Roll body management device

Abstract

To manage positions of roll bodies stored in a storage area within the storage area by using RFID tags attached to the roll bodies.SOLUTION: When storing roll paper 200 with RFID tags 120 in a storage area, a first RFID reader 193 reads identification codes and stores storage positions in a database 160 in association with the identification codes. When the roll paper 200 is used, the roll paper is transported to a predetermined placement position by transport means (unmanned forklift 190 and transfer body 460). The identification codes are read by a second RFID reader 20 placed at the placement position, and a verification unit 70 compares the same with the correct type of roll bodies to be placed at the placement positions and outputs the verification results. A determination output unit 80 outputs whether or not the type of roll paper 200 at the placement positions is appropriate according to the verification results.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0007] ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a roll body management device.

Background Art

[0002] Corrugated sheets are manufactured by bonding corrugated base paper ((front) liner (flat), middle core (corrugated), (back) liner (flat)) with a corrugating machine. The corrugated base paper is formed on roll paper wound in a roll shape. The roll paper is set at a predetermined position of the corrugating machine when manufacturing the corrugated sheet (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] When the roll paper is received, it is temporarily stored in a storage area such as a warehouse. When the roll paper is used, it is carried out from the storage area and set on the corrugating machine. After use, if there is a remaining amount, it is stored again in the storage area.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A large number of roll papers are stored in the storage area. Conventionally, in order to find a desired roll paper from the roll papers stored in the storage area, it has been necessary to identify the roll paper using an identification label attached to the roll paper.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a roll body management device that manages the position of a roll body stored in a storage area using an RFID tag attached to the roll body within the storage area.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the roll body management device of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first RFID reader that reads an identification code that identifies a roll body from an RFID tag when storing a roll body, which is a long sheet-like material wound into a roll and has an RFID tag attached to it, in a storage area; an information storage unit that stores the storage position of the roll body in the storage area and the identification code of the roll body read by the first RFID reader in association with each other; a transport means that transports the roll body stored in the storage area from the storage position of the roll body stored in the information storage unit to a predetermined placement position; a second RFID reader that reads the identification code from an RFID tag attached to the roll body placed at the placement position; a verification unit that obtains the correct type of roll body to be placed at the placement position, compares the obtained correct type with the type corresponding to the identification code of the roll body at the placement position read by the second RFID reader and outputs a verification result; and a determination output unit that outputs whether the type of roll body at the placement position is appropriate according to the verification result. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the location of a roll of material stored within a storage area can be managed using an RFID tag attached to the roll. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a roll paper management system including a roll paper remaining amount management system and a roll paper determination device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the roll paper management system that manages the roll paper. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the roll paper management system. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of an RFID label (RFID tag for managing rolls). [Figure 5] This diagram shows a roll of paper with an RFID label attached. [Figure 6] This shows the measurement results of the communication distance when RFID labels are attached to roll paper. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an unmanned forklift. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a specific database. [Figure 9] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remaining amount detection device. [Figure 10] This schematic diagram also shows a portion of a corrugated cardboard sheet manufacturing machine (an example of a processing device) that uses roll paper set in a predetermined position. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the roll paper determination device according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] This diagram schematically shows a state in which the judgment device is positioned in close proximity to a spare roll of paper located in a standby position on the same transport path as the roll of paper set in a predetermined position on the corrugated paper machine. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of a monitor displaying a list of "correct" or "incorrect" judgments for spare rolls of paper, which are connected wirelessly or via wire to each judgment device and placed in all standby positions. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the roll paper management device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a roll paper 200 management system including a roll paper 200 remaining amount management system 300 (see Figure 9 described later) and a roll paper 200 determination device 60 (the remaining amount management system 300 and determination device 60 are added to the storage of roll paper 200 in the storage area and are also referred to as the "roll paper management device"). Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the roll paper 200 that the roll paper 200 management system of Figure 1 is intended to manage, and Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the overall operation of the roll paper 200 management system shown in Figure 1.

[0011] The illustrated management system for the roll paper 200 (an example of a roll body) includes a barcode reader 130, an RFID label issuer 140, a server 150 (an example of a management device), an RFID reader 180 for inventory management, a remaining amount detection device 10, and a determination device 60.

[0012] As an example, the roll paper 200 is a long sheet-like corrugated base paper 202 (see FIG. 2) wound in a roll shape for use by being set on a corrugating machine for manufacturing cardboard sheets.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the roll paper 200 has a hollow cavity 201 formed axially by a tubular core called a paper tube at the central portion in the diameter direction. At both axial ends of this cavity 201, cylindrical reinforcing cylinders 203 (bases) are provided respectively. The reinforcing cylinder 203 is formed of, for example, a metal material, and is provided to prevent the corrugated base paper 202 around the cavity 201 from deforming when the support shaft of a corrugating machine 400 described later is inserted (so-called chucking).

[0014] The barcode reader 130 optically reads the barcode described on the barcode label 110, refers to information (specification information) regarding the specifications of the corrugated base paper 202 (thickness, length, paper type, etc. of the corrugated base paper 202) stored in the barcode reader 130 corresponding to the barcode, and outputs the referred specification information to the outside.

[0015] In the present embodiment, when the roll paper 200 newly arrives in the warehouse (first arrival in the warehouse) (YES in step 1 (S1) of the flowchart in FIG. 3), the barcode on the barcode label 110 attached to the roll paper 200 is read (S2 in FIG. 3), and the specification information corresponding to the barcode is output to the RFID label issuer 140.

[0016] Note that the specification information of the corrugated base paper 202 corresponding to the barcode may not be stored in the barcode reader 130 itself, or may be acquired from an external source such as the server 150.

[0017] The RFID label issuer 140 issues an RFID label 120 (RFID tag) having an IC chip storing an identification code (ID) corresponding to the barcode input from the barcode reader 130 (S3 in FIG. 3). The RFID label 120 issued by the RFID label issuer 140 is manually attached to the incoming roll paper 200 by an operator's hand or automatically by a robot. The roll paper 200 with the RFID label 120 attached is transferred to a predetermined storage area and stored.

[0018] Note that the issuance and attachment of the RFID label 120 may be performed at the manufacturing stage of the roll paper 200.

[0019] (RFID label) FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the RFID label 120 (RFID tag for roll body management) of the present embodiment. The RFID label 120 transmits and receives signals by a radio wave method that uses a frequency in the UHF band (for example, 920 MHz) to transmit and receive signals with an RFID reader.

[0020] The RFID label 120 includes an inlay 124 having a base material layer 121, an antenna portion 122, and an IC chip 123, an adhesive layer 125, and a paper layer 126.

[0021] The base material layer 121 is formed of an insulating resin film. Specifically, for example, it is a resin film such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polypropylene (PP), or polyethylene (PE) alone, or a multilayer film formed by laminating a plurality of these resin films. The base material layer 121 has a main body portion 121A where the antenna portion and the IC chip 123 are provided, and an alignment portion 121C provided at an end via a bent portion 121B.

[0022] The antenna section 122 is a planar antenna for transmitting and receiving signals, and is provided on the main body section 121A of the base layer 121, and is formed of a thin metal film. A suitable material for the thin metal film is, for example, an aluminum (Al) sheet (aluminum sheet), but it is not limited to this. For example, the antenna section 122 can be formed by attaching an aluminum sheet to a base layer 121 made of PET film using dry lamination or the like. The antenna section 122 is not located in the bendable section 121B or the alignment section 121C of the base layer 121. Therefore, the bendable section 121B is easy to bend, and because there is no restorative force against bending of the metal, it is less likely to peel off.

[0023] The antenna portion 122 is rectangular in shape and has a first region 122a, a second region 122b, a third region 122c, a slot portion 122d, and a loop portion 122e. The first region 122a is located near the bent portion 121B of the base material layer 121. The second region 122b is the region connecting the first region 122a and the third region 122c and extends along the longitudinal direction. The third region 122c is shorter in the longitudinal direction than the first region 122a. The slot portion 122d extends along the second region 122b. The loop portion 122e has a pair of arm portions 122f, 122f to which the IC chip 123 is connected, and is formed in an annular shape by the pair of arm portions 122f, 122f and the IC chip 123. The region extending from the first region 122a, excluding the first region 122a (the region to which the IC chip 123 is connected, including the second region 122b, the third region 122c, the slot portion 122d, and the loop portion 122e), is also called the remaining region.

[0024] The IC chip 123 is electrically connected to the antenna unit 122 at the pair of arm sections 122f, 122f of the loop section 122e, and stores various information such as an identification code that identifies the roll body. The IC chip 123 is also equipped with predetermined arithmetic processing functions, and performs arithmetic processing based on the instructions contained in the signal input from the antenna unit 122, and outputs the processing result to the antenna unit 122. The antenna unit 122 transmits the signal containing the processing result input from the IC chip 123 to the RFID reader.

[0025] The adhesive layer 125 is provided on the back surface of the substrate layer 121 where the antenna portion and IC chip 123 are located. Before bonding, the adhesive layer 125 is protected by release paper (not shown), and the release paper is peeled off to expose the adhesive layer 125 before use.

[0026] The paper layer 126 is provided on the base material layer 121 from the main body 121A to the alignment section 121C, sandwiching the antenna section 122 and the IC chip 123. The paper layer 126 makes it possible to print characters on the RFID label 120. In this embodiment, the paper layer 126 located in the main body 121A and the paper layer 126 located in the alignment section 121C can each be printed with identification information for identifying the roll paper 200 and the type of roll paper 200 in characters. The paper layer 126 located in the main body 121A has a large printable area and is mainly the part that is referenced before being attached to the roll paper 200. In contrast, the paper layer 126 located in the alignment section 121C has a small printable area, but as described later, it is mainly the part that is referenced after being attached to the roll paper 200 (see Figure 5). In Figure 4, for the purpose of illustrating the antenna section 122 and the IC chip 123, the paper layer 126 is shown in a transparent state.

[0027] Figure 5 shows the state in which the RFID label 120 is attached to the roll paper 200. As shown in Figure 5, the RFID label 120 is attached by positioning the folded portion 121B of the base layer 121 at the boundary between the end face of the tubular core (more specifically, the end face of the reinforcing cylinder 203 (mouthpiece)) and the cavity 201, attaching the alignment portion 121C to the end face of the tubular core (the end face of the reinforcing cylinder 203), and attaching the main body portion 121A of the base layer 121 inside the cavity 201. By attaching it in this way, the RFID label 120 is such that a part of the antenna portion 122 (in this example, at least a part of the first region 122a) overlaps with and contacts the reinforcing cylinder 203 (mouthpiece), and the IC chip 123 is not positioned on the reinforcing cylinder 203 (mouthpiece). In other words, the RFID label 120 is electrically connected to a metal reinforcing tube 203 (mouthpiece), and the frequency characteristics are adjusted by using the reinforcing tube 203 (mouthpiece) as part of the antenna. Furthermore, since the reinforcing tube 203 (mouthpiece) and the first region 122a of the antenna section 122 are electrically connected, even if the first region 122a is partially damaged by chucking, communication with the RFID reader is not affected. In addition, since the IC chip 123 is not placed on the reinforcing tube 203 (mouthpiece), the IC chip 123 will not be damaged by chucking. Therefore, communication abnormalities due to damage to the IC chip 123 are unlikely to occur. Moreover, as shown in Figure 5, since the alignment portion 121C of the RFID label 120 is attached to the end face of the tubular core (the end face of the reinforcing tube 203), the identification information printed on the paper layer 126 located on the alignment portion 121C is easily visible.

[0028] Figure 6 shows the measurement results of the communication distance when an RFID label 120 is attached to a roll of paper 200. The measurement was performed using the RFID tag / label performance testing device "Tagformance" manufactured by Voyantic. In the graph of Figure 6, the horizontal axis is frequency [MHz] and the vertical axis is the communication distance (theoretical read range forward) [m]. Figure 6(A) shows the measurement results measured from the end face (mirror surface) of the roll of paper 200 with the RFID label 120 attached, and (B) shows the measurement results measured from the side face (body surface) of the roll of paper 200 with the RFID label 120 attached. In both Figure 6(A) and (B), the solid line represents the measurement results when the RFID label 120 is attached to the reinforcing tube 203 (mouthpiece) as described above, and the dashed line represents the measurement results when the RFID label 120 is attached to a tubular core without a reinforcing tube, as a comparative example. As shown in Figure 6, it can be seen that the RFID label 120 of this embodiment, when attached to the reinforcing tube 203 (mouthpiece), extends the communication distance at all measured frequencies.

[0029] The RFID label issuing machine 140 outputs to the server 150 the identification code stored in the IC chip 123 of the issued RFID label 120, and the barcode or specification information of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 obtained from an external source.

[0030] A server 150, which is an example of a management device, includes a database 160 (information storage unit) and an update unit 170. The database 160 stores identification codes (IDs) input from the RFID label issuing machine 140 in association with various information such as specification information and inventory information of corrugated cardboard base paper 202, and the update unit 170 registers the identification codes and specification information of the incoming roll paper 200 in the database 160 in association with each other (S4 in Figure 3).

[0031] (Management within the storage area) In this embodiment, the roll paper 200 is transported to the storage area by an unmanned forklift 190 shown in Figure 7. The unmanned forklift 190 has a mapping means 191 that pre-maps the storage area to create a storage area map and stores it in a map information storage unit 192. The unmanned forklift 190 also has an RFID reader 193 (first RFID reader) that, when transporting the roll paper 200 and storing it in the storage area, reads an identification code that identifies the roll paper 200 from the RFID label 120, associates the storage location of the roll paper 200 within the storage area with the identification code of the roll paper 200 read by the RFID reader 193, outputs this information from the output unit 194 to the server 150, and updates the database 160 (S5 in Figure 3).

[0032] It should be noted that the above-mentioned unmanned forklift 190 is merely an example, and the transport of the roll paper 200 may, of course, be carried out using other transport devices such as manned forklifts. Furthermore, the transport device itself does not need to store a map of the storage area; the map of the storage area may be stored in the server 150 and retrieved for use. Also, the transport device itself does not need to have an RFID reader; an operator accompanying the transport device may carry a mobile RFID reader and read the RFID label 120 during storage. Alternatively, gate-type RFID readers may be installed at the entrance and exit of the storage area to manage the inflow and outflow of the roll paper 200. In this case, it is possible to omit the RFID reader on the unmanned forklift by associating the predetermined storage location with the identification information of the roll paper 200 and outputting it from the output unit 194 to the server 150 to update the database 160.

[0033] (Database) Figure 8 shows an example of a specific database 160. As shown in Figure 8, this example of a specific database 160 includes, as an example of specification information, paper type, initial receipt date, last use date, remaining quantity (remaining length), and as an example of inventory information, storage area and storage location, all associated with an identification code. Note that the specific contents of database 160 are not limited to the example shown in Figure 8.

[0034] The update unit 170 updates the information by overwriting the length in the specification information of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 stored in the database 160 with the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 in the roll paper 200 output from the remaining amount detection device 10 (described later), or by rewriting the inventory information.

[0035] The inventory information in database 160 is updated when the RFID reader 180 for inventory management (described later) reads the RFID label 120 of the roll paper 200 stored in the storage area and queries the server 150 (S6 in Figure 3) (S7 in Figure 3).

[0036] (RFID reader) The RFID reader 180 for inventory management reads identification codes from RFID labels 120 attached to each of the numerous rolls of paper 200 (for example, rolls 210, 220, ..., 280) that have been received and stored in a warehouse or other storage area. The reader then compares these codes with the database 160 on the server 150 and uses them to manage inventory information, such as the presence or absence of rolls of paper 200 (registration and updating of storage areas in the database).

[0037] The RFID reader 180 can read information such as identification codes stored on the RFID label 120 without contacting the RFID label 120, so it does not need to be in close proximity to individual rolls of paper 200 stored in the warehouse, unlike a barcode reader.

[0038] In other words, the identification codes of multiple RFID labels 120 located within a certain range of space can be read almost simultaneously in a single reading. This certain range is the distance within which communication can take place between the RFID reader 180 and the RFID labels 120, and within this range, the RFID reader 180 can read information such as identification codes stored on the RFID labels 120 without physical contact.

[0039] However, the range will vary to some extent depending on the specifications of the RFID reader 180 and RFID label 120, as well as the spatial conditions (whether it is a space partitioned by walls or an open space not partitioned by walls, and the density of the arrangement of rolls of paper 200 with RFID labels 120 attached). Therefore, inventory management using RFID labels 120 can significantly reduce the effort required for inventory management of rolls of paper 200 in the warehouse.

[0040] (Transportation means) The rolls of paper 200 stored in the storage area are transported to a predetermined location by a transport means including an unmanned forklift 190 and a plate-shaped transport body 460 that moves along the transport path 450 shown in Figure 12, which will be described later.

[0041] The placement position refers to the setting position (specifically, predetermined positions 410, 420, 430 in the example described later) where the roll paper 200 is set in the corrugated machine 400 that manufactures cardboard sheets, or the standby position before the setting position (specifically, the standby position 411 in the example described later). In this embodiment, since there is a setting position (predetermined positions 410, 420, 430) and a standby position (standby position 411), the roll paper 200 is first transported to the standby position 411, and then transported to the predetermined positions 410, 420, 430.

[0042] Based on the production plan (described later) held by the server 150, when the roll paper 200 to be used is specified, the server 150 identifies the storage location of the specified roll paper 200 based on the database 160 and instructs the unmanned forklift 190 to unload it. Upon receiving the instruction, the unmanned forklift 190 unloads the roll paper 200 and transports it to the transport unit 460. The transport unit 460 then transports it to the predetermined placement location.

[0043] (Quantity detection device, quantity management system) Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the remaining amount detection device 10, and Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing part of a corrugated cardboard sheet manufacturing machine 400 (an example of a processing device) using roll paper 200 set at predetermined positions 410, 420, and 430 (set positions).

[0044] As shown in Figure 9, the remaining amount detection device 10 includes an RFID reader 20, a sensor 30, and an output unit 40. The remaining amount detection device 10 is positioned, for example, near predetermined positions 410, 420, and 430 where the roll paper 200 is set in a corrugated machine 400 that produces corrugated cardboard sheets by unwinding corrugated cardboard base paper 202 from the roll paper 200, as shown in Figure 10. The remaining amount detection device 10 is configured separately from the corrugated machine 400.

[0045] To set the roll paper 200 at the predetermined position 410, as shown in Figure 12 (described later), the roll paper 200 is placed on a plate-shaped transport body 460 that moves along a transport path 450 formed on the floor, which extends from a waiting position 411 to the predetermined position 410. The transport body 460 carrying the roll paper 200 moves along the transport path 450 to the predetermined position 410, thereby setting the roll paper 200 at the predetermined position 410. The setting of the roll paper 200 at the other predetermined positions 420 and 430 is done in the same manner.

[0046] The range in which the RFID reader is positioned near the predetermined positions 410, 420, and 430 will vary depending on the specifications of the RFID reader 20 and the RFID label 120, as well as the spatial conditions, similar to the case of the RFID reader 180 described above. However, it is the range in which the RFID label 120 of each roll of paper 200 positioned at each predetermined position 410, 420, and 430 can be read.

[0047] In other words, the RFID reader 20, positioned near the predetermined position 410, has its transmitted radio wave direction and electric field strength pre-adjusted, and is configured to communicate with the RFID label 120 on the roll paper 200 positioned at the predetermined position 410, enabling it to read stored identification codes and other information.

[0048] With a similar setup, an RFID reader 20 positioned near a predetermined position 420 can read information such as the identification code of the RFID label 120 on the roll of paper 200 positioned at the predetermined position 420, and an RFID reader 20 positioned near a predetermined position 430 can read information such as the identification code of the RFID label 120 on the roll of paper 200 positioned at the predetermined position 430.

[0049] The sensor 30 non-contactually detects the remaining amount (remaining length) of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 in the roll paper 200 placed at a predetermined position 410. The sensor 30 detects the diameter or radius of the roll paper 200 by, for example, irradiating it with a laser beam. The sensor 30 also includes a calculation unit that calculates the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 based on the detected diameter or radius.

[0050] Specifically, the calculation unit of the sensor 30 calculates the remaining amount based on the detected diameter or radius and the thickness of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202. The thickness of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 is defined by the specifications of the roll paper 200, so the calculation unit may store it in advance, or the output unit 40 of the remaining amount detection device 10 may communicate with the server 150 and obtain the specifications information of the roll paper 200 stored in the database 160 of the server 150.

[0051] The sensor 30 only needs to detect the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 in the roll of paper 200, and is not limited to detecting the diameter or radius of the roll of paper 200 using laser light. Therefore, it may detect the diameter or radius of the roll of paper 200 by a method other than laser light, or it may detect a physical quantity other than the diameter or radius of the roll of paper 200.

[0052] One physical quantity to be detected that is different from the diameter or radius of the roll paper 200 is, for example, the number of rotations per hour (rotational speed) of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 from the roll paper 200 while the corrugating machine 400 is in operation. Since the corrugating machine 400 manufactures corrugated cardboard sheets at a constant speed, the speed at which the roll paper 200 is unwound and the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 is fed out is constant.

[0053] The rotational speed of the roll paper 200, which rotates as the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 is fed out, is determined by the diameter or radius of the roll paper 200. In other words, the rotational speed of the roll paper 200 increases as the diameter or radius decreases. Therefore, by detecting the rotational speed of the roll paper 200, the sensor 30 can detect the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 in relation to the constant speed at which corrugated cardboard sheets are manufactured (the feeding speed of the corrugated cardboard base paper).

[0054] Furthermore, since the constant speed at which corrugated cardboard sheets are manufactured (the feeding speed of the corrugated cardboard base paper) can be obtained in advance when the corrugating machine is operated, the calculation unit of the sensor 30 only needs to store this information beforehand.

[0055] The output unit 40 outputs information that associates the identification code of the roll paper 200 read by the RFID reader 20 with the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 detected by the sensor 30.

[0056] Information linking the identification code of the roll paper 200 output from the output unit 40 with the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 is input to the server 150 (S8 in Figure 3). The server 150's update unit 170 identifies the roll paper 200 corresponding to the input roll paper 200's identification code from the information stored in the database 160 based on the linked information, and overwrites (updates; S9 in Figure 3) the remaining amount of specification information corresponding to the identification code of that roll paper 200 with the remaining amount of the input corrugated cardboard base paper 202. After use, any remaining roll paper 200 is returned to the storage area by the unmanned forklift 190.

[0057] As described in detail above, the remaining amount detection device 10 for the roll paper 200 of this embodiment is configured as follows. Specifically, the remaining amount detection device (remaining amount detection device 10) for the roll body (roll paper 200) of this embodiment includes: an RFID reader (RFID reader 20) that reads an identification code that identifies the roll body from an RFID tag (RFID label 120) attached to the roll body (roll paper 200), which is made of a long, sheet-like material (corrugated cardboard base paper 202) wound into a roll; a sensor (sensor 30) that detects the remaining amount or amount used of the material without contact; and an output unit (output unit 40) that outputs the remaining amount of material for each roll body to a management device (server 150) which stores the remaining amount of material for each roll body, by associating the identification code read by the RFID reader with the remaining amount of material detected by the sensor, or by associating the identification code read by the RFID reader with the amount used detected by the sensor. The remaining amount detection device 10 is positioned near predetermined positions (predetermined positions 410, 420, 430) where the roll body is located in the processing device (corrugating machine 400) that unwinds and uses the material from the roll body.

[0058] With this configuration, the remaining amount detection device 10 of this embodiment can independently acquire the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 wound on the roll paper 200, eliminating the need to modify the corrugating machine 400 or otherwise acquire the remaining amount from the corrugating machine 400.

[0059] Therefore, the remaining amount detection device 10 of this embodiment can automatically acquire and manage the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper in the roll paper 200 without relying on the corrugating machine 400.

[0060] Furthermore, since the sensor 30 in the remaining amount detection device 10 of this embodiment detects the remaining amount of the roll paper 200 without contact with the roll paper 200, there is no contact resistance to the roll paper 200, unlike sensors that detect the remaining amount by contacting the roll paper 200, and therefore it does not affect the operation of the corrugated machine 400.

[0061] The sensor 30 may also be in contact with the roll paper 200. That is, if the sensor 30 is, for example, a driven roller type that contacts the corrugated cardboard base paper 202, the length of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 that is fed out (= circumference × rotation speed; amount used) can be detected by the circumference and rotation speed of the driven roller.

[0062] Furthermore, the remaining amount detection device 10 and the server 150 storing the database 160 of this embodiment constitute a remaining amount management system 300 for roll paper 200 (see Figure 9), which is one embodiment of the present invention. That is, the remaining amount management system for rolls of paper (remaining amount management system 300) of this embodiment comprises a management device (server 150) that stores a database (database 160) which associates an identification code that identifies the roll with the remaining amount of the material (corrugated cardboard base paper 202) in the roll, and a remaining amount detection device (remaining amount detection device 10) of the present invention. The management device includes an update unit (update unit 170) that rewrites the remaining amount of the material associated with the roll of paper for the identification code in the database with the remaining amount input from the remaining amount detection device, or rewrites it with the remaining amount obtained by subtracting the amount used output from the remaining amount detection device from the remaining amount of the material stored in the database.

[0063] With this configuration, the remaining amount management system 300 of this embodiment can independently acquire the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 wound on the roll paper 200, eliminating the need to modify the corrugating machine 400 or otherwise acquire the remaining amount from the corrugating machine 400.

[0064] Therefore, the remaining quantity management system 300 of this embodiment can automatically acquire and manage the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper in the roll paper 200 without relying on the corrugating machine 400, thereby reducing the labor and cost of roll paper inventory management.

[0065] The above description concerns the remaining amount detection device 10 when the roll paper 200 is set in a predetermined position 410 of the corrugated paper machine 400. However, other remaining amount detection devices 10 for roll paper 200 set in other predetermined positions 420 and 430 have a similar configuration and perform the same function.

[0066] Furthermore, although the remaining amount detection device 10 in this embodiment is located near a predetermined position 410 of the corrugating machine 400, the remaining amount detection device of the roll body remaining amount detection device and remaining amount management system according to the present invention is not limited to being located near a predetermined position 410 of the corrugating machine 400.

[0067] In other words, the remaining amount detection device of the remaining amount detection device and remaining amount management system for roll paper according to the present invention may be configured such that a sensor 30 and an RFID reader 20 are placed near a predetermined position 410 of the corrugated machine 400, an output unit 40 is placed at a position away from the predetermined position 410, and the sensor 30 and RFID reader 20 and the output unit 40 are connected wirelessly.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the remaining amount management system 300, which is one embodiment of the present invention and includes the remaining amount detection device 10 and a server 150 storing a database 160, the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 wound on the roll paper 200 can be independently acquired, eliminating the need to acquire the information from the corrugating machine 400 by modifying the corrugating machine 400 or the like.

[0069] The sensor 30 in the remaining amount detection device 10 of this embodiment detects the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202, but the physical quantity detected by the sensor 30 is not limited to the radius or diameter of the roll paper 200 or the rotation speed of the roll paper 200 as described above. In other words, the sensor 30 may detect the length (amount used) of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 from the roll paper 200 that has been used by the corrugating machine 400.

[0070] In this case, the sensor 30 only needs to detect the length of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 being fed out by the corrugating machine 400. The remaining amount (initial value) of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 before the roll paper 200 is set in the predetermined position 410 of the corrugating machine 400 is stored in the database 160.

[0071] Therefore, by detecting the amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 used by the corrugating machine 400, the sensor 30 can obtain the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 by subtracting the amount used from the remaining amount (initial value) obtained from the database 160.

[0072] Furthermore, if the corrugating machine 400 is equipped with a monitor that displays the remaining amount or amount used of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 in the roll paper 200 currently set and in use at a predetermined position 410, a camera device that photographs the remaining amount or amount used displayed on the monitor and obtains the image of the remaining amount or amount used obtained by image recognition processing can also be used as the sensor 30. In other words, the sensor 30 can be any device that acquires the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 in the roll paper 200 set at predetermined positions 410, 420, and 430. Therefore, if the corrugating machine 400 can be modified, it may be modified to output information on the remaining amount or amount used of the roll paper 200 directly from the control device of the corrugating machine 400, thereby acquiring the remaining amount or amount used and updating the database 160.

[0073] (judgment device) Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the roll paper determination device 60, and Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the determination device 60 positioned near a spare roll paper 220 (200) located at a standby position 411 on the same transport path 450 as the roll paper 210 (200) set at a predetermined position 410 of the corrugated machine.

[0074] The determination device 60 is an embodiment of a roll determination device and, as shown in Figure 11, comprises an RFID reader 20 (second RFID reader), a matching unit 70, and a determination output unit 80. The determination device 60 is positioned, for example, as shown in Figure 12, near a spare roll of paper 220 located at a standby position 411 on the same transport path 450 as the roll of paper 210 that is set and used at a predetermined position 410 of the corrugated machine.

[0075] The roll paper 220, placed on the transport body 460 and positioned at the standby position 411, is a spare roll paper used when the remaining amount of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 in the roll paper 210 currently being used by the corrugating machine 400 runs out. When the remaining amount of roll paper 210 set at the predetermined position 410 runs out, the roll paper 220 set at the standby position 411 moves along the transport path 450 to the predetermined position 410 while still placed on the transport body 460, and is set at the predetermined position 410 in place of the roll paper 210. The roll paper 220 set at the predetermined position 410 is then used by the corrugating machine 400 to manufacture corrugated cardboard sheets.

[0076] The RFID reader 20 communicates only with the RFID label 120 on the roll paper 220 located at the standby position 411 and reads the stored identification code and other information, but does not communicate with the RFID label 120 on the roll paper 210 located at the predetermined position 410 and does not read the identification code and other information stored on the RFID label 120 on the roll paper 210.

[0077] The verification unit 70 communicates with the server 150 to obtain the correct specifications (such as the type of corrugated cardboard base paper 202) of the roll paper 200 to be placed at the predetermined position 410 from the production plan held by the server 150.

[0078] The production plan held by server 150 is a production plan formulated by a production management system that manages the production of corrugated cardboard sheets using the corrugating machine 400. The production plan includes the correct specifications of the roll paper 200 required in accordance with the production plan for manufacturing corrugated cardboard sheets using the corrugating machine 400.

[0079] The matching unit 70 queries the database 160 of the server 150 for the identification code stored on the RFID label 120 of the roll paper 220 at the standby position 411, which was read by the RFID reader 20. The matching unit 70 then compares the specification information corresponding to the identification code of the roll paper 220 obtained from the database 160 with the correct specifications obtained from the production plan held by the server 150, and outputs the result of the specification matching of the roll paper 220 to the judgment output unit 80. In this embodiment, the specification matching result is the result of whether the specifications of the roll paper 220 match the correct specifications that should be set at the predetermined position 410 of the corrugated machine 400. The specification information includes information such as the thickness, length, and type of corrugated cardboard base paper 202, but it is not necessary to match all of it; it is also possible to match only the type information.

[0080] The determination output unit 80 is, for example, a display device, and displays (outputs) a determination according to the verification result of whether the specifications of the roll paper 220 set in the standby position 411, which is input from the verification unit 70, match the correct specifications that should be set in the predetermined position 410 of the corrugated paper machine 400.

[0081] Specifically, when the system receives input indicating that the specifications of the roll paper 220 match the correct specifications, the judgment output unit 80 displays a judgment of "Correct". On the other hand, when the system receives input indicating that the specifications of the roll paper 220 do not match the correct specifications, the judgment output unit 80 displays a judgment of "Incorrect".

[0082] When the judgment output unit 80 displays a "false" judgment, it makes the "false" display more conspicuous to inform surrounding workers that the roll paper 220 set in the standby position 411 is of the wrong specifications. Specifically, the judgment output unit 80 displays the "false" judgment in a color that is easily noticeable to workers, or makes it flash.

[0083] In addition, the judgment output unit 80 may generate an alarm sound to notify the worker, either by making the display more prominent or in combination with making the display more prominent.

[0084] If the determination of the roll paper 220 waiting at the standby position 411 is "incorrect", the determination output unit outputs an instruction signal to the transport body 460 to prevent it from being automatically transported from the standby position 411 to the predetermined position 410, and maintains the roll paper 220 stopped at the standby position 411.

[0085] On the other hand, when the roll paper 220 is judged as "positive", the judgment output unit 80 outputs an instruction signal to the transport unit 460 that allows the spare roll paper 220 from the standby position 411 to be automatically transported to the predetermined position 410 when the remaining amount of roll paper 210 at the predetermined position 410 runs out.

[0086] In this embodiment, the determination device 60 is placed at the standby position 411. However, in cases where there is no standby position, the determination device 60 may be placed at the set positions (predetermined positions 410, 420, 430).

[0087] As described in detail above, the roll paper determination device 60 is configured as follows. Specifically, the roll body (roll paper) determination device 60 includes an RFID reader (RFID reader 20) that reads the identification code stored in the RFID tag (RFID label 120) of a roll body (roll paper 220) which is a long sheet-like material (corrugated cardboard base paper 202) wound into a roll and is placed in a waiting position (waiting position 411) before being placed in a predetermined position (predetermined position 410); a comparison unit (comparison unit 70) that acquires the correct specifications of the roll body to be placed in the predetermined position, compares the acquired correct specifications with the specifications corresponding to the identification code of the roll body at the waiting position read by the RFID reader and outputs a comparison result; and a determination output unit (determination output unit 80) that outputs a determination of whether or not the specifications of the roll body at the waiting position are correct according to the comparison result.

[0088] With this configuration, the roll paper determination device 60 can automatically determine whether the roll paper 220, which is placed in standby position 411 as a spare roll paper for the roll paper 210 used in the corrugated machine 400 and placed in predetermined position 410, is in the correct specifications as a spare roll paper, before the roll paper 220 is actually set in predetermined position 410.

[0089] Then, if the verification results indicate that the roll paper 220 is of the wrong specifications, the roll paper 220, which is stopped in the standby position 411, should be manually moved out of the standby position 411, and the roll paper 200 with the correct specifications should be repositioned in the standby position 411.

[0090] This improves the operational efficiency of the corrugated paper machine 400 compared to a scenario where a roll of paper 220 with incorrect specifications is actually placed in the designated position 410, and the error in specifications is only noticed at that point.

[0091] In other words, if a roll of paper 220 with incorrect specifications is placed in the designated position 410, and the error in specifications is noticed at that time, extra setup is required to move the roll of paper 220 out of the designated position 410 and reposition the roll of paper with the correct specifications in the designated position 410. As a result, the corrugating machine 400 will be stopped for a longer time compared to when such extra setup is not required, reducing the operating efficiency of the corrugating machine 400.

[0092] However, since the determination device 60 can determine the specification error of the roll paper 220 with the wrong specifications at the standby position 411 before it is placed at the predetermined position 410, the roll paper 220 with the wrong specifications can be replaced with roll paper with the correct specifications while the roll paper 210 placed at the predetermined position 410 is in use and the corrugating machine 400 is in operation, thus avoiding extending the time the corrugating machine 400 is stopped and preventing a decrease in the operating efficiency of the corrugating machine 400.

[0093] Furthermore, since the determination device 60 does not obtain information regarding the specifications of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 used in manufacturing by the corrugated machine 400 from the corrugated machine 400, there is no need to modify the corrugated machine 400.

[0094] In other words, the determination device 60 can automatically determine the specifications of the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 in the roll paper 220 placed at the standby position 411, without relying on the corrugating machine 400.

[0095] In the judgment device 60, the judgment output unit 80 itself outputs the judgment display and sound. However, in the judgment device according to the present invention, the judgment output unit may output the judgment to an external monitor connected wirelessly or the like, and display the judgment or generate an alarm sound on that monitor.

[0096] Figure 13 shows an example of a screen display on the monitor 90 (display device) showing a list of "correct" or "incorrect" judgments for each spare roll of paper 220, which is connected wirelessly or by wire to each judgment device 60 and placed at all standby positions 411, 421, and 431.

[0097] For example, as shown in Figure 10, in a corrugated paper machine 400 where two rolls of paper 200, 200 currently in use are placed at predetermined positions 410, 420, 430, and 431 respectively, two spare rolls of paper 220 are placed at standby positions 411, 421, and 431, corresponding to the rolls of paper 200 currently in use at each predetermined position 410, 420, and 430.

[0098] Therefore, a judgment device 60 corresponding to each spare roll of paper may be placed, and the judgment output unit 80 of each judgment device 60 may display a list of "correct" or "incorrect" judgments for all the spare rolls of paper 220 (a total of 6) placed at the standby positions 411, 421, and 431 on an external monitor 90 connected to each judgment device 60 wirelessly or by wire, as shown in Figure 13. The external monitor 90 may be connected to each judgment device 60 via a server 150. Note that the external monitor 90 is separate from the judgment device 60, but may be part of the components that make up the judgment device 60.

[0099] In this way, by outputting the judgments of multiple spare rolls of paper 220 in a list format on a single monitor 90, the judgments of multiple spare rolls of paper 220 can be checked all at once on a single monitor 90, reducing the effort required for checking the judgments of each individual judgment device 60.

[0100] The above explanation assumes that the determination device 60 has a separate configuration from the remaining amount detection device 10, but the determination device 60 may also be integrated into the remaining amount detection device 10. In this case, the RFID reader 20 of the determination device 60 and the RFID reader 20 of the remaining amount detection device 10 can be shared by a single RFID reader 20.

[0101] Although embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and modifications are, of course, possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0102] The roll paper management system of this embodiment uses roll paper 200, in which a long sheet of corrugated cardboard base paper 202 is wound into a roll, as the roll body, and uses a corrugating machine 400, which unwinds the corrugated cardboard base paper 202 from the roll paper 200, as the processing device.

[0103] However, the roll paper management system according to the present invention is not limited to corrugated cardboard base paper, but can also be applied to processing equipment that performs manufacturing and other processing using rolls in which sheet-like, long materials (paper, cloth, resin, metal) are wound into rolls, not limited to corrugated machines. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 10. Remaining quantity detection device 20 RFID readers 40 Output section 120 RFID labels 121 Base material layer 121A Main Unit 121B Folding section 121C Alignment section 122 Antenna section 123 IC chips 124 Inlays 125 Adhesive layer 126 Paper layer 150 servers 190 Unmanned forklifts 200 rolls of paper 202 Corrugated cardboard base paper 400 corrugated machine 410 Predetermined position

Claims

1. When storing a roll of long, sheet-like material with an RFID tag attached in a storage area, a first RFID reader reads an identification code from the RFID tag to identify the roll, An information storage unit that stores the storage location of the roll body within the storage area and the identification code of the roll body read by the first RFID reader in association with each other, A conveying means for transporting the roll body stored in the storage area from the storage position of the roll body stored in the information storage unit to a predetermined placement position, A second RFID reader reads the identification code from the RFID tag attached to the roll body positioned at the aforementioned location, A matching unit obtains the correct type of roll body to be placed at the aforementioned placement position, compares the obtained correct type with the type corresponding to the identification code of the roll body at the placement position read by the second RFID reader, and outputs a matching result. A roll body management device comprising: a determination output unit that outputs whether the type of roll body at the placement position is suitable or not according to the matching result.

2. In the roll body management device according to claim 1, The system further includes a mapping means for pre-mapping the storage area and creating a storage area map. The aforementioned storage location is information indicating the location on the storage area map. A roll body management device characterized by the following features.

3. In the roll body management device according to claim 1, The aforementioned placement position is the set position in the processing apparatus for unwinding and using the material from the roll body, or the standby position prior to the set position. A roll body management device characterized by the following features.

4. In the roll body management device according to claim 3, The aforementioned roll body is a roll of paper in which corrugated cardboard base paper is wound into a roll shape as the material, The processing apparatus is a corrugating machine that manufactures corrugated cardboard sheets using the corrugated cardboard base paper. A roll body management device characterized by the following features.

5. In the roll body management device according to claim 1, The system further includes a remaining amount acquisition unit that acquires the remaining amount or amount used of the aforementioned material, The information storage unit stores the remaining amount or amount used of the material acquired by the remaining amount acquisition unit in association with the identification code of the roll body read by the second RFID reader. A roll body management device characterized by the following features.

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