controls the entire computer 900. The memory 914 stores various data and programs 930, and is composed of, for example, a volatile memory (such as a DRAM or SRAM) that functions as a main memory, a non-volatile memory (ROM), a flash memory, etc.

[0073] The input device 916 is composed of, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a numeric keypad, an electronic pen, etc., and functions as an input unit. The output device 917 is composed of, for example, a sound (audio) output device, a vibration device, etc., and functions as an output unit. The display device 918 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, electronic paper, a projector, etc., and functions as an output unit. The input device 916 and the display device 918 may be integrated into one device, such as a touch panel display. The storage device 920 is composed of, for example, an HDD, an SSD, etc., and functions as a storage unit. The storage device 920 stores various data necessary for executing the operating system and the program 930.

[0074] The communication I / F unit 922 is connected to a network 940 such as the Internet or an intranet (which may be the same as the network 5 in FIG. 1) by wire or wirelessly, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from other computers in accordance with a predetermined communication standard. The external device I / F unit 924 is connected to an external device 950 such as a camera, printer, scanner, or reader / writer by wire or wirelessly, and functions as a communication unit that transmits and receives data to and from the external device 950 in accordance with 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 connected to, for example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) drive, a CD (Compact Disc) drive, or the like. It is composed of a drive device such as an ISC drive, a memory card slot, and a USB connector, and reads and writes data from and to media (non-transitory storage media) 970 such as DVDs, CDs, memory cards, and USB memory.

[0075] In the computer 900 having the above configuration, the processor 912 loads a program 930 stored in the storage device 920 into the memory 914, executes the program, and controls each unit of the computer 900 via the bus 910. The program 930 may be stored in the memory 914 instead of the storage device 920. The program 930 may be recorded on the medium 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 communication I / F unit 922 over the network 940. Furthermore, the computer 900 may implement various functions realized by the processor 912 executing the program 930 using hardware such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit).

[0076] The computer 900 is an electronic device of any type, such as a desktop computer or a portable computer. The computer 900 may be a client computer, a server computer, a cloud computer, or an embedded computer such as a control panel or a controller (including a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller, or a sequencer).

[0077] (Operation of Can Management System 1) In can management system 1 having the above configuration, a can management method performed by can management device 3 in response to cans 10 being produced on can production line 2 will be described.

[0078] (Database management processing and product type reception processing) First, the database management process by the database management unit 300 of the can management device 3 and the product type reception process by the product type reception unit 301 will be described.

[0079] When the aluminum plate that is the raw material for the can 10 is sent out from the uncoiler 20A and the can identifier assigning device 23 assigns a can identifier storage medium 100 to the aluminum plate, the can identifier assigning device 23 transmits the assigned transmission data to the can management device 3.

[0080] When the database management unit 300 receives the assigned transmission data transmitted from the can identifier assigning device 23, it registers the can identifier D1 assigned to each can 10 by the can identifier assigning device 23 in the can management database 11. At that time, the database management unit 300 adds a new record to the can management database 11, and registers the can identifier D1, process identifier D2 (model number), and time included in the assigned transmission data in the new record.

[0081] Thereafter, the cans 10 are sequentially transported by the transport device 22, and each manufacturing process is carried out by the multiple manufacturing devices 20. At this time, the multi-row reading device 24A installed at each location on the can making line 2 acquires the can identifier D1 and the can placement position information D3 when the can 10 placed on the multi-row transfer conveyor 222 passes through the reading range 240 of the can identifier storage medium 100, and transmits the read transmission data to the can management device 3. Furthermore, the single-row reading device 24B installed at each location on the can making line 2 acquires the can identifier D1 when the can 10 placed on the single-row transfer conveyor 224 passes through the reading range 241 of the can identifier storage medium 100, and transmits the read transmission data to the can management device 3. Furthermore, when the manufacturing conditions for the manufacturing process are set (changed) by the user, each manufacturing device 20 transmits a manufacturing condition transmission data including the setting time when the manufacturing conditions were set and the set manufacturing conditions. The received data is transmitted to the can management device 3.

[0082] When the database management unit 300 receives the read transmission data transmitted from the multi-row reading device 24A, it associates the can identifier D1 and the can placement position information D3 acquired from each can 10 by the multi-row reading device 24A and registers them in the can management database 11. Specifically, the database management unit 300 identifies an existing record in the can management database 11 in which the can identifier D1 included in the read transmission data is registered, and registers the can placement position information D3 and the time in that existing record.

[0083] Furthermore, database management unit 300 registers can identifier D1 obtained from each can 10 by multi-row reading device 24A in equipment management database 12. Specifically, database management unit 300 identifies manufacturing apparatus 20 on which multi-row reading device 24A is installed based on the reading device number included in the read transmission data, identifies an existing record in equipment management database 12 in which the manufacturing conditions of the manufacturing process currently being performed by that manufacturing apparatus 20 are registered (in the example of FIGS. 8A to 8F , a record in which the end time is not registered), and registers can identifier D1 in that existing record. As a result, can identifier D1 and the manufacturing conditions implemented by manufacturing apparatus 20 when producing can 10 identified by that can identifier D1 are associated and registered in equipment management database 12.

[0084] When the database management unit 300 receives the read transmission data transmitted from the single row reading device 24B, it registers the can identifier D1 acquired by the single row reading device 24B in the can management database 11. Specifically, the database management unit 300 identifies an existing record in which the can identifier D1 included in the read transmission data is registered, and registers the process identifier D2 (machine number, version number, pocket number) and time in that existing record.

[0085] Furthermore, the database management unit 300 registers the can identifier D1 obtained from the can 10 by the single row reading device 24B in the equipment management database 12. Specifically, the database management unit 300 identifies the manufacturing apparatus 20 on which the single row reading device 24B is installed based on the reading device number included in the read transmission data, identifies an existing record in the equipment management database 12 in which the manufacturing conditions of the manufacturing process currently being performed by the manufacturing apparatus 20 are registered (in the example of FIGS. 8A to 8F , a record in which the end time is not registered), and registers the can identifier D1 in the existing record. As a result, the can identifier D1 and the manufacturing conditions implemented by the manufacturing apparatus 20 when the can 10 identified by the can identifier D1 are associated and registered in the equipment management database 12.

[0086] When the database management unit 300 receives the manufacturing condition transmission data transmitted from the manufacturing apparatus 20, it registers the manufacturing conditions of the manufacturing process set in the manufacturing apparatus 20 in the equipment management database 12. Specifically, the database management unit 300 identifies an existing record in the equipment management database 12 (in the examples of FIGS. 8A to 8F , a record in which an end time is not registered) in which the manufacturing conditions of the currently performed manufacturing process are registered for the manufacturing apparatus 20 identified by the manufacturing apparatus number included in the manufacturing condition transmission data, and registers the setting time included in the manufacturing condition transmission data as the end time of the existing record. Then, the database management unit 300 adds a new record to the equipment management database 12, registers the manufacturing conditions included in the manufacturing condition transmission data in the new record, and registers the setting time included in the manufacturing condition transmission data as the start time of the new record. In this way, the newly set manufacturing conditions for the manufacturing apparatus 20 are registered in the equipment management database 12.

[0087] The cans 10 manufactured through a series of manufacturing processes are transported by the transport device 22 to the inspection device 21, where they are inspected. The inspection device 21 inspects the cans 10, obtains the can identifier D1 and the inspection result information D4, and transmits the inspection transmission data to the can management device 3. .

[0088] When the database management unit 300 receives the inspection transmission data transmitted from the inspection device 21, it associates the can identifier D1 and the inspection result information D4 acquired by the inspection device 21 and registers them in the can management database 11. Specifically, the database management unit 300 identifies an existing record in which the can identifier D1 included in the inspection transmission data is registered, and registers the inspection result information D4 and the time in that existing record.

[0089] As described above, when cans 10 are manufactured on can making line 2, database management section 300 of can management device 3 repeatedly receives the assignment transmission data from can identifier assignment device 23, the read transmission data from can identifier reading device 24, the manufacturing condition transmission data from manufacturing device 20, and the inspection transmission data from inspection device 21, and registers them in can management database 11 and equipment management database 12. As a result, various types of information related to cans 10 are stored in can management database 11 as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, and various types of information related to manufacturing conditions are stored in equipment management database 12 as shown in Figures 8A to 8F.

[0090] At this time, if the product type of cans 10 produced on can production line 2 is changed, a switching operation is performed to switch the design printed by printer 20H to a design corresponding to the new product type. At that time, when the user performs an input operation to printer 20H or terminal device 4 to specify the new product type, printer 20H or terminal device 4 transmits product type transmission data including a product type identifier D0 indicating the new product type to can management device 3.

[0091] When product type reception unit 301 receives product type transmission data transmitted from printer 20H or terminal device 4, it receives the designation of product type identifier D0 included in the product type transmission data. Thereafter, when database management unit 300 receives read transmission data transmitted from single line reading device 24B as a printing process reading device, it associates the can identifier D1 acquired by the printing process reading device with the product type identifier D0 received by product type reception unit 301 and registers them in can management database 11. Specifically, database management unit 300 identifies an existing record in which can identifier D1 included in the read transmission data is registered, and registers product type identifier D0 in that existing record.

[0092] As described above, according to the can management device 3, when a can 10 reaches the printer 20H and a design corresponding to the product type identified by the product type identifier D0 received by the product type receiving unit 301 is printed, the can identifier D1 acquired from the can 10 and the product type identifier D0 indicating the product type are associated and registered in the can management database 11. Therefore, even if the conveying order of the cans 10 is irregular, it is possible to appropriately associate each can 10 with a product type.

[0093] Next, various processes that are carried out by the can management device 3 by referring to the can management database 11 will be described.

[0094] (Determination of manufacturing conditions for post-printing processes) Fig. 11 is a functional explanatory diagram showing an example of the determination process of the manufacturing conditions for the post-printing process. In Fig. 11, the spray machine 20J and the bake oven 20K are exemplified as the post-process manufacturing equipment 202, but the determination process of the manufacturing conditions is performed similarly for the other post-process manufacturing equipment 202.

[0095] When the product type of cans 10 manufactured on the can manufacturing line 2 is changed, the printer 20H switches the product type, and the product type receiving unit 301 receives the changed product type. The specification of a product type identifier D0 indicating the product type is accepted. The process of determining the manufacturing conditions for the post-printing process is executed when the product type is changed, as described above. This process determines whether the post-printing process performed by the post-process manufacturing device 202 can manufacture cans 10 according to the specifications for the changed product type.

[0096] The post-process required condition identification unit 302A identifies the manufacturing conditions that are required when the post-process manufacturing device 202 manufactures the can 10 corresponding to the product type identified by the product type identifier D0 received by the product type receiving unit 301 as required conditions for the post-printing process.

[0097] For example, the post-process essential condition identification unit 302A refers to the product type management database 13 using the product type identifier D0 as a search key, and identifies the essential manufacturing conditions associated with the product type identified by the product type identifier D0 as essential conditions for the post-printing process. Fig. 11 illustrates a case in which essential conditions for the post-printing process are identified for the spray machine 20J and bake oven 20K as post-process manufacturing equipment 202 when a design for product type "P3" is printed by the printer 20H. Note that essential conditions for the post-printing process are also identified for post-process manufacturing equipment 202 other than the spray machine 20J and bake oven 20K.

[0098] The set condition acquisition unit 302B acquires the manufacturing conditions set for the post-process manufacturing equipment 202 as set conditions.

[0099] For example, the set condition acquisition unit 302B refers to the equipment management database 12, identifies a record in each table corresponding to the downstream manufacturing equipment 202 in which an end time is not registered, and acquires the manufacturing conditions registered in that record as the set conditions. The set condition acquisition unit 302B may transmit a request for manufacturing condition transmission data to the downstream manufacturing equipment 202, receive manufacturing condition transmission data from the downstream manufacturing equipment 202 in response to the request, and acquire the manufacturing conditions included in the manufacturing condition transmission data as the set conditions. FIG. 11 illustrates a case in which set conditions for the spray machine 20J and bake oven 20K, which are the downstream manufacturing equipment 202, have been acquired. Set conditions are also acquired for downstream manufacturing equipment 202 other than the spray machine 20J and bake oven 20K.

[0100] The post-process condition determination unit 302C determines whether the set conditions acquired by the set condition acquisition unit 302B satisfy the necessary conditions for the post-printing process identified by the post-process necessary condition identification unit 302A.

[0101] For example, the post-process condition determination unit 302C compares the setting values ​​of the pre-set conditions with the setting values ​​of the required conditions for each of multiple setting items. If the comparison results in no differences for any of the setting items, it determines that the pre-set conditions satisfy the required conditions. In this case, if the setting values ​​are set in the form of multiple options, it determines that there is no difference if the options are the same. Furthermore, if the setting values ​​are set in the form of numeric values, it determines that there is no difference if the numeric values ​​are the same or within a predetermined range. In FIG. 11, since there are no differences in any of the setting items between the pre-set conditions for the spray machine 20J and the required conditions for the post-printing process, it is determined that the pre-set conditions for the spray machine 20J satisfy the required conditions. On the other hand, since there is a difference in setting item N between the pre-set conditions for the bake oven 20K and the required conditions for the post-printing process, it is determined that the pre-set conditions for the bake oven 20K do not satisfy the required conditions.

[0102] When the product type switching operation is performed in the printer 20H, the post-process condition determination unit 302C, instead of or in addition to making the above determination, performs the following when the product type receiving unit 301 receives the designation of the product type identifier D0 indicating the changed product type: The above determination may be made when the can 10 that has passed through the printer 20H after the heating operation reaches one of the downstream manufacturing devices 202. For example, the downstream process condition determination unit 302C may make the above determination when the can 10 reaches the multi-row reader 24A installed upstream of the second pin oven 20I or the bake oven 20K, or when the can 10 reaches the single-row reader 24B installed upstream of the spray machine 20J or the Necka-Flanger 20L. In this case, the downstream process condition determination unit 302C may make the above determination only for the downstream manufacturing device 202 that the can 10 has reached, or may also make the above determination for the downstream manufacturing device 202 that is installed further downstream than the downstream manufacturing device 202 that the can 10 has reached.

[0103] When the post-process condition determination unit 302C determines that the set conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions for the post-printing process, the post-process operation unit 302D performs at least one of the following actions: a post-printing warning action that issues an alarm at the post-process manufacturing device 202, a post-printing stop action that stops the post-process manufacturing device 202, and a post-printing rejection action that rejects the can 10 transported by the conveying device 22 between the printing device 201 and the post-process manufacturing device 202.

[0104] In the post-printing warning operation, a downstream process manufacturing device 202 (bake oven 20K in the example of FIG. 11) that is determined to be insufficient is controlled to issue a warning. Note that the terminal device 4 may be configured to notify the downstream process manufacturing device 202 (bake oven 20K in the example of FIG. 11) that is determined to be insufficient and also issue a warning. In the post-printing stop operation, a downstream process manufacturing device 202 (bake oven 20K in the example of FIG. 11) that is determined to be insufficient is controlled to stop. In the post-printing rejection operation, a rejection device installed upstream of a downstream process manufacturing device 202 (bake oven 20K in the example of FIG. 11) that is determined to be insufficient is controlled to reject the can 10.

[0105] When the post-process condition determination unit 302C determines that the set conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions for the post-printing process, the post-process control unit 302E generates condition change instruction information that instructs the post-process manufacturing device 202 to change the manufacturing conditions to the essential conditions for the post-printing process, and transmits the condition change instruction information to the post-process manufacturing device 202. Upon receiving the condition change instruction information, the post-process manufacturing device 202 changes the manufacturing conditions based on the condition change instruction information so as to satisfy the essential conditions for the post-printing process.

[0106] As described above, according to the can management device 3, when a product type corresponding to a design to be printed by the printing device 201 is specified, the post-process condition determination unit 302C determines whether the manufacturing conditions (pre-set conditions) set for the post-process manufacturing device 202 satisfy the manufacturing conditions (required conditions for the post-printing process) required for manufacturing cans 10 of that product type. As a result, when the product type of cans 10 manufactured on the can manufacturing line 2 is changed, the design to be printed by the printing device 201 is changed, and it can be accurately determined whether or not a change in the manufacturing conditions in the post-process manufacturing device 202 is required depending on the change in product type (design).

[0107] If the determination result shows that the set conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions for the post-printing process, the post-process operation unit 302D performs at least one of a post-printing warning operation, a post-printing stop operation, and a post-printing rejection operation. The post-process control unit 302E also generates condition change instruction information and transmits it to the post-process manufacturing device 202. This prevents human error, such as incorrect settings or forgetting to set settings, when it is necessary to change the settings of the manufacturing conditions in the post-process manufacturing device 202 in response to a change in product type.

[0108] (Pre-printing manufacturing condition determination process) FIG. 12 is a functional explanatory diagram showing an example of a manufacturing condition determination process in a pre-printing process. Although the description will be given taking the body maker 20C and the washer 20E as examples of the front-end manufacturing equipment 200, the manufacturing condition determination process is similarly performed for the other front-end manufacturing equipment 200.

[0109] When the product type of cans 10 produced on can manufacturing line 2 is changed, printer 20H switches the product type, and product type receiving unit 301 receives a product type identifier D0 indicating the changed product type. The process for determining the manufacturing conditions of the pre-printing process is executed when the product type is changed, as described above. This process determines whether the pre-printing process performed by pre-process manufacturing apparatus 200 can manufacture cans 10 according to the specifications for the changed product type.

[0110] The pre-process required condition identification unit 303A identifies the manufacturing conditions that are required when the pre-process manufacturing device 200 manufactures a can 10 corresponding to the product type identified by the product type identifier D0 received by the product type receiving unit 301 as required conditions for the pre-printing process.

[0111] For example, the pre-process essential condition identification unit 303A refers to the product type management database 13 using the product type identifier D0 as a search key, and identifies the essential manufacturing conditions associated with the product type identified by the product type identifier D0 as essential conditions for the pre-printing process. Fig. 12 illustrates a case in which the pre-printing process essential conditions for the body maker 20C and the washer 20E as pre-process manufacturing apparatuses 200 are identified when a design for the product type "P3" is printed by the printer 20H. Note that pre-printing process essential conditions are also identified for pre-process manufacturing apparatuses 200 other than the body maker 20C and the washer 20E.

[0112] The already-implemented condition acquisition unit 303B acquires the manufacturing conditions implemented by the front-end manufacturing equipment 200 as already-implemented conditions.

[0113] For example, the performed condition acquisition unit 303B refers to the device management database 12 and acquires, as performed conditions, the manufacturing conditions that were performed by the front-end manufacturing apparatus 200 when manufacturing the can 10 identified by the can identifier D1 acquired by the printing process reading device. Specifically, the performed condition acquisition unit 303B refers to the device management database 12 and identifies a record in each table corresponding to the front-end manufacturing apparatus 200 in which the can identifier D1 acquired by the printing process reading device is registered, and acquires, as performed conditions, the manufacturing conditions registered in that record. FIG. 12 illustrates a case in which performed conditions have been acquired for the body maker 20C and the washer 20E as front-end manufacturing apparatuses 200. Note that performed conditions are also acquired for front-end manufacturing apparatuses 200 other than the body maker 20C and the washer 20E.

[0114] The pre-processing condition determining unit 303C determines whether the performed conditions acquired by the performed condition acquiring unit 303B satisfy the pre-printing process essential conditions identified by the pre-process essential condition identifying unit 303A.

[0115] For example, the pre-processing condition determination unit 303C compares the set values ​​in the performed conditions with the set values ​​in the required conditions for each of multiple setting items, and if the comparison determines that there are no differences in all setting items, it determines that the performed conditions satisfy the required conditions. In this case, if the setting values ​​are set in the form of multiple options, it determines that there are no differences when the options are the same. Also, if the setting values ​​are set in the form of numerical values, it determines that there are no differences when the numerical values ​​are the same or within a predetermined range. In FIG. 12, there are no differences in all setting items between the performed conditions for the washer 20E and the required conditions for the pre-printing process, so it is determined that the performed conditions for the washer 20E satisfy the required conditions. On the other hand, the performed conditions for the body maker 20C and the required conditions for the pre-printing process differ in setting item N. Since there are differences, it is determined that the implemented conditions for body maker 20C do not satisfy the essential conditions.

[0116] When the pre-process condition determination unit 303C determines that the implemented conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions for the pre-printing process, the pre-process operation unit 303D performs at least one of a pre-printing warning operation that issues an alarm at the pre-process manufacturing device 200 or the printing device 201, a pre-printing stop operation that stops the pre-process manufacturing device 200 or the printing device 201, and a pre-printing rejection operation that rejects the can 10 transported by the conveying device 22 between the pre-process manufacturing device 200 and the printing device 201.

[0117] In the pre-printing warning operation, a front-end manufacturing device 200 determined to be insufficient (body maker 220C in the example of FIG. 12) is controlled to issue a warning. Note that the terminal device 4 may be configured to notify the front-end manufacturing device 200 determined to be insufficient (body maker 220C in the example of FIG. 12) and issue a warning. In the pre-printing stopping operation, a front-end manufacturing device 200 determined to be insufficient (body maker 220C in the example of FIG. 12) is controlled to stop. In the pre-printing rejection operation, a rejection device installed upstream of a printing device 201 determined to be insufficient is controlled to reject the can 10.

[0118] When the pre-process condition determination unit 303C determines that the implemented conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions of the pre-printing process, the pre-process control unit 303E generates condition change instruction information that instructs the pre-process manufacturing device 200 to change the manufacturing conditions to the essential conditions of the pre-printing process, and transmits the condition change instruction information to the pre-process manufacturing device 200. Upon receiving the condition change instruction information, the pre-process manufacturing device 200 changes the manufacturing conditions based on the condition change instruction information so as to satisfy the essential conditions of the pre-printing process.

[0119] As described above, according to the can management device 3, when a product type corresponding to a design to be printed by the printing device 201 is specified, the pre-process condition determination unit 303C determines whether the manufacturing conditions (implemented conditions) implemented by the pre-process manufacturing device 200 satisfy the manufacturing conditions (required conditions for the pre-printing process) required for manufacturing cans 10 of that product type. As a result, when the product type of cans 10 manufactured on the can making line 2 is changed, the design to be printed by the printing device 201 is changed, and it can be accurately determined whether or not a change in the manufacturing conditions in the pre-process manufacturing device 200 is required depending on the change in product type (design).

[0120] If the result of the determination is that the implemented conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions for the pre-printing process, the pre-process operation unit 303D performs at least one of a pre-printing warning operation, a pre-printing stop operation, and a pre-printing rejection operation. The pre-process control unit 303E also generates condition change instruction information and transmits it to the pre-process manufacturing equipment 200. This makes it possible to prevent human error, such as incorrect settings or forgetting to set settings, when it is necessary to change the manufacturing condition settings in the pre-process manufacturing equipment 200 in response to a change in product type.

[0121] (Other embodiments) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, all of which are included in the technical concept of the present invention.

[0122] In the above embodiment, each of the units 300-303E included in the control unit 30 of the can management device 3 has been described as being implemented by a single device. However, each of the units 300-303E included in the control unit 30 may be implemented by a plurality of devices (computers) by being distributed across the devices. Note that the can management device 3 may not include some of the units 300-303E.

[0123] In the above embodiment, the devices 20-24 provided in the can making line 2 have been described. However, the arrangement order and number of the devices 20-24 may be changed as appropriate. Also, some devices may be omitted, or other devices may be provided in addition to those described above. An example of such other devices is the manufacturing device 20 that embosses the can body 102 of the can 10. In this case, the can management device 3 may change the processing content of each process as appropriate to match the configuration of the can making line 2.

[0124] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0125] (Appendix 1) A can management device that manages a can manufacturing line that manufactures bottomed tubular cans to which can identifier storage media that store can identifiers are attached, The can manufacturing line comprises: a printing device that performs a printing process of printing a design corresponding to the product type of the can on the can; a pre-printing manufacturing device that performs a manufacturing process of manufacturing the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a pre-printing process that is performed before the printing process; a post-process manufacturing device that manufactures the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a post-printing process that is carried out after the printing process; a conveying device that conveys the cans to the front-end manufacturing device, the printing device, and the back-end manufacturing device in this order; a printing process reading device that is installed upstream, downstream, or inside the printing device and that acquires the can identifier stored in the can identifier storage medium attached to the can when the can is conveyed by the conveying device and passes through a reading range of the can identifier storage medium; The can management device includes: a product type receiving unit that receives a designation of a product type identifier that indicates the product type corresponding to the design to be printed by the printing device; a database management unit that associates the can identifier acquired by the printing process reading device with the product type identifier accepted by the product type accepting unit and registers the association in a database. Can management device.

[0126] (Appendix 2) The can management device includes: a post-process essential condition specifying unit that specifies, as essential conditions for the post-printing process, the manufacturing conditions that are essential when the post-process manufacturing device manufactures the can according to the product type identified by the product type identifier received by the product type receiving unit; a preset condition acquisition unit that acquires the manufacturing conditions set for the post-process manufacturing device as preset conditions; a post-process condition determination unit that determines whether the set conditions acquired by the set condition acquisition unit satisfy the essential conditions for the post-printing process identified by the post-process essential condition identification unit, 10. The can management device of claim 1.

[0127] (Appendix 3) and a post-process operation unit that, when it is determined by the post-process condition determination unit that the set conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions for the post-printing process, performs at least one of a post-printing warning operation that issues a warning at the post-process manufacturing device, a post-printing stopping operation that stops the post-process manufacturing device, and a post-printing rejection operation that rejects the can transported by the transport device between the printing device and the post-process manufacturing device. 10. A can management device as described in Appendix 2.

[0128] (Appendix 4) a post-process control unit that generates condition change instruction information for instructing the post-process manufacturing device to change the manufacturing conditions to the essential conditions of the post-printing process when the post-process condition determination unit determines that the set conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions of the post-printing process, 4. The can management device according to claim 2 or 3.

[0129] (Appendix 5) The can management device includes: a pre-process essential condition specifying unit that specifies, as essential conditions for the pre-printing process, the manufacturing conditions that are essential when the pre-process manufacturing device manufactures the can according to the product type identified by the product type identifier received by the product type receiving unit; an execution condition acquisition unit that acquires the manufacturing conditions executed by the front-end manufacturing device as executed conditions; a pre-process condition determination unit that determines whether the performed conditions acquired by the performed condition acquisition unit satisfy the pre-printing process essential conditions identified by the pre-process essential condition identification unit, 5. A can management device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

[0130] (Appendix 6) The can manufacturing line comprises: a front-end process reading device that is installed upstream, downstream, or inside the front-end manufacturing equipment and that acquires the can identifier stored in the can identifier storage medium attached to the can when the can is conveyed by the conveying device and passes through a reading range of the can identifier storage medium; The database management unit the can identifier acquired by the front-end process reading device and the manufacturing conditions implemented by the front-end process manufacturing device when the can identified by the can identifier are manufactured are associated with each other and registered in the database; The performed condition acquisition unit referencing the database, and acquiring, as the implemented conditions, the manufacturing conditions implemented by the front-end manufacturing device when the can identified by the can identifier acquired by the front-end reading device was manufactured; 6. A can management device as described in appendix 5.

[0131] (Appendix 7) and a pre-process operation unit that, when it is determined by the pre-process condition determination unit that the performed conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions of the pre-printing process, performs at least one of a pre-printing warning operation that issues a warning at the pre-process manufacturing device or the printing device, a pre-printing stopping operation that stops the pre-process manufacturing device or the printing device, and a pre-printing rejection operation that rejects the cans transported by the transport device between the pre-process manufacturing device and the printing device. 10. The can management device according to claim 5 or 6.

[0132] (Appendix 8) a pre-process control unit that generates condition change instruction information for instructing the pre-process manufacturing device to change the manufacturing conditions to the essential conditions of the pre-printing process when the pre-process condition determination unit determines that the implemented conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions of the pre-printing process, 8. The can management device according to claim 5, wherein the can management device is a container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1...can management system, 2...can manufacturing line, 3...can management device, 4...terminal device 5...Network, 10...Can, 11...Can management database, 12...equipment management database, 13...product type management database, 20... manufacturing equipment, 21... inspection equipment, 22... conveyance equipment, 23...can identifier assigning device, 24...can identifier reading device, 30...control unit, 31...storage unit, 32...communication unit, 33...input unit, 34...output unit, 100...can identifier storage medium, 101...can bottom, 102...can body, 200...Front-process manufacturing equipment, 201...Printing equipment, 202...Back-process manufacturing equipment, 300...database management unit, 301...product type reception unit, 302A... post-process essential condition specifying unit, 302B... set condition acquisition unit, 302C... post-process condition determination unit, 302D... post-process operation unit, 302E... post-process control unit, 303A...preceding process essential condition specification unit, 303B...implemented condition acquisition unit, 303C...pre-process condition determination unit, 303D...pre-process operation unit, 303E...pre-process control unit, 310...Can Management Program

Claims

1. A can management device that manages a can manufacturing line that manufactures bottomed tubular cans to which can identifier storage media that store can identifiers are attached, The can manufacturing line comprises: a printing device that performs a printing process of printing a design corresponding to the product type of the can on the can; a pre-printing manufacturing device that performs a manufacturing process of manufacturing the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a pre-printing process that is performed before the printing process; a post-process manufacturing device that manufactures the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a post-printing process that is carried out after the printing process; a conveying device that conveys the cans to the front-end manufacturing device, the printing device, and the back-end manufacturing device in this order; a printing process reading device that is installed upstream, downstream, or inside the printing device and that acquires the can identifier stored in the can identifier storage medium attached to the can when the can is conveyed by the conveying device and passes through a reading range of the can identifier storage medium; The can management device includes: a product type receiving unit that receives a designation of a product type identifier that indicates the product type corresponding to the design to be printed by the printing device; a database management unit that associates the can identifier acquired by the printing process reading device with the product type identifier accepted by the product type accepting unit and registers the association in a database. Can management device.

2. The can management device includes: a post-process essential condition specifying unit that specifies, as an essential condition for the post-printing process, the manufacturing conditions that are essential when the post-process manufacturing device manufactures the can according to the product type identified by the product type identifier received by the product type receiving unit; a preset condition acquisition unit that acquires the manufacturing conditions set for the post-process manufacturing device as preset conditions; a post-process condition determination unit that determines whether the set conditions acquired by the set condition acquisition unit satisfy the essential conditions for the post-printing process identified by the post-process essential condition identification unit, The canister management device according to claim 1 .

3. and a post-process operation unit that, when it is determined by the post-process condition determination unit that the set conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions for the post-printing process, performs at least one of a post-printing warning operation that issues a warning at the post-process manufacturing device, a post-printing stopping operation that stops the post-process manufacturing device, and a post-printing rejection operation that rejects the can transported by the transport device between the printing device and the post-process manufacturing device. The can management device according to claim 2.

4. a post-process control unit that generates condition change instruction information for instructing the post-process manufacturing device to change the manufacturing conditions to the essential conditions of the post-printing process when the post-process condition determination unit determines that the set conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions of the post-printing process, The can management device according to claim 2.

5. The can management device includes: The manufacturing conditions essential for the front-end manufacturing device to manufacture the can corresponding to the product type identified by the product type identifier received by the product type receiving unit are set as follows: a pre-process essential condition specifying unit that specifies the pre-printing process essential conditions; an execution condition acquisition unit that acquires the manufacturing conditions executed by the front-end manufacturing device as executed conditions; a pre-process condition determination unit that determines whether the performed conditions acquired by the performed condition acquisition unit satisfy the pre-printing process essential conditions identified by the pre-process essential condition identification unit, The canister management device according to claim 1 .

6. The can manufacturing line comprises: a front-end process reading device that is installed upstream, downstream, or inside the front-end manufacturing equipment and that acquires the can identifier stored in the can identifier storage medium attached to the can when the can is conveyed by the conveying device and passes through a reading range of the can identifier storage medium; The database management unit the can identifier acquired by the front-end process reading device and the manufacturing conditions implemented by the front-end process manufacturing device when the can identified by the can identifier are manufactured are associated with each other and registered in the database; The performed condition acquisition unit referencing the database, and acquiring, as the implemented conditions, the manufacturing conditions implemented by the front-end manufacturing device when the can identified by the can identifier acquired by the front-end reading device was manufactured; The can management device according to claim 5.

7. and a pre-process operation unit that, when it is determined by the pre-process condition determination unit that the performed conditions do not satisfy the essential conditions for the pre-printing process, performs at least one of a pre-printing warning operation that issues a warning at the pre-process manufacturing device or the printing device, a pre-printing stopping operation that stops the pre-process manufacturing device or the printing device, and a pre-printing rejection operation that rejects the cans transported by the transport device between the pre-process manufacturing device and the printing device. The can management device according to claim 5.

8. a pre-process control unit that generates condition change instruction information for instructing the pre-process manufacturing device to change the manufacturing conditions to the pre-printing process essential conditions when the pre-process condition determination unit determines that the implemented conditions do not satisfy the pre-printing process essential conditions, The can management device according to claim 5.

9. A can management system including a can manufacturing line that manufactures bottomed cylindrical cans to which can identifier storage media that store can identifiers are attached, and a can management device that manages the can manufacturing line, The can manufacturing line comprises: a printing device that performs a printing process of printing a design corresponding to the product type of the can on the can; a pre-printing manufacturing device that performs a manufacturing process of manufacturing the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a pre-printing process that is performed before the printing process; a post-process manufacturing device that manufactures the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a post-printing process that is carried out after the printing process; a conveying device that conveys the cans to the front-end manufacturing device, the printing device, and the back-end manufacturing device in this order; a printing process reading device that is installed upstream, downstream, or inside the printing device and that acquires the can identifier stored in the can identifier storage medium attached to the can when the can is conveyed by the conveying device and passes through a reading range of the can identifier storage medium; The can management device includes: Product type identification indicating the product type corresponding to the design printed by the printing device a product type reception unit that receives a child designation; a database management unit that associates the can identifier acquired by the printing process reading device with the product type identifier accepted by the product type accepting unit and registers the association in a database. Can management system.

10. A can management method for managing a can manufacturing line that manufactures bottomed tubular cans to which can identifier storage media that store can identifiers are attached, using a computer, comprising: The can manufacturing line comprises: a printing device that performs a printing process of printing a design corresponding to the product type of the can on the can; a pre-printing manufacturing device that performs a manufacturing process of manufacturing the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a pre-printing process that is performed before the printing process; a post-process manufacturing device that manufactures the cans according to predetermined manufacturing conditions as a post-printing process that is carried out after the printing process; a conveying device that conveys the cans to the front-end manufacturing device, the printing device, and the back-end manufacturing device in this order; a printing process reading device that is installed upstream, downstream, or inside the printing device and that acquires the can identifier stored in the can identifier storage medium attached to the can when the can is conveyed by the conveying device and passes through a reading range of the can identifier storage medium; The can management method includes: a product type receiving process for receiving a designation of a product type identifier indicating the product type corresponding to the design to be printed by the printing device; performing a database management process of registering the can identifier acquired by the printing process reading device and the product type identifier accepted by the product type acceptance process in a database in association with each other; How to manage cans.

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