Heating device and can body manufacturing system

Abstract

Supply receiving parts 1353 are provided on both one lateral side 130X and the other lateral side 130Y of a conveyance path 1300R, as shown in (A). As shown in (A) and (B), each of the supply receiving parts 1353 is provided with a gas discharge port 1353X on the side where the conveyance path 1300R is provided. Gas is discharged from the discharge port 1353X, and the discharged gas is supplied, through a flow path 1320, to a can body 1100 on the conveyance path 1300R, as indicated by an arrow 13C in (A).

Description

Heating device and can body manufacturing system

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating device and a can bodymaking system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a bottle-shaped can manufacturing process including a printing / overcoating and baking process, an inner surface painting and baking process, a necking process, and a screw processing process.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-289381

[0004] When hardening an image formed on a can body, heating the image formed on the can body accelerates this hardening. When the image is heated, the solvent and water contained in the image evaporate, but if the evaporated solvent and water tend to remain on the surface of the can body, it will take longer to harden the image. An object of the present invention is to enable hardening of an image formed on a can body in a shorter time.

[0005] Furthermore, by providing a heating source on the side of the can body conveyance path, it is possible to heat the image formed on the can body conveyed along the conveyance path. However, depending on the arrangement of the heating source, there is a risk that the image formed on the portion of the conveyed can body located downstream in the conveyance direction or the image formed on the portion of the conveyed can body located upstream in the conveyance direction may not be heated enough. Another object of the present invention is to make it less likely that the image formed on the portion of the conveyed can body located downstream in the conveyance direction or the image formed on the portion of the conveyed can body located upstream in the conveyance direction may not be heated enough.

[0006] Furthermore, when manufacturing can bodies with images formed on them, the images formed on the can bodies may be heated using a heat source. When heating the images formed on the can bodies, if the output of the heat sources is controlled as a single unit for multiple heat sources, the heat sources may generate more heat than necessary. Another object of the present invention is to optimize the amount of heat generated by the heat source used to heat the images formed on the can bodies.

[0007] Furthermore, when heating an image formed on a can body, a heat source may be used to heat the image formed on the can body. If the temperature of the heat source is low, the efficiency of heating the image formed on the can body may decrease. Another object of the present invention is to increase the efficiency of heating when using a heat source to heat an image formed on a can body.

[0008] The heating device to which the present invention is applicable includes a conveying means for conveying can bodies on which an image has been formed along a conveying path, and a plurality of heating sources disposed on the sides of the conveying path and aligned in the conveying direction of the can bodies, with a flow path for passing gas to be supplied to the can bodies on the conveying path being provided between adjacent heating sources. Here, a gap may be provided between the adjacent heating sources, and the gap may serve as the flow path, through which gas is supplied to the can bodies. Alternatively, a positioning member may be further provided between the adjacent heating sources, and the flow path may be provided in the positioning member. Alternatively, the heating device may further include a gas supplying means for supplying gas to the can bodies on the conveying path through the flow path. The gas supplying means may supply heated gas to the can bodies. The plurality of heating sources with the flow path provided between the adjacent heating sources may be provided on both one side and the other side of the conveying path. The positions of the flow paths provided in the plurality of heating sources provided on one side in the can body transport direction may be aligned with the positions of the flow paths provided in the plurality of heating sources provided on the other side in the can body transport direction. The positions of the one-side flow paths provided in the plurality of heating sources provided on one side in the can body transport direction may be different from the positions of the other-side flow paths provided in the plurality of heating sources provided on the other side in the can body transport direction. A plurality of the one-side flow paths and a plurality of the other-side flow paths may be provided, and may be arranged so that the positions of the one-side flow paths and the other-side flow paths are different from each other in the can body transport direction, and the two-side flow paths are arranged so that the two-side flow paths are located between the two one-side flow paths adjacent to each other in the can body transport direction when the positions of the two one-side flow paths in the can body transport direction are compared.The plurality of heat sources may be provided on one side of the transport path, and a heat reflecting section may be provided on the other side of the transport path to reflect heat from the heat sources included in the plurality of heat sources toward the transport path. A plurality of heat reflecting sections may be provided, arranged side by side in the can body transport direction, and a flow path may be provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the transport path. The heat sources may be heat sources that emit infrared rays.

[0009] From another perspective, a heating device to which the present invention is applicable includes a conveying means for conveying can bodies on which an image has been formed along a conveying path, a heat source provided on one side of the conveying path, and a plurality of heat reflecting sections provided on the other side of the conveying path and arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction, the heat reflecting sections reflecting heat from the heat source toward the conveying path, the plurality of heat reflecting sections having flow paths for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the conveying path between adjacent heat reflecting sections. Here, a gap may be provided between the adjacent heat reflecting sections, the gap serving as the flow path, and the gas may be supplied to the can bodies through the gap. Also, a positioning member may be provided between the adjacent heat reflecting sections, and the flow path may be provided in the positioning member.

[0010] Furthermore, when the present invention is considered as a can body manufacturing system, the can body manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied is a can body manufacturing system that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and that manufactures can bodies on which an image has been formed, and the heating device is configured to include any of the heating devices described above.

[0011] From another perspective, a heating device to which the present invention is applicable is a heating device including a conveying means for conveying can bodies on which an image has been formed along a conveying path, and a heat source provided on a side of the conveying path and arranged at an angle with respect to the can body conveying direction, which is the conveying direction of the can bodies conveyed along the conveying path. Here, a plurality of heat sources may be provided on the side of the conveying path, each of the heat sources having different inclination angles with respect to the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, one of the plurality of heat sources may face downstream in the can body conveying direction, and the other heat sources may face upstream in the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, a plurality of the one heat source facing downstream and a plurality of the other heat sources facing upstream may be provided as the one heat source facing downstream, each of the one heat source having different inclination angles with respect to the can body conveying direction, and / or a plurality of the other heat sources facing upstream, each of the other heat sources having different inclination angles with respect to the can body conveying direction. The other heat source facing the upstream side may be provided downstream of the first heat source facing the downstream side in the can body conveying direction. The other heat source facing the upstream side may be provided immediately adjacent to the first heat source facing the downstream side. A plurality of heat sources, including the heat source arranged at an angle, may be arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction on the side of the conveying path, and a flow path for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the conveying path may be provided between adjacent heat sources among the plurality of heat sources. The heat sources arranged at an angle with respect to the can body conveying direction may be provided on both one side and the other side of the conveying path. A heat reflecting portion that reflects heat from the heat source toward the conveying path may be provided on one side or the other side of the conveying path opposite the side where the heat source arranged at an angle is provided.Furthermore, the can body may be formed in a cylindrical shape and have an axis, the conveying means may convey the can body with the axis aligned in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the conveying path, the heat source may have an upstream end which is an end located upstream in the can body conveying direction, and a downstream end which is an end located downstream in the can body conveying direction, and when a virtual plane is imagined that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body conveyed by the conveying means and reaches a position opposite the heat source and crosses the can body, the heat source may be positioned so that the plane crosses the heat source, and the heat source may be positioned so that one of the upstream end and the downstream end is located closer to the conveying path on the plane than the other.

[0012] Furthermore, when the present invention is considered as a can body manufacturing system, the can body manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied is a can body manufacturing system that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and that manufactures can bodies on which an image has been formed, and the heating device is configured to include any of the heating devices described above.

[0013] From another perspective, a heating device to which the present invention is applicable is a heating device including a conveying means for conveying can bodies on which an image has been formed along a conveying path, multiple heat sources provided on the sides of the conveying path, and a control means for controlling the output of each of the multiple heat sources. Here, the multiple heat sources may be arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction, and the control means may control the output of each of the multiple heat sources arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. The control means may also control the output of each of the heat sources based on conveying speed information, which is information about the conveying speed of the can bodies conveyed by the conveying means. The control means may also turn on more of the heat sources and / or increase the output of each of the heat sources when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is high compared to when the conveying speed is low. When turning on multiple heat sources, the control means may turn on heat sources that are adjacent to each other in the can body conveying direction, so that the turned-on heat sources are arranged consecutively in the can body conveying direction. The multiple heat sources may be arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can bodies transported along the transport path, and the control means may control the output of each of the multiple heat sources arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can bodies. The control means may control the output of each heat source based on size information, which is information about the axial size of the can bodies transported by the transport means. The control means may turn on more heat sources or increase the output of some of the heat sources when the size specified by the size information is large compared to when the size is small. The heating device may further include a change means for changing the heat sources to be turned on depending on the usage status of the multiple heat sources provided in the heating device. The change means may change the heat sources to be turned on depending on the usage time of each heat source included in the multiple heat sources, or depending on the number of times each heat source included in the multiple heat sources has been used.

[0014] Furthermore, when the present invention is considered as a can body manufacturing system, the can body manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied is a can body manufacturing system that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and that manufactures can bodies on which an image has been formed, and the heating device is configured to include any of the heating devices described above.

[0015] From another perspective, the heating device to which the present invention is applicable is a heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a can body on which an image has been formed along a conveying path; a first heating source provided on the side of the conveying path and used to heat the image formed on the can body being conveyed along the conveying path; and a second heating source used to heat the first heating source.

[0016] Here, the second heating source may be arranged at a location other than a side of the conveying path. The second heating source may be arranged lower than the first heating source. Gas heated by the second heating source may be supplied to the first heating source and blown onto the can bodies on the conveying path. A plurality of the first heating sources may be provided and arranged side by side along the conveying path, and the gas heated by the second heating source may be blown onto the can bodies on the conveying path through a flow path provided between adjacent first heating sources. A gap may be provided between adjacent first heating sources, and the gap may serve as the flow path, through which the gas heated by the second heating source may be blown onto the can bodies on the conveying path. An arrangement member may be provided between adjacent first heating sources, and the flow path may be provided in the arrangement member, and the gas heated by the second heating source may be blown onto the can bodies on the conveying path through the flow path provided in the arrangement member. The first heating source may be provided on one side of the conveying path, and a heat reflecting section may be provided on the other side of the conveying path to reflect heat from the first heating source toward the conveying path. A plurality of heat reflecting sections may be provided, arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction, and a flow path may be provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections for passing gas heated by the second heating source and supplied to the can bodies on the conveying path. The first heating source may be a heating source that emits infrared rays. A heating section may be provided upstream of the opposing position of the first heating source in the can body conveying direction, for heating the can bodies before they reach the opposing position, and a partition may be provided between the heating section and the opposing position. The heating section may use heat generated by the second heating source to heat the can bodies before they reach the opposing position.The partition may also be formed by a gas that flows across a path along which the can body travels from the heating section to the opposing location.

[0017] Furthermore, when the present invention is considered as a can body manufacturing system, the can body manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied is a can body manufacturing system that includes an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and that manufactures can bodies on which an image has been formed, and the heating device is configured to include any of the heating devices described above.

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to cure an image formed on a can body in a shorter time. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent insufficient heating of an image formed on a portion of a transported can body located downstream in the transport direction or an image formed on a portion of a transported can body located upstream in the transport direction. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the amount of heat generated by a heat source used to heat an image formed on a can body. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to increase the efficiency of heating when an image formed on a can body is heated using a heat source.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a first heating device. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a conveying mechanism. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining the supply of gas to can bodies. (A) is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the heat reflecting section. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a first heating device. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a conveying mechanism. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining the relationship between a heat source and can bodies. (A) is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. (A) is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. (A) is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. (B) is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. 1A to 1D are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting section. A diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device. A and 1B are diagrams explaining the relationship between the heat source and the can body. A diagram showing another positional relationship between the heat source and the can body. A diagram showing another positional relationship between the heat source and the can body. A diagram showing a can body manufacturing system. A diagram showing an example of a printing device. A and 1B are diagrams explaining the first heating device. A diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. A block diagram showing functions realized by the information processing device. A and 1B are diagrams explaining a conveying mechanism. A and 1B are diagrams showing a specific example of processing by the control unit. A and 1B are diagrams showing another specific example of processing by the control unit. A and 1B are diagrams showing another specific example of processing by the control unit. A and 1B are diagrams showing another configuration example of the first heating device. A and 1B are diagrams showing the state of the heat source when conveying can bodies having different sizes in the axial direction of the can bodies. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of another state of the heat source; FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of a change process; FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device; and FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the heat reflecting section.FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a first heating device. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a conveying mechanism. (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining the supply of gas to a can body. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the heat reflecting section. (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device.

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system 1000 according to this embodiment. The can body manufacturing system 1000 manufactures a can body 1100 (not shown in FIG. 1 ) having an image formed on its outer peripheral surface, which is an example of an exterior surface, and made of metal and formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The manufactured can body 1100 is filled with a beverage. The beverage is not particularly limited, and the manufactured can body 1100 is filled with, for example, an alcoholic beverage such as beer or chuhai, or a soft drink (non-alcoholic beverage). After filling the can body 1100 with the beverage, a lid member is attached to the can body 1100, and a beverage can filled with the beverage is completed.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the can body manufacturing system 1000 is provided with a printing device 1200 that prints on the can body 1100. The printing device 1200 of this embodiment, which functions as an image forming unit, is an inkjet printing device that uses the inkjet method to form an image on the outer surface of the can body 1100. Note that the printing device 1200 is not limited to an inkjet printing device, and may be a printing device that prints using a method other than the inkjet method, such as a plate-type printing device.

[0022] The inkjet printing device 1200 refers to a printing device 1200 that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of paint, from an inkjet head and adhering the ink to the can body 1100. The inkjet printing device 1200 can use a known method. Specifically, for example, a piezo method, a thermal (bubble) method, a continuous method, or the like can be used.

[0023] Furthermore, the plate-type printing apparatus 1200 refers to a printing apparatus that performs printing using a plate. In the plate-type printing apparatus 1200, ink, which is an example of paint, is applied to a plate, and then the ink applied to the plate is transferred to the can body 1100, thereby printing onto the can body 1100. This transfer may be performed by directly contacting the plate with the can body 1100, or by placing an intermediate transfer body between the plate and the can body 1100 and transferring the ink to the can body 1100 via this intermediate transfer body. Here, examples of printing using a plate include letterpress printing, intaglio printing, lithographic printing, and stencil printing, and any of these may be used for printing using a plate.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device 1200. The printing device 1200 shown in Fig. 2 is provided with four inkjet heads 1411. Specifically, the printing device 1200 is provided with a first inkjet head 1411Y that ejects yellow ink, a second inkjet head 1411M that ejects magenta ink, a third inkjet head 1411C that ejects cyan ink, and a fourth inkjet head 1411K that ejects black ink.

[0025] The four inkjet heads 1411 are arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the can body 1100 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure). Each of the four inkjet heads 1411 is also arranged to extend along the axial direction of the can body 1100 being transported. Each of the four inkjet heads 1411 is arranged above the transport path of the can body 1100 and ejects ink toward the can body 1100 located below. In this embodiment, each of the four inkjet heads 1411 ejects ink toward the can body 1100 located below and rotating in the circumferential direction, thereby forming an image on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 1100.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , a device for performing processes other than printing is provided upstream of the printing device 1200 in the conveyance direction of the can body 1100. Specifically, in this embodiment, an uncoiler (UC), a lubricator (LU), a cupping press (CP), a body maker (BM), a trimmer (TR), and a washer (WS) are provided in this order from upstream in the conveyance direction of the can body 1100. The uncoiler (UC) unwinds the coiled aluminum sheet. The lubricator (LU) applies lubricating oil to the aluminum sheet. The cupping press (CP) punches out a circular blank and then draws it to form a cup-shaped material.

[0027] In the body maker (BM), which performs the forming, the cup-shaped material is subjected to drawing and ironing processes to make the peripheral wall a predetermined thickness. The bottom is then formed into a dome shape. This results in a cylindrical can body 1100 with an opening on one side and a bottom on the other. In the trimmer (TR), the edge portion on the upper peripheral wall of the can body 1100 is trimmed to even out. In other words, the trimmer (TR) removes the edge of the can body 1100 on the opening side. In the washer (WS), the can body 1100 is washed to remove lubricating oil and other deposits, and a chemical coating is applied as necessary.

[0028] Furthermore, a first heating device 1300 is provided downstream of the printing device 1200 in the conveyance direction of the can body 1100. The first heating device 1300 heats the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 1100, burning the image onto the can body 1100. In other words, the first heating device 1300 heats the ink paint attached to the outer surface of the can body 1100, hardening the paint. If necessary, a clear paint may be applied on top of the ink paint (outside the paint in the radial direction of the can body 1100) and heated and hardened together with the ink. The first heating device 1300 heats the image formed on the can body 1100 by the printing device 1200, which functions as an image forming unit, and hardens the image.

[0029] An inside spray (INS) and a second heating device 1400 are provided downstream of the first heating device 1300. The inside spray (INS) applies paint to the inner surface of the can body 1100. In other words, the inside spray (INS) performs interior painting. The inside spray (INS) sprays paint onto the inner surface of the can body 1100 to paint the interior surface. The second heating device 1400 heats the paint applied to the inner surface of the can body 1100 and bakes the paint. This hardens the paint applied to the inner surface of the can body 1100.

[0030] Furthermore, downstream of the second heating device 1400, a smooth die necker flanger (hereinafter referred to as "necker flanger") (SDN) is provided as an example of a diameter reduction process. The necker flanger (SDN) reduces the diameter of the opening of the can body 1100 and forms a flange for attaching a can lid. Through the above processes, an empty can body 1100 is completed. This empty can body 1100 is shipped after an inspection process (not shown) and transported to a beverage filling process (not shown). Then, in this filling process, the empty can body 1100 is filled with a beverage, and a can lid is attached to the can body 1100 after it has been filled with the beverage.

[0031] Although not shown, a base coater (BC) and a third heating device 1500 (not shown) may be further provided between the washer (WS) and the printing device 1200. The base coater (BC) applies a colored paint, such as white, to the outer surface of the can body 1100 to form a base layer (base coat layer). The third heating device 1500 heats this base layer, causing it to harden. Note that the above-described processes and devices provided in the can body manufacturing system 1000 are merely examples, and some processes and devices may be deleted, other processes and devices may be added, or processes may be interchanged or changed.

[0032] 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the first heating device 1300. FIG. 3A is a top view of the first heating device 1300, and FIG. 3B is a front view of the first heating device 1300. In other words, FIG. 3B is a view of the first heating device 1300 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow IIIB in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3A, the first heating device 1300 of this embodiment is provided with a conveying mechanism 1600 as an example of a conveying means that conveys the can body 1100, on which an image has been formed by the printing device 1200 (see FIG. 1), along a predetermined conveying path 1300R.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first heating device 1300 is provided with a plurality of heating sources 1310 arranged side by side in the conveying direction of the can body 1100 on the sides of the conveying path 1300R along which the can body 1100 is conveyed. In this embodiment, a plurality of heating sources 1310 are provided on both one side 130X and the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R. It is preferable to arrange the heating sources 1310 so that the distance between the can body 1100 and the heating source 1310 when the can body 1100 is positioned opposite the heating source 1310 is 5 mm to 100 mm. A more preferable distance between the heating source 1310 and the can body 1100 is 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0034] Furthermore, on each of the one side 130X and the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R, a flow path 1320 is provided between adjacent heating sources 1310 for passing gas supplied to the can body 1100 on the conveying path 1300R. In this embodiment, a gap 1319 is provided between adjacent heating sources 1310 in the can body conveying direction, which is the conveying direction of the can body 1100. In this embodiment, this gap 1319 serves as the flow path 1320, and gas is supplied to the can body 1100 through this gap 1319 (details will be described later).

[0035] 3(A) and 3(B), a gas supply mechanism 1350 is provided as an example of a gas supply means for supplying gas to can bodies 1100 on conveying path 1300R through flow path 1320. As shown in Fig. 3(B), gas supply mechanism 1350 is composed of heater 1351, blower 1352 serving as an air source, and two supplied portions 1353 to which the gas sent by blower 1352 is supplied. Fig. 3(B) shows only one of the supplied portions 1353 located on one side 130X.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3A , the supply portions 1353 are provided on both the one side 130X and the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R. The interior of the supply portions 1353 is hollow. The supply portions 1353 provided on the one side 130X of the conveying path 1300R are disposed on the opposite side from the side on which the conveying path 1300R is provided, sandwiching the plurality of heat sources 1310 provided on the one side 130X of the conveying path 1300R. Similarly, the supply portions 1353 provided on the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R are disposed on the opposite side from the side on which the conveying path 1300R is provided, sandwiching the plurality of heat sources 1310 provided on the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 3(B), heater 1351 and blower 1352 are disposed below conveyance path 1300R for can body 1100. As described above and as shown in FIG. 3(A), supply portions 1353 are provided on both sides 130X and 130Y of conveyance path 1300R. As shown in FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), each supply portion 1353 is provided with a gas outlet 1353X on the side where conveyance path 1300R is provided. In this embodiment, gas is discharged from outlet 1353X, and the discharged gas is supplied to can body 1100 on conveyance path 1300R through flow path 1320 as shown by arrow 13C in FIG. 3(A).

[0038] In this embodiment, a heater 1351 is provided as part of the gas supply mechanism 1350, and the gas supply mechanism 1350 heats the gas supplied to the can body 1100. As a result, in this embodiment, heated gas is supplied to the can body 1100. In this embodiment, air is used as the gas. In this embodiment, heated air is supplied to the can body 1100. Note that the components of the gas are not particularly limited, and gases other than air may be supplied to the can body 1100.

[0039] 3(B) , in this embodiment, an exhaust blower 1355 is provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 1300, and this exhaust blower 1355 exhausts gas inside the first heating device 1300 to the outside of the first heating device 1300. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an intake port (not shown) is provided for taking gas outside the first heating device 1300 into the first heating device 1300. In this embodiment, as gas is exhausted by the exhaust blower 1355, the gas outside the first heating device 1300 is supplied into the first heating device 1300 from the intake port.

[0040] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the transport mechanism 1600. FIG. 4A is a top view of the transport mechanism 1600, and FIG. 4B is a front view of the transport mechanism 1600. In other words, FIG. 4B is a view of the transport mechanism 1600 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow IVB in FIG. 4A. The transport mechanism 1600 is provided with a moving unit 1610 that moves to the right in the drawing, as shown in FIG. 4B. This moving unit 1610 is formed in a ring shape, as shown in FIG. 3A, and performs circulating movement.

[0041] In this embodiment, a portion of the moving unit 1610 that performs the circulating movement moves along the linear conveying path 1300R shown in FIG. 3A. After moving along the linear conveying path 1300R, the moving unit 1610 moves toward the upstream side in the can body conveying direction, as shown by arrow 12C in FIG. 3A, and continues its circulating movement. The moving unit 1610 is configured, for example, with a chain or a belt. Note that, when moving toward the upstream side in the can body conveying direction, the moving unit 1610 moves through the inside of the first heating device 1300, as shown in FIG. 3A. This suppresses a decrease in temperature of the moving unit 1610 compared to when the moving unit 1610 moves through the outside of the first heating device 1300.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B , the conveying mechanism 1600 is provided with a plurality of can body support portions 1620 that support the can bodies 1100. The can body support portions 1620 are attached to the moving portion 1610. The can body support portions 1620 are provided so as to protrude upward from the moving portion 1610. In this embodiment, the can body support portions 1620 enter the interior of the can body 1100, thereby supporting the can body 1100. As the moving portion 1610 moves, each of the can body support portions 1620 moves downstream along the conveying path 1300R shown in FIG. 3A and then turns back as indicated by arrow 12C to perform circulating movement. While FIG. 3A depicts the moving portion 1610 as circulating horizontally, it may also circulate vertically.

[0043] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rotation mechanism is provided that rotates each of the can body support portions 1620. The rotation mechanism is realized, for example, by a motor (not shown) provided in each of the can body support portions 1620. When this motor is driven, the can body support portion 1620 rotates around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 1100 supported by the can body support portion 1620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 1100.

[0044] As another example, the rotation mechanism may include a contact portion 1633 that contacts the outer periphery 1621 of the can body support portion 1620, as shown in FIG. 4A . The contact portion 1633 is arranged along the movement direction of the can body support portion 1620 (the direction of the conveying path 1300R). When the contact portion 1633 is used, the moving can body support portion 1620 receives resistance from the contact portion 1633. This causes the can body support portion 1620 to rotate around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 1100 supported by the can body support portion 1620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 1100. Note that the rotation mechanism is not limited to the mechanism described above, and other known mechanisms may be used.

[0045] Furthermore, the conveying mechanism 1600 is not limited to the mechanism shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), and other known mechanisms may be used. Specifically, for example, the can body 1100 may be moved using a linear movement mechanism. Alternatively, for example, a drive source such as a motor may be installed on a support that supports the can body 1100, and the support may move by itself, thereby moving the can body 1100. Alternatively, the can body 1100 may be moved by placing the can body 1100 on a belt conveyor that moves in a circular motion.

[0046] In this embodiment, the can body 1100 transported from the upstream side is supplied to the can body support unit 1620 (see FIG. 4B) at the can body attachment unit 1361 shown in FIG. 3A, and the can body support unit 1620 begins supporting the can body 1100. After starting to support the can body 1100, the can body support unit 1620 is attached to the moving unit 1610, and therefore moves downstream along the linear conveying path 1300R (see FIG. 3A) as the moving unit 1610 moves. In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body is heated as the can body support unit 1620 moves downstream along the conveying path 1300R. This promotes hardening of the image. Then, when the can body support unit 1620 reaches the can body removal unit 1362 shown in FIG. 3A, the can body 1100 is removed from the can body support unit 1620 by a removal mechanism (not shown). After the can body 1100 is removed, the can body support part 1620 returns to the can body attachment part 1361 located upstream in the can body conveying direction.

[0047] The first heating device 1300 will be further described. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3A, the position of the flow path 1320 provided on one side 130X in the can body conveyance direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 1320 provided on the other side 130Y in the can body conveyance direction. In this embodiment, the flow path 1320 is provided between multiple heat sources 1310 provided on one side 130X, and multiple flow paths 1320 are provided on one side 130X.

[0048] In this embodiment, flow paths 1320 are provided between the multiple heating sources 1310 provided on the other side 130Y, and multiple flow paths 1320 are provided on the other side 130Y. In this embodiment, the positions of each of the multiple flow paths 1320 provided on one side 130X in the can body conveyance direction are aligned with the positions of each of the multiple flow paths 1320 provided on the other side 130Y in the can body conveyance direction.

[0049] 3A, a virtual plane 1300H is assumed to extend along the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, the flow paths 1320 provided on one side 130X and the flow paths 1320 provided on the other side 130Y are projected onto the virtual plane 1300H in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction. In this case, in this embodiment, the positions of the flow paths 1320 provided on one side 130X and the flow paths 1320 provided on the other side 130Y coincide on the virtual plane 1300H.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the supply of gas to the can body 1100. As described above, in this embodiment, the position of the flow path 1320 provided on one side 130X in the can body conveyance direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 1320 provided on the other side 130Y in the can body conveyance direction. In this case, as indicated by reference numeral 15A in FIG. 5 , gases collide with each other on the conveyance path 1300R of the can body 1100. In this case, turbulence is likely to occur on the conveyance path 1300R of the can body 1100. When turbulence occurs, the gas present around the can body 1100 is agitated. When the gas present around the can body 1100 is agitated, fresher gas is supplied to the can body 1100 compared to when it is not agitated. In this case, curing of the image formed on the can body 1100 is further promoted.

[0051] When the position of the flow path 1320 provided on one side 130X in the can body conveyance direction is the same as the position of the flow path 1320 provided on the other side 130Y in the can body conveyance direction, it is preferable to make the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas equal. Specifically, it is more preferable to make the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas passing through the flow path 1320 provided on one side 130X equal to the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas passing through the flow path 1320 provided on the other side 130Y. In this case, compared to when at least one of the flow rate and flow velocity is different, it is less likely that the point where the gases collide will deviate from the conveyance path 1300R of the can body 1100.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates another exemplary configuration of the first heating device 1300. In this exemplary configuration, the position of the flow path 1320 (hereinafter referred to as the "first-side flow path 1320") on one side 130X of the conveying path 1300R in the can body conveying direction is different from the position of the flow path 1320 (hereinafter referred to as the "second-side flow path 1320") on the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R in the can body conveying direction. In this exemplary configuration, multiple first-side flow paths 1320 and multiple second-side flow paths 1320 are provided, and are arranged so that their positions in the can body conveying direction are different from each other. In this exemplary configuration, when the first-side flow paths 1320 and the second-side flow paths 1320 are projected onto a virtual plane 1300H in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveying direction, the positions of the first-side flow paths 1320 and the second-side flow paths 1320 on the virtual plane 1300H do not match.

[0053] In this configuration example, a plurality of one-side flow paths 1320 and a plurality of other-side flow paths 1320 are provided so that, when comparing positions in the can body transport direction, the other-side flow paths 1320 are located between adjacent one-side flow paths 1320 in the can body transport direction. In this configuration example, when the one-side flow paths 1320 and the other-side flow paths 1320 are projected in a direction perpendicular to the can body transport direction onto an imaginary plane 1300H, the other-side flow paths 1320 are located between adjacent one-side flow paths 1320 on this imaginary plane 1300H.

[0054] More specifically, in this configuration example, the other-side flow path 1320 is located at the midpoint 1339C of the line 1339 connecting adjacent one-side flow paths 1320 on the imaginary plane 1300H. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 6, the number of supply points, which are the points at which air is supplied to the can body 1100 and are arranged offset from each other in the can body conveyance direction, is greater than in the configuration example shown in FIG. 3. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the location where a pair of outlets 1353X arranged opposite each other is one supply point. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, there are five pairs of these outlets 1353X, for a total of five supply points. In contrast, in this configuration example shown in FIG. 6, the location where one outlet 1353X is arranged is one supply point, for a total of nine supply points.

[0055] 3 and 6, the direction of gas flow through the flow path 1320 toward the conveying path 1300R of the can body 1100 intersects with the axial direction of the can body 1100 when the gas is supplied to the can body 1100. In this embodiment, the gas flow direction is horizontal, and the axial direction of the can body 1100 is vertical. In this embodiment, when gas is supplied to the can body 1100, the gas does not flow along the axial direction of the can body 1100, but flows in a direction intersecting the axial direction and is supplied to the can body 1100.

[0056] Note that this does not exclude a situation in which, when gas is supplied to can body 1100, the gas flows along the axial direction of can body 1100. For example, can body 1100 may be arranged so that the axial direction of can body 1100 is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction and horizontally, and gas may be supplied to this can body 1100 from the side of conveyance path 1300R. In this case, when gas is supplied to can body 1100, the gas flows along the axial direction of can body 1100.

[0057] 3 and 6, the direction of movement of can body 1100 when can body 1100 moves along conveying path 1300R and the direction of gas flow toward conveying path 1300R through flow path 1320 intersect with each other. The direction of movement of can body 1100 when can body 1100 moves along conveying path 1300R and the direction of gas flow are both horizontal, but the direction of movement of can body 1100 when can body 1100 moves along conveying path 1300R is horizontal and in one direction, and the direction of gas flow is horizontal and in a direction intersecting this one direction.

[0058] 6, gas passing through flow path 1320 toward conveying path 1300R flows across conveying path 1300R. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A, gas particles collide with each other on conveying path 1300R of can body 1100, making it difficult for the gas to cross conveying path 1300R, but in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, gas particles do not collide with each other, and the gas flows across conveying path 1300R of can body 1100.

[0059] 3A, a case has been described in which gas is supplied onto the transport path 1300R from both of the two flow paths 1320 (one-side flow path 1320 and the other-side flow path 1320) that face each other across the transport path 1300R, and gas is supplied onto the transport path 1300R from both sides of the transport path 1300R. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and gas may be supplied onto the transport path 1300R from only one of the two flow paths 1320 that face each other across the transport path 1300R, and gas may not be supplied from the other flow path 1320.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, gas may be supplied onto the conveying path 1300R from only one of the two flow paths 1320 that face each other across the conveying path 1300R, and the gas flowing from this one flow path 1320 may be discharged through the other flow path 1320. When gas is supplied onto the conveying path 1300R from only one of the two opposing flow paths 1320, it is preferable that this one flow path 1320 that supplies gas (hereinafter referred to as the "supply flow path 1320") be arranged alternately in the conveying direction of the can body 1100, as shown in Figure 7 (a diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device 1300).

[0061] In this configuration shown in Figure 7, multiple supply flow paths 1320 are provided so that, when comparing positions in the can body conveying direction, the supply flow paths 1320 provided on one side 130X of the conveying path 1300R are located between the supply flow paths 1320 provided on the other side 130Y.

[0062] Next, the heating source 1310 will be described. In this embodiment, as an example of the heating source 1310, a heating source 1310 that includes a light source and emits infrared rays from the light source is used. In other words, in this embodiment, a so-called IR (Infrared Rays) heater is used as the heating source 1310. When infrared rays are emitted from the light source, energy is supplied to the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 1100, causing molecules in the image to vibrate (move). This vibration causes friction between the materials that make up the image, generating heat. This heat heats the image and promotes hardening of the image. Note that the heating source 1310 that emits infrared rays is just one example, and the heating source 1310 is not particularly limited, and heating sources 1310 other than the heating source 1310 that emits infrared rays may also be used.

[0063] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing another configuration example of the first heating device 1300. In this configuration example, a positioning member 1700 is provided between two adjacent heating sources 1310. The positioning member 1700 is connected to both of the two adjacent heating sources 1310 and is supported by the two heating sources 1310. Note that it is not essential that the positioning member 1700 be connected to both of the two heating sources 1310; it may be connected to only one of the two heating sources 1310. Alternatively, the positioning member 1700 may not be connected to the two heating sources 1310, and may be supported by the floor surface and extend upward from the floor surface, for example.

[0064] In this configuration example, the placement member 1700 is provided with a flow path 1320. In this configuration example, the placement member 1700 is provided with a plurality of through holes, and each of the through holes functions as a flow path 1320. Note that the flow path 1320 formed in the placement member 1700 is not limited to being formed with a circular or rectangular through hole, and a slit may be formed in the placement member 1700 and the flow path 1320 may be formed by the slit.

[0065] More specifically, the flow path 1320 may be formed by a slit extending in the axial direction of the can body 1100 moving on the conveying path 1300R or a slit extending along the can body conveying direction. Alternatively, for example, a mesh-like arrangement member 1700 may be installed, and in this case, a plurality of through holes are also provided in the arrangement member 1700. The flow path 1320 for supplying gas to the can body 1100 is not limited to being formed by the gap 1319 between the heat sources 1310 (see FIG. 3A ), but may also be formed by through holes or slits provided in the arrangement member 1700 arranged between the heat sources 1310.

[0066] In the configuration example shown in Fig. 8, the position of the positioning member 1700 provided on one side 130X in the can body conveying direction is aligned with the position of the positioning member 1700 provided on the other side 130Y in the can body conveying direction. In this case, as in the configuration example shown in Fig. 3, the position of the flow path 1320 provided on one side 130X in the can body conveying direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 1320 provided on the other side 130Y in the can body conveying direction.

[0067] The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the position of the positioning member 1700 provided on one side 130X in the can body conveying direction may be different from the position of the positioning member 1700 provided on the other side 130Y in the can body conveying direction. In this case, similar to the configuration example shown in Fig. 6, the position of the flow path 1320 provided on one side 130X in the can body conveying direction will be different from the position of the flow path 1320 provided on the other side 130Y in the can body conveying direction.

[0068] 9 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device 1300. In this example, multiple heat sources 1310 are provided on one side 130X of the conveying path 1300R, as described above. Also, in this example, a heat reflecting section 1390 is provided on the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R. As described above, multiple heat sources 1310 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, as described above, a flow path 1320 is provided between adjacent heat sources 1310. This flow path 1320 is formed by gaps 1319 present between the heat sources 1310.

[0069] The heat reflecting portion 1390 reflects heat from the heating source 1310 provided on one side 130X toward the transport path 1300R. The heat reflecting portion 1390 is configured as a mirror and has the function of reflecting light. The heat reflecting portion 1390 shown in FIG. 9 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 1300R. Multiple heat reflecting portions 1390 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body transport direction. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a flow path 1320 is provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 1390 for passing gas supplied to the can bodies 1100 on the transport path 1300R. This flow path 1320 is configured by gaps 1319 present between the heat reflecting portions 1390.

[0070] In this configuration example, on one side 130X of the conveying path 1300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 1100 on the conveying path 1300R through a flow path 1320 provided between adjacent heating sources 1310, as described above. On the other hand, on the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 1100 on the conveying path 1300R through a flow path 1320 provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 1390.

[0071] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device 1300. In this other example, similar to the example shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of heating sources 1310 are provided on one side 130X of the transport path 1300R, and a plurality of heat reflecting sections 1390 are provided on the other side 130Y of the transport path 1300R. Furthermore, in this example, a positioning member 1700 is provided between adjacent heating sources 1310. As described above, this positioning member 1700 is provided with a flow path 1320 (not shown in FIG. 10 ). In this example, a positioning member 1700 is also provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 1390. As described above, this positioning member 1700 is provided with a flow path 1320 (not shown in FIG. 10 ).

[0072] As in the above, the flow paths 1320 provided in the arrangement member 1700 are configured by through holes or slits provided in the arrangement member 1700. In this configuration example, on one side 130X of the conveying path 1300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 1100 on the conveying path 1300R through the flow paths 1320 formed in the arrangement member 1700 provided between adjacent heat sources 1310. On the other side 130Y of the conveying path 1300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 1100 on the conveying path 1300R through the flow paths 1320 formed in the arrangement member 1700 provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 1390.

[0073] In the configuration examples shown in Figures 9 and 10, the position in the can body conveyance direction of the one-side flow path 1320, which is the flow path 1320 provided on one side 130X, is aligned with the position in the can body conveyance direction of the other-side flow path 1320, which is the flow path 1320 provided on the other side 130Y. This is not a limitation, and similar to the configuration example shown in Figure 6, the position in the can body conveyance direction of the one-side flow path 1320 may be different from the position in the can body conveyance direction of the other-side flow path 1320. More specifically, similar to the above, for example, a plurality of one-side flow paths 1320 and a plurality of other-side flow paths 1320 may be provided such that, when comparing the positions in the can body conveyance direction, the other-side flow paths 1320 are located between adjacent one-side flow paths 1320 in the can body conveyance direction.

[0074] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting section 1390. FIGS. 11A and 11B show the heat reflecting section 1390 as viewed from above. The shape of the heat reflecting section 1390 is not particularly limited. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 9, the heat reflecting section 1390 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 1300R. However, as shown in FIG. 11A, the heat reflecting section 1390 may have an uneven shape to diffusely reflect infrared rays. Alternatively, the heat reflecting section 1390 may be formed in a flat shape, as shown in FIG. 11B.

[0075] The first heating device 1300 may be provided with two or more types of heat reflecting sections 1390. For example, two or more types of heat reflecting sections 1390 may be provided, including the first type of heat reflecting section 1390 shown in Fig. 9, the second type of heat reflecting section 1390 shown in Fig. 11(A), and the third type of heat reflecting section 1390 shown in Fig. 11(B). The heat reflecting section 1390 may be provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 1300, and may direct infrared rays directed upward from the heating source 1310 toward the transport path 1300R located below.

[0076] The above description has been given of a first configuration in which the gap 1319 is provided on both the one side 130X and the other side 130Y, and a second configuration in which the arrangement member 1700 having the flow path 1320 is provided on both the one side 130X and the other side 130Y. The configuration is not limited to these two. The gap 1319 may be provided on one of the one side 130X and the other side 130Y, and the arrangement member 1700 having the flow path 1320 may be provided on the other side. For example, the arrangement member 1700 having the gap 1319 and the flow path 1320 may be provided on both the one side 130X and the other side 130Y. The above description has been given of the first heating device 1300. The second heating device 1400 (see FIG. 1 ) and the third heating device 1500 (not shown) may also be configured similarly to the first heating device 1300.

[0077] Further, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system 2000 according to this embodiment. The can body manufacturing system 2000 manufactures a can body 2100 (not shown in Fig. 12 ) having an image formed on its outer peripheral surface, which is an example of an exterior surface, and is made of metal and formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The manufactured can body 2100 is filled with a beverage. The beverage is not particularly limited, and the manufactured can body 2100 is filled with, for example, an alcoholic beverage such as beer or chuhai, or a soft drink (non-alcoholic beverage). After filling with the beverage, a lid member is attached to the can body 2100, and a beverage can filled with the beverage is completed.

[0078] 12 , the can body manufacturing system 2000 is provided with a printing device 2200 that prints on the can body 2100. The printing device 2200 of this embodiment, which functions as an image forming unit, is an inkjet printing device that uses the inkjet method to form an image on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 2100. Note that the printing device 2200 is not limited to an inkjet printing device, and may be a printing device that prints using a method other than the inkjet method, such as a plate-type printing device.

[0079] The inkjet printing device 2200 refers to a printing device that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of paint, from an inkjet head and adhering the ink to the can body 2100. The inkjet printing device 2200 can use a known method. Specifically, for example, a piezo method, a thermal (bubble) method, a continuous method, or the like can be used.

[0080] Furthermore, the plate-type printing apparatus 2200 refers to a printing apparatus that performs printing using a plate. In the plate-type printing apparatus 2200, ink, which is an example of paint, is applied to a plate, and then the ink applied to the plate is transferred to the can body 2100, thereby printing onto the can body 2100. This transfer may be performed by directly contacting the plate with the can body 2100, or by placing an intermediate transfer body between the plate and the can body 2100 and transferring the ink to the can body 2100 via this intermediate transfer body. Here, examples of printing using a plate include letterpress printing, intaglio printing, lithographic printing, and stencil printing, and any of these may be used for printing using a plate.

[0081] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device 2200. The printing device 2200 shown in Fig. 13 is provided with four inkjet heads 2411. Specifically, the printing device 2200 is provided with a first inkjet head 2411Y that ejects yellow ink, a second inkjet head 2411M that ejects magenta ink, a third inkjet head 2411C that ejects cyan ink, and a fourth inkjet head 2411K that ejects black ink.

[0082] The four inkjet heads 2411 are arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the can body 2100 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure). Each of the four inkjet heads 2411 is also arranged to extend along the axial direction of the can body 2100 being transported. Each of the four inkjet heads 2411 is arranged above the transport path of the can body 2100, and ejects ink toward the can body 2100 located below. In this embodiment, each of the four inkjet heads 2411 ejects ink toward the can body 2100 located below and rotating in the circumferential direction, thereby forming an image on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 2100.

[0083] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 , a device for performing processes other than printing is provided upstream of the printing device 2200 in the conveyance direction of the can body 2100. Specifically, in this embodiment, an uncoiler (UC), a lubricator (LU), a cupping press (CP), a body maker (BM), a trimmer (TR), and a washer (WS) are provided in this order from upstream in the conveyance direction of the can body 2100. The uncoiler (UC) unwinds the coiled aluminum sheet. The lubricator (LU) applies lubricating oil to the aluminum sheet. The cupping press (CP) punches out a circular blank and then draws it to form a cup-shaped material.

[0084] In the body maker (BM), which performs the forming, the cup-shaped material is subjected to drawing and ironing processes to make the peripheral wall a predetermined thickness. The bottom is then formed into a dome shape. This results in a cylindrical can body 2100 with an opening on one side and a bottom on the other. In the trimmer (TR), the edge portion on the upper peripheral wall of the can body 2100 is trimmed to even out. In other words, the trimmer (TR) removes the edge of the can body 2100 on the opening side. In the washer (WS), the can body 2100 is washed to remove lubricating oil and other deposits, and a chemical coating is performed as necessary.

[0085] Furthermore, a first heating device 2300 is provided downstream of the printing device 2200 in the conveyance direction of the can body 2100. The first heating device 2300 heats the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 2100 and prints the image onto the can body 2100. In other words, the first heating device 2300 heats the ink paint attached to the outer surface of the can body 2100 and hardens the paint. If necessary, a clear paint may be applied on top of the ink paint (outside the paint in the radial direction of the can body 2100) and heated and hardened together with the ink. The first heating device 2300 heats the image formed on the can body 2100 by the printing device 2200, which functions as an image forming unit, and hardens the image.

[0086] An inside spray (INS) and a second heating device 2400 are provided downstream of the first heating device 2300. The inside spray (INS) applies paint to the inner surface of the can body 2100. In other words, the inside spray (INS) performs interior painting. The inside spray (INS) sprays paint onto the inner surface of the can body 2100 to paint the interior surface. The second heating device 2400 heats the paint applied to the inner surface of the can body 2100 and bakes the paint. This hardens the paint applied to the inner surface of the can body 2100.

[0087] Furthermore, downstream of the second heating device 2400, a smooth die necker flanger (hereinafter referred to as "necker flanger") (SDN) is provided as an example of a diameter reduction process. The necker flanger (SDN) reduces the diameter of the opening of the can body 2100 and forms a flange for attaching a can lid. Through the above processes, an empty can body 2100 is completed. This empty can body 2100 is shipped after an inspection process (not shown) and transported to a beverage filling process (not shown). Then, in this filling process, the empty can body 2100 is filled with a beverage, and a can lid is attached to the can body 2100 after it has been filled with the beverage.

[0088] Although not shown, a base coater (BC) and a third heating device 2500 (not shown) may be further provided between the washer (WS) and the printing device 2200. The base coater (BC) applies a colored paint, such as white, to the outer peripheral surface of the can body 2100 to form a base layer (base coat layer). The third heating device 2500 heats this base layer, causing it to harden. Note that the above-described processes and devices provided in the can body manufacturing system 2000 are merely examples, and some processes and devices may be deleted, other processes and devices may be added, or processes may be interchanged or changed.

[0089] 14(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the first heating device 2300. FIG. 14(A) is a top view of the first heating device 2300, and FIG. 14(B) is a front view of the first heating device 2300. In other words, FIG. 14(B) is a view of the first heating device 2300 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XIVB in FIG. 14(A). As shown in FIG. 14(A), the first heating device 2300 of this embodiment is provided with a conveying mechanism 2600 as an example of a conveying means that conveys can bodies 2100, on which an image has been formed by the printing device 2200 (see FIG. 12), along a predetermined linear conveying path 2300R.

[0090] 14A, the first heating device 2300 is provided with a plurality of heating sources 2310 arranged side by side in the conveying direction of the can body 2100 on the sides of the conveying path 2300R along which the can body 2100 is conveyed. In this embodiment, a plurality of heating sources 2310 are provided on both one side 230X and the other side 230Y of the conveying path 2300R.

[0091] In this embodiment, as an example of the heat source 2310, a heat source 2310 that includes a light source and emits infrared rays from the light source is used. In other words, in this embodiment, a so-called IR (Infrared Rays) heater is used as the heat source 2310. When infrared rays are emitted from the light source, energy is supplied to the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 2100, causing molecules in the image to vibrate (move). This vibration causes friction between the materials that make up the image, generating heat. This heat heats the image and promotes hardening of the image. Note that the heat source 2310 that emits infrared rays is just one example, and the heat source 2310 is not particularly limited, and heat sources 2310 other than the heat source 2310 that emits infrared rays may also be used.

[0092] 14(A), on each of one side 230X and the other side 230Y of the conveying path 2300R, a flow path 2320 for passing gas supplied to the can body 2100 on the conveying path 2300R is provided between adjacent heating sources 2310. In this embodiment, a gap 2319 is provided between adjacent heating sources 2310 in the can body conveying direction, which is the conveying direction of the can body 2100. In this embodiment, this gap 2319 serves as the flow path 2320, and gas is supplied to the can body 2100 through this gap 2319 (details will be described later).

[0093] 14(A) and 14(B), a gas supply mechanism 2350 is provided as an example of a gas supply means for supplying gas to the can body 2100 on the conveying path 2300R through a flow path 2320. As shown in Fig. 14(B), the gas supply mechanism 2350 is composed of a heater 2351, a blower 2352 serving as an air source, and two supplied portions 2353 to which the gas sent by the blower 2352 is supplied. Fig. 14(B) shows only one of the supplied portions 2353 located on one side 230X.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 14A , the supply portions 2353 are provided on both the one side 230X and the other side 230Y of the conveying path 2300R. The interior of the supply portions 2353 is hollow. The supply portions 2353 provided on the one side 230X of the conveying path 2300R are disposed on the opposite side from the side on which the conveying path 2300R is provided, with a plurality of heating sources 2310 provided on the one side 230X of the conveying path 2300R sandwiched between them. Similarly, the supply portions 2353 provided on the other side 230Y of the conveying path 2300R are disposed on the opposite side from the side on which the conveying path 2300R is provided, with a plurality of heating sources 2310 provided on the other side 230Y of the conveying path 2300R sandwiched between them.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 14(B), the heater 2351 and the blower 2352 are disposed below the conveying path 2300R of the can body 2100. As described above and as shown in FIG. 14(A), the supplying portion 2353 is provided on both the one side 230X and the other side 230Y of the conveying path 2300R. As shown in FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B), each of the supplying portions 2353 is provided with a gas outlet 2353X on the side where the conveying path 2300R is provided. In this embodiment, gas is discharged from the outlet 2353X, and the discharged gas is supplied to the can body 2100 on the conveying path 2300R through the flow path 2320 as shown by the arrow 23W in FIG. 14(A).

[0096] In this embodiment, a heater 2351 is provided as part of the gas supply mechanism 2350, and the gas supply mechanism 2350 heats the gas supplied to the can body 2100. As a result, in this embodiment, heated gas is supplied to the can body 2100. In this embodiment, air is used as the gas. In this embodiment, heated air is supplied to the can body 2100. Note that the components of the gas are not particularly limited, and gas other than air may be supplied to the can body 2100.

[0097] 14(B) , in this embodiment, an exhaust blower 2355 is provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 2300, and this exhaust blower 2355 exhausts gas inside the first heating device 2300 to the outside of the first heating device 2300. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an intake port (not shown) is provided for taking gas outside the first heating device 2300 into the first heating device 2300. In this embodiment, as gas is exhausted by the exhaust blower 2355, the gas outside the first heating device 2300 is supplied into the first heating device 2300 from the intake port.

[0098] 15(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the transport mechanism 2600. FIG. 15(A) is a top view of the transport mechanism 2600, and FIG. 15(B) is a front view of the transport mechanism 2600. In other words, FIG. 15(B) is a view of the transport mechanism 2600 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow XVB in FIG. 15(A). The transport mechanism 2600 is provided with a moving unit 2610 that moves to the right in the drawing, as shown in FIG. 15(B). This moving unit 2610 is formed in a ring shape, as shown in FIG. 14(A), and performs circulating movement.

[0099] In this embodiment, a portion of the moving unit 2610, which performs the circulating movement, moves along the linear conveying path 2300R shown in FIG. 14(A). After moving along the linear conveying path 2300R, the moving unit 2610 moves upstream in the can body conveying direction, as shown by arrow 22C in FIG. 14(A), and performs the circulating movement. The moving unit 2610 is configured, for example, with a chain or a belt. Note that, when moving upstream in the can body conveying direction, the moving unit 2610 moves through the inside of the first heating device 2300, as shown in FIG. 14(A). This suppresses the temperature drop of the moving unit 2610 compared to when the moving unit 2610 moves through the outside of the first heating device 2300.

[0100] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the conveying mechanism 2600 is provided with a plurality of can body support portions 2620 that support the can body 2100. The can body support portions 2620 are attached to the moving portion 2610. The can body support portions 2620 are provided so as to protrude upward from the moving portion 2610. In this embodiment, the can body support portions 2620 enter the interior of the can body 2100, thereby supporting the can body 2100. As the moving portion 2610 moves, each of the can body support portions 2620 moves downstream along the conveying path 2300R shown in FIG. 14(A), and then turns back and moves circulatingly as indicated by arrow 22C. Although FIG. 14(A) depicts the moving portion 2610 as moving circulating horizontally, it may also move circulating vertically.

[0101] The conveying mechanism 2600 may be provided with a rotation mechanism that rotates each of the can body support portions 2620. In this embodiment, the conveying mechanism 2600 is not provided with a rotation mechanism; however, if a rotation mechanism is provided, the can body 2100 can be rotated in the circumferential direction of the can body 2100. The rotation mechanism is realized, for example, by a motor (not shown) provided in each of the can body support portions 2620. When this motor is driven, the can body support portion 2620 rotates around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 2100 supported by the can body support portion 2620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 2100.

[0102] 15(A), the rotation mechanism may also include a contact portion 2633 that contacts the outer periphery 2621 of the can body support portion 2620. The contact portion 2633 is arranged along the movement direction of the can body support portion 2620 (the direction of the conveying path 2300R). When the contact portion 2633 is used, the moving can body support portion 2620 receives resistance from the contact portion 2633. This causes the can body support portion 2620 to rotate around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 2100 supported by the can body support portion 2620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 2100. Note that the rotation mechanism is not limited to the mechanism described above, and other known mechanisms may be used.

[0103] 15A and 15B, other known mechanisms may be used. Specifically, for example, the can body 2100 may be moved using a linear movement mechanism. Alternatively, for example, a drive source such as a motor may be installed on a support that supports the can body 2100, and the support may move by itself, thereby moving the can body 2100. Alternatively, the can body 2100 may be moved by placing the can body 2100 on a belt conveyor that moves in a circular motion.

[0104] In this embodiment, the can body 2100 transported from the upstream side is supplied to the can body support section 2620 (see FIG. 15(B)) at the can body attachment section 2361 shown in FIG. 14(A), and the can body support section 2620 begins supporting the can body 2100. After starting to support the can body 2100, the can body support section 2620 moves downstream along the linear conveying path 2300R (see FIG. 14(A)) in conjunction with the movement of the moving section 2610. In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body 2100 is heated as the can body support section 2620 moves downstream along the conveying path 2300R. This promotes hardening of the image.

[0105] 14(A), a removal mechanism (not shown) removes the can body 2100 from the can body support part 2620. After the can body 2100 has been removed, the can body support part 2620 is attached to the moving part 2610, and therefore returns to the can body attachment part 2361 located upstream in the can body conveyance direction.

[0106] The first heating device 2300 will be further described. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14(A), the heating source 2310 is disposed at an angle with respect to the can body conveyance direction on both the one side 230X and the other side 230Y. In this embodiment, the heating source 2310 disposed at an angle with respect to the can body conveyance direction is provided on both the one side 230X and the other side 230Y of the conveyance path 2300R.

[0107] In this embodiment, the arrangement of the plurality of heating sources 2310 provided on one side 230X and the arrangement of the plurality of heating sources 2310 provided on the other side 230Y are symmetrical with respect to a straight line 2300CL extending along the transport path 2300R. In the following description, the plurality of heating sources 2310 provided on one side 230X will be mainly described.

[0108] A plurality of heating sources 2310 having different inclination angles with respect to the can body conveyance direction are provided on one side 230X of the conveyance path 2300R. More specifically, a plurality of heating sources 2310 having different inclination angles with respect to a direction parallel to the can body conveyance direction are provided on one side 230X of the conveyance path 2300R. Assuming a parallel straight line 298 that is parallel to the straight line 2300CL extending along the conveyance path 2300R and passes through the upstream end portions 2311 of the heating sources 2310, in this embodiment, a plurality of heating sources 2310 having different inclination angles with respect to the parallel straight line 298 are provided.

[0109] Each of the heating sources 2310 has an upstream end 2311, which is an end located upstream in the can body conveyance direction, and a downstream end 2312, which is an end located downstream in the can body conveyance direction. In this embodiment, a plurality of heating sources 2310 are provided, each with a different inclination angle relative to the parallel line 298 passing through the upstream end 2311 of the heating source 2310. In this embodiment, when one of the upstream end 2311 and the downstream end 2312 of the heating source 2310 is located closer to the conveyance path 2300R than the other, the heating source 2310 can be said to be inclined with respect to the can body conveyance direction.

[0110] On one side 230X, one of the plurality of heating sources 2310, designated by reference symbol 23C, faces downstream in the can body conveyance direction, and another of the heating sources 2310, designated by reference symbol 23D, faces upstream in the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a plurality of sets of heating sources 2310, each consisting of this one heating source 2310 and another heating source 2310, are provided.

[0111] In this embodiment, a plurality of sets of heating sources 2310 are provided, each set consisting of one heating source 2310 facing downstream in the can body conveying direction and another heating source 2310 facing upstream in the can body conveying direction. In this embodiment, in a set of heating sources 2310 consisting of two heating sources 2310 adjacent to each other in the can body conveying direction, the heating source 2310 facing downstream is arranged on the upstream side, and the heating source 2310 facing upstream is arranged on the downstream side.

[0112] In this embodiment, in the can body conveyance direction, another heating source 2310 indicated by reference symbol 23D facing upstream is provided downstream of one heating source 2310 indicated by reference symbol 23C facing downstream. More specifically, in this embodiment, another heating source 2310 facing upstream is provided downstream of and immediately adjacent to the one heating source 2310 facing downstream. In this embodiment, the one heating source 2310 facing downstream and the other heating source 2310 facing upstream are arranged alternately in the can body conveyance direction.

[0113] An example of the inclination angle of one heating source 2310 with respect to the can body conveyance direction is 15°. An example of the inclination angle of the other heating source 2310 with respect to the can body conveyance direction is −15°. The inclination angle of the heating source 2310 with respect to the can body conveyance direction is not particularly limited, and other examples of the inclination angle include 30°, −30°, 45°, and −45°.

[0114] In addition, in this specification, for the heating source 2310 arranged on one side 230X, the tilt angle of the heating source 2310 in the clockwise direction with respect to the parallel straight line 298 is defined as a positive tilt angle, and the tilt angle of the heating source 2310 in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the parallel straight line 298 is defined as a negative tilt angle. In this case, one heating source 2310 indicated by reference symbol 23C is arranged with a positive tilt angle, and the other heating source 2310 indicated by reference symbol 23D is arranged with a negative tilt angle.

[0115] In this specification, for the heating source 2310 disposed on the other side 230Y, the inclination angle of the heating source 2310 in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the parallel line 298 is defined as a positive inclination angle, and the inclination angle of the heating source 2310 in the clockwise direction with respect to the parallel line 298 is defined as a negative inclination angle. In this embodiment, the two heating sources 2310, designated by reference numerals 23C and 23E in FIG. 14A and arranged symmetrically with respect to the transport path 2300R, both have positive inclination angles. In addition, the two heating sources 2310, designated by reference numerals 23D and 23F in FIG. 14A and arranged symmetrically with respect to the transport path 2300R, both have negative inclination angles.

[0116] In this embodiment, when the can body 2100 is transported, the axial direction of the cylindrical can body 2100 is aligned along a direction intersecting the can body transport direction, and the can body 2100 is transported in a state where the axial direction of the cylindrical can body 2100 is aligned along a direction perpendicular to the can body transport direction.

[0117] Assume that the can body 2100 being conveyed is located at the position indicated by the reference symbol 23S in FIG. 14A . In this case, in this embodiment, an image formed on a portion 2100A of the can body 2100 located downstream in the conveyance direction (hereinafter referred to as the "downstream portion 2100A") is irradiated with infrared rays from other heating sources 2310 facing upstream, which are provided on one side 230X and the other side 230Y. Furthermore, in this case, an image formed on a portion 2100B of the can body 2100 located upstream in the conveyance direction (hereinafter referred to as the "upstream portion 2100B") is irradiated with infrared rays from a single heating source 2310 facing downstream, which is provided on one side 230X and the other side 230Y. This promotes hardening of the image formed in the downstream portion 2100A and the image formed in the upstream portion 2100B compared to a configuration in which only a heating source 2310 having an inclination angle of 0° relative to the can body conveying direction is provided.

[0118] In the above description, a case has been described in which, in a set of heating sources 2310 consisting of two heating sources 2310 adjacent to each other in the can body conveyance direction, the heating source 2310 facing downstream is arranged on the upstream side, and the heating source 2310 facing upstream is arranged on the downstream side. However, this is not limited to this, and in a set of heating sources 2310 consisting of two heating sources 2310, the heating source 2310 facing downstream may be arranged on the downstream side, and the heating source 2310 facing upstream may be arranged on the upstream side.

[0119] 16(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the heat source 2310 and the can body 2100. FIG. 16(A) illustrates a state in which the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 is located on an orthogonal plane 259 that is a plane perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction and passes through a midpoint 2317 of one heat source 2310 arranged on one side 230X. Here, a virtual orthogonal plane 259 is assumed that is perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction and passes through the midpoint 2317 of the heat source 2310. The midpoint 2317 of the heat source 2310 refers to the midpoint 2317 of the line connecting the upstream end 2311 and downstream end 2312 of the heat source 2310.

[0120] In this embodiment, when the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 transported from the upstream side is positioned on the orthogonal plane 259, the state shown in FIG. 16(A) is reached. In the state shown in FIG. 16(A), the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 is aligned with the orthogonal plane 259. In this state shown in FIG. 16(A), the distance between the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 and the upstream end 2311 of the heat source 2310 is different from the distance between the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 and the downstream end 2312 of the heat source 2310. Specifically, the distance between the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 and the upstream end 2311 of the heat source 2310 is smaller than the distance between the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 and the downstream end 2312 of the heat source 2310.

[0121] 16(B) is a diagram showing a state in which the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 is located on an orthogonal plane 259 that is a plane perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction and passes through a midpoint 2317 of another heating source 2310 arranged on one side 230X. Even in the state shown in FIG. 16(B), the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 is aligned with the orthogonal plane 259. Even in this state shown in FIG. 16(B), the distance between the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 and the upstream end 2311 of the heating source 2310 is different from the distance between the axial center 2119 of the can body 2100 and the downstream end 2312 of the heating source 2310. Specifically, the distance between the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 and the upstream end 2311 of the heat source 2310 is greater than the distance between the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 and the downstream end 2312 of the heat source 2310.

[0122] Figures 24(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the heat source 2310 and the can body 2100. Figure 24(A) is a diagram showing one heat source 2310 arranged on one side 230X and the can body 2100 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XIVA in Figure 16(A). Figure 24(B) is a diagram showing another heat source 2310 arranged on one side 230X and the can body 2100 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XXIVB in Figure 16(B).

[0123] In Figure 24(A), a virtual plane 213Z is assumed to be perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body 2100 and cross the can body 2100, the virtual plane 213Z passing through the center of the can body 2100 in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the can body 2100 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an axis 2119. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 24(A), the can body 2100 is conveyed with the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 aligned in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the conveying path 2300R. More specifically, in this embodiment, the can body 2100 is conveyed with the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the conveying path 2300R.

[0124] 24(A) shows the state when the can body 2100 being conveyed by the conveying mechanism 2600 reaches a position opposite one of the heating sources 2310. More specifically, it shows the state when the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 is located on the orthogonal plane 259 (see FIG. 16(A)). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24(A), assuming a virtual plane 213Z that is orthogonal to the axial direction of the can body 2100, crosses the can body 2100, and passes through the center of the can body 2100 in the axial direction, the one heating source 2310 is arranged so that this plane 213Z crosses the one heating source 2310.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the one heating source 2310 is disposed so that an upstream end 2311 and a downstream end 2312 of the one heating source 2310 are located on an imaginary plane 213Z. In this embodiment, the imaginary plane 213Z is also shown in Fig. 16A, but in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 16A, the one heating source 2310 is disposed so that the upstream end 2311 of the one heating source 2310 is located closer to the transport path 2300R than the downstream end 2312 on the imaginary plane 213Z.

[0126] 25 and 26 are diagrams showing other arrangement relationships between the heating source 2310 and the can body 2100. Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 25, it is assumed that the can body 2100 is transported with the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 aligned along the transport path 2300R. In this case, an imaginary plane 213Z that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body 2100, crosses the can body 2100, and passes through the center of the can body 2100 in the axial direction crosses one heating source 2310. However, in this case, the upstream end 2311 and the downstream end 2312 of one heating source 2310 are not located on this imaginary plane 213Z.

[0127] Also, for example, the can body 2100 may be transported in the state shown in Fig. 26. In this state shown in Fig. 26, the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 is aligned in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the transport path 2300R, but the imaginary plane 213Z does not cross the one heating source 2310. In contrast, in the configuration examples shown in Fig. 16(A) and Fig. 24(A), the plane 213Z crosses the one heating source 2310, and the upstream end 2311 and downstream end 2312 of the one heating source 2310 are located on this plane 213Z.

[0128] Further explanation will be given with reference to Figure 24(B). Figure 24(B) shows the state when the can body 2100 is conveyed by the conveying mechanism 2600 and the can body 2100 reaches a position facing the other heating source 2310. More specifically, in this case too, the state is shown when the axis 2119 of the can body 2100 is located on the orthogonal plane 259 shown in Figure 16(B). In Figure 24(B) as well, if a virtual plane 213Z is assumed to be orthogonal to the axial direction of the can body 2100, cross the can body 2100, and pass through the center of the can body 2100 in the axial direction, this plane 213Z will cross the other heating source 2310.

[0129] Furthermore, in this case, the upstream end 2311 and downstream end 2312 of the other heat source 2310 are positioned on the imaginary plane 213Z. Also, as shown in Fig. 16B, the downstream end 2312 of the other heat source 2310 is positioned closer to the transport path 2300R than the upstream end 2311 on the imaginary plane 213Z.

[0130] FIG. 17 illustrates another exemplary configuration of the first heating device 2300. In this exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 17 , the arrangement of the multiple heating sources 2310 arranged on one side 230X and the arrangement of the multiple heating sources 2310 arranged on the other side 230Y are symmetrical with respect to the line 2300CL extending along the conveying path 2300R. Again, the description will focus on the heating source 2310 arranged on one side 230X. In the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 14 , all heating sources 2310 were inclined with respect to the can body conveying direction. However, it is not necessary to incline all of the heating sources 2310; a heating source 2310 with an inclination angle of 0° with respect to the can body conveying direction may be provided.

[0131] In the configuration example shown in Figure 17, a heating source 2310 designated by the reference symbol 25C, which is inclined at an angle of 0° with respect to the can body conveyance direction, is provided between one heating source 2310 designated by the reference symbol 25A, which is disposed at an inclination, and another heating source 2310 designated by the reference symbol 25B, which is also disposed at an inclination. In other words, in this configuration example, a heating source 2310, which is disposed along the can body conveyance direction, is provided between the one heating source 2310 disposed at an inclination and the other heating source 2310, which is also disposed at an inclination. In the configuration example shown in Figure 17, a heating source 2310, which is inclined at an angle of 0° with respect to the can body conveyance direction, is provided between the downstream end 2312 of the one heating source 2310 and the upstream end 2311 of the other heating source 2310.

[0132] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 17 , the output of the heating source 2310 that is inclined at an angle of 0° relative to the can body conveyance direction may be greater than the output of the first heating source 2310 and the output of the other heating sources 2310. In this configuration example, the heating source 2310 that is inclined at an angle of 0° relative to the can body conveyance direction is disposed farther from the conveyance path 2300R than the first heating source 2310 and the other heating sources 2310. In this case, the image hardening caused by this heating source 2310 that is inclined at an angle of 0° relative to the can body conveyance direction is less likely to occur. Increasing the output of the heating source 2310 that is inclined at an angle of 0° relative to the can body conveyance direction can prevent the problem of the image hardening being less likely to occur.

[0133] 18 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the first heating device 2300. As shown in FIG. 18, the heat source 2310 having an inclination angle of 0° with respect to the can body conveyance direction may be provided closer to the conveyance path 2300R than the downstream end 2312 of one heat source 2310 and the upstream end 2311 of the other heat source 2310. In this case, the above-mentioned problem of the image being difficult to harden can be prevented without increasing the output of the heat source 2310 having an inclination angle of 0° with respect to the can body conveyance direction.

[0134] 19 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device 2300. In this example, the arrangement of the multiple heating sources 2310 arranged on one side 230X and the arrangement of the multiple heating sources 2310 arranged on the other side 230Y are also symmetrical with respect to a straight line 2300CL extending along the transport path 2300R. Here again, the description will focus on the multiple heating sources 2310 arranged on one side 230X.

[0135] 19, one side 230X is provided with a plurality of first heating sources 2310 facing downstream in the can body conveyance direction, each of which has a different inclination angle with respect to the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, in this configuration, one side 230X is provided with a plurality of other first heating sources 2310 facing upstream in the can body conveyance direction, each of which has a different inclination angle with respect to the can body conveyance direction.

[0136] Specifically, in this configuration example, two heating sources 2310 facing downstream are provided on one side 230X: one heating source 2310 designated by reference numeral 27A and inclined at an angle of 15° with respect to the can body conveyance direction, and another heating source 2310 designated by reference numeral 27B and inclined at an angle of 30° with respect to the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, in this configuration example, another heating source 2310 designated by reference numeral 27C and inclined at an angle of 0° with respect to the can body conveyance direction is provided on one side 230X.

[0137] Furthermore, in this configuration example, another heating source 2310 facing upstream is provided on one side 230X. The other heating source 2310 is indicated by reference numeral 27D and has an inclination angle of −30° relative to the can body conveyance direction, and the other heating source 2310 is indicated by reference numeral 27E and has an inclination angle of −15° relative to the can body conveyance direction. In this way, a plurality of heating sources 2310 facing downstream and upstream, each with a different inclination angle relative to the can body conveyance direction, may be provided.

[0138] In the configuration example shown in Figure 19, multiple heating sources 2310 are provided, each with a different inclination angle relative to the can body conveyance direction, for one heating source 2310 facing downstream and another heating source 2310 facing upstream. However, this is not limited to this, and only one of the heating sources 2310 facing downstream and the other heating sources 2310 facing upstream may be provided with a single type of heating source 2310 with a single inclination angle relative to the can body conveyance direction. In other words, it is not necessary to provide multiple heating sources 2310 facing downstream and the other heating sources 2310 facing upstream with different inclination angles. Multiple heating sources 2310 facing downstream and only one of the other heating sources 2310 facing upstream may be provided with different inclination angles.

[0139] 20 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device 2300. In this example, multiple heat sources 2310 are provided on one side 230X of the transport path 2300R, similar to the example of the configuration shown in FIG. 14 . In this example, a heat reflecting unit 2390 is provided on the other side 230Y of the transport path 2300R. In this example, the heat reflecting unit 2390 that reflects heat from the heat source 2310 toward the transport path 2300R is provided on the side of the one side 230X or the other side 230Y of the transport path 2300R opposite to the side on which the heat source 2310 is provided.

[0140] As described above, a plurality of heat sources 2310 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, as described above, a flow path 2320 is provided between adjacent heat sources 2310. Furthermore, in the case of the plurality of heat sources 2310, one heat source 2310 of the plurality of heat sources 2310 faces downstream in the can body conveyance direction, and the other heat sources 2310 face upstream in the can body conveyance direction, as in the configuration example shown in Figure 14(A).

[0141] Note that one side 230X may be provided with a plurality of heating sources 2310 facing downstream and having different inclination angles, as in the configuration example shown in Fig. 19, and a plurality of heating sources 2310 facing upstream and having different inclination angles. Also, one side 230X may be provided with a heating source 2310 whose angle with respect to the can body conveyance direction is 0°, as in the configuration examples shown in each of Figs.

[0142] The heat reflecting portion 2390 (see FIG. 20 ) reflects heat from the heating source 2310 provided on one side 230X toward the conveying path 2300R. The heat reflecting portion 2390 is configured as a so-called mirror and has the function of reflecting light, and in this embodiment, reflects infrared rays from the heating source 2310. The heat reflecting portion 2390 is formed in a flat shape and is arranged along the can body conveying direction.

[0143] A plurality of heat reflecting sections 2390 are provided, and are arranged side by side in the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a flow path 2320 for passing gas supplied to the can body 2100 on the conveyance path 2300R is provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 2390. This flow path 2320 is formed by gaps 2319 present between the heat reflecting sections 2390.

[0144] In this configuration example, on one side 230X of the transport path 2300R, gas is supplied to the can body 2100 on the transport path 2300R through a flow path 2320 provided between adjacent heating sources 2310, as described above. On the other hand, on the other side 230Y of the transport path 2300R, gas is supplied to the can body 2100 on the transport path 2300R through a flow path 2320 provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 2390. Also, in this configuration example, the image formed on the can body 2100 is heated by infrared rays directed directly from the heating source 2310 to the can body 2100 and infrared rays directed from the heat reflecting sections 2390 to the can body 2100.

[0145] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the first heating device 2300. The first heating device 2300 shown in Fig. 21 has the same configuration as that shown in Fig. 20 except for the heat reflecting section 2390. In this example configuration, one of the multiple heat reflecting sections 2390 faces downstream in the can body conveyance direction, and the other heat reflecting sections 2390 face upstream in the can body conveyance direction.

[0146] Specifically, in this configuration example, one heat reflecting unit 2390 facing downstream in the can body conveyance direction is provided opposite one heat source 2310 provided on one side 230X and facing downstream in the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, another heat reflecting unit 2390 facing upstream in the can body conveyance direction is provided opposite another heat source 2310 provided on one side 230X and facing upstream in the can body conveyance direction. Note that, as shown in each of Figures 17 to 19, a heat source 2310 with an inclination angle of 0° relative to the can body conveyance direction may be provided on one side 230X. In this case, for example, a heat reflecting unit 2390 with an inclination angle of 0° relative to the can body conveyance direction may be provided opposite this heat source 2310.

[0147] FIGS. 22A to 22D are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion 2390. While the heat reflecting portion 2390 has been described above as being flat, the present invention is not limited to this. As shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, the heat reflecting portion 2390 may be formed so as to be convex toward the conveying path 2300R. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 22C and 22D, the heat reflecting portion 2390 may be provided with projections and depressions so that infrared rays are diffusely reflected by the heat reflecting portion 2390. The heat reflecting portion 2390 shown in FIGS. 22A and 22C is disposed at an angle of 0° relative to the can body conveying direction. The heat reflecting portion 2390 shown in FIGS. 22B and 22D is disposed at an angle relative to the can body conveying direction.

[0148] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the first heating device 2300. The heating source 2310 arranged at a position opposite to one heating source 2310 provided on one side 230X does not need to face the same direction as this heating source 2310, and may be arranged to face the opposite direction to the direction of this heating source 2310, as in the example configuration shown in Fig. 23. In other words, the heating sources 2310 positioned opposite to each other across the transport path 2300R do not need to face the same common direction, and as shown in Fig. 23, the heating sources 2310 positioned opposite to each other across the transport path 2300R may face in different directions.

[0149] When one or more heating sources 2310 arranged at a first inclination angle are provided on one side 230X, it is preferable to provide other heating sources 2310 on the other side 230Y, the same number as the one heating source 2310 arranged at this first inclination angle, and the other heating sources 2310 have an inclination angle equal to this first inclination angle.

[0150] In the configuration example shown in Fig. 23 , for example, if the heat source 2310 designated by reference symbol 211A and arranged on one side 230X is one heat source 2310 arranged at a first tilt angle, three of the heat sources 2310 arranged at this first tilt angle are provided on one side 230X in this configuration example shown in Fig. 23. Then, in the configuration example shown in Fig. 23 , three other heat sources 2310 designated by reference symbol 211B and arranged at this first tilt angle are provided on the other side 230Y, and the same number of other heat sources 2310 as the one heat source 2310 arranged at the first tilt angle are provided on the other side 230Y.

[0151] In this case, the amount of heat supplied to can body 2100 from heating source 2310 arranged at a first tilt angle on one side 230X is equal to the amount of heat supplied to can body 2100 from another heating source 2310 arranged at a first tilt angle on the other side 230Y. In this case, uneven curing of the image formed on can body 2100 is less likely to occur than when the amounts of heat are not equal.

[0152] 23, if the heat source 2310 designated by reference symbol 211C and arranged on one side 230X is one heat source 2310 arranged at the second tilt angle, three heat sources 2310 arranged at this second tilt angle are provided on one side 230X in this configuration example. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 23, three other heat sources 2310 designated by reference symbol 211D and arranged at this second tilt angle are provided on the other side 230Y, and the same number of other heat sources 2310 as the one heat source 2310 arranged at the second tilt angle are provided on the other side 230Y.

[0153] In this case, the amount of heat supplied to can body 2100 from heating source 2310 arranged at the second tilt angle on one side 230X is equal to the amount of heat supplied to can body 2100 from another heating source 2310 arranged at the second tilt angle on the other side 230Y. In this case, uneven curing of the image formed on can body 2100 is less likely to occur than when the amounts of heat are not equal.

[0154] When multiple types of heating sources 2310 with different inclination angles are arranged on one side 230X, it is preferable to arrange the same multiple types of heating sources 2310 on the other side 230Y. In this case, it is also preferable to arrange the same number of each type of heating sources 2310 on the other side 230Y as the number of each type of heating sources 2310 on one side 230X. This makes the amount of heat supplied to the can body 2100 from one side 230X equal to the amount of heat supplied to the can body 2100 from the other side 230Y, making it less likely that the image will harden unevenly.

[0155] It is not essential that the arrangement of the plurality of heating sources 2310 provided on one side 230X and the arrangement of the plurality of heating sources 2310 provided on the other side 230Y be line-symmetric with respect to a straight line 2300CL extending along the conveying path 2300R. It is sufficient to provide heating sources 2310 on each of the one side 230X and the other side 230Y so that the total amount of heat supplied to the can body 2100 from the one side 230X and the total amount of heat supplied to the can body 2100 from the other side 230Y are equal, and it is not essential that the arrangement be line-symmetric.

[0156] In other words, it is sufficient that the heating source 2310 is provided on each of the one side 230X and the other side 230Y so that the amount of energy of infrared rays irradiated onto the can body 2100 from one side 230X is equal to the amount of energy of infrared rays irradiated onto the can body 2100 from the other side 230Y, and it is not essential that the arrangement be linearly symmetrical.

[0157] As described above, if the same type of heating source 2310 as the heating source 2310 arranged on one side 230X is arranged on the other side 230Y, and if the number of each type of heating source 2310 installed on one side 230X is the same as that on the other side 230Y, the amount of energy of infrared rays irradiated onto the can body 2100 from one side 230X will be equal to the amount of energy of infrared rays irradiated onto the can body 2100 from the other side 230Y.

[0158] In consideration of the manufacture and design of the first heating device 2300, it is preferable to provide at least one set of heating sources 2310 that are in a line-symmetric relationship with the transport path 2300R in between among the multiple heating sources 2310 provided in the first heating device 2300. More preferably, among the sets of heating sources 2310 that are arranged in a positional relationship in which they face each other with the transport path 2300R in between, it is preferable that the heating sources 2310 constituting each set are arranged in a line-symmetric relationship with the transport path 2300R in between in all sets.

[0159] 14 and 17 to 19, in all groups, the heating sources 2310 constituting each group are arranged in a line-symmetric relationship with the transport path 2300R in between. When the heating sources 2310 constituting each group are arranged in a line-symmetric relationship with the transport path 2300R in between in all groups, the manufacturing and design of the first heating device 2300 is easier than when the heating sources 2310 constituting each group are arranged in an asymmetric relationship.

[0160] (Others) Although the first heating device 2300 has been described above, the second heating device 2400 (see FIG. 12) and the third heating device 2500 (not shown) may also be configured in the same manner as the first heating device 2300.

[0161] Further, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system 3000 according to this embodiment. The can body manufacturing system 3000 manufactures a can body 3100 (not shown in Fig. 27 ) having an image formed on its outer peripheral surface, which is an example of an exterior surface, and is made of metal and formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The manufactured can body 3100 is filled with a beverage. The beverage is not particularly limited, and the manufactured can body 3100 is filled with, for example, an alcoholic beverage such as beer or chuhai, or a soft drink (non-alcoholic beverage). After filling with the beverage, a lid member is attached to the can body 3100, and a beverage can filled with the beverage is completed.

[0162] 27 , the can body manufacturing system 3000 is provided with a printing device 3200 that prints on the can body 3100. The printing device 3200 of this embodiment, which functions as an image forming unit, is an inkjet printing device that uses the inkjet method to form an image on the outer peripheral surface, which is an example of the outer surface, of the can body 3100. Note that the printing device 3200 is not limited to an inkjet printing device, and may be a printing device that prints using a method other than the inkjet method, such as a plate-type printing device.

[0163] The inkjet printing device 3200 is a printing device that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of paint, from an inkjet head and adhering the ink to the can body 3100. The inkjet printing device 3200 can use a known method. Specifically, for example, a piezo method, a thermal (bubble) method, a continuous method, or the like can be used.

[0164] Furthermore, the plate-type printing apparatus 3200 refers to a printing apparatus that performs printing using a plate. In the plate-type printing apparatus 3200, ink, which is an example of paint, is applied to a plate, and then the ink applied to the plate is transferred to the can body 3100, thereby printing onto the can body 3100. This transfer may be performed by directly contacting the plate with the can body 3100, or by placing an intermediate transfer body between the plate and the can body 3100 and transferring the ink to the can body 3100 via this intermediate transfer body. Here, examples of printing using a plate include letterpress printing, intaglio printing, lithographic printing, and stencil printing, and any of these may be used for printing using a plate.

[0165] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device 3200. The printing device 3200 shown in Fig. 28 is provided with four inkjet heads 3411. Specifically, the printing device 3200 is provided with a first inkjet head 3411Y that ejects yellow ink, a second inkjet head 3411M that ejects magenta ink, a third inkjet head 3411C that ejects cyan ink, and a fourth inkjet head 3411K that ejects black ink.

[0166] The four inkjet heads 3411 are arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the can body 3100 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure). Each of the four inkjet heads 3411 is also arranged to extend along the axial direction of the can body 3100 being transported. Each of the four inkjet heads 3411 is arranged above the transport path of the can body 3100 and ejects ink toward the can body 3100 located below. In this embodiment, each of the four inkjet heads 3411 ejects ink toward the can body 3100 located below and rotating in the circumferential direction, thereby forming an image on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 3100.

[0167] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27 , a device for performing processes other than printing is provided upstream of the printing device 3200 in the conveyance direction of the can body 3100. Specifically, in this embodiment, an uncoiler (UC), a lubricator (LU), a cupping press (CP), a body maker (BM), a trimmer (TR), and a washer (WS) are provided in this order from upstream in the conveyance direction of the can body 3100. The uncoiler (UC) unwinds the coiled aluminum sheet. The lubricator (LU) applies lubricating oil to the aluminum sheet. The cupping press (CP) punches out a circular blank and then draws it to form a cup-shaped material.

[0168] In the body maker (BM), which performs the forming, the cup-shaped material is subjected to drawing and ironing processes to make the peripheral wall a predetermined thickness. The bottom is then formed into a dome shape. This results in a cylindrical can body 3100 with an opening on one side and a bottom on the other. In the trimmer (TR), the edge portion on the upper peripheral wall of the can body 3100 is trimmed to even out. In other words, the trimmer (TR) removes the edge on the opening side of the can body 3100. In the washer (WS), the can body 3100 is washed to remove lubricating oil and other deposits, and a chemical coating is applied as necessary.

[0169] Furthermore, a first heating device 3300 is provided downstream of the printing device 3200 in the conveyance direction of the can body 3100. The first heating device 3300 heats the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 3100 and prints the image onto the can body 3100. In other words, the first heating device 3300 heats the ink paint attached to the outer surface of the can body 3100 and hardens the paint. If necessary, a clear paint may be applied on top of the ink paint (outside the paint in the radial direction of the can body 3100) and heated and hardened together with the ink. The first heating device 3300 heats the image formed on the can body 3100 by the printing device 3200, which functions as an image forming unit, and hardens the image.

[0170] An inside spray (INS) and a second heating device 3400 are provided downstream of the first heating device 3300. The inside spray (INS) applies paint to the inner surface of the can body 3100. In other words, the inside spray (INS) performs interior painting. The inside spray (INS) sprays paint onto the inner surface of the can body 3100 to paint the interior surface. The second heating device 3400 heats the paint applied to the inner surface of the can body 3100 and bakes the paint. This hardens the paint applied to the inner surface of the can body 3100.

[0171] Furthermore, downstream of the second heating device 3400, a smooth die necker flanger (hereinafter referred to as "necker flanger") (SDN) is provided as an example of a diameter reduction process. The necker flanger (SDN) reduces the diameter of the opening of the can body 3100 and forms a flange for attaching a can lid. Through the above processes, an empty can body 3100 is completed. This empty can body 3100 is shipped after an inspection process (not shown) and transported to a beverage filling process (not shown). Then, in this filling process, the empty can body 3100 is filled with a beverage, and a can lid is attached to the can body 3100 after it has been filled with the beverage.

[0172] Although not shown, a base coater (BC) and a third heating device 3500 (not shown) may be further provided between the washer (WS) and the printing device 3200. The base coater (BC) applies a colored paint, such as white, to the outer surface of the can body 3100 to form a base layer (base coat layer). The third heating device 3500 heats this base layer, causing it to harden. Note that the above-described processes and devices provided in the can body manufacturing system 3000 are merely examples, and some processes and devices may be deleted, other processes and devices may be added, or processes may be interchanged or changed.

[0173] 29(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the first heating device 3300. FIG. 29(A) is a top view of the first heating device 3300, and FIG. 29(B) is a front view of the first heating device 3300. In other words, FIG. 29(B) is a view of the first heating device 3300 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XXIXB in FIG. 29(A). As shown in FIG. 29(A), the first heating device 3300 of this embodiment is provided with a transport mechanism 3600 as an example of a transport means that transports can bodies 3100, on which an image has been formed by the printing device 3200 (see FIG. 27), along a predetermined transport path 3300R.

[0174] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29A , the first heating device 3300 is provided with a plurality of heating sources 3310 arranged side by side in the conveying direction of the can body 3100 on the sides of the conveying path 3300R along which the can body 3100 is conveyed. In this embodiment, a plurality of heating sources 3310 are provided on both one side 330X and the other side 330Y of the conveying path 3300R. In this embodiment, as an example of the heating source 3310, a heating source that includes a light source and emits infrared rays from the light source is used. In other words, in this embodiment, a so-called IR (Infrared Rays) heater is used as the heating source 3310.

[0175] When infrared rays are emitted from the light source, energy is supplied to the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 3100, causing the molecules in the image to vibrate (move). This vibration causes friction between the materials that make up the image, generating heat. This heat heats the image, accelerating its hardening. Note that the heat source 3310 that emits infrared rays is just one example, and the heat source 3310 is not particularly limited, and heat sources other than those that emit infrared rays may also be used. Furthermore, it is preferable to position the heat source 3310 so that the distance between the can body 3100 and the heat source 3310 when the heat source 3310 is positioned opposite the heat source 3310 is 5 mm to 100 mm. A more preferable distance between the heat source 3310 and the can body 3100 is 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0176] Furthermore, on each of one side 330X and the other side 330Y of the conveying path 3300R, a flow path 3320 is provided between adjacent heating sources 3310 for passing gas supplied to the can body 3100 on the conveying path 3300R. In this embodiment, a gap 3319 is provided between adjacent heating sources 3310 in the can body conveying direction, which is the conveying direction of the can body 3100. In this embodiment, this gap 3319 serves as the flow path 3320, and gas is supplied to the can body 3100 through this gap 3319 (details will be described later).

[0177] 29(A) and 29(B), a gas supply mechanism 3350 is provided as an example of a gas supply means for supplying gas to the can body 3100 on the conveying path 3300R through a flow path 3320. As shown in Fig. 29(B), the gas supply mechanism 3350 is composed of a heater 3351, a blower 3352 serving as an air source, and two supplied portions 3353 to which the gas sent by the blower 3352 is supplied. Fig. 29(B) shows only one of the supplied portions 3353 located on one side 330X.

[0178] As shown in FIG. 29A , the supply portions 3353 are provided on one side 330X and the other side 330Y of the conveying path 3300R. The interior of the supply portions 3353 is hollow. The supply portions 3353 provided on one side 330X of the conveying path 3300R are disposed on the opposite side from the side on which the conveying path 3300R is provided, sandwiching the plurality of heat sources 3310 provided on one side 330X of the conveying path 3300R. Similarly, the supply portions 3353 provided on the other side 330Y of the conveying path 3300R are disposed on the opposite side from the side on which the conveying path 3300R is provided, sandwiching the plurality of heat sources 3310 provided on the other side 330Y of the conveying path 3300R.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 29(B), the heater 3351 and the blower 3352 are disposed below the conveying path 3300R of the can body 3100. As described above and as shown in FIG. 29(A), the supplying portion 3353 is provided on both the one side 330X and the other side 330Y of the conveying path 3300R. As shown in FIGS. 29(A) and 29(B), each of the supplying portions 3353 is provided with a gas outlet 3353X on the side where the conveying path 3300R is provided. In this embodiment, gas is discharged from the outlet 3353X, and the discharged gas is supplied to the can body 3100 on the conveying path 3300R through the flow path 3320 as shown by arrow 33C in FIG. 29(A).

[0180] In this embodiment, a heater 3351 is provided as part of the gas supply mechanism 3350, and the gas supply mechanism 3350 heats the gas supplied to the can body 3100. As a result, in this embodiment, heated gas is supplied to the can body 3100. In this embodiment, air is used as the gas. In this embodiment, heated air is supplied to the can body 3100. Note that the components of the gas are not particularly limited, and gas other than air may be supplied to the can body 3100.

[0181] 29(B) , in this embodiment, an exhaust blower 3355 is provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 3300, and this exhaust blower 3355 exhausts gas inside the first heating device 3300 to the outside of the first heating device 3300. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an intake port (not shown) is provided for taking gas outside the first heating device 3300 into the first heating device 3300. In this embodiment, as gas is exhausted by the exhaust blower 3355, the gas outside the first heating device 3300 is supplied into the first heating device 3300 from the intake port.

[0182] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an information processing device 3700 is provided, as shown in Fig. 29(B). This information processing device 3700 is configured by a computer. Fig. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing device 3700. The information processing device 3700 has an arithmetic processing unit 311 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 391 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 391 is realized by an existing information storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, or magnetic tape.

[0183] The arithmetic processing unit 311 is provided with a CPU 311a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 311 is also provided with a RAM 311b used as a working memory for the CPU 311a, and a ROM 311c in which programs executed by the CPU 311a are stored. The arithmetic processing unit 311 is also provided with a rewritable non-volatile memory 311d that can retain data even when the power supply is interrupted.

[0184] The nonvolatile memory 311d is configured, for example, with a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. The secondary storage unit 391 stores various types of information such as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 311. In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 311 reads the programs stored in the ROM 311c or the secondary storage unit 391, thereby executing various processes performed in the first heating device 3300.

[0185] The program executed by CPU 311a may be provided to information processing device 3700 in a state where it is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk), an optical recording medium (such as an optical disk), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Furthermore, the program executed by CPU 311a may be provided to information processing device 3700 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0186] Fig. 31 is a block diagram showing functions realized by the information processing device 3700. In this embodiment, the functions shown in Fig. 31 are realized by a CPU 311a (see Fig. 30) provided in the information processing device 3700 reading a program stored in a ROM 311c or a secondary storage unit 391. Specifically, in this embodiment, a control unit 3710 and a change unit 3720 are realized by the CPU 311a reading a program stored in a ROM 311c or a secondary storage unit 391.

[0187] The control unit 3710, which is an example of a control means, controls the output of the multiple heat sources 3310 provided in the first heating device 3300. The control unit 3710 generates a control signal for each heat source 3310 and controls the output of the multiple heat sources 3310 individually for each heat source 3310. In this embodiment, the control signal generated by the control unit 3710 is transmitted to the heat sources 3310, and the output of each heat source 3310 is individually controlled in response to this control signal.

[0188] The change unit 3720, which is an example of a change means, changes the heat source 3310 that is turned on depending on the usage status of the multiple heat sources 3310 provided in the first heating device 3300. In other words, the change unit 3720 changes the heat source 3310 to which power is supplied depending on the usage status of the multiple heat sources 3310 provided in the first heating device 3300. In the present embodiment, when the change unit 3720 changes the heat source 3310 that is turned on, the control unit 3710 controls the output of each of the changed heat sources 3310.

[0189] Figures 32(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the transport mechanism 3600. Figure 32(A) is a top view of the transport mechanism 3600, and Figure 32(B) is a front view of the transport mechanism 3600. In other words, Figure 32(B) is a view of the transport mechanism 3600 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XXXIIB in Figure 32(A). As shown in Figure 32(B), the transport mechanism 3600 is provided with a moving unit 3610 that moves to the right in the figure. As shown in Figure 29(A), this moving unit 3610 is formed in an annular shape and performs circulating movement.

[0190] In this embodiment, a portion of the moving unit 3610, which performs the circulating movement, moves along the linear conveying path 3300R shown in FIG. 29(A). After moving along the linear conveying path 3300R, the moving unit 3610 moves upstream in the can body conveying direction, as shown by arrow 32C in FIG. 29(A), and performs the circulating movement. The moving unit 3610 is configured, for example, with a chain or a belt. Note that, when moving upstream in the can body conveying direction, the moving unit 3610 moves through the inside of the first heating device 3300, as shown in FIG. 29(A). This suppresses the temperature drop of the moving unit 3610 compared to when the moving unit 3610 moves through the outside of the first heating device 3300.

[0191] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 32(B), the conveying mechanism 3600 is provided with a plurality of can body support portions 3620 that support the can body 3100. The can body support portions 3620 are attached to the moving portion 3610. The can body support portions 3620 are provided so as to protrude upward from the moving portion 3610. In this embodiment, the can body support portions 3620 enter the interior of the can body 3100, thereby supporting the can body 3100. As the moving portion 3610 moves, each of the can body support portions 3620 moves downstream along the conveying path 3300R shown in FIG. 29(A), and then turns back and moves circulatingly as indicated by arrow 32C. Although FIG. 29(A) depicts the moving portion 3610 as moving circulating horizontally, it may also move circulating vertically.

[0192] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rotation mechanism is provided that rotates each of the can body support portions 3620. The rotation mechanism is realized, for example, by a motor (not shown) provided in each of the can body support portions 3620. When this motor is driven, the can body support portion 3620 rotates around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 3100 supported by the can body support portion 3620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 3100.

[0193] As another example, the rotation mechanism may include a contact portion 3633 that contacts the outer periphery 3621 of the can body support portion 3620, as shown in FIG. 32(A). The contact portion 3633 is arranged along the movement direction of the can body support portion 3620 (the direction of the conveying path 3300R). When the contact portion 3633 is used, the moving can body support portion 3620 receives resistance from the contact portion 3633. This causes the can body support portion 3620 to rotate around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 3100 supported by the can body support portion 3620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 3100. Note that the rotation mechanism is not limited to the mechanism described above, and other known mechanisms may be used.

[0194] Furthermore, the conveying mechanism 3600 is not limited to the mechanism shown in Figures 32(A) and (B), and other known mechanisms may be used. Specifically, for example, the can body 3100 may be moved using a linear movement mechanism. Alternatively, for example, a drive source such as a motor may be installed on a support that supports the can body 3100, and the support may move by itself, thereby moving the can body 3100. Alternatively, the can body 3100 may be moved by placing the can body 3100 on a belt conveyor that moves in a circular motion.

[0195] In this embodiment, the can body 3100 transported from the upstream side is supplied to the can body support part 3620 (see FIG. 32(B)) at the can body attachment part 3361 shown in FIG. 29(A), and the can body support part 3620 starts supporting the can body 3100. The can body support part 3620 that has started supporting the can body 3100 is attached to the moving part 3610, and therefore moves downstream along the linearly formed conveying path 3300R (see FIG. 29(A)) as the moving part 3610 moves.

[0196] In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body 3100 is heated as the can body support part 3620 moves downstream along the conveying path 3300R. This promotes hardening of the image. Then, when the can body support part 3620 reaches the can body removal part 3362 shown in FIG. 29(A), a removal mechanism (not shown) removes the can body 3100 from the can body support part 3620. After the can body 3100 is removed, the can body support part 3620 returns to the can body attachment part 3361 located upstream in the can body conveying direction.

[0197] [Control by the control unit] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 29(A), multiple heating sources 3310 are arranged side by side in the can body conveyance direction. The control unit 3710 (see Fig. 31) controls the output of each of the multiple heating sources 3310 arranged side by side in the can body conveyance direction individually for each heating source 3310. More specifically, the control unit 3710 controls the output of each heating source 3310 based on, for example, conveyance speed information, which is information about the conveyance speed of the can bodies 3100 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 3600.

[0198] In this embodiment, the user inputs the conveying speed information via a reception device (not shown) that receives information from the user, such as a PC (Personal Computer). In response to this, in this embodiment, the can body 3100 is conveyed at the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information.

[0199] Furthermore, when the user inputs conveying speed information, the control unit 3710 acquires the conveying speed information input by the user. Then, the control unit 3710 controls the output of the heating source 3310 for each heating source 3310 based on the acquired conveying speed information. Note that, although the conveying speed information is acquired based on the information input by the user here, this is not limiting, and the conveying speed information may be acquired based on information obtained by a sensor that acquires the conveying speed of the can body 3100, for example.

[0200] When the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is high, the control unit 3710 turns on more heating sources 3310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 3310 compared to when the conveying speed is lower than the specified conveying speed. In other words, the control unit 3710 supplies power to more heating sources 3310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 3310 as the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information increases.

[0201] More specifically, for example, when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 3710 turns on more heating sources 3310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 3310 compared to when the conveying speed is less than the predetermined threshold. Furthermore, in addition to this, for example, when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is a first speed, which is an example of a specific speed, the control unit 3710 turns on more heating sources 3310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 3310 compared to when the conveying speed is a second conveying speed, which is an example of another specific speed that is slower than the first conveying speed.

[0202] As a form of input of the conveying speed information by the user, in addition to inputting a specific arbitrary numerical value, for example, a case where the user selects a conveying speed from a predetermined first conveying speed and a predetermined second conveying speed and inputs the conveying speed information is envisioned. In this case, the control unit 3710 acquires information about either the first conveying speed or the second conveying speed as the conveying speed information. When the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is the first conveying speed, the control unit 3710 turns on more heating sources 3310 and / or increases the output of each heating source 3310 compared to when the conveying speed information is the second conveying speed.

[0203] While the above description has been given with reference to an example in which the first and second conveying speeds are prepared as predetermined conveying speeds, it is also possible that three or more conveying speeds having different magnitudes are prepared as predetermined conveying speeds. In this case, the control unit 3710 acquires, as the conveying speed information, information about the conveying speed selected by the user from among the three or more conveying speeds. In other words, it is possible that multiple conveying speeds are prepared in advance, and in this case, the control unit 3710 acquires, as the conveying speed information, information about the conveying speed selected by the user from among the multiple conveying speeds.

[0204] In this embodiment, the number of heating sources 3310 to be turned on and the output power of each of the heating sources 3310 are set in advance for each of a plurality of transport speeds that are prepared in advance. More specifically, the number of heating sources 3310 for each transport speed and the output power of each of the heating sources 3310 are set so that the faster the transport speed, the more heating sources 3310 are turned on and the faster the transport speed, the greater the output power of each of the heating sources 3310. Information about the number of heating sources 3310 for each transport speed and the output power of the heating sources 3310 for each transport speed is stored in an information storage unit such as the secondary storage unit 391.

[0205] The control unit 3710 refers to the information stored in the secondary storage unit 391 to acquire information regarding the number of heating sources 3310 corresponding to the transport speed and the output of the heating sources 3310 corresponding to the transport speed. The control unit 3710 then controls the heating sources 3310 based on this acquired information, for example, turning on the number of heating sources 3310 corresponding to the transport speed. Additionally, the control unit 3710 also controls the heating sources 3310 based on this acquired information, for example, setting the output of each heating source 3310 to an output corresponding to the transport speed.

[0206] 33(A) and (B) are diagrams showing a specific example of processing by the control unit 3710. Figures 33(A) and (B) show the state of the first heating device 3300 when viewed from above. Figure 33(A) shows the state of the heating source 3310 when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is the first conveying speed, which is an example of a larger speed. Figure 33(B) shows the state of the heating source 3310 when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is the second conveying speed, which is an example of a smaller speed.

[0207] In this embodiment, when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is the first conveying speed as shown in Fig. 33(A), the control unit 3710 sets the number of heating sources 3310 to be turned on to be greater than when the conveying speed is the second conveying speed (see Fig. 33(B)). This makes it less likely that a situation will occur in which the heat supplied to the can body 3100 is insufficient, even when the conveying speed of the can body 3100 is high and the time required for the can body 3100 to pass through the first heating device 3300 is short.

[0208] Note that Figure 33(B) shows a case where the three sets of heating sources 3310 located most upstream in the can body conveying direction are turned on, but this is not limited to this. The three sets of heating sources 3310 located most downstream in the can body conveying direction may be turned on, or the three sets of heating sources 3310 located at an intermediate position in the can body conveying direction may be turned on. Furthermore, the three sets of heating sources 3310 that are turned on may be arranged alternately. Here, a "set" of heating sources 3310 refers to two heating sources 3310 that face each other across the conveying path 3300R (see Figure 29(A)).

[0209] 34(A) and (B) are diagrams showing another specific example of processing by the control unit 3710. Instead of turning on more heating sources 3310, the output of each heating source 3310 may be changed, as shown in FIGS. 34(A) and (B). FIG. 34(A) shows the state of the heating source 3310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the first transport speed, which is the larger one. FIG. 34(B) shows the state of the heating source 3310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the second transport speed, which is the smaller one.

[0210] In this processing example, as shown in Fig. 34(A), when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is the first conveying speed, the control unit 3710 increases the output of each of the heating sources 3310 compared to when it is the second conveying speed (see Fig. 34(B)). In this case, as in the above case, even if the conveying speed of the can body 3100 is high and the time required for the can body 3100 to pass through the first heating device 3300 is short, a situation in which the heat supplied to the can body 3100 is insufficient is unlikely to occur.

[0211] 35(A) and (B) are diagrams showing another specific example of processing by the control unit 3710. Referring to FIGS. 35(A) and 35(B), a process of turning on more heat sources 3310 and further increasing the output of each heat source 3310 will be described. FIG. 35(A) shows the state of the heat source 3310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the first transport speed, which is the larger transport speed. FIG. 35(B) shows the state of the heat source 3310 when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is the second transport speed, which is the smaller transport speed.

[0212] In this processing example, when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is the first conveying speed as shown in Fig. 35(A), the control unit 3710 turns on more heat sources 3310 and increases the output of each of the heat sources 3310 compared to when the conveying speed is the second conveying speed (see Fig. 35(B)). The control unit 3710 is not limited to performing only one of the two processes of increasing the number of heat sources 3310 that are turned on and increasing the output of each of the heat sources 3310. As shown in Figs. 35(A) and 35(B), both the process of increasing the number of heat sources 3310 that are turned on and the process of increasing the output of each of the heat sources 3310 may be performed.

[0213] Note that, although the above describes the process when the conveying speed specified by the conveying speed information is either the first conveying speed or the second conveying speed, as described above, it is also possible for the user to input a specific arbitrary numerical value. In this case, the control unit 3710 turns on more heat sources 3310 when the numerical value input by the user exceeds a predetermined threshold value than when it does not exceed the predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, the control unit 3710 increases the output of each heat source 3310 when the numerical value input by the user exceeds the predetermined threshold value than when it does not exceed the predetermined threshold value. Alternatively, the control unit 3710 turns on more heat sources 3310 and further increases the output of each heat source 3310 when the numerical value input by the user exceeds the predetermined threshold value than when it does not exceed the predetermined threshold value.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when turning on multiple heat sources 3310, the control unit 3710 turns on heat sources 3310 that are adjacent to each other in the can body conveyance direction, so that the turned-on heat sources 3310 are lined up consecutively in the can body conveyance direction, as shown in Figures 33 to 35. In other words, when turning on multiple heat sources 3310 that are located at different positions in the can body conveyance direction, the control unit 3710 turns on heat sources 3310 that are adjacent to each other, so that the turned-on heat sources 3310 are lined up consecutively in the can body conveyance direction. This increases the temperature of the image formed on the can body 3100 and improves the efficiency of heating the image, compared to when the turned-on heat sources 3310 are arranged every few heat sources 3310.

[0215] [Another Configuration Example of First Heating Device 3300] Figures 36(A) and (B) are diagrams showing another configuration example of the first heating device 3300. As above, Figure 36(A) is a top view of the first heating device 3300, and Figure 36(B) is a front view of the first heating device 3300. In this configuration example shown in Figure 36, a plurality of heating sources 3310 are provided at different positions in the up-down direction in the figure, as indicated by reference numeral 3310A in Figure 36(B), at each of the installation locations of the heating sources 3310 arranged side by side in the can body conveyance direction.

[0216] The multiple heating sources 3310, which are arranged at different positions in the vertical direction at each installation location, are aligned in the axial direction of the can body 3100 transported along the transport path. More specifically, the multiple heating sources 3310 arranged at each installation location are aligned in a direction intersecting the can body transport direction and aligned in the axial direction of the can body 3100. Even more specifically, the multiple heating sources 3310 arranged at each installation location are aligned in a direction perpendicular to the can body transport direction and aligned in the axial direction of the can body 3100. In this configuration example, the control unit 3710 controls the output of the multiple heating sources 3310 arranged at each installation location individually for each heating source 3310.

[0217] More specifically, in this configuration example, the control unit 3710 controls the output of each heating source 3310 based on size information, which is information about the axial size of the can body 3100 transported by the transport mechanism 3600. As described above, in this embodiment, the user inputs the size information via a reception device (not shown) that receives information from the user, such as a PC (Personal Computer). In response, the control unit 3710 acquires the size information input by the user.

[0218] Here, one example of the size information is length information, which is information about the length of can body 3100 in the axial direction. More specifically, one example is a numerical value that specifically indicates the length of can body 3100 in the axial direction. Other examples of size information include information indicating the size of can body 3100 (hereinafter referred to as "size information"), such as information indicating that can body 3100 is a 350 mL can or information indicating that can body 3100 is a 500 mL can. Control unit 3710 acquires this length information, size information, etc. as size information of can body 3100. Note that, similar to the above, size information may be acquired not based on information input by the user, but, for example, based on information acquired by a sensor that acquires information about the size of can body 3100.

[0219] When the size specified by the size information is large, the control unit 3710 turns on more heat sources 3310 or increases the output of some of the heat sources 3310, compared to when the size is smaller than the specified size. More specifically, for example, when the length specified by the length information is larger than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 3710 turns on more heat sources 3310 or increases the output of some of the heat sources 3310, compared to when the length is smaller than the predetermined threshold.

[0220] Furthermore, for example, when the size specified by the above size information is a first size, which is an example of a specific size, the control unit 3710 turns on more heating sources 3310 or increases the output of some of the heating sources 3310 compared to when the size specified by the above size information is a second size, which is an example of another specific size that is smaller than the first size.

[0221] As described above, it is also possible that the user selects a size from a plurality of predetermined sizes and inputs size information. In other words, if a plurality of sizes are prepared in advance, it is also possible that the user selects a size from the plurality of prepared sizes and inputs size information. In this embodiment, the number of heating sources 3310 to be turned on is set in advance for each size specified by the size information, or whether to increase the output of some of the heating sources 3310 is set in advance for each size specified by the size information.

[0222] More specifically, in this embodiment, the larger the size specified by the size information, the more heating sources 3310 are turned on, or the larger the size specified by the size information, the more the number of some heating sources 3310 with higher output. As described above, when the size specified by the size information is, for example, a first size, which is an example of a specific size, the control unit 3710 turns on more heating sources 3310 or increases the output of some heating sources 3310 compared to when the size specified by the size information is a second size, which is an example of another specific size that is smaller than the first size.

[0223] 37(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the state of the heat source 3310 when transporting can bodies 3100 that are different in size in the axial direction of the can bodies 3100. Note that Figures 37(A) and (B) show the state of the heat source 3310 when the first heating device 3300 is viewed from the front. Also, Figures 37(A) and (B) omit illustrations other than the can bodies 3100 and the heat source 3310.

[0224] 37(A) shows the state of the heating source 3310 when the larger can body 3100 is being transported. When the larger can body 3100 is being transported, the control unit 3710 sets both of the two heating sources 3310 arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can body 3100, as indicated by the reference symbol 311A, to be on. In this embodiment, a first heating source 3311 and a second heating source 3312 are provided as the two heating sources 3310, and when the larger can body 3100 is being transported, the control unit 3710 sets both the first heating source 3311 and the second heating source 3312 to be on.

[0225] FIG. 37B shows the state of the heat source 3310 when the smaller can body 3100 is being transported. When the smaller can body 3100 is being transported, the control unit 3710 turns on only one of the two heat sources 3310 arranged side by side in the axial direction of the can body 3100. Specifically, in this case, the control unit 3710 turns on the first heat source 3311 of the two heat sources 3310, which is positioned opposite the can body 3100 being transported. In addition, in this case, the control unit 3710 turns off the second heat source 3312, of the two heat sources 3310, so that at least a portion of the second heat source 3312 is not positioned opposite the can body 3100 being transported. In this case, compared to when both of the two heat sources 3310 are turned on, unnecessary power supply to the heat source 3310 is avoided, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0226] 38(A) and (B) are diagrams showing examples of other states of the heating source 3310. In the above, when the smaller can body 3100 is being transported, the second heating source 3312 is turned off. However, this is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 38(B), the second heating source 3312 may be turned on even when the smaller can body 3100 is being transported. However, when the smaller can body 3100 is being transported, when the second heating source 3312 is turned on, the output of the second heating source 3312 is set to be smaller than the output of the first heating source 3311. As a result, in this case, power consumption is reduced compared to when the output of the second heating source 3312 is not reduced and the output of the second heating source 3312 is the same as the output of the first heating source 3311.

[0227] Then, when the can body 3100 to be conveyed is switched and the larger can body 3100 is conveyed, the output of the second heating source 3312 is increased, as shown in Figure 38 (A). More specifically, the output of the second heating source 3312 is set to the same as the output of the first heating source 3311. If the second heating source 3312 is turned off while the smaller can body 3100 is being conveyed, there is a risk that the waiting time will be long when the can body 3100 to be conveyed is switched to the larger can body 3100.

[0228] When the second heating source 3312 is set to off and the can body 3100 being transported is switched to the larger can body 3100, the second heating source 3312 is switched from an off state to an on state. In this case, it takes time until heating by the second heating source 3312 becomes possible, and the waiting time until heating by the second heating source 3312 becomes possible becomes long. In contrast, as described above, even when the smaller can body 3100 is being transported, if the second heating source 3312 is turned on, the time required until heating by the second heating source 3312 becomes possible is shorter, and the waiting time described above is also shorter.

[0229] 37 and 38, similarly to the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 33 to 35, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of heat sources 3310 that are turned on and / or increase or decrease the output of the heat sources 3310. Specifically, when the conveying speed of the can body 3100 changes, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of heat sources 3310 that are turned on and / or increase or decrease the output of the heat sources 3310 for the multiple heat sources 3310 that are arranged staggered from one another in the can body conveying direction.

[0230] More specifically, when a smaller can body 3100 is being conveyed and the conveying speed of the can body is changing, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of first heating sources 3311 (see FIGS. 37(B) and 38(B)) that are turned on and / or increase or decrease the output of the first heating sources 3311, which are arranged so as to be offset from one another in the can body conveying direction. Also, when a larger can body 3100 is being conveyed and the conveying speed of the can body is changing, it is preferable to increase or decrease the number of first heating sources 3311 (see FIGS. 37(A) and 38(A)) and second heating sources 3312 (see FIGS. 37(A) and 38(A)) that are turned on and / or increase or decrease the output of the first heating sources 3311 and second heating sources 3312, which are arranged so as to be offset from one another in the can body conveying direction.

[0231] [Processing for Changing Heat Source 3310] Next, processing by the changing unit 3720 (see FIG. 31 ) will be described. In this embodiment, as described above, the changing unit 3720 changes the heat source 3310 to be turned on depending on the usage status of the multiple heat sources 3310 provided in the first heating device 3300. Specifically, the changing unit 3720 changes the heat source 3310 to be turned on depending on, for example, the usage time of each heat source 3310 included in the multiple heat sources 3310. Alternatively, the changing unit 3720 changes the heat source 3310 to be turned on depending on the number of times each heat source 3310 included in the multiple heat sources 3310 has been used. This makes it less likely that only a specific heat source 3310 of the multiple heat sources 3310 is used, thereby extending the life of the heat source 3310.

[0232] The change unit 3720 grasps the usage time and number of times of use of each heat source 3310 each time the heat source 3310 is used, and further causes the grasped results to be stored in the secondary storage unit 391 (see FIG. 30 ), which is an example of an information storage unit. More specifically, the change unit 3720 associates information about the usage time and number of times of use for each of the multiple provided heat sources 3310 with each heat source 3310. Then, the change unit 3720 causes the information for identifying the heat source 3310 and the information about the usage time and number of times of use to be stored in the secondary storage unit 391 in a state where they are associated with each other.

[0233] Furthermore, each time a heat source 3310 is used, the change unit 3720 reads information from the secondary storage unit 391 and determines the usage time and number of times each heat source 3310 has been used. Then, when a situation specified by the determined usage time and number of times each heat source 3310 is in a specific state, the change unit 3720 performs a setting to change the heat source 3310 to be used. As a specific example, when the determined usage time or number of times each heat source 3310 has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the change unit 3720 performs a setting to change the heat source 3310 to be used. Furthermore, when the determined usage time or number of times each heat source 3310 has exceeded a predetermined threshold, the change unit 3720 performs a process to reset the usage time or number of times each heat source 3310 that has exceeded the predetermined threshold.

[0234] 39(A) and 39(B) are diagrams illustrating an example of the change process. FIGS. 39(A) and 39(B) show the first heating device 3300 as viewed from above. FIG. 39(A) shows an example of a first state of the first heating device 3300. In this first state, the transport speed of the can body 3100 is the second transport speed, which is the slower transport speed, and the three upstream heat sources 3310 are set to be turned on. In other words, the three upstream heat sources 3310 are set to be used. In the state shown in FIG. 39(A), assume that the usage time or number of uses for each of the three upstream heat sources 3310 exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case, the change unit 3720 performs a setting to change the heat source 3310 to be used to the other three downstream heat sources 3310.

[0235] After this setting, the control unit 3710 sets the three sets of heating sources 3310 located on the upstream side to be off, and sets the three sets of heating sources 3310 located on the downstream side to be on, as shown in Figure 39 (B) . Note that, as described above, when the conveying speed of the can body 3100 becomes the first conveying speed, which is the higher conveying speed, the control unit 3710 sets the six sets of heating sources 3310 to be on, regardless of the usage time or number of times each of the heating sources 3310 has been used.

[0236] [Another Configuration Example of the First Heating Device 3300] Figure 40 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the first heating device 3300. In this configuration example, multiple heat sources 3310 are provided on one side 330X of the conveying path 3300R, as described above. Also, in this configuration example, a heat reflecting section 3390 is provided on the other side 330Y of the conveying path 3300R. As described above, multiple heat sources 3310 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, as described above, flow paths 3320 are provided between adjacent heat sources 3310. As described above, this flow path 3320 is formed by gaps 3319 present between the heat sources 3310.

[0237] The heat reflecting portion 3390 reflects heat from the heating source 3310 provided on one side 330X toward the conveying path 3300R. The heat reflecting portion 3390 is configured as a mirror and has the function of reflecting light. The heat reflecting portion 3390 shown in FIG. 40 is formed so as to be convex toward the conveying path 3300R. Multiple heat reflecting portions 3390 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. A flow path 3320 is provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 3390. This flow path 3320 is formed by gaps 3319 present between the heat reflecting portions 3390. In this configuration example, the image on the can body 3100 is heated by infrared rays from the heating source 3310 provided on one side 330X and infrared rays reflected by the heat reflecting portion 3390.

[0238] In this configuration example, the same processing as described above may be performed. That is, the output of multiple heating sources 3310 arranged side by side in the can body conveyance direction may be controlled for each heating source 3310. More specifically, the output of each heating source 3310 may be controlled based on, for example, conveyance speed information, which is information about the conveyance speed of the can bodies 3100 conveyed by the conveyance mechanism 3600 (not shown in FIG. 40 ). More specifically, when the conveyance speed specified by the conveyance speed information is high, more heating sources 3310 may be turned on and / or the output of each heating source 3310 may be increased compared to when the conveyance speed is low. Furthermore, as described above, when multiple heating sources 3310 are turned on, heating sources 3310 that are adjacent to each other in the can body conveyance direction may be turned on so that the turned-on heating sources 3310 are lined up consecutively in the can body conveyance direction.

[0239] Furthermore, although not shown, in the configuration example shown in Fig. 40, similarly to the above, multiple heating sources 3310 may be provided at each of the installation locations of the heating source 3310, lined up in the axial direction of the can body 3100. Then, similarly to the above, the output of these multiple heating sources 3310 lined up in the axial direction of the can body 3100 may be controlled for each heating source 3310. Furthermore, similarly to the above, the output of each heating source 3310 may be controlled based on size information, which is information about the size of the can body 3100 in the axial direction. More specifically, when the size specified by the size information is large, more heating sources 3310 may be turned on, or the output of some of the heating sources 3310 may be increased, compared to when the size specified by the size information is small.

[0240] [Another Configuration Example of the Heat Reflecting Unit] Figures 41A and 41B are diagrams showing another configuration example of the heat reflecting unit 3390. Figures 41A and 41B show the heat reflecting unit 3390 as viewed from above. The shape of the heat reflecting unit 3390 is not particularly limited. In the configuration example shown in Figure 40, the heat reflecting unit 3390 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 3300R. However, as shown in Figure 41A, the heat reflecting unit 3390 may have an uneven shape to diffusely reflect infrared rays. Alternatively, the heat reflecting unit 3390 may be formed in a flat shape, as shown in Figure 41B.

[0241] The first heating device 3300 may be provided with two or more types of heat reflecting section 3390. For example, two or more types of heat reflecting section 3390 may be provided from among the first type of heat reflecting section 3390 shown in Fig. 40, the second type of heat reflecting section 3390 shown in Fig. 41(A), and the third type of heat reflecting section 3390 shown in Fig. 41(B). The heat reflecting section 3390 may be provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 3300, and may direct infrared rays directed upward from the heat source 3310 toward the transport path 3300R located below.

[0242] Although the first heating device 3300 has been described above, the second heating device 3400 (see FIG. 27 ) and the third heating device 3500 (not shown) may also be configured in the same manner as the first heating device 3300. The arrangement of the heating source 3310 and the can body 3100 is not limited to the above. Each heating source 3310 may be arranged horizontally, and the can body 3100 may be arranged so that its axial direction is horizontal. Alternatively, for example, each heating source 3310 may be arranged so that it extends vertically and is aligned vertically. In this case, the can body 3100 may be arranged so that its axial direction is horizontal, and the can body 3100 may be moved vertically.

[0243] Further, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 42 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system 4000 according to this embodiment. The can body manufacturing system 4000 manufactures a can body 4100 (not shown in Fig. 42) having an image formed on its outer peripheral surface, which is an example of an exterior surface, and which is made of metal and formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The manufactured can body 4100 is filled with a beverage. The beverage is not particularly limited, and the manufactured can body 4100 is filled with, for example, an alcoholic beverage such as beer or chuhai, or a soft drink (non-alcoholic beverage). After filling with the beverage, a lid member is attached to the can body 4100, and a beverage can filled with the beverage is completed.

[0244] As shown in Figure 42, the can body manufacturing system 4000 is provided with a printing device 4200 that prints on the can body 4100. The printing device 4200 of this embodiment, which functions as an image forming unit, is an inkjet printing device that uses the inkjet method to form an image on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 4100. Note that the printing device 4200 is not limited to an inkjet printing device, and may be a printing device that prints using a method other than the inkjet method, such as a plate-type printing device.

[0245] The inkjet printing device 4200 refers to a printing device that performs printing by ejecting ink, which is an example of paint, from an inkjet head and adhering the ink to the can body 4100. The inkjet printing device 4200 can use a known method. Specifically, for example, a piezo method, a thermal (bubble) method, a continuous method, or the like can be used.

[0246] Furthermore, the plate-type printing apparatus 4200 refers to a printing apparatus that performs printing using a plate. In the plate-type printing apparatus 4200, ink, which is an example of paint, is applied to a plate, and then the ink applied to the plate is transferred to the can body 4100, thereby printing onto the can body 4100. This transfer may be performed by directly contacting the plate with the can body 4100, or by placing an intermediate transfer body between the plate and the can body 4100 and transferring the ink to the can body 4100 via this intermediate transfer body. Here, examples of printing using a plate include letterpress printing, intaglio printing, lithographic printing, and stencil printing, and any of these may be used for printing using a plate.

[0247] Fig. 43 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device 4200. The printing device 4200 shown in Fig. 43 is provided with four inkjet heads 4411. Specifically, the printing device 4200 is provided with a first inkjet head 4411Y that ejects yellow ink, a second inkjet head 4411M that ejects magenta ink, a third inkjet head 4411C that ejects cyan ink, and a fourth inkjet head 4411K that ejects black ink.

[0248] The four inkjet heads 4411 are arranged to extend in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the can body 4100 (a direction perpendicular to the paper surface in the figure). Each of the four inkjet heads 4411 is also arranged to extend along the axial direction of the can body 4100 being transported. Each of the four inkjet heads 4411 is arranged above the transport path of the can body 4100 and ejects ink toward the can body 4100 located below. In this embodiment, each of the four inkjet heads 4411 ejects ink toward the can body 4100 located below and rotating in the circumferential direction, thereby forming an image on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 4100.

[0249] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 42 , a device for performing processes other than printing is provided upstream of the printing device 4200 in the conveyance direction of the can body 4100. Specifically, in this embodiment, an uncoiler (UC), a lubricator (LU), a cupping press (CP), a body maker (BM), a trimmer (TR), and a washer (WS) are provided in this order from upstream in the conveyance direction of the can body 4100. The uncoiler (UC) unwinds the coiled aluminum sheet. The lubricator (LU) applies lubricating oil to the aluminum sheet. The cupping press (CP) punches out a circular blank and then draws it to form a cup-shaped material.

[0250] In the body maker (BM), which performs the forming, the cup-shaped material is subjected to drawing and ironing processes to make the peripheral wall a predetermined thickness. The bottom is then formed into a dome shape. This results in a cylindrical can body 4100 with an opening on one side and a bottom on the other. In the trimmer (TR), the edge portion on the upper peripheral wall of the can body 4100 is trimmed to even out. In other words, the trimmer (TR) removes the edge on the opening side of the can body 4100. In the washer (WS), the can body 4100 is washed to remove lubricating oil and other deposits, and a chemical coating is applied as necessary.

[0251] Furthermore, a first heating device 4300 is provided downstream of the printing device 4200 in the conveyance direction of the can body 4100. The first heating device 4300 heats the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 4100 and prints the image onto the can body 4100. In other words, the first heating device 4300 heats the paint made of ink attached to the outer surface of the can body 4100 and hardens the paint. If necessary, a clear paint may be applied on top of the ink paint (outside the paint in the radial direction of the can body 4100) and heated and hardened together with the ink. The first heating device 4300 heats the image formed on the can body 4100 by the printing device 4200, which functions as an image forming unit, and hardens the image.

[0252] An inside spray (INS) and a second heating device 4400 are provided downstream of the first heating device 4300. The inside spray (INS) applies paint to the inner surface of the can body 4100. In other words, the inside spray (INS) performs interior painting. The inside spray (INS) sprays paint onto the inner surface of the can body 4100 to paint the interior surface. The second heating device 4400 heats the paint applied to the inner surface of the can body 4100 and bakes the paint. This hardens the paint applied to the inner surface of the can body 4100.

[0253] Furthermore, downstream of the second heating device 4400, a smooth die necker flanger (hereinafter referred to as "necker flanger") (SDN) is provided as an example of a diameter reduction process. The necker flanger (SDN) reduces the diameter of the opening of the can body 4100 and forms a flange for attaching a can lid. Through the above processes, an empty can body 4100 is completed. This empty can body 4100 is shipped after an inspection process (not shown) and transported to a beverage filling process (not shown). Then, in this filling process, the empty can body 4100 is filled with a beverage, and a can lid is attached to the can body 4100 after it has been filled with the beverage.

[0254] Although not shown, a base coater (BC) and a third heating device 4500 (not shown) may be further provided between the washer (WS) and the printing device 4200. The base coater (BC) applies a colored paint, such as white, to the outer peripheral surface of the can body 4100 to form a base layer (base coat layer). The third heating device 4500 heats this base layer, causing it to harden. Note that the above-described processes and devices provided in the can body manufacturing system 4000 are merely examples, and some processes and devices may be deleted, other processes and devices may be added, or processes may be interchanged or changed.

[0255] Figures 44(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the first heating device 4300. Figure 44(A) is a top view of the first heating device 4300, and Figure 44(B) is a front view of the first heating device 4300. In other words, Figure 44(B) is a view of the first heating device 4300 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XLIVB in Figure 44(A). As shown in Figure 44(A), the first heating device 4300 of this embodiment is provided with a transport mechanism 4600 as an example of a transport means that transports can bodies 4100, on which an image has been formed by the printing device 4200 (see Figure 42), along a predetermined transport path 4300R.

[0256] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 44A , the first heating device 4300 is provided with a plurality of heat sources 4310 arranged side by side in the conveyance direction of the can body 4100 on the sides of the conveyance path 4300R along which the can body 4100 is conveyed. In this embodiment, the heat sources 4310, which are an example of a first heat source, are provided on both one side 430X and the other side 430Y of the conveyance path 4300R. The heat sources 4310 are used to heat the image formed on the can body 4100 conveyed along the conveyance path 4300R. Note that it is preferable to arrange the heat sources 4310 so that the distance between the can body 4100 and the heat source 4310 is 5 mm to 100 mm when the can body 4100 is positioned opposite the heat source 4310. A more preferable distance between the heat source 4310 and the can body 4100 is 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0257] On each of one side 430X and the other side 430Y of the conveying path 4300R, a flow path 4320 is provided between adjacent heating sources 4310 for passing gas supplied to the can bodies 4100 on the conveying path 4300R. In this embodiment, a gap 4319 is provided between adjacent heating sources 4310 in the can body conveying direction, which is the conveying direction of the can bodies 4100. In this embodiment, this gap 4319 serves as the flow path 4320, and gas heated by a heater 4351 (described below) is blown through this gap 4319 onto the can bodies 4100 on the conveying path 4300R.

[0258] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 44(A) and (B), a gas supply mechanism 4350 is provided as an example of a gas supply means that supplies gas to the can body 4100 on the conveying path 4300R through a flow path 4320. As shown in Figure 44(B), the gas supply mechanism 4350 is composed of a heater 4351, a blower 4352 that serves as an air source, and two supplied portions 4353 to which the gas sent by the blower 4352 is supplied. Figure 44(B) shows only one of the supplied portions 4353 located on one side 430X.

[0259] In this embodiment, gas heated by a heater 4351, which is an example of a second heating source, is blown onto the can body 4100 on the conveying path 4300R. In this embodiment, the heater 4351 is also used to heat the heating source 4310. The heater 4351 is provided with a heat source. This heat source is not particularly limited. Examples of this heat source include an electric heater and a gas burner. Note that from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide gas emitted, it is preferable to use an electric heater.

[0260] As shown in FIG. 44A , the supply destination 4353 is provided on each of one side 430X and the other side 430Y of the conveying path 4300R. The interior of the supply destination 4353 is hollow. In this embodiment, a plurality of heat sources 4310 are provided on one side 430X of the conveying path 4300R between the supply destination 4353 provided on one side 430X of the conveying path 4300R and the conveying path 4300R. Furthermore, a plurality of heat sources 4310 are provided on the other side 430Y of the conveying path 4300R between the supply destination 4353 provided on the other side 430Y of the conveying path 4300R and the conveying path 4300R.

[0261] As shown in Fig. 44(B) , the heater 4351 and the blower 4352 are disposed below the conveying path 4300R of the can body 4100. The heater 4351 is disposed at a location different from the side of the conveying path 4300R. A heat source 4310 is provided at the side of the conveying path 4300R, but in this embodiment, the heater 4351 is provided at a location different from the side of the conveying path 4300R where the heat source 4310 is provided. More specifically, the heater 4351 is disposed below the heat source 4310.

[0262] The gas heated by the heater 4351 forms an ascending flow and flows upward. In this case, when the heater 4351 is disposed below the heat source 4310 as in the present embodiment, the heated gas can be more easily supplied to the heat source 4310 than when the heater 4351 is disposed above the heat source 4310. In the present embodiment, the gas discharged from the outlet 4353X (details will be described later) is supplied to the heat source 4310 (details will be described later), but this is not limiting. A flow path through which the gas from the heater 4351 flows directly to the heat source 4310 may be formed. In this case, when the heater 4351 is disposed below the heat source 4310, the gas heated by the heater 4351 can be more easily directed toward the heat source 4310 than when the heater 4351 is disposed above the heat source 4310.

[0263] As described above and as shown in FIG. 44A , the supply portions 4353 are provided on both one side 430X and the other side 430Y of the conveying path 4300R. As shown in FIGS. 44A and 44B , each supply portion 4353 is provided with a gas outlet 4353X on the side where the conveying path 4300R is provided. In this embodiment, gas is discharged from this outlet 4353X, and the discharged gas passes through the flow path 4320 and is supplied to the can body 4100 on the conveying path 4300R, as shown by arrow 43C in FIG. 44A . As a result, the gas is blown from the outlet 4353X onto the can body 4100 on the conveying path 4300R.

[0264] In the present embodiment, a heater 4351 is provided as part of the gas supply mechanism 4350, and the gas supply mechanism 4350 heats the gas to be supplied to the can body 4100. As a result, in the present embodiment, heated gas is supplied to the can body 4100. Also, in the present embodiment, the gas heated by the heater 4351 is discharged from the discharge port 4353X and supplied to the inside of the first heating device 4300. As a result, in the present embodiment, the heated gas is supplied to the heating source 4310 provided inside the first heating device 4300, and the heating source 4310 is heated.

[0265] When the heat source 4310 heats the image formed on the can body 4100, the higher the temperature of the heat source 4310 itself, the more efficiently the heat source 4310 heats the image. In particular, when the heat source 4310 is a so-called IR heater, as in the present embodiment, the efficiency of the heat source 4310 heats the image as the temperature of the heat source 4310 increases. In this embodiment, the heat source 4310 is heated by a heater 4351, which is a heat source other than the heat source 4310, and the efficiency of the heat source 4310 heats the image is improved. Immediately after the heat source 4310 is turned on, the temperature of the heat source 4310 itself is low, and the efficiency of the heat source 4310 heats the image is low. In this case, it becomes necessary to wait for the heat source 4310 to increase in temperature, and the image formed on the can body 4100 cannot be heated. In contrast, when heater 4351 is separately provided as in the present embodiment, the temperature of heating source 4310 is likely to rise immediately after power is turned on to heating source 4310. In this case, heating of the image formed on can body 4100 using heating source 4310 can be started earlier.

[0266] In this embodiment, the gas heated by the heater 4351 is air. In this embodiment, the heated air is supplied to the can body 4100 and the heating source 4310. The components of the gas are not particularly limited, and a gas other than air may be supplied to the can body 4100 and the heating source 4310. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 44(B) , an exhaust blower 4355 is provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 4300, and this exhaust blower 4355 exhausts the gas inside the first heating device 4300 to the outside of the first heating device 4300.

[0267] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an intake port (not shown) is provided for taking in gas outside the first heating device 4300 into the first heating device 4300. In this embodiment, as gas is exhausted by the exhaust blower 4355, the gas outside the first heating device 4300 is supplied into the first heating device 4300 from the intake port.

[0268] Figures 45(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the transport mechanism 4600. Figure 45(A) is a top view of the transport mechanism 4600, and Figure 45(B) is a front view of the transport mechanism 4600. In other words, Figure 45(B) is a view of the transport mechanism 4600 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow XLVB in Figure 45(A). The transport mechanism 4600 is provided with a moving unit 4610 that moves to the right in the figure, as shown in Figure 45(B). This moving unit 4610 is formed in an annular shape, as shown in Figure 44(A), and performs circulating movement.

[0269] In this embodiment, a portion of the moving unit 4610 that performs the circulating movement moves along the linear conveying path 4300R shown in FIG. 44(A). After moving along the linear conveying path 4300R, the moving unit 4610 moves upstream in the can body conveying direction, as shown by arrow 42C in FIG. 44(A), and performs the circulating movement. The moving unit 4610 is configured, for example, with a chain or a belt. Note that when moving upstream in the can body conveying direction, the moving unit 4610 moves through the inside of the first heating device 4300, as shown in FIG. 44(A). This suppresses the temperature drop of the moving unit 4610 compared to when the moving unit 4610 moves through the outside of the first heating device 4300.

[0270] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 45(B), the conveying mechanism 4600 is provided with a plurality of can body support portions 4620 that support the can body 4100. The can body support portions 4620 are attached to the moving portion 4610. The can body support portions 4620 are provided so as to protrude upward from the moving portion 4610. In this embodiment, the can body support portions 4620 enter the interior of the can body 4100, thereby supporting the can body 4100. As the moving portion 4610 moves, each of the can body support portions 4620 moves downstream along the conveying path 4300R shown in FIG. 44(A), and then turns back and moves circulatingly as indicated by arrow 42C. Although FIG. 44(A) depicts the moving portion 4610 as moving circulating horizontally, it may also move circulating vertically.

[0271] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rotation mechanism is provided that rotates each of the can body support portions 4620. The rotation mechanism is realized, for example, by a motor (not shown) provided in each of the can body support portions 4620. When this motor is driven, the can body support portion 4620 rotates around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 4100 supported by the can body support portion 4620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 4100.

[0272] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 45A , the rotation mechanism may include a contact portion 4633 that contacts the outer periphery 4621 of the can body support portion 4620. The contact portion 4633 is arranged along the movement direction of the can body support portion 4620 (the direction of the conveying path 4300R). When the contact portion 4633 is used, the moving can body support portion 4620 receives resistance from the contact portion 4633. This causes the can body support portion 4620 to rotate around a rotation axis extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 4100 supported by the can body support portion 4620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 4100. Note that the rotation mechanism is not limited to the mechanism described above, and other known mechanisms may be used.

[0273] Furthermore, the conveying mechanism 4600 is not limited to the mechanism shown in Figures 45(A) and (B), and other known mechanisms may be used. Specifically, for example, the can body 4100 may be moved using a linear movement mechanism. Alternatively, for example, a drive source such as a motor may be installed on a support that supports the can body 4100, and the support may move by itself, thereby moving the can body 4100. Alternatively, the can body 4100 may be moved by placing the can body 4100 on a belt conveyor that moves in a circular motion.

[0274] In this embodiment, the can body 4100 transported from the upstream side is supplied to the can body support part 4620 (see FIG. 45(B)) at the can body attachment part 4361 shown in FIG. 44(A), and the can body support part 4620 starts supporting the can body 4100. After starting to support the can body 4100, the can body support part 4620 moves downstream along the linearly formed transport path 4300R (see FIG. 44(A)) in conjunction with the movement of the moving part 4610.

[0275] In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body is heated as the can body support part 4620 moves downstream along the conveying path 4300R. This promotes hardening of the image. Then, when the can body support part 4620 reaches the can body removal part 4362 shown in FIG. 44(A), a removal mechanism (not shown) removes the can body 4100 from the can body support part 4620. After the can body 4100 is removed, the can body support part 4620, which is attached to the moving part 4610, returns to the can body attachment part 4361, which is located upstream in the can body conveying direction.

[0276] The first heating device 4300 will be further described. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 44(A), the position of the flow path 4320 provided on one side 430X in the can body conveyance direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 4320 provided on the other side 430Y in the can body conveyance direction. In this embodiment, the flow path 4320 is provided between multiple heat sources 4310 provided on one side 430X, and multiple flow paths 4320 are provided on one side 430X.

[0277] In this embodiment, a flow path 4320 is provided between the multiple heating sources 4310 provided on the other side 430Y, and multiple flow paths 4320 are provided on the other side 430Y. In this embodiment, the positions of each of the multiple flow paths 4320 provided on one side 430X in the can body conveyance direction are aligned with the positions of each of the multiple flow paths 4320 provided on the other side 430Y in the can body conveyance direction.

[0278] 44(A), a virtual plane 4300H is assumed to extend along the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, the flow paths 4320 provided on one side 430X and the flow paths 4320 provided on the other side 430Y are projected onto the virtual plane 4300H in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction. In this case, in this embodiment, the positions of the flow paths 4320 provided on one side 430X and the flow paths 4320 provided on the other side 430Y coincide on the virtual plane 4300H.

[0279] FIG. 46 is a diagram illustrating the supply of gas to the can body 4100. As described above, in this embodiment, the position of the flow path 4320 provided on one side 430X in the can body conveyance direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 4320 provided on the other side 430Y in the can body conveyance direction. In this case, as indicated by reference numeral 45A in FIG. 46 , gases collide with each other on the conveyance path 4300R of the can body 4100. In this case, turbulence is likely to occur on the conveyance path 4300R of the can body 4100. When turbulence occurs, the gas present around the can body 4100 is agitated. When the gas present around the can body 4100 is agitated, fresher gas is supplied to the can body 4100 compared to when it is not agitated. In this case, curing of the image formed on the can body 4100 is further promoted.

[0280] When the position of the flow path 4320 provided on one side 430X in the can body conveyance direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 4320 provided on the other side 430Y in the can body conveyance direction, it is preferable to make the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas equal. Specifically, it is more preferable to make the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas passing through the flow path 4320 provided on one side 430X equal to the flow rate and flow velocity of the gas passing through the flow path 4320 provided on the other side 430Y. In this case, compared to when at least one of the flow rate and flow velocity is different, it is less likely that the point where the gases collide will deviate from the conveyance path 4300R of the can body 4100.

[0281] In the embodiment shown in Figure 44, the direction of gas flow through flow path 4320 toward transport path 4300R of can body 4100 intersects with the axial direction of can body 4100 when the gas is supplied to can body 4100. In this embodiment, the gas flow direction is horizontal, and the axial direction of can body 4100 is vertical. In this embodiment, when gas is supplied to can body 4100, the gas does not flow along the axial direction of can body 4100, but flows in a direction intersecting the axial direction and is supplied to can body 4100.

[0282] Note that this does not exclude a situation in which, when gas is supplied to the can body 4100, the gas flows along the axial direction of the can body 4100. For example, the can body 4100 may be arranged so that the axial direction of the can body 4100 is aligned in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction and in a horizontal direction, and gas may be supplied to the can body 4100 from the side of the conveyance path 4300R. In this case, when gas is supplied to the can body 4100, the gas flows along the axial direction of the can body 4100.

[0283] 44, the direction of movement of the can body 4100 when the can body 4100 moves along the conveying path 4300R and the direction of the gas flow toward the conveying path 4300R through the flow path 4320 intersect with each other. The direction of movement of the can body 4100 when the can body 4100 moves along the conveying path 4300R and the direction of the gas flow are both horizontal, but the direction of movement of the can body 4100 when the can body 4100 moves along the conveying path 4300R is horizontal and in one direction, and the direction of the gas flow is horizontal and in a direction intersecting this one direction.

[0284] Next, the heat source 4310 will be described. In this embodiment, as an example of the heat source 4310, a heat source that includes a light source and emits infrared rays from the light source is used. In other words, in this embodiment, a so-called IR (Infrared Rays) heater is used as the heat source 4310. When infrared rays are emitted from the light source, energy is supplied to the image formed on the outer surface of the can body 4100, causing the molecules in the image to vibrate (move). This vibration causes friction between the materials that make up the image, generating heat. This heat heats the image and promotes hardening of the image. Note that the heat source 4310 that emits infrared rays is just one example, and the heat source 4310 is not particularly limited, and heat sources other than the heat source that emits infrared rays may also be used.

[0285] 47A and 47B are diagrams showing another configuration example of the first heating device 4300. In this configuration example, a placement member 4700 is provided between two adjacent heating sources 4310. The placement member 4700 is connected to both of the two adjacent heating sources 4310 and is supported by the two heating sources 4310. Note that it is not essential that the placement member 4700 be connected to both of the two heating sources 4310, and the placement member 4700 may be connected to only one of the two heating sources 4310. Alternatively, the placement member 4700 may not be connected to the two heating sources 4310, and may be supported by the floor surface and extend upward from the floor surface, for example.

[0286] In this configuration example, a flow path 4320 is provided in the arrangement member 4700. In this configuration example, a plurality of through holes are provided in the arrangement member 4700, and each of the through holes functions as a flow path 4320. Note that the flow path 4320 formed in the arrangement member 4700 is not limited to being formed by a circular or rectangular through hole, and a slit may be formed in the arrangement member 4700 and the flow path 4320 may be formed by the slit.

[0287] More specifically, the flow path 4320 may be formed by a slit extending in the axial direction of the can bodies 4100 moving on the conveying path 4300R or a slit extending along the can body conveying direction. Alternatively, for example, a mesh-shaped arrangement member 4700 may be installed, and in this case, multiple through-holes are also provided in the arrangement member 4700. The flow path 4320 for supplying gas to the can bodies 4100 is not limited to being formed by the gaps 4319 between the heating sources 4310 (see FIG. 44(A)), but may also be formed by through-holes or slits provided in the arrangement member 4700 arranged between the heating sources 4310. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 47, gas heated by the heater 4351 is blown onto the can bodies 4100 on the conveying path 4300R through the flow path 4320 provided in the arrangement member 4700. Furthermore, in this configuration example as well, gas heated by the heater 4351 is supplied to the inside of the first heating device 4300, and the heating source 4310 is heated by this heated gas.

[0288] FIG. 48 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the first heating device 4300. In this example configuration, multiple heat sources 4310 are provided on one side 430X of the conveying path 4300R, as described above. Also, in this example configuration, a heat reflecting section 4390 is provided on the other side 430Y of the conveying path 4300R. As described above, multiple heat sources 4310 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, as described above, a flow path 4320 is provided between adjacent heat sources 4310. This flow path 4320 is formed by gaps 4319 present between the heat sources 4310.

[0289] The heat reflecting portion 4390 reflects heat from the heating source 4310 provided on one side 430X toward the transport path 4300R. The heat reflecting portion 4390 is configured as a mirror and has the function of reflecting light. The heat reflecting portion 4390 shown in FIG. 48 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 4300R. Multiple heat reflecting portions 4390 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body transport direction. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a flow path 4320 is provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 4390 for passing gas supplied to the can bodies 4100 on the transport path 4300R. This flow path 4320 is formed by gaps 4319 present between the heat reflecting portions 4390. In this configuration example, gas heated by the heater 4351 passes through the flow path 4320 provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 4390 and is blown onto the can bodies 4100 on the transport path 4300R. Furthermore, this gas is supplied into the first heating device 4300 in the same manner as above, and the heating source 4310 is heated by this gas.

[0290] In this configuration example, on one side 430X of the conveying path 4300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 4100 on the conveying path 4300R through a flow path 4320 provided between adjacent heating sources 4310, as described above. On the other hand, on the other side 430Y of the conveying path 4300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 4100 on the conveying path 4300R through a flow path 4320 provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 4390. Furthermore, the gas flowing toward the can bodies 4100 on the conveying path 4300R from each of the one side 430X and the other side 430Y is supplied into the first heating device 4300, and the heating source 4310 is heated by this gas.

[0291] FIG. 49 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the first heating device 4300. In this other example configuration, similar to the example configuration shown in FIG. 48, a plurality of heating sources 4310 are provided on one side 430X of the transport path 4300R, and a plurality of heat reflecting sections 4390 are provided on the other side 430Y of the transport path 4300R. Furthermore, in this example configuration, a positioning member 4700 is provided between adjacent heating sources 4310. As described above, this positioning member 4700 is provided with a flow path 4320 (not shown in FIG. 49). In this example configuration, a positioning member 4700 is also provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 4390. As described above, this positioning member 4700 is provided with a flow path 4320 (not shown in FIG. 49).

[0292] As described above, the flow paths 4320 provided in the arrangement member 4700 are configured by through-holes or slits provided in the arrangement member 4700. In this configuration example, on one side 430X of the conveying path 4300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 4100 on the conveying path 4300R through flow paths 4320 formed in the arrangement member 4700 and provided between adjacent heat sources 4310. On the other side 430Y of the conveying path 4300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 4100 on the conveying path 4300R through flow paths 4320 formed in the arrangement member 4700 and provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 4390. Furthermore, as described above, these supplied gases are supplied into the interior of the first heating device 4300, and the heat source 4310 is heated by this gas.

[0293] 50(A) and 50(B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion 4390. FIGS. 50(A) and 50(B) show the heat reflecting portion 4390 as viewed from above. The shape of the heat reflecting portion 4390 is not particularly limited. The configuration examples shown in FIGS. 48 and 49 show an example in which the heat reflecting portion 4390 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 4300R. This is not limiting. As shown in FIG. 50(A), the heat reflecting portion 4390 may be given an uneven shape to diffuse infrared rays. Alternatively, the heat reflecting portion 4390 may be formed in a flat shape, as shown in FIG. 50(B).

[0294] The first heating device 4300 may be provided with two or more types of heat reflecting sections 4390. For example, two or more types of heat reflecting sections 4390 may be provided among the first type of heat reflecting section 4390 shown in Figures 48 and 49, the second type of heat reflecting section 4390 shown in Figure 50(A), and the third type of heat reflecting section 4390 shown in Figure 50(B). The heat reflecting section 4390 may be provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 4300, and may direct infrared rays directed upward from the heat source 4310 toward the transport path 4300R located below.

[0295] In the above description, a first configuration in which the gap 4319 is provided on both the one side 430X and the other side 430Y, and a second configuration in which the arrangement member 4700 having the flow path 4320 is provided on both the one side 430X and the other side 430Y, have been described. The configuration is not limited to these two. Alternatively, the gap 4319 may be provided on one of the one side 430X and the other side 430Y, and the arrangement member 4700 having the flow path 4320 may be provided on the other side. Furthermore, for example, the arrangement member 4700 having the gap 4319 and the flow path 4320 may be provided on both the one side 430X and the other side 430Y.

[0296] 51(A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the first heating device 4300. Fig. 51(A) is a top view of the first heating device 4300, and Fig. 51(B) is a front view of the first heating device 4300. The basic configuration of the first heating device 4300 shown in Fig. 51 is similar to that of the first heating device 4300 shown in Fig. 44, and the following description will focus on the configuration of the first heating device 4300 that is different from the configuration of the first heating device 4300 shown in Fig. 44.

[0297] 51(A), a heating unit 4391 that heats the can body 4100 before it moves toward the opposing location 4310X is provided upstream of the opposing location 4310X of the heat source 4310 in the can body conveyance direction. In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body 4100 is heated at the opposing location 4310X of the heat source 4310. In this embodiment, a heating unit 4391 that heats the can body 4100 before it moves toward the opposing location 4310X is provided upstream of the opposing location 4310X in the can body conveyance direction where heating is performed.

[0298] More specifically, in this configuration example, a heating unit 4391 that heats the can body 4100 before it heads toward the facing location 4310X is provided upstream in the can body conveying direction of a facing location 4310X of the heating source 4310 that is located furthest upstream in the can body conveying direction among the multiple provided heating sources 4310. In this configuration example, the heating unit 4391 uses heat generated by a heater 4351 (see FIG. 51(B)) to heat the can body 4100 before it heads toward the facing location 4310X.

[0299] 51(B), in this configuration example, gas heated by heater 4351 and sent out by blower 4352 is supplied to heating unit 4391. As a result, can body 4100 located in heating unit 4391 is heated before heading toward opposing location 4310X in heating unit 4391. Note that heating of can body 4100 in heating unit 4391 may be performed using a dedicated heat source installed in heating unit 4391.

[0300] 51A and 51B, a partition 4394 is provided between the heating unit 4391 and the opposing location 4310X. In this configuration example, the partition 4394 prevents water vapor, solvent, and the like generated from the image formed on the can body 4100 located at the heating unit 4391 from heading toward the side where the heat source 4310 is installed. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 51, the heat of the can body 4100 located at the heating unit 4391 causes water, solvent, and the like to evaporate from the image formed on the can body 4100. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 51, the partition 4394 prevents the water, solvent, and the like from heading toward the side where the heat source 4310 is installed.

[0301] When water vapor, solvent, etc. head toward the side where heat source 4310 is installed, the concentration of water vapor, etc. increases at location 4310X facing heat source 4310, reducing the efficiency of heating the image by heat source 4310. In contrast, as in this configuration example shown in Fig. 51 , when partition 4394 is present, the concentration of water vapor, etc. decreases at location 4310X facing heat source 4310, and the reduction in the efficiency of heating the image by heat source 4310 can be suppressed.

[0302] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 51(B), the partition 4394 is formed by gas flowing across the movement path 498E of the can body 4100. The can body 4100 moves along the movement path 498E when moving from the heating unit 4391 to the facing location 4310X (see FIG. 51(A)). In this configuration example shown in FIG. 51, the partition 4394 is formed by gas flowing across this movement path 498E. In this configuration example, as shown in FIG. 51(B), an upper blower 4378 serving as an air source is provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 4300. In this configuration example, the partition 4394 is formed by gas discharged from the upper blower 4378 and flowing downward. This gas may be air or a type of gas other than air.

[0303] 51(B), the gas supplied to the heating unit 4391 is supplied from below the heating unit 4391 to the heating unit 4391 located above it. The gas may be supplied to the heating unit 4391 not only from below the heating unit 4391 but also from the side of the heating unit 4391 or from above the heating unit 4391. The gas supply direction for forming the partition 4394 is also not limited to a downward direction but may be an upward direction or a lateral direction.

[0304] Furthermore, the partition 4394 is not limited to one that uses gas, and a restricting member (not shown) that restricts the movement of gas may be provided between the heating unit 4391 and the opposing location 4310X. When a restricting member is provided, the restricting member is retracted from the movement path 498E of the can body 4100 every time the can body 4100 moves from the heating unit 4391 to the opposing location 4310X.

[0305] (Others) Although the first heating device 4300 has been described above, the second heating device 4400 (see FIG. 42) and the third heating device 4500 (not shown) may also be configured in the same manner as the first heating device 4300.

[0306] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1000...can body manufacturing system, 130X...one side, 130Y...other side, 1100...can body, 1200...printing device, 1300...first heating device, 1300R...conveying path, 1310...heat source, 1319...gap, 1320...flow path, 1350...gas supply mechanism, 1390...heat reflecting section, 1600...conveying mechanism, 1700...positioning member, 2000...can body manufacturing system, 230X...one side, 230Y...other side, 2200...printing device, 2300...first heating device, 2300R...conveying path, 2310...heat source, 2320...flow path, 2390...heat reflecting section, 2600...conveying mechanism, 3000...can body manufacturing system, 330X...one side side, 330Y...other side, 3100...can body, 3200...printing device, 3300...first heating device, 3300R...conveying path, 3310...heating source, 3600...conveying mechanism, 3710...controller, 3720...changing unit, 4000...can body manufacturing system, 430X...one side, 430Y...other side, 498E...moving path, 4100...can body, 4200...printing device, 4300...first heating device, 4300R...conveying path, 4310...heating source, 4310X...opposing portion, 4319...gap, 4320...flow path, 4351...heater, 4390...heat reflecting portion, 4391...heating portion, 4394...partition, 4600...conveying mechanism, 4700...arrangement member

Claims

1. A heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying can bodies on which an image has been formed along a conveying path; and a plurality of heating sources provided on the sides of the conveying path and arranged side by side in the conveying direction of the can bodies, the plurality of heating sources having flow paths for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the conveying path provided between adjacent heating sources.

2. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein a gap is provided between the adjacent heating sources, the gap serving as the flow path, and gas is supplied to the can body through the gap.

3. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising a positioning member disposed between said adjacent heating sources, said positioning member being provided with said flow path.

4. The heating device according to claim 1, further comprising a gas supplying means for supplying gas to the can bodies on the transport path through the flow path.

5. The heating device according to claim 4, wherein said gas supply means supplies heated gas to the can body.

6. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating sources, each having a flow path between adjacent heating sources, are provided on both one side and the other side of the transport path.

7. A heating device as described in claim 6, wherein the positions of the flow paths provided in the multiple heating sources provided on one side in the can body transport direction are aligned with the positions of the flow paths provided in the multiple heating sources provided on the other side in the can body transport direction.

8. A heating device as described in claim 6, wherein the position of the one-side flow path, which is the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on one side, in the can body transport direction is different from the position of the other-side flow path, which is the flow path provided in the multiple heating sources provided on the other side, in the can body transport direction.

9. A heating device as described in claim 8, wherein a plurality of the one-side flow paths and a plurality of the other-side flow paths are provided and arranged so that their positions in the can body transport direction are different from each other, and a plurality of the one-side flow paths and a plurality of the other-side flow paths are provided so that, when comparing their positions in the can body transport direction, the other-side flow paths are located between the one-side flow paths adjacent to each other in the can body transport direction.

10. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of heating sources are provided on one side of the transport path, and a heat reflecting section is provided on the other side of the transport path for reflecting heat from the heating sources included in the plurality of heating sources toward the transport path.

11. A heating device as described in claim 10, wherein a plurality of the heat reflecting sections are provided and arranged side by side in the can body transport direction, and a flow path is provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the transport path.

12. The heating device according to claim 1, wherein the heat source is a heat source that radiates infrared rays.

13. A heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a can body on which an image has been formed along a conveying path; a heating source provided on one side of the conveying path; and a plurality of heat reflecting sections provided on the other side of the conveying path and arranged in a line in the can body conveying direction, which reflect heat from the heating source toward the conveying path, wherein a flow path for passing gas supplied to the can body on the conveying path is provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections.

14. The heating device according to claim 13, wherein a gap is provided between the heat reflecting portions adjacent to each other, the gap serving as the flow path, and gas is supplied to the can body through the gap.

15. The heating device according to claim 13, further comprising a positioning member disposed between the heat reflecting portions adjacent to each other, the positioning member being provided with the flow path.

16. A can body manufacturing system comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and which manufactures can bodies with an image formed thereon, wherein the heating device is configured to include a heating device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a can body on which an image has been formed along a conveying path; and a heat source provided on the side of the conveying path and arranged at an angle with respect to the can body conveying direction, which is the conveying direction of the can body conveyed along the conveying path.

18. The heating device according to claim 17, wherein a plurality of heating sources are provided on the sides of the transport path, the heating sources being inclined at different angles relative to the can body transport direction.

19. The heating device according to claim 18, wherein one of the plurality of heat sources faces downstream in the can body transport direction, and the other heat sources face upstream in the can body transport direction.

20. The heating device according to claim 19, wherein a plurality of the first heat source facing the downstream side and a plurality of the second heat source facing the upstream side are provided.

21. A heating device as described in claim 19, wherein a plurality of one heating sources each having a different inclination angle with respect to the can body transport direction are provided as the one heating source facing the downstream side, and / or a plurality of other heating sources each having a different inclination angle with respect to the can body transport direction are provided as the other heating source facing the upstream side.

22. The heating device according to claim 19, wherein the other heating source facing the upstream side is provided downstream of the one heating source facing the downstream side in the can body conveying direction.

23. The heating device according to claim 22, wherein the other heat source facing the upstream side is provided adjacent to one of the heat sources facing the downstream side.

24. A heating device as described in claim 17, wherein a plurality of heating sources, including the heating source arranged at an angle, are arranged side by side in the can body transport direction on the side of the transport path, and a flow path is provided between adjacent heating sources among the plurality of heating sources for passing gas supplied to the can bodies on the transport path.

25. The heating device according to claim 17, wherein the heat sources arranged at an angle to the can body transport direction are provided on both one side and the other side of the transport path.

26. A heating device as described in claim 17, wherein a heat reflecting section is provided on one side and the other side of the transport path opposite the side on which the heating source arranged at an angle is provided, for reflecting heat from the heating source toward the transport path.

27. A heating device as described in claim 17, wherein the can body is formed in a cylindrical shape and has an axis, the conveying means conveys the can body with the axis aligned in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the conveying path, the heat source has an upstream end which is an end located on the upstream side in the can body conveying direction, and a downstream end which is an end located on the downstream side in the can body conveying direction, and the heat source is arranged so that when a virtual plane is imagined that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body conveyed by the conveying means and reaches a position opposite the heat source and that crosses the can body, the heat source is arranged so that the plane crosses the heat source, and the heat source is arranged so that one of the upstream end and the downstream end is located on the plane closer to the conveying path than the other.

28. A can body manufacturing system comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, the can body manufacturing system manufacturing a can body having an image formed thereon, wherein the heating device is configured to include a heating device as defined in any one of claims 17 to 27.

29. A heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a can body on which an image has been formed along a conveying path; a plurality of heating sources provided on the sides of the conveying path; and a control means for controlling the output of the plurality of heating sources for each heating source.

30. The heating device according to claim 29, wherein the plurality of heat sources are arranged in a line in the can body transport direction, and the control means controls the output of the plurality of heat sources arranged in a line in the can body transport direction for each of the heat sources.

31. The heating device according to claim 30, wherein the control means controls the output of each of the heat sources based on conveying speed information, which is information about the conveying speed of the can bodies conveyed by the conveying means.

32. A heating device as described in claim 31, wherein the control means turns on more of the heating sources and / or increases the output of each of the heating sources when the transport speed specified by the transport speed information is high, compared to when the transport speed is low.

33. The heating device according to claim 30, wherein the control means, when turning on a plurality of the heat sources, turns on the heat sources that are adjacent to each other in the can body transport direction, so that the heat sources that are turned on are lined up consecutively in the can body transport direction.

34. A heating device as described in claim 29, wherein the plurality of heating sources are arranged in a line in the axial direction of the can body transported along the transport path, and the control means controls the output of the plurality of heating sources arranged in a line in the axial direction of the can body for each of the heating sources.

35. The heating device according to claim 34, wherein the control means controls the output of each of the heating sources based on size information which is information about the size in the axial direction of the can bodies transported by the transport means.

36. A heating device as described in claim 35, wherein said control means turns on more of said heating sources or increases the output of some of said heating sources when the size specified by said size information is large, compared to when it is small.

37. The heating device according to claim 29, further comprising a change means for changing which of said plurality of heating sources provided in said heating device is turned on depending on a usage situation of said plurality of heating sources.

38. The heating device according to claim 37, wherein the change means changes which heat source is turned on depending on the usage time of each of the heat sources included in the plurality of heat sources, or changes which heat source is turned on depending on the number of times each of the heat sources included in the plurality of heat sources has been used.

39. A can body manufacturing system comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and which produces can bodies with an image formed thereon, wherein the heating device is configured to include a heating device as defined in any one of claims 29 to 38.

40. A heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a can body on which an image is formed along a conveying path; a first heating source provided on the side of the conveying path and used to heat the image formed on the can body conveyed along the conveying path; and a second heating source used to heat the first heating source.

41. The heating device according to claim 40, wherein the second heating source is disposed at a location different from the side of the transport path.

42. The heating device of claim 41, wherein the second heating source is disposed below the first heating source.

43. The heating device according to claim 40, wherein gas heated by said second heat source is supplied to said first heat source and is also blown onto the can bodies on said transport path.

44. A heating device as described in claim 43, wherein the first heating sources are provided in plurality and arranged in a line along the conveying path, and gas heated by the second heating source is blown onto the can bodies on the conveying path through a flow path provided between adjacent first heating sources.

45. A heating device as described in claim 44, wherein a gap is provided between the adjacent first heating sources, the gap serves as the flow path, and gas heated by the second heating source is blown through the gap onto the can bodies on the conveying path.

46. ​​A heating device as described in claim 44, wherein a positioning member is provided between the adjacent first heating sources, the flow path is provided in the positioning member, and gas heated by the second heating source is blown onto the can bodies on the conveying path through the flow path provided in the positioning member.

47. The heating device according to claim 40, wherein the first heating source is provided on one side of the transport path, and a heat reflecting section is provided on the other side of the transport path for reflecting heat from the first heating source toward the transport path.

48. A heating device as described in claim 47, wherein a plurality of the heat reflecting sections are provided and arranged in a line in the can body transport direction, and a flow path is provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections for passing gas heated by the second heating source and supplied to the can bodies on the transport path.

49. The heating device according to claim 40, wherein the first heat source is a heat source that radiates infrared rays.

50. A heating device as described in claim 40, further comprising a heating section provided upstream of the opposing point of the first heating source in the can body transport direction for heating the can bodies before they reach the opposing point, and a partition provided between the heating section and the opposing point.

51. The heating device according to claim 50, wherein the heating section uses heat generated by the second heating source to heat the can body before it reaches the opposing location.

52. The heating device of claim 50, wherein the partition is constituted by a gas flowing across the path of travel of the can body as it travels from the heating section to the opposing location.

53. A can body manufacturing system comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on the outer surface of a can body, and a heating device that heats the image formed on the can body by the image forming unit, and which produces can bodies with an image formed thereon, wherein the heating device is configured to include a heating device as defined in any one of claims 40 to 52.

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