Can manufacturing system

Abstract

To operate a canning system appropriately.SOLUTION: A canning system comprises: a processing device having a plurality of processing units that performs the same processing step related to canning, or a processing device group including a plurality of processing devices each having a processing unit that performs a processing step related to canning; a transport device that transports a plurality of processing products processed in the plurality of processing units in a mixed state; and an inspection device that acquires at least some of the processing products from the plurality of processing products, reads a mark attached to the processing product and indicating which processing unit out of the plurality of processing units has been processed, and measures the dimension of the processing product; and an evaluation device that evaluates a state of each of the processing units based on the mark read by the inspection device and the measured dimension.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a can manufacturing system.

Background Art

[0002] The can manufacturing process includes a large number of processing steps. In order to manufacture a large number of cans, a plurality of devices and tools that perform the same processing are used in each processing step. In the can manufacturing process, confirmation work is performed to check whether appropriate processing is performed by each device or tool in each processing step. For example, inspections are conducted in which an operator periodically extracts cans from the middle of the production line and measures the dimensions of the cans during production.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses that inspection is efficiently performed, defective cans are detected at an early stage, and the defective cans are removed from the production line. This document discloses that a trimming device that performs trimming after drawing and ironing is provided with a measuring device and a removing device, 100% inspection is performed, and cans whose dimensions are outside the allowable range are removed.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to properly operate a can manufacturing system, it is necessary to grasp the state of each processing unit that performs each processing. An object of the present invention is to properly operate a can manufacturing system.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a can-making system comprises a processing apparatus having multiple processing units that perform the same processing steps related to can-making, or a group of processing apparatuses including multiple processing units that perform processing steps related to can-making; a conveying apparatus that conveys multiple processed products mixed together after being processed by the multiple processing units; an inspection apparatus that acquires at least some of the multiple processed products, reads a mark attached to the processed product indicating which of the multiple processing units processed it, and measures the dimensions of the processed product; and an evaluation apparatus that evaluates the state of each of the processing units based on the mark read by the inspection apparatus and the measured dimensions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the can manufacturing system can be operated appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a can manufacturing system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the system configuration for the latter half of the preceding process. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a front-end inspection device. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the measurement area of ​​a trimmed can, and schematically shows the can cut lengthwise. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a height measuring device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a plate thickness measuring device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a can bottom measuring device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a Necker flanger configuration. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a post-processing inspection device. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic example of the configuration of a dimensional measuring instrument. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a schematic diagram showing the information obtained using the first code reader. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a schematic diagram illustrating the information obtained using the second code reader. [Figure 11C] Figure 11C is a schematic diagram illustrating the information obtained using the front-end inspection equipment. [Figure 11D] Figure 11D is a schematic diagram illustrating the information obtained using the third code reader. [Figure 11E] Figure 11E is a schematic diagram illustrating the information obtained using a post-processing inspection device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the thickness of the central plate and time. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] One embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment relates to a can manufacturing system for producing aluminum cans, such as beverage cans made of aluminum or aluminum alloy, although it is not limited to this embodiment. In the can manufacturing system of this embodiment, information is acquired regarding which processing equipment and which tool processed each can to be manufactured, and the dimensions of the manufactured can are measured. Based on the obtained information, the condition of the processing equipment is evaluated.

[0010] [Overview of the Can Manufacturing Company] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a can manufacturing system 1 according to this embodiment. The can manufacturing system 1 comprises an uncoiler 11, a lubricator 12, a copper 13, a code marking device 14, a body maker 15, a trimmer 16, a washer 17, a pre-process inspection device 18, a coater / printer / pin oven 21, a spray machine 22, a body oven 23, a necker / flanger 24, a post-process inspection device 25, a palletizer 26, and a central control device 30.

[0011] The uncoiler 11 feeds and unrolls a sheet material made of aluminum or aluminum alloy wound into a coil, which is the raw material. The lubricator 12 applies lubricant to the unrolled sheet. The cupper 13 punches the lubricant-coated sheet into cup shapes.

[0012] In this embodiment, the coding device 14 applies a code indicating a unique value to each cup. For example, the coding device 14 prints a two-dimensional code indicating a unique value on the bottom surface of the cup punched by the cupper 13 through laser processing. The position where the code is applied is not limited to this, and may be any position. The code may be in any form, such as numbers or barcodes. The code is not limited to application by laser processing, and may be applied by any method such as ink printing.

[0013] The bodymaker 15 performs draw and ironing processing on the cup coded by the coding device 14 while using lubricant, to thin and elongate the can body, and form the can bottom. The trimmer 16 cuts off unnecessary portions at the opening-side end of the can whose bottom has been formed and body has been elongated, to adjust the height of the can body. As described above, a trimmed can, which can also be referred to as a plain can, is formed. The washer 17 cleans the formed can, washes away lubricant and other contaminants, and dries the can.

[0014] The pre-process inspection device 18 inspects the trimmed can obtained through the pre-processes as described above. For example, the pre-process inspection device 18 measures the dimensions of each part of the trimmed can. Based on the measurement results, it is determined whether these dimensions are appropriate.

[0015] The coater-printer-pin oven 21 applies a primer, prints, and varnishes to the trimmed exterior of the can. Drying and baking processes are carried out during the painting and printing. The spray machine 22 applies paint to the interior of the can for coating the interior. The body oven 23 dries and bakes the applied paint. The necker-flanger 24 narrows and shapes the can opening, creating a flange that extends the can rim outwards for crimping the lid.

[0016] The post-processing inspection device 25 inspects the finished cans produced in the post-processing steps described above. For example, the post-processing inspection device 25 inspects the inner and outer surfaces for defects. The post-processing inspection device 25 also measures dimensions such as the position of printing on the can. Furthermore, the post-processing inspection device 25 measures dimensions such as the height of the finished can and the width of the flange. Based on the measurement results, it is determined whether these dimensions are appropriate. Based on the inspection results, the post-processing inspection device 25 rejects any defective cans.

[0017] Palletizer 26 stacks the inspected finished cans onto pallets. The stacked finished cans are then shipped.

[0018] The central control unit 30 has a computer. The central control unit 30 acquires information about the status of the devices and cans from each of the above-mentioned devices and controls the operation of each device.

[0019] In the can manufacturing system 1 according to this embodiment, a unique code is assigned to each can by a code assignment device 14. Each device used in each process has a reader to read this code. Each device associates the code of the can that it reads with information such as the time the can was processed by the device or the time the code was read, and which of the multiple processing devices or tools was used on the can. This information is transmitted to the central control device 30. The central control device 30 analyzes the information acquired from each device and uses it to control the can manufacturing system 1.

[0020] In this example, the code-applying device 14 is provided after the copper plate 13, and the code is applied to the punched-out cups. However, this is not the only option. The code-applying device 14 may also be provided before the copper plate 13, and the code may be applied to an appropriate position on the plate material before it is punched out.

[0021] [Regarding the previous process] Figure 2 schematically shows the system configuration for the latter half of the preceding process. The code-assigning device 14 assigns a unique code to the bottom of each can 90. The cans 90 with assigned codes are then transported by a transport device 191, such as a belt conveyor.

[0022] The can-making system 1 is equipped with multiple machines each as processing devices, namely the body makers 15 and trimmers 16. The body makers 15, as a group of processing devices, consist of n processing devices, namely the first body maker 151, the second body maker 152, ..., the nth body maker 15n. Paired with each body maker, the trimmers 16, as a group of processing devices, consist of n processing devices, namely the first trimmer 161, the second trimmer 162, ..., the nth trimmer 16n. The number of body makers and trimmers is determined by considering the production rate per unit time for the can-making system 1 line, the processing rate per unit time for each body maker and trimmer, the required number of spare machines, the adjustment time for each machine, and so on.

[0023] In this embodiment, each body maker has one processing section and processes one can 90 at a time. On the other hand, each trimmer has multiple pockets for holding the cans 90, and each pocket is provided with a separate tool. That is, each trimmer has multiple processing sections. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the first trimmer 161 has three pockets, in which the first tool 1611, the second tool 1612, and the third tool 1613 are provided.

[0024] The cup-shaped cans 90, transported by the conveying device 191, are introduced into one of the machines of the body maker 15. The body maker 15 performs a drawing and ironing process on the cup-shaped cans 90. At this time, it is not controlled which can 90 is processed in which machine of the body maker 15. Therefore, each machine of the body maker 15 is provided with, for example, a first code reader 51 at the entrance to read the code assigned to each can 90. That is, the first body maker 151 is provided with a 1-1 code reader 511, the second body maker 152 is provided with a 1-2 code reader 512, and similarly, the nth body maker 15n is provided with a 1-n code reader 51n. The first code reader 51 has, for example, a camera that photographs the code assigned to the can 90. Based on the image of the code captured by the camera, a value unique to the can 90 is identified. The information relating to the codes of each can 90 read by the first code reader 51 is transmitted to the central control unit 30. Based on this information, the central control unit 30 can determine which can 90 was manufactured, when, and by which machine of the body manufacturer 15.

[0025] Similarly, each trimmer 16 unit, for example at the inlet, is provided with a second code reader 52 that reads the code assigned to each can 90. That is, the first trimmer 161 is provided with a second-first code reader 521, the second trimmer 162 is provided with a second-second code reader 522, and similarly, the nth trimmer 16n is provided with a second-n code reader 52n. For example, the code read by the second-first code reader 521 is associated with information such as whether the can was processed with the first tool 1611, the second tool 1612, or the third tool 1613 of the first trimmer 161. The information relating to the code of each can 90 read by the second code reader 52 is transmitted to the central control device 30. Based on this information, the central control device 30 can determine which can 90 was processed, when, and with which tool of which trimmer 16 unit.

[0026] Here, an example is shown in which the first code reader 51 and the second code reader 52 are provided at the entrances of the body maker 15 and trimmer 16, respectively. However, this is not limited to this configuration. The first code reader 51 or the second code reader 52 may also be provided at the exit of the body maker 15 or trimmer 16, respectively.

[0027] The cans 90 formed by the body maker 15 and trimmer 16 are transported by the conveying device 192 to the washer 17 where a cleaning process takes place. In the washer 17, the cans 90 are transported upright with their bottoms facing upwards, for example, on a mesh conveyor. In the washer 17, cleaning solution is sprayed onto the cans 90 to clean them, and the cleaned cans 90 are dried using hot air or the like.

[0028] In this way, the cans 90 formed and washed in the previous process are transported to the previous process inspection device 18 by the transport device 193. In the transport device 193, the cans 90 are inverted, and the cans 90 are transported to the previous process inspection device 18 with the bottom facing down and the trimmed opening facing upwards.

[0029] Here, the cans 90 discharged from the trimmer 16 and transported to the washer 17 are transported in the transport device 192 as follows, as schematically shown in Figure 2. That is, the cans 90 discharged from the first trimmer 161 are transported in an aligned order. Here, the cans 90 processed by the first tool 1611, the cans 90 processed by the second tool 1612, and the cans 90 processed by the third tool 1613 are lined up in order. Then, the cans 90 discharged from the second trimmer 162 and similarly aligned are added and transported. In the same manner thereafter, the cans 90 discharged from the nth trimmer 16n are added in order and transported in the transport device 192. The spacing between the cans 90 widens if the width of the transport path of the transport device widens or the transport speed increases, and narrows if the width of the transport path narrows, the transport speed slows down, or transport temporarily stops, or they may become jammed until they touch, as shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, if the transport path curves, the order of the cans 90 may change. As a result, although they may become somewhat mixed and jumbled, the general trend is that the cans 90 discharged from each trimmer from the first trimmer 161 to the nth trimmer 16n are transported in a line. This state is maintained almost entirely until they reach the pre-process inspection device 18. Of course, if the width of the transport path is wide, cans 90 discharged from one trimmer will be transported in two or more lines, and if the width of the transport path is narrow, one line will contain cans 90 discharged from two or more trimmers. In Figure 2, the cans 90 are depicted in an orderly arrangement, but this is not the only way. There may be any spacing between the cans 90, and the cans 90 may be transported in an irregular arrangement.

[0030] [Regarding front-end inspection equipment] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of the front-end inspection device 18. As described above, the front-end inspection device 18 measures the dimensions of the cans 90 manufactured in the front-end process. In this embodiment, the front-end inspection device 18 performs measurements non-contact so as not to damage or contaminate the cans 90. While it is preferable for the front-end inspection device 18 to measure all the cans 90, it is not possible to measure all the cans 90 that are manufactured because the measurement takes time. Therefore, it extracts only the number of cans 90 that can be measured. For this reason, the front-end inspection device 18 has an extraction device 181 that extracts cans 90 from the conveying device 194 that is transporting the cans 90.

[0031] As described above, the cans 90 transported from the washer 17 to the pre-process inspection device 18 are transported in the transport device 194 within the pre-process inspection device 18 with multiple cans 90 present in the width direction perpendicular to the transport direction. Furthermore, in the transport device 194, the cans 90 processed by the first body maker 151 and the first trimmer 161, through to the nth body maker 15n and the nth trimmer 16n, are distributed in the width direction. Therefore, in order to extract the cans 90 processed by all the machines, the extraction device 181 is configured to extract multiple processed items from different positions in the width direction of the transport path of the transport device 194. Preferably, the extraction device 181 is configured to extract multiple cans 90 as a single unit at once from the entire width direction of the transport path.

[0032] For example, if there are five body makers 15 and trimmers 16, and each trimmer 16 has three pockets, the extraction device 181 extracts 30 cans 90 as a group from the conveying device 194, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 3, so that, for example, two cans 90 are extracted from each trimmer 16. If the measurement of dimensions by the pre-processing inspection device 18 takes, for example, one minute per can, then such extraction of cans 90 will occur once every 30 minutes. It is expected that in most cases, the extracted cans 90 will include cans 90 processed by all the body makers 15 and trimmers 16 and all the pockets of the trimmers 16. Thus, the number of cans 90 extracted as a group can be set to be greater than or equal to the total number of processing parts, for example, the product of the number of trimmers 16 and the number of pockets per trimmer 16. For example, if two to three times the number of processing parts of cans 90 are extracted at once from the entire width of the conveying path, it is expected that these cans 90 will include cans 90 processed by all the processing parts.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 3, the cans 90 are transported from left to right in the figure by a conveyor in the transport device 194. Some of the cans 90 are then transported by the conveyor of the extraction device 181 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport device 194, that is, from top to bottom in the figure. In the extraction device 181, the transport path gradually narrows, and the cans are introduced one by one into the measuring instrument.

[0034] The following configuration is one possible for the extraction device 181. Normally, in Figure 3, the cans 90 are transported from left to right on the conveyor of the transport device 194. During extraction, a plate or rod-shaped member is inserted into the conveyor to form a wall that blocks the right side of Figure 3 and leaves the bottom open, guiding the cans 90 downwards in the figure. The conveyor of the extraction device 181 transports the cans 90 from top to bottom in the figure. More specifically, for example, during extraction, the conveyor of the transport device 194 is temporarily stopped just before the entrance of the extraction device 181's conveyor, while the conveyor of the transport device 194 continues to operate downstream, so that there are no cans 90 on the conveyor of the transport device 194 at the entrance of the extraction device 181's conveyor. In this state, a plate or rod-shaped member is inserted diagonally from the upper wall of the transport device 194's conveyor towards the right wall of the extraction device 181's conveyor in the area where the cans 90 have been removed. Subsequently, the movement of the conveyor of the transport device 194, which had been stopped, is restarted, and the cans 90 are transported from left to bottom in Figure 3 by the conveyor of the transport device 194 and the conveyor of the extraction device 181. Once a predetermined number of cans 90 have been introduced onto the conveyor of the extraction device 181, the wall-like plate or rod-shaped member that had been inserted is removed, and the cans 90 are transported again by the conveyor of the transport device 194 from left to right in the figure, returning to the normal state.

[0035] Alternatively, the extraction device 181 may be configured as follows: The extraction device 181 includes a flat suction device of a size corresponding to the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 3. This suction device is pressed against the cans 90 on the conveyor of the transport device 194 and is configured to suck up the cans 90. By suction by this suction device, a predetermined number of cans 90 in the area enclosed by the dashed line in Figure 3 are grasped, and the suction device is lifted, thereby extracting the predetermined number of cans 90. Subsequently, the suction device is moved horizontally and lowered onto the conveyor of the extraction device 181, and the suction by the suction device is released, so that the grasped cans are placed on the conveyor. Subsequently, the cans 90 are transported downwards in Figure 3 on the conveyor of the extraction device 181.

[0036] The pre-process inspection device 18 includes a third code reader 182, a height measuring device 183, a plate thickness measuring device 184, and a can bottom measuring device 185. The cans 90 extracted by the extraction device 181 are sent one by one to the third code reader 182, the height measuring device 183, the plate thickness measuring device 184, and the can bottom measuring device 185.

[0037] The third code reader 182, for example equipped with a camera, reads the code attached to the bottom of the received trimmed can 90. After reading the code, the can 90 is sent to the height measuring device 183.

[0038] The height measuring device 183 measures the can height BTH of a trimmed can 90 as shown in Figure 4. For this purpose, the height measuring device 183 has a device configuration such as that schematically shown in Figure 5. Specifically, the height measuring device 183 has a light emitter 1831 and a light receiver 1832 positioned opposite each other. The light emitter 1831 is configured to emit a strip of laser light having a predetermined width. The light receiver 1832 is configured to receive this laser light. As shown in Figure 5, the laser light between the light emitter 1831 and the light receiver 1832 is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal. The can 90 to be measured is positioned between the light emitter 1831 and the light receiver 1832 such that the mouth of the can 90 blocks a portion of the laser light. Based on the width of the laser light received by the light receiver 1832, the can height BTH of the can 90 to be measured is determined. It is preferable that the can height BTH measurement is performed at multiple points in the circumferential direction while the can 90 to be measured is rotated around its axis. For example, the can 90 to be measured is fixed to the measuring machine's stand by suction using the dome shape of its bottom, and this stand is rotated 45 degrees at a time to measure at eight points. After the can height BTH is measured, the can 90 is sent to the plate thickness measuring instrument 184.

[0039] The plate thickness measuring instrument 184 measures the upper plate thickness Tf and the central plate thickness Tw of a trimmed can 90 as shown in Figure 4. Here, the upper plate thickness Tf is the plate thickness of the upper part of the can 90 after necking and flange formation, and the central plate thickness Tw is the plate thickness of the central part of the can body. To measure the plate thickness, the plate thickness measuring instrument 184 has a device configuration such as that schematically shown in Figure 6. Specifically, the plate thickness measuring instrument 184 includes an external light-emitting and receiving sensor 1841, an internal light-emitting and receiving sensor 1842, a prism 1843, and a calibration plate 1844.

[0040] Each of the external light-emitting and receiving sensors 1841 and 1842 is configured to measure the distance to the object to be measured by irradiating the object with laser light and receiving the reflected light. The external light-emitting and receiving sensor 1841 irradiates laser light from the outside of the can 90 to the measurement position on the can body to determine the position on the outer surface of the can body. The internal light-emitting and receiving sensor 1842 irradiates laser light from the inside of the can 90 to the measurement position on the can body via a prism 1843 to determine the position on the inner surface of the can body. The plate thickness at the measurement position is determined based on the measurements taken by the external light-emitting and receiving sensor 1841 and the internal light-emitting and receiving sensor 1842.

[0041] The external light-emitting and receiving sensor 1841, the internal light-emitting and receiving sensor 1842, and the prism 1843 are configured to move as a whole in the height direction of the can 90. The plate thickness measuring instrument 184 is also configured to perform the same measurement on a calibration plate 1844 provided on the top of the can 90. Therefore, the plate thickness measuring instrument 184 can measure the upper plate thickness Tf at the top of the can 90 and the central plate thickness Tw at the center of the can 90 using this value as a reference. It is preferable that the measurement of the upper plate thickness Tf and the central plate thickness Tw is performed at multiple points in the circumferential direction while rotating the can 90 to be measured around its axis. After the measurement of the upper plate thickness Tf and the central plate thickness Tw, the can 90 is sent to the can bottom measuring instrument 185.

[0042] The can bottom measuring device 185 measures the can bottom depth BS, which is the depth of the recess at the bottom of a trimmed can 90 as shown in Figure 4. For this purpose, the can bottom measuring device 185 has a device configuration such as that schematically shown in Figure 7. Specifically, the can bottom measuring device 185 has a light-emitting and receiving sensor 1851 that is positioned opposite the bottom of the can 90. The light-emitting and receiving sensor 1851 is configured to measure the distance to the object to be measured by irradiating the object with laser light and receiving the reflected light. The can bottom depth BS is measured by the light-emitting and receiving sensor 1851.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, when a dome shape is formed on the bottom of the can, the can bottom depth BS is, for example, the depth of the deepest part of the dome shape. In this case, due to the presence of distortions in the shape of the can 90, an accurate measurement of the can bottom depth BS cannot be expected with a single measurement. Therefore, in the measurement using the can bottom measuring instrument 185, multiple measurements are taken while slightly shifting the position of the light-emitting and receiving sensor 1851 to search for an appropriate position and determine the accurate can bottom depth BS.

[0044] The can bottom depth BS can be appropriately defined depending on the shape of the can 90. For example, if the can bottom is flat rather than dome-shaped, the can bottom depth BS may be the depth of the central part of the flat section, or it may be the average of several measurements. After measuring the can bottom depth BS, the can 90 is sent to the return device 186.

[0045] The return device 186 returns the cans 90, after each part has been measured, to the conveying device 194. In this way, the measured cans 90, along with the cans 90 that were not extracted for measurement, are sent downstream to the can manufacturing process. If the return device 186 detects any abnormalities in the measurements described above, it rejects the can without returning it to the conveying device 194.

[0046] Furthermore, the height measuring instrument 183, the plate thickness measuring instrument 184, and the can bottom measuring instrument 185 require precise measurements. Therefore, each measuring instrument is calibrated using a calibration can with known dimensions at a predetermined frequency, such as once a day, or when changing the mold of the can being manufactured. Note that the configurations of the height measuring instrument 183, plate thickness measuring instrument 184, and can bottom measuring instrument 185 shown here are just examples, and the measurement method may be any, and the configuration of the measuring instruments may be changed as appropriate.

[0047] The data acquired by the third code reader 182, height measuring instrument 183, plate thickness measuring instrument 184, and can bottom measuring instrument 185 are transmitted to an information processing device 187, which has a computer, for example. The information processing device 187 performs the necessary information processing on the obtained data. In this way, information is obtained regarding the can height BTH, upper plate thickness Tf, central plate thickness Tw, and can bottom depth BS of each part in the circumferential direction, which are associated with the eigenvalues ​​of each trimmed can 90. The information processing device 187 transmits the information related to the measurement results to the central control device 30.

[0048] The central control unit 30 performs various analyses based on the information acquired from the information processing device 187. In this process, it uses the information acquired from the first code reader 51 and the second code reader 52 to associate the information about the can acquired from the information processing device 187 with the information about the body maker 15 and trimmer 16 that processed the can. In this way, the central control unit 30 can evaluate the condition of the body maker 15 and trimmer 16.

[0049] [Comparison with manual measurement] If the dimensions of the cans 90 are not measured by the code-assigning device 14 and the pre-process inspection device 18 of the can-making system 1 according to this embodiment, it is conceivable that the dimensions may be measured manually by a person. Manual measurement may be performed as follows: When the cans 90 are transported from the trimmer 16 to the washer 17, the cans 90 processed by the body maker 15 and the trimmer 16 get mixed together. Therefore, in order to identify which machine processed which can 90, it is necessary to extract the cans 90 before they get mixed. For this reason, it may be necessary to stop each machine one by one and remove the cans 90 from the body maker 15 and the trimmer 16. Also, at this point, lubricants and the like are attached to the cans 90, and accurate dimension measurement cannot be performed as is. For this reason, it is necessary to wipe off the lubricants and the like.

[0050] This manual method of dimensional measurement is time-consuming and makes it impossible to perform many measurements. Furthermore, it may require stopping the machinery in some cases. Additionally, because the process involves human intervention, the measured cans cannot be used as finished products.

[0051] In contrast, with the can manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment described above, there is no need to stop the operation of each device during can manufacturing, so the efficiency of can manufacturing is good. Also, since dimensional measurements are taken automatically and sequentially by machine without human intervention, more measurement results can be obtained. For this reason, various analyses can be performed as described later. Since the cans 90 to be measured are extracted downstream of the washer 17, there is no need for washing or anything like that. Also, since the measurement is performed using a non-contact measuring instrument, the cans 90 to be measured are not adversely affected, and the measured cans 90 can be used as products. For this reason, in this embodiment, the measured cans 90 are returned to the conveying device 194 and processed in a later process like the other cans 90 that have not been measured, and become products. Since the cans 90 used for measurement are also used as products without being discarded, many cans 90 can be measured.

[0052] Furthermore, in the can manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment, the pre-process inspection device 18 is provided upstream of the painting process in which processing is applied to the inner or outer surface of the can 90. Therefore, the dimensions of the can 90 in a state of only metal, without any coating, can be measured. Thus, in this embodiment, there is no process between the body maker 15 and trimmer 16 and the pre-process inspection device 18 that changes the dimensions measured by the pre-process inspection device 18.

[0053] Furthermore, according to the can manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment, even though it is possible to identify whether a can 90 was processed by the body maker 15 or the trimmer 16, only one pre-processing inspection device 18 is required. For example, if inspection is to be performed before cans 90 processed by multiple processing devices are mixed, it would be necessary to install an inspection device for each processing device, or to install a sample acquisition device for each processing device. Compared to such a configuration, the can manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment can reduce the cost and effort of introducing and maintaining inspection devices.

[0054] [Regarding subsequent processes] As described above, some of the cans 90 manufactured in the preceding process are randomly sampled and inspected by the preceding process inspection device 18 before being sent to the subsequent process. In the subsequent process, the cans 90 are painted on their outer and inner surfaces by a painting process using a coater / printer / pin oven 21, spray machine 22, body oven 23, etc., and then sent to the necker / flanger 24.

[0055] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example configuration of the Neckar flanger 24. The Neckar flanger 24 is equipped with multiple processing machines. Through multiple stages of processing by the multiple processing machines, the open end of the can 90 is gradually narrowed towards the end by necking, and the edge is pushed outward by flanging to form a flange. Figure 8 shows an example in which three processing machines, the first processing machine 242, the second processing machine 243, and the third processing machine 244, are provided, but the number of processing machines may be any number.

[0056] Each processing machine is equipped with a turret 247, schematically shown as a large circle in Figure 8. These turrets 247 are provided with multiple pockets 248 for holding cans 90, schematically shown as small circles in Figure 8. The number of pockets 248 provided in a single turret 247 may be any number, but in the example shown in Figure 8, 12 pockets 248 are shown. In Figure 8, small black circles schematically represent cans 90 and pockets 248 for holding cans 90, and small white circles schematically represent empty pockets 248 that do not hold cans 90. The same applies to Figure 9, which will be described later.

[0057] A tool is provided as a processing section corresponding to each of the pockets 248, and the can 90 held in the pockets 248 is processed by this tool. That is, each of the processing devices, the first processing machine 242, the second processing machine 243, and the third processing machine 244, has multiple processing sections.

[0058] In the Necker flanger 24, the cans 90 are sequentially supplied from the supply unit 241 to the pockets 248 of the rotating turret 247 of the first processing machine 242. In the first processing machine 242, the cans 90 are shaped by the tools corresponding to the pockets 248 while being carried by the rotating turret 247. The cans 90 processed in the first processing machine 242 are then transferred to the pockets 248 of the turret 247 of the second processing machine 243. Similarly, in the second processing machine 243, the cans are shaped by the tools corresponding to the pockets 248 while being carried by the rotating turret 247. The process continues in a similar manner until the final processing machine, for example, the third processing machine 244, and the completed cans 90 are discharged via the discharge unit 245.

[0059] In this embodiment, the Necker flanger 24 includes a fourth code reader 54 provided in the supply unit 241. The fourth code reader 54 has, for example, a camera. The fourth code reader 54 reads the codes attached to the cans 90. Each of the codes read is associated with the number of the pocket 248 of the first processing machine 242 that receives each can 90. Each pocket 248 of the turret 247 of the first processing machine 242 is linked to each pocket 248 of the turret 247 of the second processing machine 243. Therefore, the code of the can 90 is also associated with the number of the pocket 248 of the second processing machine 243 that receives the can 90. Similarly, it is associated with the number of the pocket 248 of the third processing machine 244. The codes of each can 90 and the numbers of the pockets 248 of the processing machines that processed the can 90 are transmitted to the central control unit 30 and processed by the central control unit 30.

[0060] [Regarding post-processing inspection equipment] The cans 90 processed by the Necker flanger 24 are sent to the post-processing inspection device 25 as finished cans 92. In the conveying device that transports the cans 90 from the Necker flanger 24 to the post-processing inspection device 25, the cans 90 processed in each pocket of the Necker flanger 24 are transported together. All of the finished cans 92 are inspected by the post-processing inspection device 25. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of the post-processing inspection device 25.

[0061] The post-processing inspection device 25 includes a turret 257 having multiple pockets 258 for holding finished cans 92. The finished cans 92 are transferred to the pockets 258 of the turret 257 via a supply unit 251. The turret 257 rotates intermittently to transport the finished cans 92. The post-processing inspection device 25 includes a fifth code reader 252, an internal surface inspection machine 253, an external surface inspection machine 254, and a dimensional measuring instrument 255, all of which are provided on the transport path of the turret 257. The post-processing inspection device 25 also includes an information processing device 259, for example, a computer.

[0062] The fifth code reader 252 has, for example, a camera. The fifth code reader 252 photographs the code attached to the finished can 92 and transmits the data related to the code to the information processing device 259.

[0063] The internal inspection machine 253 has, for example, a camera. The camera of the internal inspection machine 253 photographs the inner surface of the finished can 92. In this process, the finished can 92 rotates around its axis, and the entire surface of its inner surface is photographed. The internal inspection machine 253 transmits the data related to the image obtained by the photography to the information processing device 259.

[0064] The exterior inspection machine 254 has, for example, a camera. The camera of the exterior inspection machine 254 photographs the outer surface of the finished can 92. In this process, the finished can 92 rotates around its axis so that its entire outer surface is photographed. The exterior inspection machine 254 transmits data related to the image obtained from the photograph to the information processing device 259. This image may also include information about dimensions such as the position of printing applied to the finished can 92.

[0065] Figure 10 shows a schematic example of the configuration of the dimension measuring device 255. The dimension measuring device 255 is equipped with a light-emitting and receiving sensor 2551. As shown in Figure 10, the light-emitting and receiving sensor 2551 irradiates the flange 922 portion of the finished can 92 with a band of laser light having a width parallel to the axis of the finished can 92. The light-emitting and receiving sensor 2551 receives the reflected light. Based on the received laser light, the dimension measuring device 255 determines the flange width FL, which is the distance between the outer edge and the inner edge of the flange 922, which is the end of the finished can 92. The dimension measuring device 255 also determines the finished can height FIH, which is the distance from the bottom of the finished can 92 to the flange 922, based on the received laser light. This measurement is performed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction while the finished can 92 is rotated around its axis. The dimension measuring device 255 transmits the data related to the flange width FL and the finished can height FIH to the information processing device 259.

[0066] In this example, the post-processing inspection device 25 is equipped with three inspection machines, but the number of inspection machines provided in the post-processing inspection device 25 may be any number and type. In this embodiment, there is no step between the Necker flanger 24 and the post-processing inspection device 25 to change the dimensions measured by the post-processing inspection device 25.

[0067] The information processing device 259 identifies the eigenvalues ​​of the finished cans 92 based on the information obtained from the fifth code reader 252, and associates these eigenvalues ​​with the state of each finished can 92. The information processing device 259 determines the quality of the internal state of the finished cans 92 based on the information obtained from the internal inspection machine 253, and associates the information obtained from the internal inspection machine 253, the determination results, etc., with the eigenvalues ​​of the finished cans 92. The information processing device 259 determines the quality of the external state of the finished cans 92 based on the information obtained from the external inspection machine 254, and associates the information obtained from the external inspection machine 254, the determination results, etc., with the eigenvalues ​​of the finished cans 92. The information processing device 259 determines the quality of the flange width FL and finished can height FIH of the finished cans 92 based on the information obtained from the dimension measuring instrument 255, and associates the flange width FL, finished can height FIH, the determination results, etc., with the eigenvalues ​​of the finished cans 92.

[0068] Finished cans 92, measured by the dimensional measuring instrument 255, are sent to the discharge section 256. The discharge section 256 has a sorting device 2561. Under the control of the information processing device 259, the sorting device 2561 sorts the finished cans 92 into either the good product transport path 2562 or the rejection path 2563. If any defect is detected in the above determination, the information processing device 259 controls the sorting device 2561 so that the finished can 92 is sorted into the rejection path 2563. As a result, the finished can 92 with defects is rejected. On the other hand, if all items are confirmed to be good in the above determination, the information processing device 259 controls the sorting device 2561 so that the finished can 92 is sorted into the good product transport path 2562. As a result, only the good finished cans 92 are sent to the palletizer 26. These finished cans 92 are stacked onto pallets in the palletizer 26.

[0069] The information processing device 259 transmits information associated with the eigenvalues ​​of the finished can 92 to the central control unit 30. The central control unit 30 performs various analyses based on the information obtained from the information processing device 259. In this process, the information obtained from the information processing device 259 is associated with the information of the pockets 248 of the necker flanger 24 on which the can 90 was processed. In this way, the central control unit 30 can evaluate the condition of the tools corresponding to each pocket 248 of the necker flanger 24. Similarly, the information obtained from the information processing device 259 is associated with the information of the printer that printed the can 90. In this way, the central control unit 30 can evaluate the condition of the printer that may cause defects such as misprints.

[0070] [Comparison with manual measurement] If the dimensions of the cans 90 are not measured by the code-signing device 14 and the post-processing inspection device 25 of the can-making system 1 according to this embodiment, it is conceivable that the dimensions may be measured manually by a person. Manual measurement may be performed as follows: When the cans 90 processed in each pocket 248 are transported from the Neckar flanger 24 to the post-processing inspection device 25, they become mixed together. Therefore, in order to identify which pocket 248 a can 90 was processed in, it is necessary to extract the cans 90 before they become mixed. For this reason, it may be necessary to stop the machine and remove the cans 90 from the Neckar flanger 24 in some cases.

[0071] This manual method of dimensional measurement is time-consuming and makes it impossible to perform many measurements. Furthermore, it may require stopping the machine in some cases. Additionally, because human intervention is involved, the measured cans cannot be sold as finished products.

[0072] In contrast, the can manufacturing system 1 of this embodiment described above does not require stopping any of the devices during can manufacturing, thus improving the efficiency of can manufacturing. Furthermore, since dimensional measurements are performed automatically by machine without human intervention, more measurement results can be obtained. For this reason, various analyses can be performed, as will be described later. In addition, the can 90 after measurement can be used as a product.

[0073] [About the analysis] An example of analysis performed by the central control device 30, which serves as an evaluation device for assessing the condition of the processed parts, will be described. The central control device 30 collects information from each part of the can manufacturing system 1.

[0074] For example, the information obtained from the first code reader 51 includes, schematically shown in Figure 11A, the unique value (ID) of the can 90, the time at which the code was read for the can 90, and information relating to the machine of the body manufacturer 15 that processed the can 90.

[0075] For example, the information obtained from the second code reader 52 includes, schematically shown in Figure 11B, the unique value (ID) of the can 90, the time at which the code was read for the can 90, and information relating to the machine body and pocket of the trimmer 16 that processed the can 90.

[0076] For example, the information obtained from the information processing device 187 of the front-end inspection device 18 includes, schematically shown in Figure 11C, the unique value (ID) of the can 90, the time at which, for example, the code was read for the can 90, and information relating to the can height BTH, upper plate thickness Tf, central plate thickness Tw, and can bottom depth BS measured for the can 90.

[0077] For example, the information obtained from the fourth code reader 54 includes, schematically shown in Figure 11D, the unique value (ID) of the can 90, the time at which the code was read for the can 90, and information relating to the pocket numbers of each processing machine of the Neckar flanger 24 that processed the can 90.

[0078] For example, the information obtained from the information processing device 259 of the post-processing inspection device 25 includes, schematically shown in Figure 11E, the unique value (ID) of the can 90, the time at which, for example, the code was read for the can 90, and information relating to the internal state, external state, finished can height FIH, and flange width FL of the can 90.

[0079] Since all of this information includes information related to the unique value (ID) of can 90, the central control unit 30 can identify the relationship between can 90, the machine body of the equipment that processed can 90, the processing parts such as the tools corresponding to the pockets, and the dimensions of the processed product as a result of processing in those parts by associating them with this value. The central control unit 30 can use this relationship to organize the information and evaluate information related to the processing parts, such as the condition of the tools and materials, based on the dimensional values ​​and their changes over time.

[0080] An example of the evaluation will be explained with reference to Figure 12. Figure 12 schematically shows an example of the results obtained by extracting only the data formed by the first body maker 151 based on the eigenvalues ​​for the central plate thickness Tw, with the central plate thickness Tw on the vertical axis and the measurement time on the horizontal axis. The eight points shown at each time represent the measured values ​​at eight different positions in the circumferential direction of the can, measured while rotating. The solid line is the line connecting the average values ​​of the values ​​measured at each time.

[0081] At times T1 and T2, the variation among the eight measured values ​​is small and falls between the upper and lower limits, indicating that the molding was done well.

[0082] The increasing average value over time suggests that the clearance is gradually increasing due to wear on the tools used in the ironing process of the first body maker 151. Tool wear is particularly suspected when the machine shows a different trend from other machines of the body maker 15, such as the second body maker 152. On the other hand, if all machines of the body maker 15 show a similar trend, it is possible that all the cups punched out by the copper 13 are becoming thicker, or that there is a problem with the sheet metal set in the uncoiler 11.

[0083] Furthermore, the variability of the eight measurements taken while rotating increased over time. This indicates that the plate thickness differs in the circumferential direction, i.e., uneven thickness is occurring. From this, it is suspected that in the first body maker 151, positional bias or tilt occurred during the fixing of the cup during processing, and that this increased over time.

[0084] As in this example, by separating the data by aircraft from each of the 15 body manufacturers and showing trends over time, it is possible to identify the occurrence and cause of abnormalities. The central control unit 30 can issue warnings or stop the operation of each device when an abnormality occurs. For example, in the case shown in Figure 12, if the deviation from the reference value is gradually increasing, it is considered a sign of an abnormality, and a warning can be issued at T6 or the operation of the device can be stopped at T8.

[0085] Similarly, by properly organizing various data, it is possible to quickly identify the occurrence and cause of abnormalities in each part. As a result, the production of defective cans can be prevented. In addition, the cause of the abnormality can be quickly eliminated by replacing the appropriate tools, etc.

[0086] [Differentiation] In the above-described embodiment, the example given was that each can 90 is assigned a unique code by the code assignment device 14, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, if the pre-processing inspection device 18 only needs to know which machine of the body maker 15 and which tool of the trimmer 16 processed each can 90, the can manufacturing system 1 may be configured as follows: The body maker 15 intentionally leaves different processing marks on the cans 90 for each machine of the body maker 15. Similarly, the trimmer 16 intentionally leaves different processing marks on the cans 90 for each tool of the trimmer 16. The pre-processing inspection device 18 may detect these processing marks and identify which machine of the body maker 15 formed the can and which tool of the trimmer 16 processed it. In this way, the pre-processing inspection device 18 only needs to be able to read the marks indicating which processing device, tool, or other processing part processed the can. This mark is not limited to a code applied by the code-assigning device 14; it can be any mark that serves as a unique code for each processed part, such as a processing mark.

[0087] The central control unit 30 or a part thereof may be located in a remote location rather than near each device, and may control each device or analyze its status via a network.

[0088] In the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which a non-contact type sensor was used as the inspection device, but it is not limited to this. A contact type sensor may also be used. If there is a possibility that the cans to be measured may be scratched or damaged, the number of cans to be inspected should be adjusted as appropriate, rather than inspecting all of them.

[0089] This embodiment can be applied to various can manufacturing systems for producing various types of cans. Depending on the type of can being manufactured, the process and other elements may be modified as appropriate.

[0090] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0091] The above embodiments include the following inventions. [1] A processing apparatus having multiple processing units that perform the same processing steps related to can manufacturing, or a group of processing apparatuses including multiple processing units that perform processing steps related to can manufacturing, A conveying device that transports multiple processed products, each processed in multiple processing units, in a mixed state, An inspection device that acquires at least some of the aforementioned multiple processed products, reads the mark on the processed product indicating which of the aforementioned multiple processed parts processed it, and measures the dimensions of the processed product; An evaluation device that evaluates the state of each of the processed parts based on the mark read by the inspection device and the measured dimensions. A can manufacturing system equipped with the following features. [2] The can-making system according to [1], wherein the inspection device sequentially measures the processed products acquired without stopping the operation of the processing device. [3] The can-making system according to [1] or [2], wherein the evaluation device detects the occurrence of an abnormality in the processing device, or detects signs of an abnormality occurring in the processing device. [4] Further comprising a code-assigning device provided upstream of the processing apparatus, which assigns a code indicating an inherent value to each processed product as a mark, The processing apparatus includes a code reader for reading the code, The inspection device reads the symbols as the marks, The evaluation device performs an evaluation of the state of the processed part based on information relating the code read by the processing device to the processed part that processed the processed product to which the code is attached, and information relating the code read by the inspection device to the dimensions of the processed product to which the code is attached. A can-making system as described in any of [1] to [3]. [5] The processing apparatus attaches a unique code to each processing section as a mark to the processed product during processing. The inspection device reads the symbol as the mark. A can-making system as described in any of [1] to [3]. [6] The inspection device includes an extraction device for extracting some of the processed products from a plurality of processed products, measuring the dimensions of the extracted processed products, and returning the processed products after the dimensions have been measured to the conveying device. A can-making system as described in any of [1] through [5]. [7] The inspection device has a measuring instrument that measures the dimensions of the workpiece non-contact, and returns the workpiece to the conveying device after the dimensions have been measured. A can-making system as described in any of [1] through [6] and [8]. [8] The inspection device performs measurements on all of the processed products processed by the processing device. A can-making system as described in any of [1] through [5]. [9] The aforementioned processing apparatus group includes multiple body makers and trimmers as processing apparatus, The inspection device is installed downstream of the cleaning process and upstream of the painting process. A can-making system as described in any of [1] through [8].

[10] Downstream of the cleaning process, the conveying device conveys the processed products with a plurality of them present in a width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The inspection apparatus includes an extraction device for extracting a plurality of processed products from different positions in the width direction of the conveying device, and for measuring the dimensions of the extracted processed products. [9] The can-making system described.

[11] The extraction device extracts multiple processed products as a single unit from the entire widthwise area of ​​the conveying device.

[10] The can-making system described.

[12] The can-making system according to

[11] , wherein the number of processed products extracted as a set is equal to or greater than the number of processing units that perform one processing step.

[13] The inspection device measures at least one of the following dimensions: the height of the workpiece, the thickness of the plate, and the depth of the recess at the bottom. A can-making system as described in any of [9] to

[12] .

[14] The processing device is a necker or flanger having a plurality of processing sections corresponding to a plurality of pockets, The inspection device is installed downstream of the necker or flanger. A can-making system as described in any of [1] through [8]. [14-2] The processing apparatus includes a necker or flanger having a plurality of processing sections corresponding to a plurality of pockets, The inspection device has a second inspection device located downstream of the necker or flanger. A can-making system as described in any of [9] to

[13] .

[15] The can-making system according to

[14] , wherein the inspection device measures at least one of the following dimensions: the height of the workpiece, the width of the upper flange of the workpiece, and the position of the printing applied to the workpiece. [15-2] The can-making system according to [14-2], wherein the second inspection device measures, as the dimensions, at least one of the height of the workpiece, the width of the upper flange of the workpiece, and the position of the printing applied to the workpiece.

[16] The can-making system according to any one of [1] to [15-2], wherein the inspection device or the second inspection device measures the dimensions non-contact using laser light.

[17] A can-making system according to any one of [1] to

[16] , wherein the process between the processing apparatus and the inspection apparatus or the second inspection apparatus does not include a step of changing the dimensions measured by the inspection apparatus or the second inspection apparatus. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1. Can manufacturing system 11 Uncoilers 12 Lubricators 13 Copper 14. Code Assignment Device 15 Body Makers 151 First Body Maker 152 Second Body Maker 15n nth body maker 16 Trimmers 161 First Trimmer 162 Second Trimmer 16n nth trimmer 1611 1st tool 1612 2nd tool 1613 3rd tool 17 Washer 18 Front-end inspection equipment 181 Extraction device 182 Third code reader 183 Height measuring instrument 1831 Floodlight 1832 Receiver 184 Plate thickness measuring instrument 1841 Outdoor light-emitting and receiving sensor 1842 Internal light-emitting and receiving sensor 1843 Prism 1844 Calibration plate 185 Can bottom measuring device 1851 Transmitting and Receiving Light Sensor 186 Return device 187 Information Processing Equipment 191 Conveying device 192 Conveying device 193 Conveying device 194 Conveying device 21 Coater, Printer, Pin Oven 22 Spray Machines 23 Body Oven 24 Necker Flanger 241 Supply Department 242 1st processing machine 243 2nd processing machine 244 3rd processing machine 245 Discharge section 247 Turret 248 pockets 25. Post-processing inspection equipment 251 Supply section 252 Fifth code reader 253 Internal Inspection Machine 254 External Inspection Machine 255 Dimensional Measuring Instrument 2551 Transmitting and Receiving Light Sensor 256 Discharge section 2561 Sorting device 2562 Good product transport route 2563 Exclusion Path 257 Turret 258 pockets 259 Information Processing Equipment 26 Palletizer 30 Central Control Unit 51. First code reader 511 First-1 Code Reader 512 First-to-Second Code Reader 51n 1st-n code reader 52 Second code reader 521 Second-1 Code Reader 522 Second-2 Code Reader 52n Second-n code reader 54. Fourth code reader

Claims

1. A processing apparatus having multiple processing units that perform the same processing steps related to can manufacturing, or a group of processing apparatuses including multiple processing units that perform processing steps related to can manufacturing, A conveying device that transports multiple processed products, each processed in multiple processing units, in a mixed state, An inspection device that acquires at least some of the aforementioned multiple processed products, reads the mark on the processed product indicating which of the aforementioned multiple processed parts processed it, and measures the dimensions of the processed product; An evaluation device that evaluates the state of each of the processed parts based on the mark read by the inspection device and the measured dimensions. Equipped with, The evaluation device is configured to organize the measured dimensions according to the elapsed time for each processed part of the workpiece, and to detect signs of an abnormality occurring in the processing device for each processed part based on the change in the dimensional values ​​over time. Can manufacturing system.

2. A processing apparatus having multiple processing units that perform the same processing steps related to can manufacturing, or a group of processing apparatuses including multiple processing units that perform processing steps related to can manufacturing, A conveying device that transports multiple processed products, each processed in multiple processing units, in a mixed state, An inspection device that acquires at least some of the aforementioned multiple processed products, reads the mark on the processed product indicating which of the aforementioned multiple processed parts processed it, and measures the dimensions of the processed product; An evaluation device that evaluates the state of each of the processed parts based on the mark read by the inspection device and the measured dimensions. Equipped with, The aforementioned processing apparatus group includes multiple body makers and trimmers as processing apparatus, The inspection device is installed downstream of the cleaning process and upstream of the painting process. Can manufacturing system.

3. A processing apparatus having multiple processing units that perform the same processing steps related to can manufacturing, or a group of processing apparatuses including multiple processing units that perform processing steps related to can manufacturing, A conveying device that transports multiple processed products, each processed in multiple processing units, in a mixed state, An inspection device that acquires at least some of the aforementioned multiple processed products, reads the mark on the processed product indicating which of the aforementioned multiple processed parts processed it, and measures the dimensions of the processed product; An evaluation device that evaluates the state of each of the processed parts based on the mark read by the inspection device and the measured dimensions. Equipped with, The conveying device conveys the processed products while a plurality of the processed products are present in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. The inspection apparatus includes an extraction device for extracting a plurality of processed products from different positions in the width direction of the conveying device, and for measuring the dimensions of the extracted processed products. Can manufacturing system.

4. The can-making system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inspection device sequentially measures the processed products acquired without stopping the operation of the processing device.

5. Further comprising a code-assigning device provided upstream of the processing apparatus, which assigns a code indicating an inherent value to each processed product as a mark, The processing apparatus includes a code reader for reading the code, The inspection device reads the symbols as the marks, The evaluation device performs an evaluation of the state of the processed part based on information relating the code read by the processing device to the processed part that processed the processed product to which the code is attached, and information relating the code read by the inspection device to the dimensions of the processed product to which the code is attached. A can-making system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The processing apparatus attaches a unique code to each processing section as a mark to the processed product during processing. The inspection device reads the symbol as the mark. A can-making system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The inspection device includes an extraction device for extracting some of the processed products from a plurality of processed products, measuring the dimensions of the extracted processed products, and returning the processed products after the dimensions have been measured to the conveying device. The can manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The inspection device has a measuring instrument that measures the dimensions of the workpiece non-contact, and returns the workpiece to the conveying device after the dimensions have been measured. A can-making system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The inspection device performs measurements on all of the processed products processed by the processing device. The can manufacturing system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The aforementioned processing apparatus group includes multiple body makers and trimmers as processing apparatus, The inspection device is installed downstream of the cleaning process and upstream of the painting process. The can manufacturing system according to claim 3.

11. The extraction device extracts multiple processed products as a single unit from the entire widthwise area of ​​the conveying device. The can manufacturing system according to claim 3.

12. The can-making system according to claim 11, wherein the number of processed products extracted as a single unit is equal to or greater than the number of processing units that perform one processing step.

13. The inspection device measures at least one of the following dimensions: the height of the workpiece, the thickness of the plate, and the depth of the recess at the bottom. The can manufacturing system according to claim 2.

14. The processing device is a necker or flanger having a plurality of processing sections corresponding to a plurality of pockets, The inspection device is installed downstream of the necker or flanger. The can manufacturing system according to claim 1.

15. The can-making system according to claim 14, wherein the inspection device measures at least one of the following dimensions: the height of the workpiece, the width of the upper flange of the workpiece, and the position of the printing applied to the workpiece.

16. The can-making system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inspection device measures the dimensions non-contact using laser light.

17. A can-making system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the process between the processing apparatus and the inspection apparatus does not include a step of changing the dimensions measured by the inspection apparatus.

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