Maintenance Support System

Abstract

To provide a system capable of easily adjusting a setting value of a machining device installed at a machining site.SOLUTION: A maintenance assistance system 100 remotely assists maintenance of a machining device 1 that has a plurality of heating chambers 13 and 14 and carries out, by using the plurality of heating chambers, machining for heating and contacting a heat-shrinkable film 91 to bond it to an article 9 to be machined. Assisting the maintenance includes an assistance operation for assisting adjustment of a setting value of the machining device. The assistance operation includes outputting adjustment information for adjusting the setting value of the machining device in accordance with a phenomenon indicating machining finish of the article.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a maintenance support system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a processing device that adheres shrink film to a product, as disclosed in JP 2003-81219 A (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1). Shrink film is a heat-shrinkable film made of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, etc., which is heated while attached to a product and shrinks to adhere to the product. This allows the product to be packaged and labeled easily and securely. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-81219 A Summary of the Invention

[0004] Such processing equipment is installed at the processing site, and the heating temperature, heating time, and the like are set at the installation site. Therefore, depending on the operator at the installation site, the settings may be difficult. In addition, some processing equipment utilizes airflow as shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, and the settings may be difficult. For example, when the finish of the processing of the workpiece does not reach the target finish, it may be unclear how to adjust the set value.

[0005] In this regard, for general devices such as watches, it is conceivable to bring them to a shop or the like and request adjustment. However, such processing devices are large, and once installed at the processing site, they are not easy to move. Also, it may not be easy to arrange a schedule for a service technician to visit, and it may be costly. For these reasons, it is desirable to build a system that can easily adjust the settings of such processing devices.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the maintenance support system is a system that remotely supports the maintenance of a processing device that has multiple heating chambers and uses the multiple heating chambers to heat a heat-shrinkable film and cause it to shrink and adhere to an item to be processed, and supporting the maintenance includes a support operation that supports adjustment of settings of the processing device, and the support operation includes outputting adjustment information for adjusting the settings of the processing device in accordance with a phenomenon that represents the finish of the processing of the item to be processed.

[0007] Further details will be described in the following embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a maintenance support system (hereinafter, abbreviated as the system) according to an embodiment and a processing device whose maintenance is supported by the system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preheating unit included in the processing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a heating unit included in the processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of nozzles included in the heating unit and the control of airflow. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the functional configuration of a management device included in the system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of adjustment information stored in the memory of the management device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the flow of a support operation for supporting the adjustment of the setting values ​​of a processing device in the system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the adjustment process in the management device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal when the system is performing an assistive operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal when the system is performing an assistive operation. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an example of a screen displayed on a user terminal when the system is performing an assistive operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] <1. Overview of the maintenance support system>

[0010] (1) The maintenance support system included in this embodiment is a system that remotely supports the maintenance of a processing device that has multiple heating chambers and uses the multiple heating chambers to heat a heat-shrinkable film and cause it to shrink and adhere to the workpiece, and supporting the maintenance includes a support operation that supports adjustment of the setting values ​​of the processing device, and the support operation includes outputting adjustment information for adjusting the setting values ​​of the processing device in accordance with a phenomenon that represents the finish of the processing of the workpiece.

[0011] The set value refers to a parameter that can be set by the user in the processing device, such as temperature, air volume, etc. Adjusting the set value includes changing the set value set by the user to a set value that will result in a finish of the processing of the workpiece by the processing device that is desired by the user.

[0012] (2) Preferably, the maintenance support system stores in advance in a memory adjustment information for each phenomenon representing the finish of the machining, and the support operation includes receiving an input value representing the phenomenon representing the finish of the machining and reading out from the memory the adjustment information corresponding to the input value. This makes it possible to support the adjustment of the set value.

[0013] (3) Preferably, supporting the maintenance further includes executing an abnormality determination for the processing device, where the abnormality determination is executed when the input value is within a predetermined range, and a support operation is executed when the processing device is determined to be normal in the abnormality determination. This makes it possible to support appropriate countermeasures even when a defect in the finish of the processing of the workpiece is caused by an abnormality in the processing device.

[0014] (4) Preferably, the maintenance support system includes a communication device capable of communicating with the control device of the processing device, and executes an abnormality determination when an error signal indicating an abnormality in the device is received from the processing device. This allows for quick response with less burden on both the user and the service technician when there is a possibility that an abnormality has occurred.

[0015] (5) Preferably, the step of determining an abnormality further includes predicting when the abnormality will be determined to occur in the device. This enables appropriate support to be provided in light of the possibility of an abnormality occurring.

[0016] (6) Preferably, the plurality of heating chambers include a main heating chamber for heating the workpiece to a temperature at which the film thermally shrinks, and a preheating chamber for heating the workpiece to a temperature lower than that of the main heating chamber. The maintenance support system can also support maintenance of such a processing device.

[0017] (7) Preferably, supporting the maintenance includes performing support operations independently for each of the main heating chamber and the preheating chamber. This makes it possible to independently support adjustment of the set values ​​of the main heating chamber and the preheating chamber. As a result, adjustment of the set values ​​is more flexibly supported, allowing the set values ​​to be brought closer to the target set values.

[0018] (8) Preferably, supporting the maintenance further includes outputting guidance information for providing information about the product, the guidance information including access information to an input unit that receives an input value indicating a phenomenon that represents the finish of the processing, and the support operation is executed by receiving the input value by the input unit. In this way, the user does not need to change access depending on the content of the support operation, and the access is unified, improving usability. Also, product information may be obtained together with or instead of the support for adjusting the setting value, improving usability.

[0019] <2. Example of a maintenance support system>

[0020] A maintenance support system (hereinafter, simply referred to as the system) 1 according to this embodiment is a system that remotely supports the maintenance of a processing device 1.

[0021] The processing device 1 is a device that performs processing operations for applying packaging processing to a product 9, which is a processing target. Packaging processing refers to processing in which at least a part of the outside of a product is covered with a packaging material. Covering with a packaging material means wrapping with the packaging material, attaching the packaging material, adhering the packaging material, etc., and the packaging material can be various such as wrapping paper, labels, and films. In this example, processing is performed in which a shrink film is adhered to the product. A shrink film is a film that has heat shrinkability and is formed from polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, etc. In this example, packaging processing is a process in which a shrink film is attached to the product and a heat treatment is performed to heat shrink the shrink film and adhere it to the product.

[0022] The system 100 includes a management device 3 for supporting maintenance. Here, maintenance includes all measures for improving the processing of the products 9 by the processing device 1. Specifically, maintenance includes setting the settings for the processing in the processing device 1 to appropriate settings, improving defects such as breakdowns of the processing device 1, and the like. Furthermore, maintenance may include preparing a new, better processing device for processing the products 9.

[0023] In light of the above-mentioned maintenance, supporting the maintenance here includes executing a support operation to support adjustment of the setting values ​​of the processing device 1. The setting values ​​refer to parameters that can be set by the user in the processing device 1, such as temperature and air volume. Adjusting the setting values ​​includes changing the setting values ​​set by the user to setting values ​​that will result in the finished product 9 processed by the processing device 1 being the finish desired by the user. In the following description, the setting value that will result in the finished product 9 processed by the processing device 1 being the finish desired by the user is also referred to as a target setting value.

[0024] Furthermore, supporting the maintenance may include executing an abnormality judgment of the processing device 1. The abnormality judgment of the processing device 1 may be a judgment of whether or not an abnormality has occurred, or a judgment of whether or not the processing device 1 is normal. The judgment that an abnormality has occurred may include a judgment of the location of the abnormality and a judgment of the cause of the abnormality.

[0025] Furthermore, supporting the maintenance may include outputting guidance information for introducing products. Providing the guidance of products includes providing the user with information about products handled by the provider of the processing device 1, and may be, for example, outputting the information about the products by the processing device 1 or another device.

[0026] The processing device 1 has a communication device 17 and can communicate with the management device 3 via a communication network 7 such as the Internet. The system 100 also includes a user terminal 5 as an example of an input / output device, and the user terminal 5 can also communicate with the management device 3. The user terminal 5 is a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like, and is assumed to be operated by an operator of the processing device 1. The user terminal 5 may be mounted on the processing device 1. That is, the processing device 1 may be equipped with an input device such as a touch panel. In the following description, the user terminal 5 is assumed to be a device separate from the processing device 1, but it may be an input device mounted on the processing device 1, such as a touch panel.

[0027] 1 to 4, the processing device 1 has an attachment unit 15, a preheating unit 13, and a processing unit 14. The attachment unit 15, the preheating unit 13, and the processing unit 14 are arranged in this order along a conveyance direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of a conveyance path of the products 9 by the conveyor 12.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveyor 12 rotates two rollers 121, 122, causing the upper part of the belt 123 to move from left to right in the figure. As a result, products 9 on the belt 123 are transported from left to right in the figure. This direction is referred to as the transport direction in the following explanation. The left side of the figure is also referred to as the upstream side, and the right side is also referred to as the downstream side.

[0029] The fitting unit 15 is a device that fits a shrink film 91 onto a product 9 that is in a specified position, and as an example, covers a product 9 that has been transported directly below it from upstream with the shrink film 91.

[0030] The preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 are arranged to cover the conveying path of the conveyor 12. The products 9 transported by the conveyor 12 are led into the preheating section 13 and then into the processing section 14. Both the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 perform thermal processing by blowing high-temperature gas onto the products 9, which have been led into the section and have shrink film 91 attached. The processing section 14 blows high-temperature gas onto the products 9. The preheating section 13 blows high-temperature gas, which has a lower temperature than the high-temperature gas used in the processing section 14, onto the products 9. In other words, the preheating section 13 is a preheating chamber, and the processing section 14 is an actual processing chamber where processing by heating is performed.

[0031] More specifically, the products 9 are loaded on the conveyor 12 and fitted with the shrink film 91 by the fitting section 15, then transported into the preheating section 13, and while being transported inside, are preheated until the temperature of the shrink film 91 reaches the point where it just starts to shrink. The products 9 are then transported out of the preheating section 13 by the conveyor 12.

[0032] The products 9 transported out of the preheating section 13 are continuously transported into the processing section 14. While transporting through the processing section 14, the products 9 are thermally processed at a high temperature at which the shrink film 91 shrinks. This causes the shrink film 91 to adhere to the outer surface of the products 9. The products 9 are then transported out of the processing section 14 by the conveyor 12.

[0033] 2, a pair of air blowing sections 42 are arranged on either side of a conveyor 12 extending in the conveyance direction within a cover 41 of the preheating section 13. The products 9 are conveyed by the conveyor 12 between the two air blowing sections 42.

[0034] A supply pipe 134 is connected to the top of the blower section 42, and high-temperature gas heated by a heater (not shown) is supplied into the blower section 42 via the supply pipe 134. An aperture plate 221 having a plurality of openings formed therein is attached to the surface of the blower section 42 facing the conveyor 12. The high-temperature gas supplied into the blower section 42 is sent out towards the products 9 from the openings in the aperture plate 221. Therefore, the high-temperature gas is blown towards the products 9.

[0035] The ejection of high-temperature gas from each opening of the opening plate 221 can be controlled individually. As an example, a shutter is provided at each opening, and the opening and closing of the shutter can be controlled individually. The air volume is adjusted by opening and closing the shutter. That is, the control of the opening and closing of the shutter includes the control of the air volume. Also, the position at which the high-temperature gas is blown onto the products 9 changes depending on the opening and closing positions of the shutter. Therefore, the control of the opening and closing of the shutter can be included in the control of the position at which the high-temperature gas is blown.

[0036] As a result, the shrink film 91 attached to the product 9 is heated by the high-temperature gas. Note that the temperature of the high-temperature gas here is approximately the same as the temperature just before the shrink film 91 starts to shrink. Therefore, the shrink film of the product 9 passing through the preheating section 13 is preliminarily heated.

[0037] 3, two pipes 33 extend from a blower (not shown) to the processing section 14. Each pipe 33 is separated into two paths so as to sandwich the conveyor 12, and extends through the cover 31 into the heating section 14. Four nozzles 34 are arranged inside the heating section 14, and are respectively connected to the separated ends of the two pipes 33. High-temperature steam sent out from the blower 40 is supplied to the four nozzles 34 through the pipes 33, and is sent out from the nozzles 34.

[0038] A predetermined position on the conveyor 12 is set as the heating position T, and if we imagine that a virtual axis (hereinafter, reference axis) 8 in the height direction is at the heating position T, the four nozzles 34 are arranged at equal intervals (equally spaced around the circumference of the reference axis 8) to surround the periphery of the reference axis 8. As a result, when the product 9 carried in by the conveyor 12 is transported to the heating position T, steam is sprayed from the four nozzles 34, and the shrink film 91 is efficiently heated.

[0039] 4, each nozzle 34 does not blow hot gas toward the center of the product 9 located at heating position T, but blows hot gas toward the center of the product 9, that is, toward a direction tilted at an angle θ in the same direction from the direction toward the reference axis 8. As a result, the currents F1 of hot gas blown out from the four nozzles 34 interfere with each other and form vortexes. Therefore, the hot gas flows along the surface of the shrink film 91 attached to the product 9. As a result, the entire surface of the shrink film 91 is heated uniformly and quickly, preventing the occurrence of wrinkles and uneven shrinkage.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 1, the processing device 1 may be provided with sensors SE1 and SE2 for detecting the state of the processing device 1. The state of the processing device 1 may be, for example, the temperature and wind speed of the internal gas of the preheating unit 13 and the processing unit 14. As another example, the sensors SE1 and SE2 may detect the finish of the processing of the product 9. Detection of the finish includes, for example, sensing the unevenness of the surface and detecting the printing orientation. These may be sensors that utilize the reflection or transmission of an irradiated detection light beam, or may be cameras that photograph the product 9.

[0041] The detection results by the sensors SE1 and SE2 may be displayed on a display (not shown) or may be transmitted to the management device 3, the user terminal 5, or the like by the communication device 17.

[0042] The management device 3 accepts input of data related to the processing device 1 from the user terminal 5. The management device 3 may acquire data from the processing device 1 as necessary. The data from the processing device 1 is, for example, the detection results by the above-mentioned sensors SE1 and SE2. The management device 3 executes the support operation using the data, and transmits data representing information necessary for the necessary maintenance to the user terminal 5.

[0043] 5, the management device 3 is configured as one computer having a processor 61 and a memory 62, or as a combination of multiple computers. FIG. 1 shows an example in which the management device 3 is realized by one computer. The memory 62 may be a primary storage device or a secondary storage device. The management device 3 also has a communication device 63 capable of communicating with the processing device 1 and the user terminal 5 via a communication network 7.

[0044] The memory 62 stores a maintenance program 621 that is executed by the processor 61. The processor 61 executes the maintenance program 621 to perform processing for the assist operation.

[0045] The memory 62 further includes an adjustment information database (DB) 623 that stores adjustment information. The adjustment information is information for supporting adjustment of the setting values ​​of the processing device 1. The adjustment information DB 623 stores adjustment information for each phenomenon that represents the finish of processing of the workpiece.

[0046] As an example, the adjustment information DB 623 stores a combination of an event number 301, an adjustment location 302, an adjustment target 303, and an adjustment pitch 304, as shown in Fig. 6. The event number 301 is an identification number indicating the finish of the processing. The adjustment location 302 is information indicating the location where the set value needs to be changed, such as a "preheating chamber" indicating the preheating unit 13 or a "main heating chamber" indicating the processing unit 14. The adjustment target 303 is information indicating the item where the set value needs to be changed, such as temperature or air volume.

[0047] 6, the adjustment information specifies the preheating unit 13 and the processing unit 14 as the adjustment points 302. It may specify other points. This allows the adjustment process 611, which will be described later, to perform support operations independently for the preheating unit 13 and the processing unit 14. Specifically, it is possible to support changes to the settings, such as temperature and air volume, separately for each of them.

[0048] The adjustment pitch 304 is information indicating the amount of change in the setting to approach the target setting value, such as the temperature to be changed, the air volume to be changed, etc. In the example of Fig. 6, "+5°C" means to increase the temperature by 5°C, and "-5°C" means to decrease the temperature by 5°C. "+1 shutter" means to open one of the shutters provided in each of the multiple openings of the opening plate 221 to increase the air volume, and "-1 shutter" means to open one of the shutters provided in each of the multiple openings of the opening plate 221 to increase the air volume.

[0049] The memory 62 further includes a determination information DB 624 that stores determination information. The determination information includes criteria used to determine whether the state of the processing device 1 is normal or abnormal. As an example, the determination information includes sensing results of temperature, air volume, and the like. The determination information may also be an image showing the states of various parts of the processing device 1.

[0050] The memory 62 further includes an apparatus information DB 625 that stores apparatus information. The apparatus information is information about the processing apparatus 1 to be maintained, and includes information about the model, access information of the corresponding user terminal 5, period of use, installation area, user, and the like.

[0051] The memory 62 further includes a product information DB 626 that stores product information. The product information is information used to introduce a product, and includes specific information such as the product model, price, image, etc. The product information may also include various information necessary for outputting the product introduction.

[0052] Preferably, the memory 62 includes a user information DB 622 that stores user information instead of or in addition to the device information DB 625. The user information includes information about a user who is a target of an assist operation executed by the system 100. Specifically, the user information includes information about the processing device 1 that assisted in adjusting the setting values ​​and a user who executed an adjustment process described below. The user information further includes the timing and content of the adjustment process.

[0053] Preferably, the stored user information includes not only user information about the adjustment process, but also the determination process and guidance process described below. For example, for each user, the time when the processing device 1 owned was determined to be normal or abnormal and the result of the determination, the time when a product was introduced and information identifying the introduced product, etc. are stored. This makes it possible to centrally manage what was done to which user and when for each process included in the assistance operation. As a result, when a certain process among the assistance operations is executed, the execution time and content of other processes can be taken into consideration, and comprehensive assistance can be provided.

[0054] The processor 61 executes a maintenance program 621 to perform processing for the assisting operation. The processing for the assisting operation includes an adjustment processing 611. The adjustment processing 611 includes processing for supporting adjustment of a setting value of the processing device 1. Preferably, the adjustment processing 611 includes processing for registering records related to the processing, such as the timing at which the processing was performed and the contents of the processing, in a user information DB 622. The adjustment processing 611 will be described later.

[0055] The process for the assist operation includes a determination process 612. The determination process 612 is a process for determining whether the processing device 1 is normal or abnormal. The determination process 612 includes collecting information required for the determination and determining whether the processing device 1 is normal or abnormal using the information and the determination information stored in the determination information DB 624.

[0056] The information required for the judgment includes sensing results such as the temperature and air volume of the processing device 1, and images showing the states of various locations. Collecting the information required for the judgment may involve obtaining detection results from the sensors SE1 and SE2. As another example, collecting the information required for the judgment may involve receiving input of data from the user terminal 5 or another device. For example, input of the temperature and air volume set from the user terminal 5 may be received, or input of captured image data of various locations of the processing device 1 may be received from the user terminal 5 or a camera having a communication function.

[0057] In the determination process 612, the processor 61 determines whether the processing device 1 is normal or abnormal by comparing the collected information necessary for determination with the determination information as a criterion.

[0058] The judgment information is, for example, an ideal change in the measured temperature for each temperature setting for each of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14. Then, in the judgment process 612, the processor 61 obtains the set temperature value and compares the temperature change detected by the sensors SE1 and SE2 with the judgment information to judge whether it is normal or abnormal.

[0059] As another example, the judgment information may be a threshold value of the measurement value of each item according to a judgment process for each item to be judged. In this case, in the judgment process 612, when judging the item, the processor 61 acquires a measurement value according to a specified judgment process, compares it with the threshold value, and if the judgment is satisfied, acquires and compares the next measurement value according to the judgment process, thereby judging whether the item is normal or abnormal.

[0060] The determination process 612 may include outputting a determination result. As an example, the output destination of the determination result is the user terminal 5. As another example, the output destination of the determination result may be a device that remotely deals with an abnormality, such as a terminal device carried by a service person. In this way, even if a service person does not actually visit the installation location of the processing device 1 for inspection, it is possible to determine whether the processing device 1 is normal or abnormal and deal with the abnormality as if the service person had visited the installation location remotely.

[0061] The processor 61 executes the determination process 612 at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is, for example, when a signal requesting execution of the determination process 612 is received from the user terminal 5 carried by the user of the processing device 1. This allows the user to remotely obtain a determination result of normality or abnormality from the management device 3 at a desired timing, such as when the user feels that an abnormality has occurred in the processing device 1.

[0062] As another example, the predetermined timing may be before the processor 61 executes the adjustment process 611. As a result, when the determination process 612 determines that the processing device 1 is normal, the adjustment process 611 is executed. Therefore, the setting value can be adjusted except when an abnormality in the processing device 1 is affecting the finish of the product 9. As a result, it becomes possible to support more appropriate adjustment of the setting value.

[0063] As another example, the predetermined timing may be a timing when an error notification is made from the processing device 1. The processing device 1 may be configured to notify the management device 3 of an error when the detection results of the sensors SE1, SE2, the accumulated driving time, or the like become a state that is preset as a state in which an abnormality may occur. This allows the management device 3 to automatically determine an abnormality. Note that the predetermined timing may also be a specific time interval, a set timing such as when the processing device 1 is operating, or the like.

[0064] Preferably, the determination process 612 includes a prediction process 613. The prediction process 613 is a process for predicting when an abnormality will occur when the processing device 1 is determined to be normal. As an example, the determination information includes the relationship between the appropriate measured temperature and the set air volume for each of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14, and also includes a threshold value of the driving time at which an abnormality will occur in a state where the relationship is not appropriate. Then, in the prediction process 613, the processor 61 obtains the set value of the air volume and compares the temperature detected by the sensors SE1 and SE2 with the determination information to determine whether or not the relationship is appropriate. If the relationship is not appropriate, the processor 61 reads out the accumulated driving time for that relationship and predicts the timing at which the threshold value will be reached, that is, the time when an abnormality will occur.

[0065] The processor 61 may be equipped with a learning model that has been machine-learned to use the accumulated operating time, the air volume setting value, and the temperature detected by the sensors SE1 and SE2 as input values ​​and output a prediction value for the presence or absence of an abnormality and the timing when the abnormality will occur, or may access another device equipped with such a learning model to obtain a prediction value for the presence or absence of an abnormality and the timing when the abnormality will occur in the prediction process 613.

[0066] The judgment process 612 includes a process of notifying the judgment result and the prediction result. The notification may be made to the processing device 1. In this case, a control signal is output to the processing device 1, and the processing device 1 outputs an error in accordance with the control signal. The notification may also be made to the user terminal 5. This allows the user to know the device abnormality of the processing device 1 and the time when the abnormality is predicted to occur.

[0067] Preferably, the determination process 612 includes storing the determination result, the prediction result, the time when the determination process 612 was performed, etc. in the user information DB 622 in association with the processing device 1 or with the user of the processing device 1. This allows the result of the determination process 612 to be used in the next determination process 612, the adjustment process 611, the guidance process 614 described later, etc. For example, when the guidance process 614 is executed at a timing close to the time when the occurrence of an abnormality was predicted in the most recent prediction process 613, a new product may be introduced. Such centralized management enables appropriate and comprehensive support.

[0068] The processing for the assisting action may further include a guidance processing 614. The guidance processing 614 includes a processing for outputting information for guiding the product to the user terminal 5 or the like. It also includes a processing for generating display data for displaying a guidance screen on the user terminal 5 using the product information stored in the product information DB 626, and transmitting the display data to the user terminal 5. This makes it possible to provide product guidance as an assisting action.

[0069] The guidance screen may be a screen that introduces products in a so-called catalog format, or may be a screen with entertainment value such as videos, animations, or a combination of these. As an example, the screen may be configured to resemble an exhibition hall, and the products may be introduced by being arranged in various places within the screen. In this case, in addition to the presentation of the products, information introducing the products or an icon for displaying the introduced information is further displayed. As an example, the icon may be a button that instructs the display, or a button in the shape of a person such as a navigator. This allows the information introduced to be obtained as if receiving a guided tour of the products at an exhibition hall.

[0070] Furthermore, the screen simulating an exhibition hall may be a video. For example, it may be a video in which the display changes so that the viewpoint moves within the exhibition hall according to a user operation on the user terminal 5, such as swiping. At that time, an icon of the user representing the viewpoint may be displayed. This allows the user to obtain product information as if they were participating in the exhibition remotely.

[0071] Furthermore, the product information may be output by voice instead of or in addition to displaying it. In this case, instead of or in addition to touching an icon to output information introducing the product, an operation of giving a voice instruction to the icon may be performed. This allows the user to obtain product information as if participating in an exhibition remotely and receiving product information from a navigator.

[0072] Preferably, the guidance process 614 includes storing the time when the guidance process 614 was performed, the product that was guided, etc. in the user information DB 622 in association with the user. More preferably, when a purchase is accepted in the guidance process 614, the purchase record is also stored in the user information DB 622. This allows the result of the most recent guidance process 614 to be used in the next guidance process 614, etc. For example, a product similar to a product that was introduced in detail in the most recent guidance process 614 may be guided in the next guidance process 614. Such centralized management enables appropriate and comprehensive support.

[0073] The assisting operation for assisting the adjustment of the setting value of the processing device 1 in the system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Referring to Fig. 7, first, the user terminal 5 receives an input value indicating a phenomenon of the finish of the product 9 to be processed together with a user operation instructing the start of assistance (step S1). The user terminal 5 transmits the input value together with identification information (e.g., ID (identification)) of the processing device 1 to be adjusted to the management device 3 (step S3).

[0074] Upon receiving these data from the user terminal 5, the processor 61 of the management device 3 executes a determination process 612 prior to an adjustment process 611 (step S5). At this time, the processor 61 may acquire information necessary for determination, such as the detection results of the sensors SE1 and SE2, together with the ID of the processing device 1 from the processing device 1 (step S7). In addition, in the determination process 612 of step S5, the processor 61 may also execute a prediction process 613.

[0075] If the processing device 1 is determined to be normal in the judgment process 612 executed in step S5, or if the time when an abnormality is predicted to occur in the prediction process 613 is a predetermined period of time later, the processor 61 executes an adjustment process 611 to adjust the setting value of the processing device 1 (step S9).

[0076] The processor 61 executes the adjustment process 611 in step S9 to generate adjustment information for supporting the adjustment of the setting value of the processing device 1. The generated adjustment information is transmitted from the management device 3 to the user terminal 5 (step S11).

[0077] The user terminal 5 performs output based on the received adjustment information. One example of output is a screen display (step S13). In step S13, for example, a message such as "Please increase the temperature setting by 5°C" is displayed. Other examples of output may include audio output, or a combination of a screen display and audio output. Furthermore, when a control signal can be transmitted to the processing device 1, the output may be a control signal based on the adjustment information output to the processing device 1. This allows the user of the processing device 1 to bring the setting value of the processing device 1 closer to the target setting value.

[0078] The adjustment process 611 in step S9 will be further described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 8 and the example screens in Fig. 9 to Fig. 11. As an example, it is assumed that the start of the adjustment process 611 is instructed in a guidance process 614 that displays product guidance on the user terminal 5. Specifically, the processor 61 executes the guidance process 614 and causes the user terminal 5 to display the guidance screen 200 in Fig. 9.

[0079] The guide screen 200 in Fig. 9 is an example of a screen configured to imitate the above-mentioned exhibition where products are exhibited. The guide screen 200 is provided with buttons 201 to 203 for displaying guides corresponding to each of the products A to C. This allows a user to display guides for a product about which the user wishes to receive information by touching a button corresponding to the product, in the same way as when the user requests guidance from a navigator at an exhibition hall.

[0080] 9 further includes a button 204 for instructing the start of the adjustment process 611. This allows the user of the processing device 1 to view information about the processing device 1 and other products when requesting the management device 3 to adjust the setting values, thereby improving convenience.

[0081] When the button 204 is touched on the guide screen 200 of FIG. 9, the display screen of the user terminal 5 is switched to a screen for receiving input of data indicating a phenomenon of the finish of the product 9 to be processed. As a specific example, the display screen of the user terminal 5 is switched to a reception screen 210 of FIG. 10. The reception screen 210 of FIG. 10 includes buttons 211 to 215 for selecting "wrinkles," "unevenness," "warping," "tears," and "lack of shrinkage" as phenomena of the finish of the product 9. The reception screen 210 further includes a button 216 for transmitting an input value indicating the selected phenomenon and for instructing the management device 3 to start the adjustment process 611. When any of the buttons 211 to 215 is selected and the button 216 is further touched, the input value of step S3 of FIG. 7 is transmitted.

[0082] 8, when the processor 61 starts the adjustment process 611, first, the processor 61 reads the input values ​​transmitted from the user terminal 5 in step S3 (step S101). In addition, as necessary, the processor 61 reads the detection results of the sensors SE1 and SE2 obtained from the processing device 1 (step S103).

[0083] Preferably, the processor 61 executes a determination process 612 (step S105) prior to executing an adjustment process 611 using the adjustment information. As a result, when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the processing device 1 (YES in step S107), the processor 61 ends the process without executing the subsequent processes. Preferably, the processor 61 executes a process of notifying the abnormality (step S109). The process of notifying the abnormality includes, for example, transmitting a signal indicating the abnormality to the user terminal 5. As another example, it may also include transmitting a control signal for causing the processing device 1 to output an error.

[0084] When it is determined that the processing device 1 is normal (NO in step S107), the processor 61 executes the adjustment process 611. Specifically, the adjustment information corresponding to the input value is read from the adjustment information DB 623 (step S111), and the adjustment information is passed to the communication device 63 to be transmitted to the user terminal 5 (step S113).

[0085] For example, when button 211 is touched on reception screen 210 and "wrinkles" is selected as a phenomenon of the finish of product 9, the input value read out in step S101 corresponds to "wrinkles." When the adjustment information of Fig. 6 is stored in adjustment information DB 623, processor 61 reads out adjustment information of event No. 1 corresponding to "wrinkles" in step S111 and transmits it to user terminal 5 in step S113.

[0086] By transmitting this adjustment information, adjustment screen 220 of Fig. 11 is displayed on user terminal 5. Adjustment screen 220 includes display 224 of an adjustment method suitable for the selected event. Display 224 includes the text "Please lower the temperature of the preheating chamber by 5°C" for event No. 1 selected on reception screen 210, based on the adjustment location "preheating chamber," adjustment target "temperature," and adjustment pitch "-5°C" included in the corresponding adjustment information. This allows the user of processing device 1 to lower the temperature setting of preheating unit 13 of processing device 1 by 5°C.

[0087] In the adjustment process 611, the processor 61 repeats the above process until the finish of the product 9 is good. That is, after outputting the adjustment information in step S113, the processor 61 further receives an input value indicating an event that represents the finish of the product 9 after adjustment, and repeats the above process according to the input value. This allows adjustment to the setting value that results in the finish desired by the user, that is, the target setting value.

[0088] Specifically, the adjustment screen 220 further includes buttons 222 and 223 for selecting an event representing the finish of the product 9 after the setting value has been adjusted. The button 222 is a button for selecting that the finish is good, and the button 223 is a button for selecting that the finish is still poor.

[0089] When a signal based on the button 223 is sent from the user terminal 5, that is, when the finish of the product 9 after the adjustment of the setting value is still not satisfactory (NO in step S115), the processor 61 uses the signal based on the button 223 as an input value and repeats the process from step S101. That is, in the case of the example in FIG. 11, the adjustment information for event No. 1 is read out again, and the adjustment screen 220 in FIG. 11 is displayed on the user terminal 5. As a result, in this example, the temperature setting of the preheating unit 13 is lowered by 5°C each time.

[0090] As a result of the above process, if a signal is sent from the user terminal 5 based on the button 222, that is, if the finish of the product 9 is improved after the adjustment of the setting value (YES in step S115), the processor 61 may end the series of processes. This allows the setting value of the processing device 1 to approach the target setting value.

[0091] Preferably, if the finish of the product 9 is improved after the adjustment of the setting value (YES in step S115), the processor 61 causes the user terminal 5 to transmit adjustment information for restoring the most recent setting value (step S117). This is because repeating steps S101 to S113 changes the adjustment value at a predetermined interval set in the adjustment information, and therefore there is a possibility that the change may be too large when the finish is good.

[0092] In the example of Fig. 11, the set temperature of the preheating unit 13 is decreased by 5°C until an input value indicating that the finished product 9 is good is obtained. Therefore, when the input value indicating that the finished product is good is reached, the set temperature may be set lower than the appropriate temperature. Therefore, in step S117, the processor 61 outputs adjustment information to increase the set temperature by 5°C and return it to the previous temperature setting. This makes it possible to get closer to the target set value.

[0093] By executing such an adjustment process in the present system 100, if a problem occurs in the finishing of the product 9 in the processing device 1, the user of the processing device 1 is supported in taking appropriate measures. At this time, there is no need to request a visit from a service person as in the past, and appropriate measures are supported without the burden of adjusting schedules and expenses. Therefore, when a problem occurs, it becomes possible to quickly deal with the problem without burdening either the user or the service person.

[0094] In addition, in the present system 100, the normality / abnormality of the processing device 1 is also determined remotely, so that if an abnormality is suspected, it is possible to take prompt action without burdening either the user or the service person. Furthermore, by determining whether the processing device 1 is normal or abnormal prior to adjusting the set value, it is possible to take appropriate action even if the defective finish of the product 9 is caused by an abnormality in the processing device 1.

[0095] In addition, the present system 100 can also provide product guidance. In other words, the present system 100 accepts adjustment of the setting value while outputting product guidance. Similarly, a normal / abnormal determination may be received. In this manner, the user of the processing device 1 does not need to change access depending on the content of the assistance operation, and the access is unified, improving usability. Furthermore, when requesting an adjustment, product information can be obtained and a normal / abnormal determination can be requested, improving usability.

[0096] Furthermore, in the present system 100, it is possible to centrally manage information regarding each process of maintenance support for each user. Therefore, when executing a certain process, it is possible to take into consideration the results and execution timing of other processes. As a result, it is possible to provide appropriate and comprehensive maintenance support.

[0097] As described above, in the present system 100, the management device 3 can accumulate information on the finish of the products 9 from the multiple processing devices 1, as well as on the settings of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14, such as the set values ​​of the temperature and air volume detected by the sensors SE1, SE2, and adjustment information thereof. For example, it is possible to accumulate the set values ​​for the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 when the finish of the products 9 is good. This makes it possible to create a database of set values ​​suitable for each product.

[0098] In the present system 100, the data thus accumulated may be further utilized. For example, the management device 3 may receive input of information such as the shape and material of the product 9 from the user terminal 5, generate advice on setting values ​​suitable for processing the product 9, and output the advice to the user terminal 5. The information on the product 9 may also be used as teacher data when a learning model is machine-learned to output appropriate setting values ​​using the information on the product 9 as input. The information may also be used to create a program for automatically setting operating conditions in the processing device 1. Therefore, the management device 3 may provide the databased information to other devices and use it for the above-mentioned processing. The management device 3 itself may execute the above-mentioned processing.

[0099] As described above, in order to create a database of setting values ​​and the like suitable for each product in the management device 3, it is preferable to obtain information from as many processing devices 1 as possible. Therefore, in order to encourage the provision of information such as setting values, a system may be provided in which the more information is transmitted, the more benefits are given in terms of usage fees, etc. This encourages the provision of information such as setting values ​​suitable for each product, and makes it possible to enrich the database.

[0100] <3. Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1: Processing equipment 3: Management device 5: User terminal 7: Communication network 8:Reference axis 9:Product 12: Conveyor 13: Preheating section 14: Processing section 15: Mounting part 17: Communication equipment 31: Cover 33: Piping 34: Nozzle 40: Blower 41: Cover 42: Blower section 61: Processor 62: Memory 63: Communication equipment 91: Shrink film 100: System 121: Laura 122: Laura 123: Belt 134: Supply pipe 200: Guidance screen 201: Button 202: Button 203: Button 204: Button 210: Reception screen 211: Button 212: Button 213: Button 214: Button 215: Button 216: Button 220: Adjustment screen 221: Aperture plate 222: Button 223: Button 224 :Display 301: Event number 302: Adjustment points 303: Adjustment target 304: Adjustment pitch 611: Adjustment process 612: Judgment process 613: Prediction processing 614: Guidance processing 621: Maintenance Program 622: User information DB 623:Adjustment information DB 624: Judgment information DB 625:Device information DB 626:Product information DB F1: Airflow SE1: Sensor SE2: Sensor T: Heating position θ: angle

Claims

1. A system including a management device for supporting maintenance of a processing device that heats and shrinks a heat-shrinkable film to adhere it to a workpiece, the management device is configured to execute a support operation including generating adjustment information for adjusting a setting value of the processing device so as to improve a finish of the processing based on data indicating a phenomenon that represents a poor finish of the processing of the workpiece; storing the adjustment information in advance in a memory for each phenomenon that represents a poor finish of the processing; The assisting operation includes receiving the data indicating a phenomenon that represents a poor finish of the processing, and reading out the adjustment information corresponding to the data from the memory; Supporting the maintenance further includes performing an abnormality determination of the processing device based on information collected from the processing device to determine whether the processing device is abnormal or normal; When the processing device is determined to be normal in the abnormality determination, the assist operation is executed. Maintenance support system.

2. A communication device capable of communicating with a control device of the processing device, When an error signal indicating an abnormality in the processing device is received from the processing device, the abnormality determination is performed. The maintenance support system according to claim 1 .

3. The abnormality determination further includes predicting a time when the device abnormality will be determined. The maintenance support system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The processing device includes a plurality of heating chambers; The plurality of heating chambers include a main heating chamber for heating the workpiece at a temperature at which the film thermally shrinks, and a preheating chamber for heating the workpiece at a temperature lower than that of the main heating chamber. The maintenance support system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Supporting the maintenance includes performing the support operation independently for each of the main heating chamber and the preheating chamber. The maintenance support system according to claim 4.

6. A system including a management device for supporting the maintenance of a processing device that heats a heat-shrinkable film and shrinks it to adhere it closely to a workpiece, comprising: the management device is configured to execute a support operation including generating adjustment information for adjusting a setting value of the processing device so as to improve a finish of the processing based on data indicating a phenomenon that represents a poor finish of the processing of the workpiece; The step of supporting the maintenance further includes outputting guidance information for introducing the product; the guidance information includes access information to an input unit that receives the data indicating a phenomenon that represents a poor finish of the processing, The assisting action is executed by receiving the data through the input unit. Maintenance support system.

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