Setting support device, shrink system, setting support method, and computer program

Abstract

To provide a setting support device which supports setting of processing one or more parameters of a shrink device.SOLUTION: A setting support device is configured to execute setting support processing for a shrink device 1 which mounts a shrink film 91 on an article 9 by performing heating processing on the shrink film in a heating chamber. The setting support processing includes: receiving characteristic data regarding at least one of characteristics of the article and characteristics of the shrink film; and acquiring one or more processing parameters by imparting the characteristic data to a model which is configured to output the processing parameters in the heating processing when the characteristic data is imparted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a setting support device, a shrink system, a setting support method, and a computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a shrink device that adheres a shrink film to a product, as disclosed in JP 2003-81219 A (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1). The shrink film is a heat-shrinkable film made of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, etc., which is heated while attached to the 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] The shrink machine is installed at the processing site, and the processing parameters such as the heating temperature and heating time are set at the site. Therefore, depending on the operator at the site, it may be difficult to set the processing parameters. In addition, some shrink machines use airflow as shown in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, and it may be difficult to set the processing parameters.

[0005] In this regard, for general devices such as watches, it is conceivable to take them to a store or the like and ask for adjustments. However, because shrink wrap devices are large, once they are installed at the processing site, they are difficult to move. Also, it may not be easy to arrange a schedule for a service technician to visit, and it may be difficult to pay for it. For these reasons, it is desirable to have support for setting the processing parameters of shrink wrap devices.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the setting support device is configured to execute a setting support process for a shrink device that attaches a shrink film to an article by heating the shrink film in a heating chamber, and the setting support process includes accepting characteristic data regarding at least one of the characteristics of the article and the characteristics of the shrink film, and obtaining processing parameters by providing the characteristic data to a model configured to output processing parameters for the heating process when the characteristic data is provided.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a shrink system includes a shrink device that attaches a shrink film to an article by heat-treating it, and a setting support device configured to execute a setting support process for the shrink device, the setting support process comprising accepting characteristic data relating to at least one of the characteristics of the article and the characteristics of the shrink film, and obtaining processing parameters by providing the characteristic data to a model configured to output processing parameters for the heat treatment when the characteristic data is provided.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the setting support method is a setting support method for a shrink device that attaches a shrink film to an article by heat-treating it, which obtains characteristic data regarding at least one of the article characteristics and the shrink film characteristics, and obtains processing parameters from the characteristic data using a model configured to output processing parameters for the heat treatment when the characteristic data is given.

[0009] According to one embodiment, a computer program is a computer program that causes a computer to perform processing to assist in setting up a shrink device that attaches a shrink film to an article by heat-treating it, and causes the computer to receive characteristic data regarding at least one of the characteristics of the article and the characteristics of the shrink film, obtain the processing parameters from the characteristic data using a model configured to output processing parameters for the heat treatment when the characteristic data is given, and output the processing parameters.

[0010] Further details will be described in the following embodiments. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a shrink system according to an embodiment and the configuration of a shrink device included in the shrink system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a preheating unit included in a shrink device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a heating unit included in the shrink 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] 5 is a schematic diagram of the functional configuration of a control unit of the shrink device. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a setting support method according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an example of an operation screen of a shrink device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an example of an operation screen of a shrink device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of an operation screen of a shrink device. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of an operation screen of a shrink device. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an example of an operation screen of a shrink device. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an example of an operation screen of the shrink device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an example of an operation screen of a shrink device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] <1. Overview of the setting support device, shrink system, and setting support method>

[0013] (1) The setting support device included in this embodiment is a setting support device configured to execute a setting support process for a shrink device that attaches a shrink film to an article by heating the shrink film in a heating chamber, and the setting support process includes receiving characteristic data related to at least one of the characteristics of the article and the characteristics of the shrink film, and obtaining processing parameters by providing the characteristic data to a model configured to output processing parameters in the heating process when the characteristic data is provided.

[0014] The process parameters are parameters to be used in the heat treatment. The article properties are properties related to the heat treatment. The shrink film properties are properties related to the heat treatment.

[0015] By providing characteristic data to the model to obtain processing parameters, the user of the shrink device can set the processing parameters to be used in the heat treatment using the obtained processing parameters, thereby providing suitable support for the user of the shrink device in setting the processing parameters to be used in the heat treatment.

[0016] (2) Preferably, the shrink apparatus includes a control unit for controlling the heat treatment, and the setting support process further includes providing the acquired processing parameters to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. This allows the control unit to control the heat treatment using control parameters obtained from the processing parameters acquired from the model. This makes it easier for a user of the shrink apparatus to set the processing parameters.

[0017] (3) Preferably, the shrink apparatus includes a control unit for controlling the heat treatment, and the setting support process further includes providing the control unit with the modified values ​​of the process parameters modified by the user as control parameters for the heat treatment. This allows the control unit to control the heat treatment using the control parameters obtained from the modified values. This makes it easy for the user of the shrink apparatus to change the process parameters obtained from the model.

[0018] (4) Preferably, the setting support process further includes presenting a plurality of options for the characteristic data to the user, and accepting the characteristic data includes accepting a user operation to select from the plurality of options, thereby facilitating input of the characteristic data.

[0019] (5) Preferably, the characteristics of the article include one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of the shape of the article, the material of the article, the size of the article, the temperature of the article, and the ambient temperature of the article. This allows the one or more characteristics to be used as factors in the heat treatment. As a result, the finish of the heat treatment can be improved.

[0020] (6) Preferably, the properties of the shrink film include one or more properties selected from the group consisting of the material of the shrink film, the size of the shrink film, and the processing applied to the shrink film. This allows the one or more properties to be used as factors in the heat treatment. As a result, the finish of the heat treatment can be improved.

[0021] (7) Preferably, the processing parameters include one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of the temperature of the heat treatment, the volume of hot air for the heat treatment, the hot air outlet position in the heating chamber, the conveying speed of the article to be heat treated, the steam pressure, the volume of steam, the negative pressure in the negative pressure chamber that sucks the steam, and the outlet angle of the hot air, thereby controlling the heat treatment.

[0022] (8) Preferably, the model is a learning model that is machine-learned to output processing parameters in the heat treatment when the characteristic data is given. By using the learning model, the processing parameters can be easily obtained.

[0023] (9) Preferably, the characteristic data further includes mechanical characteristics of the shrink device, the mechanical characteristics including one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of a heating method of the shrink device, dimensions of a heating chamber, and an orientation of an article to be heat-treated during transportation. This allows the processing parameters to be obtained taking into account the mechanical characteristics. Therefore, processing parameters can be obtained using the model even for shrink devices with different mechanical characteristics, and setting of the processing parameters is favorably supported.

[0024] (10) Preferably, the setting support process receives processing result data of the heat treatment, and generates adjustment information for processing parameters based on the processing result data. The adjustment information is information used to adjust the processing parameters. By obtaining the adjustment information, the processing parameters can be adjusted. As a result, the finish of the heat treatment can be improved.

[0025] (11) The shrink system included in this embodiment includes a shrink device that attaches a shrink film to an article by heat-treating the shrink film, and a setting support device configured to execute a setting support process for the shrink device, the setting support process including receiving characteristic data related to at least one of the characteristics of the article and the characteristics of the shrink film, and obtaining processing parameters by providing the characteristic data to a model configured to output processing parameters in the heat treatment when the characteristic data is provided. Using the processing parameters obtained from the model, a user of the shrink device can set processing parameters to be used in the heat treatment. Therefore, the setting of processing parameters to be used in the heat treatment by the user of the shrink device can be favorably supported.

[0026] (12) The setting support method included in the present embodiment is a setting support method for a shrink device that attaches a shrink film to an article by heat-treating the shrink film, and acquires characteristic data relating to at least one of the characteristics of the article and the characteristics of the shrink film, and acquires processing parameters from the characteristic data using a model configured to output processing parameters for the heat treatment when the characteristic data is given. Using the processing parameters acquired from the model, a user of the shrink device can set processing parameters to be used in the heat treatment. Therefore, it is possible to preferably support the user of the shrink device in setting the processing parameters to be used in the heat treatment.

[0027] (13) The computer program included in this embodiment is a computer program that causes a computer to perform processing to support the setting of a shrink device that heat-treats a shrink film to be attached to an article, and causes the computer to receive characteristic data related to at least one of the characteristics of the article and the characteristics of the shrink film, and to obtain the processing parameters from the characteristic data using a model configured to output processing parameters for the heat treatment when the characteristic data is given, and to output the processing parameters. This allows the computer to support the setting of processing parameters used in the heat treatment. As a result, the computer can be made to favorably support the user of the shrink device in setting the processing parameters used in the heat treatment.

[0028] <2. Examples of setting support device, shrink system, and setting support method>

[0029] With reference to FIG. 1, a shrink system 100 according to the present embodiment includes a shrink device 1 and a management device 3. The shrink device 1 and management device 3 are configured as follows.

[0030] The shrink device 1 is a device that applies a shrink film to an article by heat-treating it. Applying a shrink film to an article means applying the shrink film to at least a part of the outside of the article, and applying refers to covering the article with the shrink film. Covering with a shrink film means attaching the shrink film to the article, adhering the shrink film to the article, etc. When the shrink film is used as a display label, it is also called a shrink label. In the example below, the shrink film is adhered to the article.

[0031] The shrink film is, for example, a heat-shrinkable film made of polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, etc. The shrink device 1, for example, attaches the shrink film to an article and heat-treats the article to which the shrink film is attached. As a result, the shrink device 1 thermally shrinks the shrink film and adheres it to the product.

[0032] 1 to 4, the shrink apparatus 1 has a mounting section 15, one or more preheating sections (first heating chambers) 13, and a processing section (second heating chamber) 14. The mounting section 15, the preheating sections 13, and the processing section 14 are arranged in this order along a conveyor 120 that transports the articles 9. Preferably, the preheating sections 13 and the processing sections 14 are arranged in succession. In FIG. 1, the shrink apparatus 1 has two preheating sections 13, which are arranged in succession.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveyor 120 has two rollers (pulleys) 121, 122, at least one of which is connected to a motor M and rotated, so that the upper portion of the belt 123 moves from left to right in the figure, as indicated by an arrow R. In the example of Fig. 1, the roller 121 is connected to the motor M and functions as a drive pulley. As a result, the articles 9 on the belt 123 are transported from left to right in the figure.

[0034] In the shrink device 1, a top belt is arranged above the conveyor 120 in parallel therewith, and a mechanism for gripping the articles 9 on the belt 123 from above may be moved by the top belt in synchronization with the conveying speed of the conveyor 120. This allows the articles 9 on the belt 123 to be conveyed while maintaining their posture.

[0035] In the following explanation, the direction of arrow R is also referred to as the travel direction, and the end of the travel direction, that is, the direction of arrow R (right side of the figure) is referred to as the front (front travel side), and the opposite direction (left side of the figure) is referred to as the rear (rear travel side), and the sides of the item 9 transported in the conveying direction R are referred to as the left and right directions (right travel side and left travel side).

[0036] The mounting unit 15 is a device that mounts a shrink film 91 on an object 9 at a specified position P. As an example, the mounting unit 15 drops the shrink film 91 from directly above onto the specified position P. In detail, FIG. 1 shows an enlarged plan view of the object 9 at the specified position P.

[0037] Referring to a plan view, as an example, shrink film 91 is an annular film that is folded in half and set in mounting unit 15. Mounting unit 15 unfolds the center portion of the folded shrink film 91 so that article 9 fits inside, and drops it from directly above onto specified position P. As a result, the shrink film 91 covers the outer periphery of article 9 positioned at specified position P.

[0038] Since the shrink film 91 is folded in half, two creases 91A are formed in the height direction corresponding to the folding positions. As a result, the gap between the shrink film 91 and the outer periphery of the article 9 is not uniform, and the gap is larger at the position of the creases 91A. Therefore, in order to evenly adhere the shrink film 91 to the article 9 during the heat treatment, the position of the creases 91A may be taken into consideration.

[0039] The preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 are provided so as to cover the conveying path of the conveyor 120. In other words, the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 are heating chambers, into which the conveyor 120 transports the articles 9 and from which the conveyor 120 transports the articles 9.

[0040] The article 9 transported by the conveyor 120 is guided to the preheating section 13 and then to the processing section 14. Both the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 subject the article 9, which has been guided thereto and has a shrink film 91 attached thereto, to a heat treatment.

[0041] The heat treatment includes, for example, spraying a high-temperature gas. The high-temperature gas may contain steam, or may be a dry gas that does not contain steam. When the heat treatment uses a high-temperature gas that contains steam, the shrink device 1 preferably has a suction chamber (not shown). The suction chamber (vacuum) is maintained at negative pressure and is provided adjacent to the heating chamber in which the heat treatment is performed with the high-temperature gas that contains steam, and sucks in steam that leaks from the heating chamber. This makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned leakage to the outside.

[0042] The processing section 14 blows high-temperature gas onto the item 9. The preheating section 13 blows high-temperature gas, the temperature of which is lower than that of the high-temperature gas used in the processing section 14, onto the item 9. In other words, the preheating section 13 is a preheating chamber, and the processing section 14 is a main processing chamber where processing by heating is performed.

[0043] More specifically, the article 9 is loaded on the conveyor 120 and has the shrink film 91 attached thereto by the attachment unit 15. The article 9 is then transported into the preheating unit 13, and while being transported therein, is preheated until the temperature of the shrink film 91 reaches a temperature just before it starts to shrink. The article 9 is then transported out of the preheating unit 13 by the conveyor 120.

[0044] The article 9 transported out of the preheating section 13 is continuously transported into the processing section 14. While transporting the article 9 inside the processing section 14, the article 9 is 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 article 9. The article 9 is then transported out of the processing section 14 by the conveyor 120.

[0045] 2, a pair of air blowing sections 22 are arranged inside cover 21 of preheating section 13 on the left and right sides of conveyor 120 in the traveling direction. Articles 9 are transported by conveyor 120 between the two air blowing sections 22.

[0046] A supply pipe 134 is connected to the top of the blower 22, and high-temperature gas heated by a heater (not shown) is blown by the blower 134A and supplied into the blower 22 via the supply pipe 134. An aperture plate 221 having a plurality of apertures 221A formed therein is attached to the surface of the blower 22 facing the conveyor 120. The high-temperature gas supplied into the blower 22 is sent out toward the article 9 from the openings of the aperture plate 221. As a result, the high-temperature gas is blown onto the article 9 from the left and right. The volume of the high-temperature gas blown onto the article 9 is controlled, for example, by the rotation speed of the blower 134A.

[0047] The openings 221A are arranged in a row parallel to the conveyance direction R. This allows high-temperature gas to be continuously blown from the left and right onto the articles 9 being conveyed in the conveyance direction R while they are being conveyed through the preheating section 13. The rows of the openings 221A are arranged in multiple stages in the height direction. This allows high-temperature gas to be blown from the left and right at multiple positions in the height direction of the articles 9.

[0048] The blower 22 is provided with a mechanism for controlling the discharge position of the high-temperature gas, i.e., the position of the high-temperature gas blown onto the articles 9. One example of the mechanism for controlling the position of the high-temperature gas is the shutter 222 provided on the surface of each opening 221A facing the conveyor 120.

[0049] 2, the shutter 222 covers a row of openings 221A arranged parallel to the transport direction R, and an opening 222A is provided at a position corresponding to the opening 221A. A plurality of shutters 222 are provided in the height direction, and each shutter 222 covers a row of openings 221A arranged in a plurality of stages in the height direction. The opening 222A overlaps with the opening 221A, thereby allowing high-temperature gas to be discharged from the opening 221A.

[0050] Each shutter 222 has an independent opening and closing mechanism. One example of the opening and closing mechanism is an air cylinder 223 that reciprocates the shutter 222 in the transport direction R. Air is supplied to and exhausted from the air cylinder 223 via an air hose 223A. This changes the internal pressure of the air cylinder 223, causing the plunger to reciprocate. The shutter 222 connected to the plunger moves back and forth in conjunction with the reciprocating movement of the plunger.

[0051] When the shutter 222 is in a first state ST1 in which the opening 222A overlaps with the opening 221A, high-temperature gas is discharged from the opening 221A. When the shutter 222 is in a second state ST2 in which the opening 222A does not overlap with the opening 221A, high-temperature gas is not discharged from the opening 221A. Therefore, by controlling the position of the shutter 222, it is possible to control whether or not high-temperature gas is permitted to be discharged from the opening 221A.

[0052] Each shutter 222 has an independent opening and closing mechanism. This makes it possible to control whether or not high-temperature gas is discharged for each shutter 222. In this example, the shutters 222 are provided in parallel in the height direction, so that the position at which high-temperature gas is discharged from the opening 221A can be individually controlled in the height direction.

[0053] The shutter 222 may be divided into a plurality of parts in the transport direction. For example, the shutter 222 may be divided into a first half and a second half in the transport direction of the preheating unit 13. In this case, the first half shutter 222 and the second half shutter 222 each have an independent opening / closing mechanism, so that the position of the high-temperature gas discharged from the opening 221A can be controlled individually in the transport direction.

[0054] 3, two pipes 33 are connected to the processing unit 14. Each pipe 33 is separated into two paths so as to sandwich the conveyor 120, and extends into the processing unit 14 through the cover 31. Four nozzles 34 are arranged inside the heating unit 14, and are respectively connected to the separated ends of the two pipes 33. High-temperature gas heated by a heater (not shown) is blown by the blower 33A, supplied to the four nozzles 34 through the pipes 33, and discharged from the nozzles 34.

[0055] A predetermined position on the conveyor 120 is set as the heating position T. If we imagine a virtual axis (hereinafter, reference axis) 8 in the height direction at the heating position T, the four nozzles 34 are arranged at equal intervals (equally spaced in the circumferential direction of the reference axis 8) to surround the periphery of the reference axis 8. As a result, when an article 9 carried in by the conveyor 120 is transported to the heating position T, high-temperature gas is sprayed from the four nozzles 34, and the shrink film 91 is efficiently heated.

[0056] 4, each nozzle 34 does not deliver hot gas toward the center of the article 9 located at the heating position T, but delivers hot gas toward the center of the article 9, that is, toward a direction tilted at an angle θ from the direction toward the reference axis 8 in the same direction. As a result, the currents F1 of hot gas delivered 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 article 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.

[0057] Preferably, the processing unit 14 has a mechanism for varying the discharge angle of the high-temperature gas. One example of the mechanism for varying the discharge angle is a mechanism for varying the angle θ of each nozzle 34. One example of the mechanism for varying the angle θ is a rotating unit 34A such as a ball joint provided at the connection portion of the nozzle 34 with the pipe 33. The rotating unit 34A is connected to an air cylinder (not shown) or the like to rotate the nozzle 34 to a predetermined angle. This controls the discharge angle of the high-temperature gas.

[0058] As another example, the mechanism for varying the discharge angle may be a mechanism for individually controlling the discharge amount from each nozzle 34. The mechanism for individually controlling the discharge amount from each nozzle 34 may be a mechanism that includes an object that physically blocks the discharge port from the nozzle 34, similar to the shutter 222 of the preheating unit 13, and varies the position of the object for each nozzle 34. Since each nozzle 34 discharges high-temperature gas in a direction tilted at an angle θ from the direction toward the reference axis 8 to the same direction, the angle of the high-temperature gas sprayed onto the heating position T can be varied by varying the discharge amount. This controls the discharge angle of the high-temperature gas.

[0059] The shrink apparatus 1 has a touch panel 17 as an example of an input / output device. The touch panel 17 is an example of an input device that accepts user operations, and is also an example of an output device that outputs information as a display. As an example, the touch panel 17 is attached to the outer surface of the preheating section 13 or the processing section 14, and can accept operations by a user in the vicinity of the shrink apparatus 1. In addition, it can provide information to a user in the vicinity of the shrink apparatus 1.

[0060] The shrink system 100 may also include an external device such as a user terminal 5 as an example of an input / output device. In this case, the user terminal 5 may perform at least a part of the display of the touch panel 17 and the reception of user operations. This allows the reception of operations by a user who is not in the vicinity of the shrink apparatus 1. Also, information can be provided to a user who is not in the vicinity of the shrink apparatus 1.

[0061] The shrink apparatus 1 has a control unit 10 that controls the entire apparatus. With reference to Fig. 5, the control unit 10 is, for example, configured as a computer having a processor 11 and a memory 18. The memory 18 may be a primary storage device or a secondary storage device.

[0062] The touch panel 17 is connected to the control unit 10, and inputs an operation signal indicating an operation input to the control unit 10. The control unit 10 controls the shrink apparatus 1 in accordance with the operation signal. The control unit 10 also controls the display of the touch panel 17.

[0063] The control unit 10 has a communication device 16 and can communicate with the management device 3 via a communication network 7 such as the Internet. In addition, when the shrink system 100 includes a user terminal 5, the control unit 10 may be able to communicate with the user terminal 5.

[0064] The memory 18 of the control unit 10 stores a computer program executed by the processor 11. The processor 11 executes a maintenance program 621 to perform processing for the assist operation.

[0065] The control unit 10 functions as at least a part of a setting support device. The setting support device is configured to execute a setting support process for supporting the setting of processing parameters in the shrink apparatus 1. The setting of processing parameters in the shrink apparatus 1 refers to the setting of processing parameters necessary for causing the preheating unit 13 and the processing unit 14 to execute a heat treatment.

[0066] The processing parameters are parameters used in the heat treatment, and are at least one of the temperature and air volume of the high-temperature gas in each of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14, the discharge position of the high-temperature gas in the preheating section 13, the conveying speed of the article 9, and the discharge angle of the high-temperature gas in the processing section 14. This allows the heat treatment to be controlled.

[0067] The computer programs stored in the memory 18 for causing the processor 11 to execute the setting support process include a support program 181. Moreover, the computer programs stored in the memory 18 for causing the control unit 10 to control the shrink device 1 include a processing control program 182.

[0068] The memory 18 further stores a parameter setting model 183. The parameter setting model 183 is used in a setting assistance process that is realized by the processor 11 executing the assistance program 181. The details will be described later.

[0069] The memory 18 preferably stores a parameter correction model 184. The parameter correction model 184 may be used in a setting assistance process that is realized by the processor 11 executing the assistance program 181. Details will be described later.

[0070] The memory 18 includes a characteristic data storage unit 187. The characteristic data storage unit 187 is a storage area for storing characteristic data described below. The memory 18 includes a set value storage unit 185. The set value storage unit 185 is a storage area for storing processing parameters used as control parameters in the heat processing by the shrink apparatus 1. The memory 18 also includes an apparatus information storage unit 186. The apparatus information storage unit 186 is a storage area for storing mechanical characteristics of the shrink apparatus 1.

[0071] The mechanical properties of the shrink apparatus 1 refer to properties related to the heat treatment, including, for example, at least one of the heating method of the shrink apparatus 1, the dimensions of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14, and the orientation of the article 9 to be heat-treated during transportation. The heating method of the shrink apparatus 1 is, for example, whether the high-temperature gas is a dry gas or a gas containing steam, etc.

[0072] The dimensions of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 include the lengths of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 in the front-rear direction, the height and width of the chambers, etc. The orientation of the article 9 during transport is whether the streaks 91A of the shrink film 91 face in the front-rear direction, the left-right direction, or are random during transport of the article 9, etc. This is because such information also affects the setting of the processing parameters.

[0073] The processor 11 executes the support program 181 to realize a setting support process 111. The setting support process 111 refers to a process for supporting a user of the shrink apparatus 1 in setting, for the shrink apparatus 1, processing parameters required for heat-treating the shrink film 91 and attaching it to the article 9.

[0074] In detail, the setting support process 111 includes receiving characteristic data related to at least one of the characteristics of the article 9 and the characteristics of the shrink film 91. The characteristics of the article 9 are characteristics related to the heat treatment of the article 9, and include at least one of the shape of the article 9, the material of the article 9, the dimensions of the article 9, the temperature of the article 9, and the ambient temperature of the article 9. The dimensions of the article 9 refer to the size of the article 9, and specifically include height, width, and the like. By using these as factors of the heat treatment, the finish of the heat treatment can be improved.

[0075] The characteristics of the shrink film 91 are characteristics related to the heat treatment of the shrink film 91, and include at least one of the material of the shrink film 91, the dimensions of the shrink film 91, and the processing applied to the shrink film 91. The dimensions of the shrink film 91 include the width, length, thickness, etc. of the shrink film 91. The processing applied to the shrink film 91 includes printing, overcoating, inner coating, matte processing of the outer surface, the presence or absence of perforation, the range of perforation, etc. By using these as factors of the heat treatment, the finish of the heat treatment can be improved.

[0076] Preferably, the setting support process 111 includes presenting a plurality of options for the characteristic data to the user. In this case, accepting the characteristic data includes accepting a user operation to select from the presented plurality of options. This makes it easier to input the characteristic data.

[0077] The setting support process 111 includes obtaining processing parameters by applying given characteristic data to a parameter setting model 183. The parameter setting model 183 is a model configured to output processing parameters in a heat treatment when characteristic data is given. As an example, the parameter setting model 183 is a learning model that has been machine-learned to output processing parameters in a heat treatment when characteristic data is given. In this case, obtaining the processing parameters includes inputting the given characteristic data into the parameter setting model 183 and acquiring processing parameters output from the parameter setting model 183. By using the learning model, the processing parameters can be easily obtained.

[0078] As another example, the parameter setting model 183 may be configured as a table in which characteristic data and processing parameters are associated with each other. In this case, obtaining the processing parameters includes reading out the processing parameters corresponding to the given characteristic data.

[0079] As another example, the parameter setting model 183 may be an arithmetic expression for calculating the processing parameters by substituting characteristic data. In this case, obtaining the processing parameters includes calculating the processing parameters by substituting given characteristic data into the parameter setting model 183.

[0080] As an example, the parameter setting model 183 may be prepared in advance according to the mechanical characteristics of the shrink apparatus 1. In this case, the processing parameters are obtained by applying the parameter setting model 183 to specific data. As another example, the parameter setting model 183 may be common to different mechanical characteristics. In this case, the parameter setting model 183 is machine-trained to use the mechanical characteristics and characteristic data of the shrink apparatus 1 as input data and output the processing parameters in the heat treatment. In the latter case, obtaining the processing parameters includes inputting the given characteristic data and the mechanical characteristics of the shrink apparatus 1 into the parameter setting model 183 and acquiring the processing parameters output from the parameter setting model 183.

[0081] Preferably, the setting support process 111 includes receiving symptom data representing a finish by the heat treatment. The finish by the heat treatment includes at least one of wrinkles, pockmarks, air pockets, deformation, tears or stretching of the item 9, folding of the shrink film 91, wrapping of the shrink film 91 around the bottom surface of the item 9, uneven coloring, distortion, lifting, broken perforations, whitening, insufficient shrinkage, misalignment, and display defects. This makes it possible to obtain adjustment information for dealing with these symptoms appropriately when they occur.

[0082] The setting assistance process 111 includes obtaining adjustment information for adjusting a processing parameter by applying given symptom data to the parameter correction model 184. The adjustment information may be, for example, an adjustment value of the processing parameter. As another example, the adjustment information may be an adjustment ratio of the processing parameter.

[0083] The parameter correction model 184 is a model configured to output adjustment information when symptom data is given. As an example, the parameter correction model 184 is a learning model that is machine-learned to output adjustment information when symptom data is given. In this case, obtaining the adjustment information includes inputting the given symptom data to the parameter correction model 184 and obtaining the adjustment information output from the parameter correction model 184.

[0084] As another example, the parameter correction model 184 may be configured as a table in which symptom data and adjustment information are associated with each other. In this case, obtaining the adjustment information includes reading out the adjustment information corresponding to the given symptom data.

[0085] As another example, the parameter correction model 184 may be an arithmetic expression for calculating the adjustment information by substituting symptom data. In this case, obtaining the adjustment information includes substituting the given symptom data into the parameter correction model 184 to calculate the adjustment information.

[0086] As an example, the parameter correction model 184 may be prepared in advance according to the mechanical characteristics of the shrink apparatus 1. In this case, the adjustment information is obtained by applying the parameter correction model 184 to the symptom data. As another example, the parameter correction model 184 may be common to different mechanical characteristics. In this case, the parameter correction model 184 is machine-trained to use the mechanical characteristics of the shrink apparatus 1 and the symptom data as input data and output the adjustment information. In the latter case, obtaining the adjustment information includes inputting the given symptom data and the mechanical characteristics of the shrink apparatus 1 to the parameter correction model 184 and acquiring the adjustment information output from the parameter correction model 184.

[0087] Preferably, the setting support process 111 includes presenting the acquired processing parameters to a user and determining to use them as control parameters for the heat treatment in accordance with a user operation. Also, preferably, the setting support process 111 includes presenting the acquired processing parameters to a user, modifying them in accordance with a user operation, and obtaining modified values. This allows the user to set the presented processing parameters or change them to desired processing parameters. As a result, the setting of the processing parameters by the user is favorably supported.

[0088] The processor 11 executes the support program 181 to realize the setting process 112. The setting process 112 includes providing the determined processing parameters as control parameters for the heating process to a control unit that controls the heating process. The control parameters are control signals obtained based on the processing parameters, and refer to signals that instruct the on / off or voltage value of a heater (not shown) when the temperature of the high-temperature gas is set as the processing parameter, for example.

[0089] The setting process 112 also includes providing the modified values ​​of the processing parameters modified by the user as control parameters for the heat treatment to a control unit that controls the heat treatment. The control unit that controls the heat treatment refers to a function realized by the processor 11 executing the processing control program 182.

[0090] The processor 11 executes the conversion control program 182 to realize a conversion control process 113. The conversion control process 113 includes controlling each part of the shrink apparatus 1 and causing the shrink apparatus 1 to perform an operation of heating the shrink film 91 and attaching it to the article 9. When control parameters are given by the setting support process 111 in the conversion control process 113, the control parameters are used.

[0091] Preferably, the processing control process 113 includes storing the processing parameters set during the heat treatment in the set value storage unit 185 in association with the characteristic data at the time of setting. This allows the processing parameters to be used in the update process 114 described later.

[0092] Preferably, the processor 11 executes the support program 181 to perform the update process 114. The update process 114 includes updating the parameter setting model 183 and the parameter correction model 184. For example, if the model is a learning model, the update process 114 includes re-learning the model using the processing parameters stored in the setting value storage unit 185 and characteristic data at the time of setting. This can improve the accuracy of the setting support.

[0093] The setting support device may be configured to include a management device 3. As an example, the management device 3 may be configured to be capable of communicating with one or more shrink devices 1 and to re-learn and update the parameter setting model 183 and the parameter correction model 184 of the shrink device 1.

[0094] In this case, the update process 114 includes passing the processing parameters stored in the setting value storage unit 185 and the characteristic data at the time of setting as update data to the communication device 16 and transmitting them to the management device 3 at a predetermined timing. The update process 114 further includes receiving the re-learned model from the management device 3 and updating the model stored in the memory 18. This allows the management device 3 to re-learn the model without providing the control unit 10 with a re-learning function.

[0095] When the management device 3 communicates with a plurality of shrink devices 1 and receives update data from each shrink device 1, the management device 3 can re-learn the model using the update data from the plurality of shrink devices 1. Therefore, re-learning is performed using more update data than when update data is used from one shrink device 1, and therefore more advanced re-learning can be performed.

[0096] Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a setting support method according to the present embodiment. Fig. 7 to Fig. 13 show specific examples of display screens output in the example of the setting support method of Fig. 6. These display screens are displayed, for example, on the touch panel 17 of the shrink device 1, and the touch panel 17 accepts user operations in accordance with the display screens.

[0097] 7 to 13 are displayed on a touch panel (not shown) of the user terminal 5, and the user terminal 5 accepts a user operation according to the display screen. In this case, the display of the display screen and the input of an operation signal indicating a user operation to the user terminal 5 are performed via communication between the control unit 10 and the user terminal 5.

[0098] The process of Fig. 6 is started by the processor 11 at a specific timing, such as when the power is turned on. At this time, the processor 11 displays the menu screen 40 of Fig. 7 on the touch panel 17 of the shrink device 1. The menu screen 40 is also used for the setting support process. For more details, referring to Fig. 7, the menu screen 40 includes buttons 41 to 48.

[0099] Button 41 is a button for switching to an automatic operation screen. The automatic operation screen is a screen for inputting operations and displaying information for heating processing that is automatically performed using set processing parameters. Operations include, for example, starting and ending processing, setting the number of items 9 to be processed, etc. Information display may be, for example, the number of processed items 9, the number of unprocessed items 9, etc.

[0100] The button 42 is a button for switching to a manual operation screen. The manual operation screen is a screen for inputting operations and displaying information for a heat treatment that is performed manually using set processing parameters. A manual heat treatment refers to a heat treatment performed as a test of processing parameters, etc., and refers to a heat treatment performed on a smaller number of articles 9 than an automatic heat treatment.

[0101] Button 43 is a button for switching to a pattern setting screen. The pattern setting screen is a screen for accepting an operation to read and set the patterned and stored characteristic data. Setting using this screen makes it easy to set the characteristic data when, for example, the same shrink film 91 is used to perform a heat treatment on the same article 9.

[0102] Button 47 is a button for switching to a current value provisional setting screen. The current value provisional setting screen is a screen for receiving an operation input for provisionally setting the currently set processing parameters as processing parameters for the upcoming heat treatment. By using this screen for setting, the user can easily set the processing parameters without relying on the setting support process.

[0103] Button 44 is a button for switching to a function setting screen. The function setting screen is a screen for inputting operations and displaying information for setting the functions of the shrink apparatus 1. Button 45 is a button for switching to a factor input screen. The factor input screen is a screen for accepting input operations of characteristic data. Button 46 is a button for switching to a symptom input screen. The symptom input screen is a screen for accepting input operations of symptom data. Button 48 is a button for switching to a recommended value screen. The recommended value screen is a screen that presents processing parameters acquired from the parameter setting model 183. Details will be described later.

[0104] 6, the processor 11 reads the mechanical property data of the shrink device 1 from the device information storage unit 186 of the memory 18 (step S101). The mechanical property data is input using the machine setting screen 50 of FIG. 8, for example. When the processor 11 accepts the input of the mechanical property data using the machine setting screen 50, it stores the data in the device information storage unit 186.

[0105] 8, the machine setting screen 50 includes an input section 51 for inputting data specific to the shrink apparatus 1. The input section 51 accepts input of, for example, the identification number of the shrink apparatus 1, the model of the shrink apparatus 1, the size of the shrink apparatus 1, the type of the shrink apparatus 1, and the like. The machine setting screen 50 includes an input section 52 for inputting dimensions of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14. The dimensions of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 are, for example, the width and height of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14. The machine setting screen 50 includes an input section 53 for inputting data related to the transport of the shrink apparatus 1. The data related to the transport is, for example, the gear ratio of the motor M, the diameter of the roller 121 connected to the motor M and functioning as a drive pulley, the transport direction, and the like.

[0106] The machine characteristic data may include initial values ​​of the processing parameters. In this case, the machine setting screen 50 includes an input section 54 for inputting the temperatures of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14, an input section 55 for inputting the rotation frequency of the blower section 22 and the blower 33A corresponding to the air volume, an input section 56 for inputting data indicating the conveying speed, such as the speed of the conveyor 120 and the speed of the top belt (not shown), an input section 57 for inputting the pressure of the suction chamber (not shown), and an input section 58 for inputting data indicating the opening and closing of each of the shutters 222 provided in parallel in the height direction in the preheating section 13 and divided into the first half and the second half in the traveling direction.

[0107] As an example, the input units 51 to 57 may be ones that accept input of numerical values. This allows any numerical value to be input. The input unit 58 may be ones that allow either the open or closed state of the shutter 222 to be selected by touch. As an example, the open state of the shutter 222 may be specified by an odd number of touches, and the closed state of the shutter 222 may be specified by an even number of touches. This allows the open or closed state to be easily input.

[0108] The machine characteristic data may be input when the shrink apparatus 1 is shipped and stored in the apparatus information storage unit 186. Alternatively, the machine characteristic data may be input or changed only by specific users such as an administrator or a serviceman. In this case, the processor 11 may display the machine setting screen 50 only in response to a predetermined operation.

[0109] Next, the processor 11 accepts input of characteristic data (step S103). Step S103 is performed when the button 45 is operated on the menu screen 40. At this time, the processor 11 displays the factor input screen 60 of FIG.

[0110] 9, a factor input screen 60 includes an input section 61 for inputting the range in which the shrink film 91 is to be shrunk and attached, an input section 62 for inputting the shape of the article 9 (e.g., a container), an input section 63 for inputting the material of the article 9, an input section 64 for inputting the dimensions of the article 9, and an input section 65 for inputting the temperature of the article 9 and the ambient temperature of the article 9, as characteristic data of the article 9. The dimensions of the article 9 include, for example, the height of the article 9 and the width of the article 9.

[0111] As an example, the input units 64 and 65 may be ones that accept input of numerical values. This allows any numerical value to be input. As an example, the input units 61, 62, and 63 may be ones that present a plurality of options to the user and accept a user operation to select from among them. As a specific example, when the input units 62 and 63 are selected and enter an input state, options 601 and 602 shown in FIG. 10 are presented, respectively.

[0112] For more details, referring to FIG. 10, option 601 is an option for selecting the shape of article 9, and presents a plurality of selectable shapes of representative articles to be subjected to heat processing by shrink apparatus 1. When one selection is received from among these, processor 11 inputs this to input unit 62. Options 602 are options for selecting the material of article 9, and presents a plurality of selectable materials of representative articles to be subjected to heat processing by shrink apparatus 1. When one selection is received from among these, processor 11 inputs this to input unit 63. Presenting options in this manner makes it easier for the user to input characteristic data and also facilitates the setting support process of processor 11.

[0113] The factor input screen 60 includes an input section 71 for inputting the material of the shrink film 91, an input section 72 for inputting the dimensions of the shrink film 91, and an input section 73 for inputting information on the processing applied to the shrink film 91, as characteristic data of the shrink film 91. The dimensions of the shrink film 91 include, for example, the width, length, and thickness of the shrink film 91.

[0114] For example, the input unit 72 may be configured to accept input of a numerical value. For example, the input unit 71 may be configured to present a plurality of options to the user and accept a user operation to select one from among them, as in the case of FIG.

[0115] Preferably, the characteristic data further includes data indicating settings for the heating process. The data indicating settings for the heating process include, for example, the heating process speed (processing capacity) and the direction (flow direction) of the shrink film 91 during transportation. In this case, the factor input screen 60 further includes an input section 74 for inputting the processing capacity and an input section 75 for inputting the flow direction.

[0116] The factor input screen 60 further includes a button 66 for instructing transition to the menu screen 40. Upon receiving an operation of the button 66, the processor 11 switches to the menu screen 40, and terminates step S105, regarding the input on the factor input screen 60 as being completed.

[0117] Preferably, the factor input screen 60 includes a button 68 for instructing registration of the characteristic data input on the factor input screen 60 in the memory 18, and an input unit 67 for inputting identification information at the time of registration. By accepting the operation of the button 68, the processor 11 stores the characteristic data input on the factor input screen 60 in the characteristic data storage unit 187 in association with the identification information accepted by the input unit 67. This makes it possible to easily input characteristic data by simply accepting the designation of an option from among the characteristic data registered in the characteristic data storage unit 187 using the pattern setting screen.

[0118] The input of the characteristic data may be performed by selecting a pattern from a pattern setting screen (not shown) instead of inputting individual values ​​on the factor input screen 60. In this case, the processor 11 executes step S103 when the button 43 is operated on the menu screen 40. The processing of step S103 at this time includes reading out the characteristic data stored in association with the pattern selected on the pattern setting screen (not shown) from the characteristic data storage unit 187. This allows the characteristic data to be easily input.

[0119] When the button 45 is operated on the menu screen 40 after a pattern is selected on the pattern setting screen, the processor 11 displays on the touch panel 17 the factor input screen 60 in a state in which the characteristic data stored in association with the selected pattern is input to each section. When a user operation is accepted on the factor input screen 60, the characteristic data is changed in accordance with the user operation. This allows the characteristic data to be read out using a pattern and changed flexibly.

[0120] Next, in order to obtain processing parameters, the processor 11 inputs the characteristic data input in step S103 to the parameter setting model 183 (step S105). If the parameter setting model 183 is common to different machine characteristics, the processor 11 also inputs the machine characteristics read in step S101 to the parameter setting model 183 in step S105.

[0121] The processor 11 acquires the processing parameters by receiving the output from the parameter setting model 183 (step S107). Steps S105 and S107 are performed when the button 48 on the menu screen 40 is operated.

[0122] 11 on the touch panel 17. The processor 11 generates display data for the recommended value screen 80 into which the processing parameters obtained by output from the parameter setting model 183 are input, and displays the display data on the touch panel 17.

[0123] By displaying the recommended value screen 80, the processing parameters for performing a heat treatment to adhere the shrink film 91 to the article 9 using the shrink device 1 can be obtained by inputting the characteristic data of at least one of the article 9 or the shrink film 91. Therefore, the setting of the processing parameters is favorably supported. As a result, even a user who is unfamiliar with setting processing parameters can obtain suitable processing parameters.

[0124] Preferably, the recommended value screen 80 is a screen capable of receiving a user operation to instruct modification of the presented processing parameters. Specifically, the processor 11 deletes or changes the processing parameters displayed in each input section of the recommended value screen 80 in accordance with the user operation. This allows the user of the shrink apparatus 1 to arbitrarily change the presented processing parameters. This improves the usability of the shrink apparatus 1.

[0125] 11, the recommended value screen 80 includes an input section 81 for presenting the temperatures of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 and inputting a correction therefor, an input section 82 for presenting the rotational frequency of the blower section 22 and the blower 33A corresponding to the air volume of the preheating section 13 and the processing section 14 and inputting a correction therefor, an input section 83 for presenting the conveying speed, such as the speed of the conveyor 120 and the speed of the top belt, and inputting a correction therefor, an input section 84 for presenting the negative pressure of the steam suction mechanism prepared when the high-temperature gas is a gas containing steam and inputting a correction therefor, and an input section 84 for presenting data indicating the opening and closing of each of the shutters 222 and inputting a correction therefor. Preferably, the recommended value screen 80 further includes an input section 86 for presenting the flow direction and inputting a correction therefor. As another example, the recommended value screen 80 may further include an input section for presenting the discharge angle of the high-temperature gas and inputting a correction therefor.

[0126] As an example, the input units 81 to 84 may be input units that accept input of numerical values. This allows the displayed numerical values ​​to be changed to any numerical values. The input unit 86 may present a plurality of options to the user and accept a user operation to select from among them, as in FIG. 10. The input unit 85 may allow one of the open / closed states of the shutter 222 to be selected by touch, as in the input unit 58. This allows the displayed open / closed state to be easily changed.

[0127] The recommended value screen 80 further includes a button 87 for instructing transition to the menu screen 40. When the processor 11 accepts the operation of the button 87, it ends step S109 and switches to the menu screen 40.

[0128] If the button 87 is operated after the correction value of the processing parameter presented on the recommended value screen 80 is input, that is, if the processing parameter presented on the recommended value screen 80 is corrected without being decided (NO in step S111), the processor 11 changes the processing parameter according to the user operation accepted on the recommended value screen 80 to obtain the corrected value (step S113). If the button 87 is operated without a user operation to change the processing parameter presented on the recommended value screen 80, that is, if the processing parameter presented on the recommended value screen 80 is decided (YES in step S111), the processor 11 skips step S113. The processor 11 sets the decided processing parameter or the corrected value as the processing parameter of the heat treatment (step S115).

[0129] Thereafter, by operating button 42 on menu screen 40, processor 11 executes heat treatment at the timing set on the manual operation screen as a test of processing parameters, etc. (step S117). In step S117, processor 11 obtains control parameters from the set processing parameters, and controls each part so that heat treatment is executed at the timing set on the manual operation screen.

[0130] Next, the processor 11 accepts the input of symptom data as necessary (YES in step S119). The symptom data is input when the button 46 is operated on the menu screen 40. At this time, the processor 11 displays a symptom input screen 90 of FIG. 12 on the touch panel 17.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 12, the symptom input screen 90 includes buttons 94 for indicating the presence or absence of a number of defects that may occur during heat treatment, such as wrinkles, pockmarks, air pockets, deformation, tears or stretching of the item 9, folding of the shrink film 91, the shrink film 91 wrapping around the bottom of the item 9, uneven coloring, distortion, lifting, broken perforations, whitening, insufficient shrinkage, misalignment, and poor display, as well as a button 92 for inputting the location of the occurrence.

[0132] For example, the button 94 may be one that allows the user to select whether or not there is a defect by touching it. For example, the button 94 may be one that specifies whether or not there is a defect by touching it an odd number of times, and specifies whether or not there is a defect by touching it an even number of times. In this way, the user can input whether or not there is a defect.

[0133] Button 92 may also be capable of selecting the location of a defect by touching it, similar to button 94. Preferably, the selection of the location of a defect may be performed, for example, by presenting a plurality of options to the user and receiving a user operation to select from among them. As a specific example, when button 94 is operated to specify the presence of a defect, option 901 shown in FIG. 13 is presented for the phenomenon for which the presence of a defect has been specified.

[0134] 13, options 901 present a plurality of preset possible locations of defects selectable for the defect phenomenon specified as "present." As an example, it may be an enlarged version of button 92 in FIG. 12. Although the touch panel 17 installed in the shrink device 1 and the display mounted on the user terminal are small, displaying enlarged options 901 as in FIG. 13 makes operation easier.

[0135] The symptom input screen 90 further includes a button 93 for instructing transition to the menu screen 40. The processor 11 switches to the menu screen 40 upon receiving the operation of the button 93. Furthermore, upon receiving the operation of the button 93, the processor 11 determines that input on the symptom input screen 90 is completed, and transitions to step S121.

[0136] Next, when the processor 11 accepts the input of the symptom data, in order to obtain adjustment information, the processor 11 inputs the symptom data input on the symptom input screen 90 to the parameter correction model 184 (step S121). If the parameter correction model 184 is common to different machine characteristics, in step S121, the processor 11 also inputs the machine characteristics read in step S101 to the parameter correction model 184. The processor 11 can obtain adjustment information by receiving an output from the parameter correction model 184.

[0137] For example, the processor 11 may modify the processing parameters using the acquired adjustment information and present the modified values ​​to the user. That is, the process from step S109 may be repeated. This allows the processing parameters to be modified using the input symptom data every time symptom data is input. This makes it easy to adjust the processing parameters to eliminate any defects in the finish of the heat treatment using the set processing parameters.

[0138] After the processing parameters are set as the processing parameters to be used for the heating process in step S115, if another operation is performed on menu screen 40 without operating button 46, that is, if symptom data is not input (NO in step S119), processor 11 associates the set processing parameters with the characteristic data and stores them in setting value memory unit 185 (step S123), and then terminates the setting support process.

[0139] By storing the set processing parameters in the set value storage unit 185, the processor 11 can execute the update process 114 at a predetermined timing using the set processing parameters as update data. As a result, the parameter setting model 183 and the parameter correction model 184 are re-learned, and more suitable processing parameters can be obtained by the setting support process. Also, more suitable adjustment information can be obtained.

[0140] In addition, when the setting assistance device is configured to include the management device 3, the processor 11 performs processing to transmit update data to the management device 3 at a predetermined timing and receive the re-learned model from the management device 3. The predetermined timing is, for example, a specified time or a specified time interval. In this case, the management device 3 can re-learn the model using update data from multiple shrink devices 1, so that more advanced re-learning can be performed. As a result, the parameter setting model 183 and the parameter correction model 184 are re-learned at a more advanced level.

[0141] The setting support device may further include a computer mounted on a device other than the shrink device 1. The computer mounted on a device other than the shrink device 1 may be, for example, a computer mounted on a user terminal 5. In this case, the processor of the user terminal 5 communicates with the communication device 16 of the shrink device 1 to execute at least a part of the processing for realizing the setting support method shown in FIG.

[0142] As one example, the user terminal 5 transmits the processing parameters obtained by the above process to the shrink apparatus 1 by communicating with the communication device 16. As another example, the user terminal 5 may present the processing parameters obtained by the above process on a display, accept a selection of the processing parameters from the user, and transmit a control signal for setting the selected processing parameters to the shrink apparatus 1. This allows the user to receive assistance for setting the processing parameters even when using a device other than the shrink apparatus 1, such as the user terminal 5.

[0143] <3. Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1: Shrinking device 3: Management device 5: User terminal 7: Communication network 8:Reference axis 9: Goods 10: Control section 11: Processor 13: Preheating section 14: Processing section 15: Mounting part 16: Communication equipment 17: Touch panel 18: Memory 21: Cover 22: Blower section 31: Cover 33: Piping 33A:Blower 34: Nozzle 34A: Rotating part 40: Menu screen 41: Button 42: Button 43: Button 44: Button 45: Button 46: Button 47: Button 48: Button 50: Machine setting screen 51: Input section 52: Input section 53: Input section 54: Input section 55: Input section 56: Input section 57: Input section 58: Input section 60:Factor input screen 61: Input section 62: Input section 63: Input section 64: Input section 65: Input section 66: Button 67: Input section 68: Button 71: Input section 72: Input section 73: Input section 74: Input section 75: Input section 80: Recommended value screen 81: Input section 82: Input section 83: Input section 84: Input section 85: Input section 86: Input section 87: Button 90: Symptom input screen 91: Shrink film 91A: Muscle 92: Button 93: Button 94: Button 100: Shrink system 111: Setting support process 112: Setting process 113: Processing control processing 114: Update process 120: Conveyor 121: Laura 123: Belt 134: Supply pipe 134A: Blower 181: Support program 182: Processing control program 183: Parameter setting model 184: Parameter correction model 185: Setting value memory section 186:Device information storage unit 187: characteristic data storage unit 221: Aperture plate 221A:Aperture 222: Shutter 222A:Aperture 223: Air cylinder 223A: Air hose 601: Choice 602: Choice 621: Maintenance Program 901: Choice F1: Airflow M: Motor P: Defined position R: Transport direction T: Heating position θ: Angle

Claims

1. A setting support device configured to execute a setting support process for a shrink device that heats a shrink film in a heating chamber to attach the shrink film to an article, The shrink device includes a control unit that controls the heat treatment, The setting support process includes: receiving characteristic data relating to at least one of a characteristic of the article and a characteristic of the shrink film; obtaining the processing parameters by providing the characteristic data to a model configured to output processing parameters in the heat treatment when the characteristic data is provided; displaying the acquired processing parameters in a manner that allows a user to accept a user operation for instructing a correction of the processing parameters before providing the acquired processing parameters to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment; When the user operation is not accepted for the displayed processing parameters, the acquired processing parameters are provided to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. when the user operation is received for the displayed processing parameters, the acquired correction values ​​of the processing parameters are provided to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. Be prepared to Setting support device.

2. The setting support process further includes presenting a plurality of options regarding the characteristic data to a user, Receiving the characteristic data includes receiving a user operation to select from the plurality of options. The setting support device according to claim 1 .

3. The property of the article includes one or more properties selected from the group consisting of a shape of the article, a material of the article, a size of the article, a temperature of the article, and an ambient temperature of the article. The setting support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The characteristics of the shrink film include one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of the material of the shrink film, the dimensions of the shrink film, and the processing applied to the shrink film. The setting support device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The processing parameters include one or more parameters selected from the group consisting of a temperature of the heat treatment, a volume of hot air for the heat treatment, a hot air discharge position in the heating chamber, a conveying speed of the article to be heat-treated, a steam pressure, a steam volume, a negative pressure in a negative pressure chamber that sucks in the steam, and a hot air discharge angle. The setting support device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The model is a learning model that has been machine-trained to output processing parameters in the heat treatment when the characteristic data is given. The setting support device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The characteristic data further includes mechanical characteristics of the shrink device; The mechanical characteristics include one or more characteristics selected from the group consisting of a heating method of the shrink device, a size of the heating chamber, and an orientation of the article during transportation in which the heat treatment is performed. The setting support device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The setting support process includes: receiving processing result data of the heat treatment; generating adjustment information for the processing parameters based on the processing result data; The setting support device according to claim 1 .

9. A shrinking device that heat-treats a shrink film to attach it to an article; a setting assistance device configured to execute a setting assistance process for the shrink device; Equipped with The shrink device includes a control unit that controls the heat treatment, The setting support process includes: receiving characteristic data relating to at least one of a characteristic of the article and a characteristic of the shrink film; obtaining the processing parameters by providing the characteristic data to a model configured to output processing parameters in the heat treatment when the characteristic data is provided; displaying the acquired processing parameters in a manner that allows a user to accept a user operation for instructing a correction of the processing parameters before providing the acquired processing parameters to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment; When the user operation is not accepted for the displayed processing parameters, the acquired processing parameters are provided to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. when the user operation is received for the displayed processing parameters, the acquired correction values ​​of the processing parameters are provided to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. Be prepared to Shrink system.

10. A setting support method for a shrink film-fitting device that heat-treats a shrink film to an article and has a control unit that controls the heat treatment, comprising: acquiring characteristic data relating to at least one of a characteristic of the article and a characteristic of the shrink film; obtaining the process parameters from the characteristic data using a model configured to output process parameters for the heat treatment given the characteristic data; displaying the acquired processing parameters in a manner that allows a user to accept a user operation for instructing a correction of the processing parameters before providing the acquired processing parameters to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment; When the user operation is not accepted for the displayed processing parameters, the acquired processing parameters are provided to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. when the user operation is received for the displayed processing parameters, the acquired correction values ​​of the processing parameters are provided to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. Setting support method.

11. A computer program for causing a computer to perform a process for supporting the setting of a shrink film-fitting device that heat-treats a shrink film and has a control unit that controls the heat treatment, The computer includes: receiving characteristic data relating to at least one of a characteristic of the article and a characteristic of the shrink film; obtaining the processing parameters from the characteristic data using a model configured to output processing parameters for the heat treatment when the characteristic data is given; Outputting the processing parameters; displaying the output processing parameters in a manner that allows a user to accept a user operation for instructing a correction of the processing parameters before providing the output processing parameters to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment; When the user operation is not accepted for the displayed processing parameters, the acquired processing parameters are provided to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. when the user operation is received for the displayed processing parameters, the acquired correction values ​​of the processing parameters are provided to the control unit as control parameters for the heat treatment. Computer program.

12. the computer is installed in a terminal device capable of communicating with the shrink device, The step of outputting the processing parameters includes causing the shrink device to transmit a signal based on the processing parameters to the control unit.

12. A computer program product as claimed in claim 11.

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