Can body conveying device, can body manufacturing system, and heating device

Abstract

As illustrated in (B), a can body support unit 1620 is provided as part of a conveying mechanism 1600. The can body support unit 1620 is provided with a plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 that are inserted inside a can body 1100. Each of the rod-shaped members 1680 is formed linearly. In addition, a movement mechanism 1700 for moving the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 is provided as another part of the conveying mechanism 1600, as illustrated in (B).

Description

Can body conveying device, can body manufacturing system and heating device

[0001] The present invention relates to a can body conveying device, a can body manufacturing system, and a heating device.

[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 transporting can bodies, a member for supporting the can body is placed inside the can body and the member is moved to transport the can body. If a mandrel having an outer diameter close to the inner diameter of the can body is placed inside the can body to support the can body, the weight of the mandrel requires more energy to transport the can body. In this case, simplifying the member placed inside the can body can reduce the energy required to transport the can body, but this can cause problems such as unstable can body transport. An object of the present invention is to enable stable can body transport while reducing the energy required to transport the can body.

[0005] Furthermore, in a heating device for heating an image formed on a can body, the image formed on the can body can be heated, for example, by providing a heat source on the side of the can body transport path. However, providing a heat source may result in heating of areas other than the image formed on the can body, and may heat areas that do not actually require heating. Another object of the present invention is to suppress heating of areas that do not require heating when heating an image formed on a can body.

[0006] Furthermore, when manufacturing can bodies with images formed thereon, the images formed on the can bodies may be heated. When the images formed on the can bodies are heated using a heat source arranged on the side of the can body's transport path, the portions of the images facing the heat source tend to be heated, while other portions of the images may be insufficiently heated. Another object of the present invention is to reduce uneven heating when heating the images formed on the can bodies using a heat source arranged on the side of the transport path along which the can bodies are transported.

[0007] The can body conveying device to which the present invention is applicable includes a plurality of rod-shaped members to be inserted into a can body and a moving means for moving the plurality of rod-shaped members. When the plurality of rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, the plurality of rod-shaped members may move along the axial direction of the can body and / or the can body may move, and on an imaginary orthogonal plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body and that intersects the plurality of rod-shaped members as the plurality of rod-shaped members and / or the can body move along the axial direction of the can body, the plurality of rod-shaped members may be positioned at each of a plurality of vertices of an imaginary polygon. The distance between the center of the imaginary polygon and the rod-shaped member may be greater than a value obtained by dividing the radius of the can body by 2. Each of the plurality of rod-shaped members may have a can body-side end that is the end that is located on the can body side when the plurality of rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and the plurality of rod-shaped members may be positioned closer to each other as they move toward the can body-side end. The rod-shaped members may be supported at their opposite ends, which are ends opposite the can body-side end, by a common member. The rod-shaped members may be arranged parallel to one another. Each of the rod-shaped members may have a can body-side end, which is an end that faces the can body when the rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and the rod-shaped members may be supported at their opposite ends, which are ends opposite the can body-side end, by a common member. Each of the rod-shaped members may have a can body-side end, which is an end that faces the can body when the rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and an elastic body may be provided at the can body-side end of the rod-shaped member. Each of the rod-shaped members may have a can body-side end, which is an end that faces the can body when the rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and a connecting member may be further provided to connect the can body-side ends of the rod-shaped members to each other. The device may further include a mechanism for changing the positional relationship of the plurality of rod-shaped members.The change mechanism may also be configured to move the multiple rod-shaped members in directions toward each other and move the multiple rod-shaped members in directions away from each other. Furthermore, when the multiple rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, the multiple rod-shaped members in the state after moving in the directions toward each other may be inserted into the can body. Furthermore, the change mechanism may be configured to move the multiple rod-shaped members in directions away from each other after the multiple rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body. The rod-shaped members may be arranged so that, when the rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, the rod-shaped members move along the axial direction of the can body and / or the rod-shaped members are positioned at each of a plurality of vertices of a virtual polygon on a virtual orthogonal plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body when the can body moves and the rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and the changing mechanism moves the rod-shaped members so that the rod-shaped members approach a center of the virtual polygon and move the rod-shaped members so that the rod-shaped members move away from the center of the virtual polygon.The can body may further include a heat source used to heat an image formed on the can body supported by the rod-shaped members.

[0008] 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 can body conveying device that conveys the can body, and that manufactures can bodies on which an image has been formed, and the can body conveying device is a can body manufacturing system that is configured to include any of the can body conveying devices described above.

[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, and a heat source provided to a side of the conveying path and used to heat the image formed on the can bodies moving along the conveying path, wherein when the can bodies are positioned opposite the heat source, a portion of the can bodies is positioned outside the position. Here, the can bodies may be formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom at one end and an opening at the other end, and when the can bodies are positioned opposite the heat source, the bottom of the can bodies may be positioned outside the position. Furthermore, the can bodies may be conveyed along the conveying path with the bottom positioned above and the opening positioned below, and when the can bodies are positioned opposite the heat source, the bottom of the can bodies may be positioned above an upper end of the heat source. The heat sources may be provided on both one side and the other side of the conveying path, such that when the can body is located opposite a one-side heat source that is the heat source located on one side, the can body is located opposite a second-side heat source that is the heat source located on the other side, and when the can body is located opposite the one-side heat source and the second-side heat source, a part of the can body moves out of the position opposite the one-side heat source and the second-side heat source.The can body may be formed in a cylindrical shape, have a bottom at one end and an opening at the other end, and when the can body is located opposite the one-side heat source and the second-side heat source, the bottom of the can body moves out of the position opposite the one-side heat source and the second-side heat source. In addition, a plurality of the heating sources may be arranged on one side of the conveying path in a line in the direction of conveying the can body, and as the can body passes in sequence between the opposing positions of the plurality of heating sources, the portion of the can body may pass in sequence through a location that is away from the opposing position.In addition, the can body may be formed in a cylindrical shape, have a bottom at one end in the axial direction of the can body, and have an opening at the other end in the axial direction, and as the can body passes through the opposing positions of the multiple heating sources in sequence, the bottom of the can body may pass through locations that are away from the opposing positions in sequence.

[0010] From another perspective, a heating device to which the present invention is applicable includes a conveying means for conveying can bodies having an image formed thereon along a conveying path using a moving unit, and a heat source provided to the side of the conveying path and used to heat the image formed on the can bodies moving along the conveying path, the moving unit being configured to pass through a location that is not facing the heat source. Here, the moving unit may be composed of a member that moves in a circulating manner, and the moving unit that moves in a circulating manner may pass through a location that is not facing the heat source. The heating device may also include a can body support unit that is supported by the moving unit that moves in a circulating manner and supports the can bodies, and when the can bodies are positioned opposite the heat source, a portion of the can body support unit may be positioned outside the facing position. The can body support unit may also include a contact member that is inserted inside the can body and contacts the can body, and a base that supports the contact member, and when the can body is positioned opposite the heat source, the base of the can body support unit may be positioned outside the facing position.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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 a side of the conveying path, and a rotating means for rotating the can bodies moving along the conveying path. Here, the rotating means may apply a resistance force to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical can bodies moving along the conveying path, or may apply a resistance force to the outer peripheral surface of a can body support part supporting the can bodies moving along the conveying path, thereby rotating the can bodies in the circumferential direction of the can bodies. Furthermore, the member functioning as the rotating means may include a side member disposed on a side of the conveying path and along the conveying path, such that the outer peripheral surface of the can bodies moving along the conveying path comes into contact with the side member to apply a resistance force to the outer peripheral surface, or the outer peripheral surface of the can body support part moving along the conveying path comes into contact with the side member to apply a resistance force to the outer peripheral surface, thereby rotating the can bodies in the circumferential direction of the can bodies. The rotation means may rotate the can bodies by blowing gas onto the can bodies moving along the conveying path or onto the can body support parts supporting the can bodies. The rotation means may rotate the can bodies in the circumferential direction of the can bodies by blowing gas onto a portion of the cylindrical can bodies that is offset from the axial center of the can bodies, or by blowing gas onto a portion of the can body support parts that is offset from the axial center of the can body support parts. The outer periphery of the can body support parts may be provided with a protrusion that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the can body support parts, and the rotation means may rotate the can body support parts by blowing gas onto the protrusion, thereby rotating the can bodies in the circumferential direction of the can bodies. The rotation means may rotate the cylindrical can bodies in the circumferential direction of the can bodies by applying vibration to the can body support parts that support the can bodies moving along the conveying path. In addition, the can body may be rotated at least once by the rotating means between the start of conveyance of the can body by the conveying means and the end of conveyance of the can body by the conveying means.The rotating means may rotate the can body so that all parts of a band-shaped region extending around the entire circumference of the cylindrical can body face the heat source at least once. The conveying path may be provided with a curvature imparting section that imparts a curvature to the can body to change its traveling direction, and the rotating means may be provided in the curvature imparting section. The rotating means may be provided on a side of the conveying path, on a side of the curvature imparting section, and on a side opposite to the side on which the center of curvature of the curvature imparting section is located.

[0013] 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.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to stably transport can bodies while reducing the energy required for transporting the can bodies. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when heating an image formed on a can body, it is possible to suppress heating of areas that do not require heating. Furthermore, according to the present invention, when heating an image formed on a can body using a heat source provided to the side of the transport path along which the can body is transported, it is possible to reduce uneven heating.

[0015] 1 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system; 2 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device; 3 (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a first heating device; 4 (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a conveying mechanism; 5 is a diagram explaining the supply of gas to a can body; 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit; 7 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a first heating device; 8 (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of a heat reflecting unit; 9 (A) and (B) are diagrams showing the state of rod-shaped members and a can body when multiple rod-shaped members are placed inside the can body; 10 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of a can body support unit; 11 (A) and (B) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of a can body support unit; 12 is a diagram showing another example of the configuration of the can body side end of the rod-shaped members; 13 (A) to (C) are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of a can body support unit; 14 (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining the movement of the can body support unit; 15 is a diagram showing a can body manufacturing system; 16 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device; 17 (A) and (B) are diagrams explaining a first heating device. 17A and 17B are diagrams illustrating a conveying mechanism. A diagram illustrating the can body and the heating source as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow 2V in FIG. 17A. A diagram illustrating another example of the can body configuration. A diagram illustrating another example of the first heating device. A diagram illustrating another example of the heat reflecting unit. A diagram illustrating another example of the first heating device. A diagram illustrating another example of the first heating device. A diagram illustrating a can body manufacturing system. A diagram illustrating an example of a printing device. A diagram illustrating a first heating device. A diagram illustrating a conveying mechanism. A diagram illustrating another example of the first heating device. A diagram illustrating another example of the heat reflecting unit. A diagram illustrating another example of the conveying mechanism. A diagram illustrating another shape of the protrusion. A diagram illustrating another example of the first heating device. A diagram illustrating a can body support unit, etc. as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow 3X in FIG. 33. A diagram illustrating another example of the rotation mechanism. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing another example of the configuration of the conveying mechanism, and are perspective views of a can body.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The inkjet printing device 1200 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 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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 transport mechanism 1600 that transports can bodies 1100, on which an image has been formed by the printing device 1200 (see FIG. 1), along a predetermined transport path 1300R.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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).

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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).

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In this embodiment, a portion of the moving section 1610 that performs the circulating movement moves along the linear conveying path 1300R shown in Fig. 3(A). After moving along the linear conveying path 1300R, the moving section 1610 moves toward the upstream side in the can body conveying direction, as shown by arrow 12C in Fig. 3(A), and performs the circulating movement.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3A , this embodiment further includes a rotating member 1611 for applying a driving force to the moving unit 1610. In this embodiment, the rotating member 1611 is rotated clockwise in the figure by a driving source (not shown), such as a motor. Accordingly, the moving unit 1610 moves. The moving unit 1610 is configured, for example, by a chain or a belt. Note that, as shown in FIG. 3A , when the moving unit 1610 moves upstream in the can body conveyance direction, it moves through the inside of the first heating device 1300. 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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 movement 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] In this embodiment, the can body 1100 transported from the upstream side is supplied to the can body support part 1620 (see FIG. 4(B)) at the can body attachment part 1361 shown in FIG. 3(A), and the can body support part 1620 starts supporting the can body 1100. The can body support part 1620 that has started supporting the can body 1100 is attached to the moving part 1610, and therefore moves downstream along the linearly formed conveying path 1300R (see FIG. 3(A)) as the moving part 1610 moves.

[0044] In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body 1100 is heated as the can body support part 1620 moves downstream along the conveying path 1300R. This promotes hardening of the image. Then, when the can body support part 1620 reaches the can body removal part 1362 shown in FIG. 3A, a removal mechanism (not shown) removes the can body 1100 from the can body support part 1620. After the can body 1100 has been removed, the can body support part 1620, which is attached to the moving part 1610, returns to the can body attachment part 1361, which is located upstream in the can body conveying direction.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In this embodiment, a flow path 1320 is 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the direction of gas flow through flow path 1320 toward conveyance path 1300R of can body 1100 intersects with the axial direction of can body 1100 when the gas is supplied to can body 1100. In this embodiment, the gas flow direction is horizontal, and the axial direction of can body 1100 is vertical. In this embodiment, when gas is supplied to can body 1100, the gas does not flow along the axial direction of can body 1100, but flows in a direction intersecting the axial direction and is supplied to can body 1100.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 3, 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3B, a control unit 1710 is provided. This control unit 1710 is configured by a computer. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 1710. The control unit 1710 has an arithmetic processing unit 111 that executes digital arithmetic processing according to a program, and a secondary storage unit 191 that stores information. The secondary storage unit 191 is realized by an existing information storage device, such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, or magnetic tape.

[0055] The arithmetic processing unit 111 is provided with a CPU 111a as an example of a processor. The arithmetic processing unit 111 is also provided with a RAM 111b used as a working memory for the CPU 111a, and a ROM 111c in which programs executed by the CPU 111a are stored. The arithmetic processing unit 111 is also provided with a rewritable non-volatile memory 111d that can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted.

[0056] The nonvolatile memory 111d is configured, for example, with a battery-backed SRAM, a flash memory, etc. The secondary storage unit 191 stores various types of information such as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 111. In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 111 reads the programs stored in the ROM 111c or the secondary storage unit 191, thereby executing various processes performed in the first heating device 1300.

[0057] The program executed by the CPU 111a may be provided to the control unit 1710 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. The program executed by the CPU 111a may also be provided to the control unit 1710 using a communication means such as the Internet.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows another example configuration of the first heating device 1300. In this example configuration, multiple heat sources 1310 are provided on one side 130X of the conveying path 1300R, as described above. Also, in this example configuration, 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.

[0059] 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. 7 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 formed by gaps 1319 present between the heat reflecting portions 1390.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting section 1390. FIGS. 8A and 8B 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. 7, the heat reflecting section 1390 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 1300R. However, as shown in FIG. 8A, 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. 8B.

[0062] 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. 7, the second type of heat reflecting section 1390 shown in Fig. 8(A), and the third type of heat reflecting section 1390 shown in Fig. 8(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 heat source 1310 toward the transport path 1300R located below.

[0063] The conveying mechanism 1600 (see FIG. 3) will be further described. The conveying mechanism 1600 serves as a can body conveying device and conveys the can body 1100. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4(B), a can body support section 1620 is provided as part of the conveying mechanism 1600. This can body support section 1620 is provided with a plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 that are inserted into the can body 1100. Each of the rod-shaped members 1680 is formed linearly. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as another part of the conveying mechanism 1600, as shown in FIG. 4(B), a moving mechanism 1700 is provided as an example of a moving means for moving the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680.

[0064] In this embodiment, the moving mechanism 1700 is composed of a moving unit 1610, a rotating member 1611 (see FIG. 3A ) that moves the moving unit 1610, and a motor (not shown) that rotates the rotating member 1611. As shown in FIG. 3A , in this embodiment, the rotating member 1611 is provided to apply a driving force to the moving unit 1610. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a motor is provided to rotate the rotating member 1611 in a clockwise direction in the figure. In this embodiment, the rotating member 1611 is rotated by the motor, and in response to this, the moving unit 1610 performs a circular movement.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 4(A) , each of the rod-shaped members 1680 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod-shaped member 1680 is formed to be circular. In other words, the rod-shaped member 1680 is formed so that the outer shape thereof is circular in the cross section in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod-shaped member 1680. However, this is not limiting, and the rod-shaped member 1680 may be formed so that the cross section is polygonal. In other words, the rod-shaped member 1680 may be formed so that the outer shape thereof in the cross section is polygonal.

[0066] Furthermore, the rod-shaped member 1680 may have a hollow shape, such as a cylindrical shape. In other words, the rod-shaped member 1680 may have a tubular shape. In the case where the rod-shaped member 1680 is hollow, the outer shape is not limited to a circle and may be a polygon, as in the case where the rod-shaped member 1680 is columnar as described above.

[0067] The material constituting the rod-shaped member 1680 is not particularly limited, but a metal material is one example. The material constituting the rod-shaped member 1680 is preferably a material that is not easily affected by heating from the heat source 1310 and is not likely to cause a temperature rise due to the heat source 1310. In other words, the material of the rod-shaped member 1680 is preferably a material that is not likely to cause a temperature rise due to the infrared rays radiated by the heat source 1310. Furthermore, the color of the rod-shaped member 1680 is preferably a color that is not easily affected by heating from the heat source 1310 and is not likely to cause a temperature rise due to the heat source 1310. In other words, the color of the rod-shaped member 1680 is preferably a color that is not likely to cause a temperature rise due to the infrared rays radiated by the heat source 1310.

[0068] Furthermore, it is preferable to perform a treatment on each of the rod-shaped members 1680 to make it less likely to scratch the inner surface of the can body 1100, such as chamfering the can body side end 1681 of the rod-shaped member 1680, as shown in FIG. 4(B). Each of the rod-shaped members 1680 has a can body side end 1681 and an opposite end 1682 that is the end located opposite the can body side end 1681. The can body side end 1681 is the end that is located on the can body 1100 side when the rod-shaped member 1680 is inserted inside the can body 1100.

[0069] 9(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the state of the rod-shaped members 1680 and the can body 1100 when multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are inserted inside the can body 1100. In other words, FIGS. 9(A) and (B) are diagrams showing the state of the rod-shaped members 1680 and the can body 1100 at the can body attachment portion 1361 (see FIG. 3(A)). FIG. 9(A) is a front view, and FIG. 9(B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXB-IXB in FIG. 9(A).

[0070] 9(A), when multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are inserted into the can body 1100, the can body 1100 moves along the axial direction of the can body 1100. In other words, when the can body 1100 is attached to the multiple rod-shaped members 1680, the can body 1100 moves from above to below along the axial direction of the can body 1100 by an attachment device (not shown).

[0071] Note that the movement is not limited to the movement of the can body 1100; the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 may be moved toward the can body 1100 along the axial direction of the can body 1100. Furthermore, both the can body 1100 and the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 may be moved along the axial direction of the can body 1100. When both the can body 1100 and the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 are moved, the can body 1100 and the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 approach each other. When the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 are moved toward the can body 1100 along the axial direction of the can body 1100, for example, a movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the can body support member 1620 upward is provided between the movement unit 1610 (see FIG. 9A ) and the can body support member 1620.

[0072] Here, as shown in Fig. 9(A), an orthogonal plane 1691 is assumed to cross the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680. This orthogonal plane 1691 is an imaginary orthogonal plane 1691 that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body 1100 when the can body 1100 moves along its axial direction toward the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680, and is an imaginary orthogonal plane 1691 that passes through a position where the can body 1100 crosses the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9(B), on this orthogonal plane 1691, the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged so as to be located at each of the plurality of vertices 1692A of an imaginary polygon 1692.

[0073] In this embodiment, in a cross section of the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 in the orthogonal plane 1691, the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 are provided so as to be positioned at each of a plurality of vertices 1692A of an imaginary polygon 1692. More specifically, in this embodiment, the imaginary polygon 1692 is a regular polygon, and the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 are provided so as to be positioned at each of a plurality of vertices 1692A of this regular polygon. More specifically, the regular polygon is an equilateral triangle, and in this embodiment, a rod-shaped member 1680 is provided at each of the vertices 1692A of this equilateral triangle.

[0074] To explain further, in this embodiment, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged radially around the arrangement center 1694. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged on each of multiple imaginary straight lines 1695 that extend radially around the arrangement center 1694, and where the angles θ (central angles) formed by two adjacent imaginary straight lines 1695 are equal to each other.

[0075] In other words, the rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged on each of a plurality of imaginary straight lines 1695 that extend radially from the arrangement center 1694 and are arranged at regular angular intervals around the arrangement center 1694. Furthermore, the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged so that the distances from the arrangement center 1694 to the rod-shaped members 1680 are equal to each other.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance L11 between the center 1696 of the imaginary polygon 1692 (see FIG. 9B ) and each of the rod-shaped members 1680 is greater than the value obtained by dividing the radius L21 of the can body 1100 by 2. In this case, each of the rod-shaped members 1680 is arranged closer to the inner circumferential surface 1100N of the can body 1100 than the axial center 1100C of the can body 1100, which provides more stable support for the can body 1100 than when each of the rod-shaped members 1680 is arranged closer to the axial center 1100C of the can body 1100. Here, it is preferable that the number of rod-shaped members 1680 be three or more. If the number of rod-shaped members 1680 is two or less, support of the can body 1100 by the rod-shaped members 1680 is likely to become unstable.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged parallel to one another. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above and as shown in FIG. 9(A), each of the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 has a can body-side end 1681, which is the end located on the can body 1100 side, and an opposite end 1682, which is the end located opposite the can body-side end 1681. In this embodiment, the opposite end 1682 of the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 is supported by a pedestal 1629, which is an example of a common member. The pedestal 1629 is formed in a disk shape and is arranged along the horizontal direction. The pedestal 1629 is also arranged below the rod-shaped members 1680. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged to extend upward from the pedestal 1629 and are arranged along the vertical direction.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the can body support portion 1620. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 10, multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged so that they approach each other toward the can body side end 1681. As with the above, in this configuration example, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged radially and are arranged at each of the vertices of an imaginary polygon (not shown in FIG. 10) on an imaginary orthogonal plane 1691. Also, in this configuration example, as with the above, the opposite end 1682 of each of the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 is supported by the common member, the base 1629. In this configuration example, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 can be more easily inserted into the can body 1100 than when the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are arranged in parallel.

[0079] 11(A) and (B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the can body support portion 1620. FIG. 11(A) is a front view of the can body support portion 1620, and FIG. 11(B) is a top view of the can body support portion 1620. Note that FIG. 11(B) only shows the portion of the can body support portion 1620 that includes a connecting member 1758 (described below). The can body side end portion 1681 of each of the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 may be unconstrained and may be a free end as shown in FIG. 10 , or as shown in FIG. 11 , a connecting member 1758 may be provided and the can body side end portions 1681 of each of the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 may be connected to each other by this connecting member 1758.

[0080] In the configuration example shown in FIG. 11 , as shown in FIG. 11(B), a plurality of openings 1758A are provided in the connecting member 1758. In this configuration example, the can body side ends 1681 of the rod-shaped members 1680 are inserted into the openings 1758A, thereby connecting the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 using the connecting member 1758. Note that the shape of the connecting member 1758 is not limited to the shape shown in FIG. 11(B). For example, the connecting member 1758 may be annular, with the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 inserted inside the annular connecting member 1758. Also, FIG. 11 shows an example in which the can body side ends 1681 of the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 that approach each other toward the can body side ends 1681 are connected by the connecting member 1758. However, the connecting member 1758 may also be used to connect the can body side ends 1681 of the rod-shaped members 1680 that are parallel to each other, as shown in FIG.

[0081] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the can body side end 1681 of the rod-shaped member 1680. In this configuration example shown in Fig. 12, an elastic body 1681A is provided at the can body side end 1681 of the rod-shaped member 1680. The material of the elastic body 1681A is not particularly limited, and a resin material or rubber can be used. In this embodiment, the elastic body 1681A is made of silicone rubber.

[0082] Providing elastic body 1681A reduces scratches on the inner surface of can body 1100 compared to when elastic body 1681A is not provided. Furthermore, in this embodiment, spring 1681C is provided between elastic body 1681A and main body 1681B of rod-shaped member 1680. Providing spring 1681C reduces the impact acting between can body 1100 and rod-shaped member 1680 when they come into contact.

[0083] Furthermore, FIG. 12 also shows the positional relationship between the rod-shaped member 1680 and the heat source 1310. In this embodiment, the elastic body 1681A is configured to be located above the upper end 1310A of the heat source 1310. In this embodiment, the elastic body 1681A is configured to be located at a position that is not facing the heat source 1310. This makes the elastic body 1681A less susceptible to the effects of heat from the heat source 1310, making the elastic body 1681A less susceptible to deterioration. Although not shown in FIG. 12, when the rod-shaped member 1680 is inserted into the can body 1100, it is preferable that the bottom (the upper end of the can body 1100 in FIG. 4B) of the can body 1100 (see FIG. 4B) be located above the upper end 1310A of the heat source 1310, since this prevents the bottom of the can body 1100 from being heated.

[0084] Figures 13(A) to (C) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the can body support part 1620. Figures 14(A) and (B) are diagrams explaining the movement of the can body support part 1620. Figure 13(B) is a cross-sectional view of the can body support part 1620 taken along line XIIIB-XIIIB in Figure 13(A), and Figure 13(C) is a cross-sectional view of the can body support part 1620 taken along line XIIIC-XIIIC in Figure 13(A). Figures 14(A) and (B) also show the state of guide members (described below) and other components when the can body support part 1620 is viewed from above.

[0085] In this configuration example, as shown in Fig. 13(A), the can body support portion 1620 is provided with a change mechanism 1900 that changes the positional relationship between the multiple rod-shaped members 1680. As shown in Figs. 14(A) and 14(B), this change mechanism 1900 moves the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 in directions toward each other and moves the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 in directions away from each other.

[0086] More specifically, in this configuration example, when the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are inserted into the can body 1100, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are in the state shown in Fig. 14(B). More specifically, when the can body 1100 is attached to the can body support part 1620 by the can body attachment part 1361 (see Fig. 3(A)), in this configuration example, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 move in a direction approaching each other, and as shown in Fig. 14(B), the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are placed in a state close to each other. Then, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 in a state close to each other are inserted into the can body 1100.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are inserted into the can body 1100, the changing mechanism 1900 moves the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 in directions away from each other, as shown in FIG. 14(A). As a result, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 approach the inner circumferential surface of the can body 1100 (not shown in FIG. 14), stabilizing support of the can body 1100 by the can body support portion 1620. Furthermore, in this configuration example, when the can body 1100 reaches the can body removal portion 1362 (see FIG. 3(A)), the can body support portion 1620 is brought into the state shown in FIG. 14(B). Specifically, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are brought into a state approaching each other. This makes it easier to remove the can body 1100 from the can body support portion 1620.

[0088] In this configuration example, similarly to the above, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are provided so as to be positioned at each of multiple vertices 1692A of an imaginary polygon 1692 (see FIG. 14(A)) on an orthogonal plane 1691 (not shown in FIGS. 13 and 14) that intersects the multiple rod-shaped members 1680. The change mechanism 1900 moves the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 so that they approach a center 1692E of the imaginary polygon 1692. The change mechanism 1900 also moves the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 so that they move away from the center 1692E of the imaginary polygon 1692.

[0089] The change mechanism 1900 will be described with reference to Figures 13(A) to (C). In the configuration example shown in Figure 13, as shown in Figure 13(C), the base 1629 is rotatable around a rotation axis 1629X extending along the vertical direction. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a motor M (see Figure 13(A)) is provided that is driven in response to instructions from the control unit 1710 (see Figure 3(B)). In this configuration example, the motor M causes the base 1629 to rotate in one direction and the opposite direction around the rotation axis 1629X (see Figure 13(C)).

[0090] More specifically, in this configuration example, a gear 1698 that meshes with the outer periphery of the base 1629 (see FIG. 13(A)) is provided, and the motor M rotates this gear 1698 in one direction and the other, thereby rotating the base 1629 in one direction and the other. Furthermore, in this configuration example, the rod-shaped member 1680 can move in the radial direction of the base 1629 (see FIG. 13(C)). In this configuration example, a plurality of grooves 1692M are provided that are radially arranged along the radial direction of the base 1629, and in this configuration example, the rod-shaped member 1680 moves along these grooves 1692M.

[0091] 13A, a support portion 1630 that supports the base 1629 is provided below the base 1629. This support portion 1630 is fixed to the moving portion 1610. Furthermore, a protrusion 1631 that fits into a hole 1629H provided in the bottom surface of the base 1629 is provided on the upper surface of the support portion 1630, and in this configuration example, the base 1629 is configured to rotate in the circumferential direction around this protrusion 1631. Furthermore, a disk-shaped guide member 1635 that guides the rod-shaped member 1680 is provided above the base 1629.

[0092] 13B , the guide member 1635 is formed with a plurality of guide grooves 1635M extending from the center 1635C toward the outer periphery 1635G in the radial direction of the guide member 1635. A plurality of guide grooves 1635M are provided in a shape corresponding to each of the rod-shaped members 1680. In this configuration example, the rod-shaped members 1680 are passed through the guide grooves 1635M. Each of the guide grooves 1635M is provided such that its position in the circumferential direction of the guide member 1635 gradually changes as it moves outward in the radial direction of the guide member 1635.

[0093] Specifically, in this configuration example, each of the guide grooves 1635M is formed so as to gradually turn counterclockwise in the drawing as it moves outward in the radial direction of the guide member 1635. Furthermore, in this configuration example, the guide member 1635 is fixed to the support portion 1630 by a connecting portion 1638 shown in Fig. 13(A). As a result, in this configuration example, even if the base 1629 rotates, the guide member 1635 does not rotate.

[0094] In this embodiment, when the can body 1100 is attached to the can body support portion 1620 at the can body attachment portion 1361 (see FIG. 3A), or before the can body 1100 is attached to the can body support portion 1620 at the can body attachment portion 1361, the motor M (see FIG. 13A) is driven, and the base 1629 shown in FIG. 14A rotates clockwise. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14B, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 approach each other. Then, in this embodiment, the can body 1100 is attached to the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 with the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 in a state where they are close to each other.

[0095] Thereafter, in this embodiment, the motor M is driven in the reverse direction, causing the base 1629 shown in FIG. 14B to rotate counterclockwise. As a result, the rod-shaped members 1680 are separated from one another, as shown in FIG. 14A. In this embodiment, this state in which the rod-shaped members 1680 are separated from one another is maintained, and the can body 1100 is conveyed along the conveying path 1300R (see FIG. 3A).

[0096] Then, in this embodiment, when the can body 1100 reaches the can body removal section 1362, the motor M is driven again, and the base 1629, which is in the state shown in Fig. 14(A), rotates clockwise. This causes the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 to approach each other, as shown in Fig. 14(B). Then, in this state where the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are approaching each other, in this embodiment, the can body 1100 is removed from the multiple rod-shaped members 1680.

[0097] In this embodiment, as described above, when the can body 1100 reaches the can body removal section 1362, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are brought into a state where they approach each other. Here, when the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 return to the can body attachment section 1361, the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 may be configured to move toward the can body attachment section 1361 while maintaining this state where the multiple rod-shaped members 1680 are brought into a state where they ...

[0098] 13 and 14 illustrate the case where multiple rod-shaped members 1680 that are parallel to one another are moved, but the objects of movement by change mechanism 1900 are not limited to multiple rod-shaped members 1680 that are parallel to one another. Multiple rod-shaped members 1680 that are arranged such that can body-side ends 1681 thereof approach one another, as shown in FIG. 10 , may be moved as described above. Furthermore, in the exemplary configuration shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , base 1629 is rotated to move rod-shaped members 1680, but this is not limiting, and rod-shaped members 1680 may be moved by rotating guide member 1635.

[0099] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment in which the base 1629 and the guide member 1635 are rotated. Alternatively, a drive source may be provided for each of the rod-shaped members 1680, and each of the rod-shaped members 1680 may be moved individually using this drive source. In the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the guide member 1635 is used to move the rod-shaped member 1680 toward the outer periphery of the base 1629 and the center of the base 1629, but the embodiment in which the rod-shaped member 1680 is moved is not limited to this. Alternatively, a biasing member such as a coil spring may be provided to bias the rod-shaped member 1680 toward the outer periphery or the center of the base 1629, and either the movement of the rod-shaped member 1680 toward the outer periphery of the base 1629 or the movement of the rod-shaped member 1680 toward the center of the base 1629 may be performed using this biasing member. Furthermore, it is not necessary to move all of the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680, but it is also possible to move at least one of the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680, such as one rod-shaped member 1680. In other words, it is also possible to configure the movement of a number of rod-shaped members 1680 that is less than the total number of the plurality of rod-shaped members 1680.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above description, the conveying mechanism 1600 equipped with a plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 is provided in the first heating device 1300. However, this conveying mechanism 1600 equipped with a plurality of rod-shaped members 1680 can be used for general conveying of can bodies 1100, and may be installed in a location other than a heating device. The conveying of can bodies 1100 using the conveying mechanism 1600 is not limited to when the can bodies 1100 are heated, and may also be applied to conveying can bodies 1100 when performing processes other than heating, such as simple conveying of the can bodies 1100. Furthermore, in the above description, the first heating device 1300 is described. However, 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.

[0101] Further, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 15 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. 15 ) 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 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.

[0102] 15 , 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.

[0103] 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device 2200. The printing device 2200 shown in Fig. 16 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 , 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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.

[0111] 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. As a result, the can body 2100 has a reduced diameter portion and a flange. 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 being filled with the beverage.

[0112] 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.

[0113] 17(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the first heating device 2300. Fig. 17(A) is a top view of the first heating device 2300, and Fig. 17(B) is a front view of the first heating device 2300. In other words, Fig. 17(B) is a view of the first heating device 2300 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XVIIB in Fig. 17(A). As shown in Fig. 17(A), the first heating device 2300 of this embodiment is provided with a transport mechanism 2600 as an example of a transport means that transports can bodies 2100, on which an image has been formed by the printing device 2200 (see Fig. 15), along a predetermined transport path 2300R.

[0114] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 17A , 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. The heating sources 2310 are used to heat the image formed on the can body 2100 moving along the conveying path 2300R. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 17A , 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 line-symmetrical with respect to a straight line 2300CL extending along the conveying path 2300R.

[0115] In this embodiment, as an example of the heating source 2310, a heating 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 heating 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.

[0116] Note that the heat source 2310 that emits infrared rays is just an example, and the heat source 2310 is not particularly limited, and a heat source 2310 other than the heat source 2310 that emits infrared rays may be used. Also, it is preferable to arrange the heat source 2310 so that when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the heat source 2310, the distance between them is 5 mm to 100 mm. A more preferable distance between the heat source 2310 and the can body 2100 is 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0117] Furthermore, on each of one side 230X and the other side 230Y of the conveying path 2300R, a flow path 2320 is provided between adjacent heating sources 2310 for passing gas supplied to the can body 2100 on the conveying path 2300R. 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. 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).

[0118] 17(A) and 17(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. 17(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. 17(B) shows only one of the supplied portions 2353 located on one side 230X.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 17A , 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.

[0120] As shown in Figure 17(B), heater 2351 and blower 2352 are disposed below conveying path 2300R for can body 2100. As described above and as shown in Figure 17(A), supplied portions 2353 are provided on both one side 230X and the other side 230Y of conveying path 2300R. As shown in Figures 17(A) and 17(B), each supplied portion 2353 is provided with a gas outlet 2353X on the side where conveying path 2300R is provided.

[0121] In this embodiment, gas is discharged from this 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 23C in Fig. 17(A) . When gas is supplied to the can body 2100, the hardening of the image formed on the can body 2100 is promoted compared to when gas is not supplied.

[0122] 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.

[0123] 17(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.

[0124] 18(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the conveying mechanism 2600. FIG. 18(A) is a top view of the conveying mechanism 2600, and FIG. 18(B) is a front view of the conveying mechanism 2600. In other words, FIG. 18(B) is a view of the conveying mechanism 2600 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XVIIIB in FIG. 18(A). As shown in FIG. 18(B), the conveying mechanism 2600 is provided with a moving unit 2610 that moves to the right in the drawing. The conveying mechanism 2600, which functions as a conveying means, uses this moving unit 2610 to convey the can body 2100 on which the image has been formed along the conveying path 2300R.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 17A , the moving unit 2610 is composed of a ring-shaped member that performs circulatory movement. In this embodiment, a portion of the moving unit 2610 that performs circulatory movement moves along the linear conveying path 2300R shown in FIG. 17A . As shown in FIG. 17A , a rotating member 2611 is further provided to apply a driving force to the moving unit 2610. The rotating member 2611 rotates clockwise in the figure by a driving source (not shown), such as a motor. Accordingly, the moving unit 2610 moves. After moving along the linear conveying path 2300R, the moving unit 2610 performs circulatory movement toward the upstream side in the can body conveying direction, as indicated by arrow 22C in FIG. 17A . The moving unit 2610 is composed of, for example, a chain or a belt. Note that, when moving toward the upstream side in the can body conveying direction, the moving unit 2610 passes through the inside of the first heating device 2300, as shown in FIG. 17A . This suppresses the temperature drop of the moving part 2610 compared to when the moving part 2610 moves through the outside of the first heating device 2300 .

[0126] 18(B), the conveying mechanism 2600 is further provided with a plurality of can body support parts 2620 that support the can body 2100. The can body support parts 2620 are attached to the moving part 2610 and supported by the moving part 2610. The can body support parts 2620 are provided so as to protrude upward from the moving part 2610. The can body support parts 2620 are provided with a contact member 2626 that is inserted inside the can body 2100 and comes into contact with the can body 2100, and a base 2627 that supports the contact member 2626.

[0127] The can body 2100 is formed in a cylindrical shape. More specifically, the can body 2100 is formed in a cylindrical shape. As shown in FIG. 18(B) , the can body 2100 has a bottom 2101 at one end in the axial direction and an opening 2102 at the other end. One end of the can body 2100 is closed, and this end becomes the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100. The other end of the can body 2100 is not closed, and an opening 2102 is provided at this other end of the can body 2100.

[0128] The base 2627, which constitutes part of the can body support portion 2620, is composed of a disk-shaped member and is arranged horizontally. The contact member 2626 is supported by the base 2627. The contact member 2626 is composed of a rod-shaped member extending upward from the base 2627 in the figure. A plurality of rod-shaped members are provided, and in this embodiment, the plurality of rod-shaped members are supported by a single common base 2627. Furthermore, the rod-shaped members are arranged parallel to each other. Note that the contact member 2626 is not limited to a plurality of rod-shaped members, and may be composed of, for example, a single cylindrical member having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the can body 2100.

[0129] In this embodiment, the can body support portion 2620 enters the interior of the can body 2100, thereby supporting the can body 2100. More specifically, in this embodiment, a contact member 2626 formed of a rod-shaped member enters the interior of the can body 2100 through the opening 2102 of the can body 2100, thereby supporting the can body 2100 by the contact member 2626. When the can body support portion 2620 supports the can body 2100, the can body support portion 2620 moves downstream along the conveying path 2300R shown in FIG. 17(A) as the moving portion 2610 moves, and then turns back and moves circulatingly as indicated by arrow 22C. Although FIG. 17(A) depicts the moving portion 2610 as moving circulating horizontally, it may also move circulating vertically.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a rotation mechanism (not shown) is provided that rotates each of the can body support portions 2620. The rotation mechanism is realized, for example, by a motor 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 (not shown) 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.

[0131] 18(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.

[0132] 18(A) and 18(B) , 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.

[0133] In this embodiment, the can body 2100 transported from the upstream side is supplied to the can body support part 2620 (see FIG. 18(B)) at the can body attachment part 2361 shown in FIG. 17(A), and the can body support part 2620 starts supporting the can body 2100. After starting to support the can body 2100, the can body support part 2620 moves downstream along the linearly formed transport path 2300R (see FIG. 17(A)) in conjunction with the movement of the moving part 2610.

[0134] In this embodiment, the image formed on the can body 2100 is heated as the can body support part 2620 moves downstream along the conveying path 2300R. This promotes hardening of the image. Then, when the can body support part 2620 reaches the can body removal part 2362 shown in FIG. 17(A), a removal mechanism (not shown) removes the can body 2100 from the can body support part 2620. After the can body 2100 is removed, the can body support part 2620, which is attached to the moving part 2610, returns to the can body attachment part 2361 located upstream in the can body conveying direction.

[0135] Figure 19 is a view of the can body 2100 and the heating source 2310 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow 2V in Figure 17(A). Figure 19 shows multiple heating sources 2310 arranged on the other side 230Y. Figure 19 also shows one can body 2100 and one can body support 2620. Figure 19 also shows a state in which one can body 2100 in the middle of being transported is positioned opposite the heating source 2310.

[0136] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 19 , when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the heat source 2310, a portion of the can body 2100 is positioned away from this opposing position. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the heat source 2310, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is positioned away from the opposing position of the heat source 2310. In this embodiment, the inside of the rectangle indicated by the reference symbol 25A indicates the opposing position of the heat source 2310, and in this embodiment, when the heat source 2310 is viewed from the front as in Fig. 19 , the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is positioned outside this rectangle. The heating source 2310 of this embodiment has a surface 2311 facing the conveying path 2300R, and when the heating source 2310 is viewed from the front, the bottom 2101, which is part of the can body 2100, is located outside the peripheral edge 2312 surrounding this surface 2311.

[0137] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the heat source 2310, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is positioned above the upper end 2313 of the heat source 2310. In this embodiment, the can body 2100 is transported along the transport path 2300R with the bottom 2101 positioned above and the opening 2102 positioned below, as shown in FIG. 18(B). In this embodiment, when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the heat source 2310, as shown in FIG. 19, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is positioned above the upper end 2313 of the heat source 2310.

[0138] 19 , the plurality of heating sources 2310 are arranged in a line in the can body conveyance direction. In this embodiment, as the can body 2100 passes the opposing positions of the plurality of heating sources 2310 in order, a portion of the can body 2100 passes through a position out of the opposing position in order. Specifically, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 passes through a position out of the opposing position in order.

[0139] In this embodiment, as described above, 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 (see FIG. 17A) extending along the conveying path 2300R. Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17A, when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the heating source 2310 provided on one side 230X (hereinafter referred to as "one-side heating source 2310A"), the can body 2100 is also positioned opposite the heating source 2310 provided on the other side 230Y (hereinafter referred to as "other-side heating source 2310B").

[0140] 17A, when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the one-side heating source 2310A provided on one side 230X, the can body 2100 is positioned opposite both the one-side heating source 2310A and the other-side heating source 2310B. At this time, in this embodiment, a part of the can body 2100 moves out of the position opposite the one-side heating source 2310A and the other-side heating source 2310B. Specifically, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 moves out of the position opposite the one-side heating source 2310A and the other-side heating source 2310B. More specifically, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is positioned above the upper end 2313 (see Figure 19) of the one-side heat source 2310A, and above the upper end 2313 of the other-side heat source 2310B.

[0141] When the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is located at a position away from the position facing the heating source 2310, as in the present embodiment, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is less likely to be heated. As a result, in the present embodiment, deformation of the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 due to subsequent heating of the can body 2100 is less likely to occur. In the present embodiment, the completed can body 2100 is shipped, and in a beverage filling process at the shipping destination, the beverage is filled into the can body 2100, and a can lid is then attached. Next, the can body 2100 with the can lid attached is heated for sterilization.

[0142] When this heating is performed, the pressure inside the can body 2100 increases, and pressure is applied to the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 from inside the can body 2100. When this pressure is applied to the bottom 2101, if the bottom 2101 is heated by the first heating device 2300, this pressure makes the bottom 2101 more likely to deform. Specifically, the bottom 2101 is usually provided with a recess facing toward the inside of the can body 2100, but this recess may disappear, and the bottom 2101 may become convex toward the outside of the can body 2100. In the manufacturing process of the can body 2100 of this embodiment, for example, a recess facing toward the inside of the can body 2100 is formed in a portion that will become the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 by a body maker (BM) shown in FIG. 15 . When the bottom 2101 is heated by the first heating device 2300, the depression may disappear at the shipping destination, and the bottom 2101 may become convex toward the outside of the can body 2100.

[0143] In contrast, when the first heating device 2300 positions the bottom 2101 at a position away from the heating source 2310, as in the present embodiment, heating of the bottom 2101 is suppressed, and deformation of the bottom 2101 is less likely to occur. In this case, the above-mentioned situation in which the bottom 2101 becomes convex toward the outside of the can body 2100 is less likely to occur. When the first heating device 2300 positions the bottom 2101 at a position facing the heating source 2310, the bottom 2101 is annealed, and the strength of the material constituting the can body 2100 is more likely to decrease at the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100. In this case, the above-mentioned situation in which the bottom 2101 becomes convex toward the outside of the can body 2100 is more likely to occur. In contrast, when bottom 2101 of first heating device 2300 is positioned away from the position facing heat source 2310, annealing is less likely to occur, and the strength of the material constituting can body 2100 is less likely to decrease. In this case, bottom 2101 is less likely to become convex toward the outside of can body 2100.

[0144] 20(A) and (B) are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the can body 2100. In this embodiment, as described above, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is located at a position that is not opposed to the heat source 2310. However, this is not limited to this, and a position of the can body 2100 other than the bottom 2101 may be located at a position that is not opposed to the heat source 2310. As shown in FIG. 20(A), the can body 2100 may be provided with a reduced diameter portion 2103 on the opening 2102 side of the can body 2100, in which the outer diameter of the can body 2100 decreases toward the opening 2102. However, this reduced diameter portion 2103 may be located at a position that is not opposed to the heat source 2310.

[0145] When the can body 2100 provided with the reduced diameter portion 2103 is heated by the first heating device 2300, the necker flanger (SDN) shown in Fig. 15 is provided upstream in the can body conveyance direction from the first heating device 2300 shown in Fig. 15. When the necker flanger (SDN) is provided upstream in the can body conveyance direction from the first heating device 2300, the necker flanger (SDN) may be provided upstream in the can body conveyance direction from the printing device 2200. Alternatively, the necker flanger (SDN) may be provided downstream in the can body conveyance direction from the printing device 2200 and upstream in the can body conveyance direction from the first heating device 2300.

[0146] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 20(B), a threaded portion 2104 for attaching a cap (not shown in FIG. 20(B)) may be provided on the opening 2102 side of the can body 2100, but the threaded portion 2104 may be located at a position away from the position facing the heating source 2310. When the can body 2100 provided with the threaded portion 2104 is heated by the first heating device 2300, a process (apparatus) for providing the threaded portion 2104 on the can body 2100 is provided upstream in the can body conveyance direction from the first heating device 2300 shown in FIG. 15. When this process (apparatus) for providing the threaded portion 2104 is provided upstream in the can body conveyance direction from the first heating device 2300, as described above, this process may be provided upstream in the can body conveyance direction from the printing device 2200. Alternatively, this step may be provided downstream of the printing device 2200 in the can body conveyance direction and upstream of the first heating device 2300 in the can body conveyance direction.

[0147] Next, the relationship between the heat source 2310 and the conveying mechanism 2600 will be described with reference to FIG. 19 . Note that FIG. 19 shows only one can body support unit 2620, and the other can body support units 2620 are not shown. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19 , a moving unit 2610 provided in the conveying mechanism 2600 passes through a location that is not opposed to the heat source 2310. More specifically, in this embodiment, the moving unit 2610, which performs circulating movement, moves horizontally below the lower end 2314 of the heat source 2310.

[0148] 17A , the moving section 2610 of this embodiment has a first portion 2610A that is linear and extends downstream in the can body conveyance direction, and a second portion 2610B that is linear and extends upstream in the can body conveyance direction. In this embodiment, the first portion 2610A and the second portion 2610B are aligned in the height direction, and both the first portion 2610A and the second portion 2610B pass through a position that is not opposed to the heating source 2310.

[0149] It is not essential that the height position of first portion 2610A and the height position of second portion 2610B are aligned, and the height position of first portion 2610A and the height position of second portion 2610B may be different. Even when the height position of first portion 2610A and the height position of second portion 2610B are different, it is preferable to place first portion 2610A and second portion 2610B such that both first portion 2610A and second portion 2610B pass through a position that is not opposite heating source 2310.

[0150] 19 , when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the heat source 2310, a portion of the can body support portion 2620 is positioned away from this opposite position. Specifically, when the can body 2100 is positioned opposite the heat source 2310, the base 2627 of the can body support portion 2620 is positioned away from this opposite position. In this embodiment, most of the contact member 2626 is positioned opposite the heat source 2310, but the base 2627 is not positioned opposite the heat source 2310.

[0151] Deterioration of the can body support part 2620 due to heat from the heating source 2310 is expected, and as a result, replacement of the part becomes necessary. In this embodiment, even if deterioration of the can body support part 2620 occurs, the can body support part 2620 can be replaced by removing the contact member 2626, which is more likely to deteriorate, from the base 2627, which is less likely to deteriorate, and then installing a new contact member 2626 on the base 2627. In other words, in this embodiment, the can body support part 2620 can be replaced without replacing the entire can body support part 2620. If the base 2627 or the moving part 2610 is configured to pass through a position facing the heating source 2310, it becomes necessary to replace the base 2627 or the moving part 2610, and replacing the part requires a great deal of effort. In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, where the base 2627 and the moving part 2610 do not pass through a position facing the heat source 2310, the frequency of replacement of the base 2627 and the moving part 2610 decreases. In this case, the labor required for replacing the components is reduced.

[0152] 21 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the first heating device 2300. In this example configuration, multiple heat sources 2310 are provided on one side 230X of the conveying path 2300R, as described above. Also, in this example configuration, a heat reflecting section 2390 is provided on the other side 230Y of the conveying path 2300R. As described above, multiple heat sources 2310 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body conveying direction. Furthermore, as described above, a flow path 2320 is provided between adjacent heat sources 2310. This flow path 2320 is formed by gaps 2319 present between the heat sources 2310.

[0153] The heat reflecting portion 2390 reflects heat from the heating source 2310 provided on one side 230X toward the transport path 2300R. The heat reflecting portion 2390 is configured as a mirror and has the function of reflecting light. The heat reflecting portion 2390 shown in FIG. 21 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 2300R. Multiple heat reflecting portions 2390 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body transport direction. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a flow path 2320 is provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 2390 for passing gas supplied to the can bodies 2100 on the transport path 2300R. This flow path 2320 is configured by gaps 2319 present between the heat reflecting portions 2390.

[0154] In this configuration example, on one side 230X of the conveying path 2300R, gas is supplied to the can body 2100 on the conveying 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 conveying path 2300R, gas is supplied to the can body 2100 on the conveying path 2300R through a flow path 2320 provided between adjacent heat reflecting sections 2390. Furthermore, in this configuration example, heat is supplied to the can body 2100 from the heating source 2310 provided on one side 230X, and further heat is supplied to the can body 2100 from the heat reflecting section 2390 provided on the other side 230Y.

[0155] Although not shown in the drawings, in this configuration example, as in the above, when can body 2100 is positioned opposite heat source 2310, a part of can body 2100 is positioned at a location that is out of the opposing position of heat source 2310. Specifically, bottom 2101 of can body 2100 is positioned at a location that is out of the opposing position. More specifically, bottom 2101 of can body 2100 is positioned above upper end 2313 (see FIG. 19 ) of heat source 2310.

[0156] Furthermore, although not shown in the drawings, in this configuration example, when can body 2100 is positioned in a position facing heat reflecting section 2390, a part of can body 2100 is positioned at a location that is out of the facing position of heat reflecting section 2390. Specifically, bottom 2101 of can body 2100 is positioned at a location that is out of the facing position. More specifically, bottom 2101 of can body 2100 is positioned above the upper end of heat reflecting section 2390.

[0157] 22A and 22B are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion 2390. FIGS. 22A and 22B show the heat reflecting portion 2390 as viewed from above. The shape of the heat reflecting portion 2390 is not particularly limited. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 21, the heat reflecting portion 2390 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 2300R. However, as shown in FIG. 22A, the heat reflecting portion 2390 may be formed with an uneven shape to diffuse infrared rays. Alternatively, the heat reflecting portion 2390 may be formed in a flat shape, as shown in FIG. 22B.

[0158] The first heating device 2300 may be provided with two or more types of heat reflecting sections 2390. For example, two or more types of heat reflecting sections 2390 may be provided, including the first type of heat reflecting section 2390 shown in Fig. 21 , the second type of heat reflecting section 2390 shown in Fig. 22(A), and the third type of heat reflecting section 2390 shown in Fig. 22(B). The heat reflecting section 2390 may be provided on the ceiling of the first heating device 2300, and may direct infrared rays directed upward from the heat source 2310 toward the transport path 2300R located below.

[0159] Furthermore, although the first heating device 2300 has been described above, the second heating device 2400 (see FIG. 15 ) and the third heating device 2500 (not shown) may also be configured in the same manner as the first heating device 2300. Furthermore, although the above describes an example in which the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 is located above the upper end 2313 of the heat source 2310 or above the upper end of the heat reflecting section 2390, this is not limiting. For example, the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100 may be located below the lower end 2314 of the heat source 2310 (see FIG. 19 ) or below the lower end of the heat reflecting section 2390. In other words, a configuration in which a portion of the can body 2100 is located below the lower end 2314 of the heat source 2310 or below the lower end of the heat reflecting section 2390 may be used.

[0160] 23 and 24 are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the first heating device 2300. Fig. 23 shows the first heating device 2300 as viewed from above. Fig. 24 shows the first heating device 2300 as viewed from the front. The above describes a configuration example in which the can body 2100, which is arranged in the vertical direction, moves horizontally between a pair of heating sources 2310 that are arranged in the vertical direction and aligned horizontally.

[0161] The arrangement of the heat source 2310 and the can body 2100 is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in Fig. 23 , a configuration may be adopted in which the can body 2100 arranged horizontally moves horizontally between a pair of heat sources 2310 arranged horizontally and aligned in a row. Fig. 23 shows one of the two heat sources 2310 constituting the pair of heat sources 2310, which is located at the top. Even in the configuration example shown in Fig. 23 , the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100, which is an example of a part of the can body 2100, passes through a position that is out of the opposing position of the heat source 2310.

[0162] Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIG. 24 , a configuration may be adopted in which a can body 2100 arranged horizontally moves vertically between a pair of heating sources 2310 arranged vertically and aligned in a row. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 24 , the can body 2100 moves downward. However, this is not limited to this, and the can body 2100 may also move upward. FIG. 24 shows one of the two heating sources 2310 constituting the pair of heating sources 2310, which is located on the front side in the drawing. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 24 , the bottom 2101 of the can body 2100, which is an example of a part of the can body 2100, passes through a location that is not positioned opposite the heating sources 2310.

[0163] In all of the configurations of this embodiment described above in Figures 19, 23, and 24, the can body 2100 is transported with the axial direction of the can body 2100 aligned in a direction intersecting the can body transport direction, as shown in Figure 23. More specifically, the can body 2100 is transported with the axial direction of the can body 2100 aligned in a direction perpendicular to the can body transport direction. Furthermore, in all of the configurations of this embodiment described above in Figures 19, 23, and 24, each of the heat sources 2310 is arranged so as to be aligned both in the can body transport direction and the axial direction of the can body 2100. Furthermore, multiple heat sources 2310 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body transport direction.

[0164] 19, 23, and 24, each of the heat sources 2310 has one end 2331 and the other end 2332 that are located at different positions in a direction intersecting the can body conveyance direction, as shown in Fig. 23. In other words, each of the heat sources 2310 has one end 2331 and the other end 2332 that are located at different positions in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction. In other words, each of the heat sources 2310 has one end 2331 and the other end 2332 that are located at different positions in the axial direction of the can body 2100.

[0165] Furthermore, here, a one-end-side straight line 2341 is assumed to be a straight line along the can body conveyance direction and pass through one end 2331 of the heating source 2310. Also, an other-end-side straight line 2342 is assumed to be a straight line along the can body conveyance direction and pass through the other end 2332 of the heating source 2310. Furthermore, a first opposite-side region 221S is assumed to be a region on the opposite side of the one-end-side straight line 2341 from the region 221R located on the side where the other end 2332 of the heating source 2310 is provided. Also, a second opposite-side region 222S is assumed to be a region on the opposite side of the other-end-side straight line 2342 from the region 222R located on the side where one end 2331 of the heating source 2310 is provided.

[0166] In this embodiment, when the heating source 2310 is viewed from the front, as shown in Fig. 23 , the bottom 2101, which is an example of a part of the can body 2100, is located in the first opposite side region 221S. Although not shown, the bottom 2101, which is an example of a part of the can body 2100, may be located in the second opposite side region 222S. In this embodiment, in the axial direction of the can body 2100, the bottom 2101, which is an example of a part of the can body 2100, is located closer to the first opposite side region 221S than the one-end-side straight line 2341. With this configuration, in this embodiment, a part of the can body 2100 passes through a location that is away from the opposing position of the heating source 2310.

[0167] Further, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 25 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. 25 ) 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.

[0168] 25 , 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 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] Fig. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a printing device 3200. The printing device 3200 shown in Fig. 26 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 , 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.

[0174] 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] 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.

[0177] 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] 27(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the first heating device 3300. Fig. 27(A) is a top view of the first heating device 3300, and Fig. 27(B) is a front view of the first heating device 3300. In other words, Fig. 27(B) is a view of the first heating device 3300 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XXVIIB in Fig. 27(A). As shown in Fig. 27(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. 25), along a predetermined transport path 3300R.

[0180] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 27A , 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. It is preferable to arrange the heating sources 3310 so that the distance between the can body 3100 and the heating source 3310 when the can body 3100 is positioned opposite the heating source 3310 is 5 mm to 100 mm. A more preferable distance between the heating source 3310 and the can body 3100 is 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0181] 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).

[0182] 27(A) and (B), the present embodiment is further provided with a gas supply mechanism 3350 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. 27(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. 27(B) shows only one of the supplied portions 3353 located on one side 330X.

[0183] As shown in FIG. 27A , 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.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 27(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. 27(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. 27(A) and 27(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 the arrow 33C in FIG. 27(A).

[0185] 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.

[0186] 27(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.

[0187] 28(A) and (B) are diagrams illustrating the transport mechanism 3600. FIG. 28(A) is a top view of the transport mechanism 3600, and FIG. 28(B) is a front view of the transport mechanism 3600. In other words, FIG. 28(B) is a view of the transport mechanism 3600 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow XXVIIIB in FIG. 28(A). The transport mechanism 3600 is provided with a moving unit 3610 that moves to the right in the drawing, as shown in FIG. 28(B). This moving unit 3610 is formed in an annular shape, as shown in FIG. 27(A), and performs circulating movement.

[0188] In this embodiment, a portion of the moving unit 3610 that performs the circulating movement moves along the linear conveying path 3300R shown in Fig. 27(A). After moving along the linear conveying path 3300R, the moving unit 3610 moves toward the upstream side in the can body conveying direction, as shown by arrow 32C in Fig. 27(A), and performs the circulating movement. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 27(A), a rotating member 3611 is provided to apply a driving force to the moving unit 3610.

[0189] In this embodiment, the rotating member 3611 is rotated clockwise in the figure by a drive source such as a motor (not shown). Accordingly, the moving part 3610 moves. The moving part 3610 is configured, for example, by a chain or a belt. When the moving part 3610 moves upstream in the can body conveyance direction, it moves through the inside of the first heating device 3300, as shown in FIG. 27(A). This suppresses a decrease in temperature of the moving part 3610 compared to when the moving part 3610 moves through the outside of the first heating device 3300.

[0190] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28(B), the conveying mechanism 3600 is provided with a plurality of can body support parts 3620 that support the can body 3100. The can body support parts 3620 are attached to the moving part 3610. The can body support parts 3620 are provided so as to protrude upward from the moving part 3610. In this embodiment, the can body support parts 3620 enter the interior of the can body 3100, thereby supporting the can body 3100 by the can body support parts 3620.

[0191] As the moving unit 3610 moves, each of the can body support units 3620 moves downstream along the conveying path 3300R shown in FIG. 27(A) and then turns around and moves in a circular motion as indicated by arrow 32C. While FIG. 27(A) depicts the moving unit 3610 moving in a horizontal circular motion, it may also move in a vertical circular motion. As shown in FIG. 28(B), each of the can body support units 3620 includes a plurality of rod-shaped members 3680 protruding upward, a disk-shaped base 3629 supporting the lower ends of the rod-shaped members 3680, and a support unit 3630 supporting the base 3629 from below. In this embodiment, the base 3629 is rotatable about a rotation axis 3639 extending vertically.

[0192] 28(B), a rotation mechanism 3710 is provided as an example of a rotation means for rotating the can body 3100. The can body 3100 moves along the conveying path 3300R. The rotation mechanism 3710 rotates the can body 3100 that moves along the conveying path 3300R.

[0193] The rotation mechanism 3710 is realized by, for example, a motor 3711 provided in each of the can body support portions 3620. In this embodiment, the motor 3711 is installed inside the support portion 3630 and is supported by the support portion 3630. When the motor 3711 is driven, a part of the can body support portion 3620 rotates around a rotation axis 3639 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.

[0194] More specifically, in this embodiment, motor 3711 is connected to base 3629, and when motor 3711 is driven, base 3629 rotates in the circumferential direction, and accordingly, multiple rod-shaped members 3680 inside can body 3100 move around rotation axis 3639. As a result, can body 3100 supported by can body support portion 3620 rotates in the circumferential direction of can body 3100.

[0195] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 28(A), a side member 3712 may be provided as the rotation mechanism 3710, and the side member 3712 may rotate the can body 3100. In the configuration example shown in Fig. 28(A), the side member 3712 is provided as a member that functions as the rotation mechanism 3710. The side member 3712 is disposed to the side of the conveying path 3300R and is disposed along the conveying path 3300R (in the direction of the conveying path 3300R).

[0196] When the side members 3712 are provided, the outer peripheral surface 3621 of the can body support part 3620 moving along the conveying path 3300R comes into contact with the side members 3712. As a result, a resistance force against the movement of the can body support part 3620 is applied to the outer peripheral surface 3621 of the can body support part 3620, causing the can body support part 3620 to rotate in the circumferential direction. Accordingly, the can body 3100 rotates in the circumferential direction. Even when the side members 3712 are provided, the can body support part 3620 rotates about the rotation axis 3639 (see FIG. 28(B) ) extending along the vertical direction, and accordingly, the can body 3100 supported by the can body support part 3620 rotates in the circumferential direction of the can body 3100.

[0197] Note that, although a configuration has been described here in which the outer peripheral surface 3621 of the can body support portion 3620 contacts the side member 3712, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the side member 3712 may contact the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100 (see FIG. 28(A)). In this case, a resistance force is applied to the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100, causing the can body 3100 to rotate in the circumferential direction. More specifically, in this case, the can body 3100 rotates relative to the can body support portion 3620, and the can body 3100 rotates in the circumferential direction.

[0198] When the side member 3712 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100, it is preferable to bring the side member 3712 into contact with the end 3102A of the outer peripheral surface 3102 (see FIG. 28(B)) that is located on the opening 3101 side of the can body 3100. A non-forming area, where an image is not formed, is likely to be formed in the end 3102A of the outer peripheral surface 3102. A configuration in which the side member 3712 is brought into contact with the end 3102A makes it easier to prevent the side member 3712 from coming into contact with the image formed on the outer peripheral surface 3102. In this case, problems such as scratches on the image are less likely to occur.

[0199] 28A , a side member 3712 functioning as part of a rotation mechanism 3710 applies a resistance force to an outer peripheral surface 3621 of a can body support portion 3620 supporting the can body 3100 moving along the conveying path 3300R, or applies a resistance force to an outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100 moving along the conveying path 3300R. This causes the cylindrical can body 3100 to rotate in the circumferential direction of the can body 3100. When the can body 3100 rotates in the circumferential direction, uneven heating of the image formed on the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100 is less likely to occur than when the can body 3100 does not rotate.

[0200] In this embodiment, the can body 3100 transported from the upstream side is supplied to the can body support part 3620 (see FIG. 28(B)) at the attachment part 3361 shown in FIG. 27(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. 27(A)) as the moving part 3610 moves.

[0201] 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. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the can body 3100 rotates in the circumferential direction as the can body support part 3620 moves downstream along the conveying path 3300R. This makes it less likely that uneven heating of the image formed on the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100 will occur.

[0202] 27(A), a removal mechanism (not shown) removes the can body 3100 from the can body support part 3620. After the can body 3100 has been removed, the can body support part 3620 is attached to the moving part 3610, and therefore returns to the can body attachment part 3361 located upstream in the conveying direction of the can body 3100.

[0203] The first heating device 3300 will be further described. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 27(A), the position of the flow path 3320 provided on one side 330X in the can body conveyance direction is aligned with the position of the flow path 3320 provided on the other side 330Y in the can body conveyance direction. In this embodiment, the flow path 3320 is provided between multiple heat sources 3310 provided on one side 330X, and multiple flow paths 3320 are provided on one side 330X.

[0204] In this embodiment, a flow path 3320 is provided between the multiple heating sources 3310 provided on the other side 330Y, and multiple flow paths 3320 are provided on the other side 330Y. In this embodiment, the positions of each of the multiple flow paths 3320 provided on one side 330X in the can body conveyance direction are aligned with the positions of each of the multiple flow paths 3320 provided on the other side 330Y in the can body conveyance direction.

[0205] 27(A), a virtual plane 3300H is assumed to extend along the can body conveyance direction. Furthermore, the flow paths 3320 provided on one side 330X and the flow paths 3320 provided on the other side 330Y are projected onto this virtual plane 3300H in a direction perpendicular to the can body conveyance direction. In this case, in this embodiment, the positions of the flow paths 3320 provided on one side 330X and the flow paths 3320 provided on the other side 330Y coincide on the virtual plane 3300H.

[0206] Next, the heating source 3310 will be described. In this embodiment, as an example of the heating source 3310, a heating source 3310 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. When infrared rays are emitted from the light source, energy is supplied to the image formed on the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100, causing molecules in the image to vibrate (move). This vibration generates 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 3310 that emits infrared rays is just one example, and the heating source 3310 is not particularly limited, and heating sources 3310 other than the heating source 3310 that emits infrared rays may also be used.

[0207] 29 is a diagram showing another example configuration of the first heating device 3300. In this example configuration, multiple heat sources 3310 are provided on one side 330X of the conveying path 3300R, as described above. Also, in this example configuration, 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, a flow path 3320 is provided between adjacent heat sources 3310. This flow path 3320 is formed by gaps 3319 present between the heat sources 3310.

[0208] The heat reflecting portion 3390 reflects heat from the heating source 3310 provided on one side 330X toward the transport 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. 29 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 3300R. Multiple heat reflecting portions 3390 are provided and arranged side by side in the can body transport direction. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a flow path 3320 is provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 3390 for passing gas supplied to the can bodies 3100 on the transport path 3300R. This flow path 3320 is formed by gaps 3319 present between the heat reflecting portions 3390.

[0209] In this configuration example, on one side 330X of the transport path 3300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 3100 on the transport path 3300R through a flow path 3320 provided between adjacent heating sources 3310, as described above. On the other hand, on the other side 330Y of the transport path 3300R, gas is supplied to the can bodies 3100 on the transport path 3300R through a flow path 3320 provided between adjacent heat reflecting portions 3390.

[0210] Furthermore, in this configuration example, the image formed on the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100 on the conveying path 3300R 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. Although not shown in Fig. 29, the first heating device 3300 shown in Fig. 29 is also provided with a rotation mechanism 3710 that rotates the can body, as described above, which makes it less likely that the image formed on the can body 3100 will be heated unevenly.

[0211] 30A and 30B are diagrams showing other configuration examples of the heat reflecting portion 3390. FIGS. 30A and 30B show the heat reflecting portion 3390 as viewed from above. The shape of the heat reflecting portion 3390 is not particularly limited. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 29 , the heat reflecting portion 3390 is formed so as to be convex toward the transport path 3300R. However, as shown in FIG. 30A , the heat reflecting portion 3390 may be given an uneven shape to diffuse infrared rays. Alternatively, the heat reflecting portion 3390 may be formed in a flat shape, as shown in FIG. 30B .

[0212] The first heating device 3300 may be provided with two or more types of heat reflecting sections 3390. For example, two or more types of heat reflecting sections 3390 may be provided, including the first type of heat reflecting section 3390 shown in Fig. 29, the second type of heat reflecting section 3390 shown in Fig. 30(A), and the third type of heat reflecting section 3390 shown in Fig. 30(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.

[0213] 31(A) and (B) are diagrams showing another configuration example of the conveying mechanism 3600. FIG. 31(A) is a diagram of the conveying mechanism 3600 viewed from above. FIG. 31(B) is a diagram of the can body support portion 3620 and the like viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow XXXIB in FIG. 31(A). In this configuration example, as shown in FIG. 31(A), the rotation mechanism 3710 rotates the can body 3100 by blowing gas onto the can body support portion 3620. More specifically, the rotation mechanism 3710 blows gas onto a portion of the can body support portion 3620 that is off the axis 3620A (rotation axis 3639) of the can body support portion 3620, thereby rotating the can body support portion 3620 and rotating the can body 3100 in the circumferential direction.

[0214] In this configuration example, as shown in Fig. 31(B), a protrusion 3620G that protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery 3620E of the can body support portion 3620 is provided. In this configuration example, the rotation mechanism 3710 rotates the can body support portion 3620 and rotates the can body 3100 in the circumferential direction by blowing gas onto the protrusion 3620G. As shown in Fig. 31(A), multiple protrusions 3620G are provided and are arranged radially around the axis 3620A of the can body support portion 3620.

[0215] In this configuration example, as shown in FIG. 31(A), a gas exhaust port 3713 is provided on the side of the movement path 33W along which the can body support portion 3620 passes. In this configuration example, gas is exhausted from this exhaust port 3713 toward the movement path 33W of the can body support portion 3620 and toward the upstream side in the movement direction of the can body support portion 3620. In other words, in this configuration example, gas is exhausted diagonally toward the upstream side. As a result, in this configuration example, gas is blown toward the protrusion 3620G, and as shown by arrow 37A in FIG. 31(A), the can body support portion 3620 rotates counterclockwise in the figure. Accordingly, the can body 3100 also rotates counterclockwise in the figure.

[0216] Note that, while air is an example of the gas discharged from the discharge port 3713, the gas is not limited to air and may be other types of gas. Furthermore, the gas may be discharged from the discharge port 3713 by providing a dedicated fan for this purpose, or the gas sent out by the blower 3352 (see FIG. 27(B)) may be discharged from the discharge port 3713. Furthermore, the direction of gas discharge from the discharge port 3713 is not limited to the diagonally upstream side described above, but may also be diagonally downstream. Furthermore, for example, as shown by arrow 37C in FIG. 31(A), the gas may be discharged so that the gas discharge direction and the movement direction of the can body support portion 3620 are perpendicular to each other.

[0217] When discharging gas so that the gas discharge direction and the movement direction of the can body support portion 3620 are perpendicular to each other, it is preferable to shape the protrusion 3620G as shown in FIG. 32 (a diagram showing another shape of the protrusion 3620G). FIG. 32 shows the can body support portion 3620 and the can body 3100 as viewed from above. In this configuration example shown in FIG. 32, the force that the protrusion 3620G receives when gas is blown onto the protrusion 3620G from one side surface 3631 of the protrusion 3620G is greater than the force that the protrusion 3620G receives when gas is blown onto the protrusion 3620G from the other side surface 3632 of the protrusion 3620G.

[0218] In this configuration example, one of the side surfaces 3631 and 3632 of the protrusion 3620G is convex and the other is concave. As a result, when the protrusion 3620G receives gas, the force acting on the protrusion 3620G from the gas differs depending on the side surface of the protrusion 3620G. In this case, the amount of rotation of the can body support portion 3620 in one direction indicated by arrow 38A in the figure is greater than the amount of rotation of the can body support portion 3620 in the other direction indicated by arrow 38B.

[0219] In this configuration example, when downstream protrusion 3629A, which is one of the multiple protrusions 3620G located downstream in the movement direction of can body support portion 3620, reaches a position facing discharge outlet 3713, the pressing force with which the gas from discharge outlet 3713 presses downstream protrusion 3629A becomes smaller. In contrast, in this configuration example, when upstream protrusion 3629B, which is one of the multiple protrusions 3620G located upstream in the movement direction of can body support portion 3620, reaches a position facing discharge outlet 3713, the pressing force with which the gas from discharge outlet 3713 presses upstream protrusion 3629B becomes larger.

[0220] In this case, the amount of rotation of the can body support part 3620 in one direction indicated by arrow 38A in the figure is greater than the amount of rotation of the can body support part 3620 in the other direction indicated by arrow 38B. In this case, after the can body support part 3620 passes through the discharge port 3713, the can body support part 3620 is rotated counterclockwise compared to before passing through the discharge port 3713. This changes the phase of the can body 3100, making it less likely that uneven heating of the image formed on the can body 3100 will occur compared to when the phase of the can body 3100 does not change.

[0221] The gas may be blown not only onto the can body support portion 3620 but also onto the can body 3100. More specifically, the gas may be blown onto a portion of the cylindrical can body 3100 that is offset from the axial center of the can body 3100, such as the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100. In this case, the can body 3100 rotates relative to the can body support portion 3620, and the phase of the can body 3100 also changes in this case. The gas may be blown onto the can body 3100 not only onto the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100 but also onto the bottom 3100T of the can body 3100 (see FIG. 31(B)). More specifically, the gas may be blown onto the can body 3100 at a portion of the bottom 3100T that is offset from the axial center 3100X of the can body 3100.

[0222] When gas is blown onto the can body 3100, hardening of the image formed on the can body 3100 is promoted compared to when gas is blown onto the can body support part 3620. In particular, when gas is blown onto the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100, hardening of the image formed on the can body 3100 is promoted. When gas is blown onto the can body 3100, a dedicated fan for blowing may be provided, or gas delivered by a blower 3352 (see FIG. 27(B)) may be blown onto the can body 3100. When gas delivered by the blower 3352 is blown onto the can body 3100, gas heated by a heater 3351 is blown onto the can body 3100. In this case, hardening of the image formed on the can body 3100 is promoted compared to when unheated gas is blown onto the can body 3100.

[0223] Figure 33 is a diagram illustrating another example configuration of the first heating device 3300. Figure 34 is a diagram of the can body support section 3620 and the like viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow 3X in Figure 33. In the example configuration shown in Figure 33, the conveying path 3300R for the can body 3100 is longer than in the example configuration shown in Figure 27. Furthermore, in this example configuration shown in Figure 33, a curvature is imparted to a portion of the conveying path 3300R, and a curvature imparting section 3300K is provided in part of the conveying path 3300R, which changes the traveling direction of the can body 3100.

[0224] In this configuration example, a plurality of straight sections 3300C are provided on the conveying path 3300R, and a curvature imparting section 3300K is also provided. The curvature imparting section 3300K connects the straight sections 3300C that are installed at offset positions relative to each other in the conveying direction of the can body 3100. In this configuration example, a heating source 3310 is provided on one side 391 and the other side 392 of each straight section 3300C, and no heating source 3310 is provided on the sides of the curvature imparting section 3300K.

[0225] Furthermore, in this configuration example, an attachment section 3361 is provided at the left end of the first straight section 3300C, which is located at the top of the figure, and the can body 3100 is attached to the can body support section 3620 at this attachment section 3361. The can body support section 3620 then passes through the first straight section 3300C, the curvature imparting section 3300K, and the second straight section 3300C and returns to the attachment section 3361. In other words, in FIG. 33 , the can body support section 3620 is transported clockwise. Furthermore, in this configuration example, a removal section 3362 is provided at the left end of the second straight section 3300C, which is located at the bottom of the figure, and the can body 3100 is removed from the can body support section 3620 at this removal section 3362.

[0226] This configuration example also includes a rotation mechanism 3710 that rotates the can body 3100. The rotation mechanism 3710 is provided in the curvature imparting unit 3300K. More specifically, the rotation mechanism 3710 is provided on a side of the conveying path 3300R, that is, on a side of the portion where the curvature imparting unit 3300K is provided. Furthermore, the rotation mechanism 3710 is provided on an opposite side 3920, which is the side opposite to the center side 3910, which is the side where the center of curvature 3300W of the curvature imparting unit 3300K is located. The opposite side 3920 provides more space for installing the rotation mechanism 3710 than the center side 3910. Providing the rotation mechanism 3710 on the opposite side 3920 increases the flexibility in installing and designing the rotation mechanism 3710.

[0227] In this configuration example, as shown in FIG. 34 , the rotation mechanism 3710 includes a protrusion 3719 that protrudes from the opposite side 3920 onto the movement path of the can body support portion 3620. In this configuration example, the outer peripheral surface 3629F of the base 3629 of the can body support portion 3620 receives resistance from the protrusion 3719, thereby rotating the base 3629, which is supported from below by the support portion 3630. When the base 3629 rotates, the multiple rod-shaped members 3680 move accordingly. As a result, the can body 3100 rotates in the circumferential direction, as described above. Note that the material of the protrusion 3719 is preferably rubber or another material that increases the frictional force acting between the protrusion 3719 and the base 3629.

[0228] FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary configuration of the rotation mechanism 3710. FIG. 35 shows the first heating device 3300 as viewed from above. In this exemplary configuration, a side member 3712 is provided. In this exemplary configuration, the side member 3712 is also provided on the side 3920 opposite the curvature imparting unit 3300K. In this exemplary configuration, the outer peripheral surface of the can body support unit 3620 receives resistance from the side member 3712, causing the can body support unit 3620 to rotate. More specifically, in this exemplary configuration, the outer peripheral surface 3629F of the base 3629 of the can body support unit 3620 receives resistance from the side member 3712, causing the can body support unit 3620 to rotate. This causes the can body 3100 to rotate. The side member 3712 is also preferably made of a material, such as rubber, that increases the frictional force acting between the side member 3712 and the base 3629.

[0229] As described above, the rotation of the can body 3100 by the protrusion 3719 (see FIG. 34) or the side member 3712 (see FIG. 35) may be achieved by bringing the protrusion 3719 or the side member 3712 into contact with the outer peripheral surface 3102 (see FIG. 28B) of the can body 3100. When the protrusion 3719 or the side member 3712 is brought into contact with the outer peripheral surface 3102 of the can body 3100, as described above, it is preferable that the protrusion 3719 or the side member 3712 contacts the end 3102A of the outer peripheral surface 3102 that is located on the opening 3101 (see FIG. 28B) side. Alternatively, the curvature imparting unit 3300K (see FIGS. 33 and 35) may be provided with the rotation mechanism 3710 shown in FIG. 31. That is, the curvature imparting section 3300K may be provided with a rotation mechanism 3710 that rotates the can body 3100 by blowing gas thereon.

[0230] 27 to 32 , from the start of conveyance of the can body 3100 by the conveying mechanism 3600 to the end of conveyance of the can body 3100 by the conveying mechanism 3600, all portions of the band-shaped region 3190, which is a band-shaped region extending around the entire circumference of the can body 3100, on the outer circumferential surface 3102 of the can body 3100, face the heat source 3310 at least once. Figures 37(A) and (B) are perspective views of the can body 3100. In this embodiment, all portions of the band-shaped region 3190, which extends in the circumferential direction of the can body 3100 and around the entire circumference of the can body 3100, on the outer circumferential surface 3102 of the can body 3100 shown in Figure 37(A) , face the heat source 3310 at least once. For example, when the starting point of the band-shaped region 3190 is an imaginary straight line 3191 indicated by the reference symbol 313A and extending along the axial direction of the can body 3100, the band-shaped region 3190 extends from this starting point in the circumferential direction of the can body 3100 and in the direction indicated by the arrow 313E in the figure, and finally returns to this starting point. In Fig. 37(A) , the band-shaped region 3190 is located from one end 3193A to the other end 3193B in the axial direction of the can body 3100.

[0231] The band-shaped region 3190 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 37(A). The size of the band-shaped region 3190 in the axial direction of the can body 3100 is determined by the dimensions of the heat source 3310, which is the dimension of the can body 3100 in the axial direction. Therefore, if this dimension of the heat source 3310 is small and, for example, the heat source 3310 does not face the portion of the outer circumferential surface 3102 of the can body 3100 that is located on the opening 3101 side, the band-shaped region 3190 will have the configuration shown in FIG. 37(B). In the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 27 to 32, the can body 3100 is rotated at least once so that all portions of the band-shaped region 3190 shown in FIGS. 37(A) and (B) face the heat source 3310.

[0232] Here, if a single rotation mechanism 3710 does not cause all portions of the band-shaped region 3190 to face the heat source 3310, multiple rotation mechanisms 3710 may be provided. Although not shown above, multiple rotation mechanisms 3710 as shown in Figures 31 and 32 may be provided as necessary, and the positions of the rotation mechanisms 3710 may be offset from one another in the conveyance direction of the can body 3100. In this case, even if a single rotation mechanism 3710 does not cause all portions of the band-shaped region 3190 to face the heat source 3310, all portions of the band-shaped region 3190 will face the heat source 3310 by the time the conveyance mechanism 3600 finishes conveying the can body 3100.

[0233] In this embodiment, the rotation mechanism 3710 causes all portions of the band-shaped region 3190 to face the heat source 3310 at least once during the period from when the can body 3100 reaches a position facing the most upstream heat source 3310 among the multiple heat sources 3310 provided until when the can body 3100 reaches a position facing the most downstream heat source 3310. In the configuration example shown in Figure 27, the heat source 3310 indicated by reference symbol 33G is the heat source 3310 located most upstream, and the heat source 3310 indicated by reference symbol 33H is the heat source 3310 located most downstream.

[0234] From the time when the can body 3100 reaches a position facing the heat source 3310 indicated by the reference symbol 33G until the time when the can body 3100 reaches a position facing the heat source 3310 indicated by the reference symbol 33H, the rotation mechanism 3710 causes all parts of the band-shaped region 3190 to face the heat source 3310 at least once. In this case, from the time when the heating of the can body 3100 by the heating source 3310 starts until the heating of the can body 3100 by the heating source 3310 ends, all parts of the band-shaped region 3190 face the heat source 3310 at least once.

[0235] In the configuration examples shown in Figures 33 and 35, not all portions of the band-shaped region 3190 face the heat source 3310, but the can body 3100 is rotated at least once at a rotation angle other than 360°, which makes it less likely that uneven heating of the can body 3100 will occur compared to when the can body 3100 is not rotated. In the configuration examples shown in Figures 33 and 35, the heat source 3310 indicated by reference numeral 39G is the heat source 3310 located most upstream, and the heat source 3310 indicated by reference numeral 39H is the heat source 3310 located most downstream. In the configuration examples shown in Figures 33 and 35, the rotation mechanism 3710 rotates the can body 3100 at a rotation angle other than 360° at least once between the time the can body 3100 reaches a position facing the heat source 3310 indicated by reference numeral 39G and the time the can body 3100 reaches a position facing the heat source 3310 indicated by reference numeral 39H. This makes it less likely that uneven heating of the can body 3100 will occur than if the can body 3100 were not rotated.

[0236] In the configuration example shown in Figure 27, heat sources 3310 are provided on both one side 330X and the other side 330Y. In this case, the can body 3100 is rotated at least 180° from the time when the heat source 3310 starts to heat the can body 3100 until the time when the heat source 3310 finishes heating the can body 3100. As a result, all parts of the band-shaped region 3190 face the heat source 3310 at least once from the time when the heat source 3310 starts to heat the can body 3100 until the time when the heat source 3310 finishes heating the can body 3100. As a result, all parts of the band-shaped region 3190 are heated by the heat source 3310.

[0237] 29, the heat source 3310 is provided only on the side 330X of the side 330X and the other side 330Y. In this case, the can body 3100 is rotated at least 360° from the time when the heat source 3310 starts to heat the can body 3100 until the time when the heat source 3310 finishes heating the can body 3100. As a result, in this case too, all portions of the band-shaped region 3190 face the heat source 3310 at least once from the time when the heat source 3310 starts to heat the can body 3100 until the time when the heat source 3310 finishes heating the can body 3100. As a result, in this case too, all portions of the band-shaped region 3190 are heated by the heat source 3310. 29 , the rotation mechanism 3710 rotates the can body 3100 at least once between the start of conveyance of the can body 3100 by the conveyance mechanism 3600 (not shown in FIG. 29 ), which is an example of a conveying means, and the end of conveyance of the can body 3100 by the conveyance mechanism 3600. This allows all parts of the band-shaped region 3190 to be directed toward the heating source 3310 at least once, and all parts of the band-shaped region 3190 are heated by the heating source 3310.

[0238] In addition, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 33 , the can body 3100 is rotated 90° between the start of heating of the can body 3100 by the heat source 3310 and the end of heating of the can body 3100 by the heat source 3310. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 33 , the can body 3100 is rotated 90° at the location where the rotation mechanism 3710 is installed. In this case, the can body 3100 is rotated once at a rotation angle other than 360° between the start of heating of the can body 3100 by the heat source 3310 located upstream of the rotation mechanism 3710 and the end of heating of the can body 3100 by the heat source 3310 located downstream of the rotation mechanism 3710. In this case, uneven heating of the can body 3100 is less likely to occur than when the can body 3100 is not rotated at all. 35, the can body 3100 is rotated by 90° between the time when the heating source 3310 starts to heat the can body 3100 and the time when the heating source 3310 finishes heating the can body 3100. As a result, the can body 3100 is rotated at a rotation angle other than 360° in the configuration example shown in FIG.

[0239] 36(A) and (B) are diagrams showing another configuration example of the conveying mechanism 3600. As in the above configuration example, this configuration example also includes a rotation mechanism 3710, as shown in FIG. 36(B). The rotation mechanism 3710 shown in FIG. 36 rotates the cylindrically shaped can body 3100 in the circumferential direction by applying vibrations to the can body support portions 3620 to rotate the can body support portions 3620. Specifically, in this configuration example, a vibration source 3715 is provided in each of the can body support portions 3620, and the vibrations generated by the vibration sources 3715 gradually rotate the bases 3629 of the can body support portions 3620 in the circumferential direction.

[0240] As a result, rod-shaped member 3680 moves around rotation axis 3639 of can body support portion 3620, thereby rotating can body 3100 in the circumferential direction. Note that, although the case where base 3629 rotates due to vibration has been described here, this is not limiting, and a configuration may also be adopted in which base 3629 is fixed to support portion 3630 and can body 3100 rotates relative to can body support portion 3620 due to vibration.

[0241] When vibration is used to rotate the can body 3100, the rotation direction of the can body 3100 is difficult to determine, but the can body 3100 does rotate, which reduces uneven heating of the image formed on the can body 3100 compared to a configuration in which the can body 3100 does not rotate at all. The vibration source 3715 is not particularly limited. For example, an ultrasonic vibrator is an example of the vibration source 3715. Alternatively, for example, the vibration source 3715 may be a weight attached eccentrically to the rotation axis of a motor (not shown), and the motor may rotate the weight to generate vibration.

[0242] Furthermore, the location where the vibration source 3715 is installed is not particularly important. As described above, the vibration source 3715 may be provided for each of the can body support portions 3620, or the vibration source 3715 may be installed in the moving portion 3610 (see FIG. 36B) and the moving portion 3610 may be vibrated to vibrate the can body support portion 3620. Alternatively, for example, the vibration source 3715 may be used to vibrate the rotating member 3611 (see FIG. 27A) to vibrate the can body support portion 3620. When the rotating member 3611 is vibrated, the vibration is transmitted to the can body support portion 3620 via the moving portion 3610, causing the can body 3100 to rotate.

[0243] Although the first heating device 3300 has been described above, the second heating device 3400 (see FIG. 25) and the third heating device 3500 (not shown) may also be configured in the same manner as the first heating device 3300.

[0244] 1000...can body manufacturing system, 1100...can body, 1200...printing device, 1310...heat source, 1600...transport mechanism, 1629...base, 1680...rod-shaped member, 1681...can body side end, 1681A...elastic body, 1682...opposite end, 1691...orthogonal surface, 1692...polygon, 1692A...top, 1692E...center, 1696...center, 1700...moving mechanism, 1758...connecting member, 1900...changing mechanism, 2000...can body manufacturing system, 230X...one side, 230Y...other side, 2100...can body, 2101...bottom, 2102...opening, 2200...printing device, 2300...first heating device, 2300R... Conveying path, 2310...heating source, 2313...upper end, 2600...conveying mechanism, 2610...moving section, 2620...can body support section, 2626...contact member, 2627...base, 3000...can body manufacturing system, 3100...can body, 3102...outer peripheral surface, 3200...printing device, 3300...first heating device, 3300K...curvature imparting section, 3300R...conveying path, 3300W...center of curvature, 3310...heating source, 3600...conveying mechanism, 3620...can body support section, 3620A...axial center, 3620G...protruding section, 3621...outer peripheral surface, 3639...rotating shaft, 3710...rotating mechanism, 3712...side member, 3910...center side, 3920...opposite side

Claims

1. A can body conveying device comprising: a plurality of rod-shaped members to be inserted inside a can body; and a moving means for moving the plurality of rod-shaped members.

2. A can body conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein when the multiple rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, the multiple rod-shaped members move along the axial direction of the can body and / or the can body moves, and on a virtual orthogonal plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body when the multiple rod-shaped members and / or the can body move along the axial direction of the can body and that crosses the multiple rod-shaped members, the multiple rod-shaped members are positioned at each of a multiple vertices of a virtual polygon.

3. A can body conveying device as described in claim 2, wherein the distance between the center of the imaginary polygon and the rod-shaped member is greater than a value obtained by dividing the radius of the can body by 2.

4. A can body conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the multiple rod-shaped members has a can body side end which is the end that is located on the can body side when the multiple rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and the multiple rod-shaped members are arranged so that they approach each other toward the can body side end.

5. A can body conveying device as described in claim 4, wherein the opposite end sides of the plurality of rod-shaped members, which are ends located opposite the can body side end, are supported by a common member.

6. The can body conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of rod-shaped members are arranged in a parallel relationship to one another.

7. A can body conveying device as described in claim 6, wherein each of the multiple rod-shaped members has a can body side end which is the end that is located on the can body side when the multiple rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and the multiple rod-shaped members have an opposite end side which is the end that is located opposite the can body side end supported by a common member.

8. A can body conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rod-shaped members has a can body side end which is an end that is located on the can body side when the plurality of rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and an elastic body is provided on the can body side end of the rod-shaped member.

9. A can body conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rod-shaped members has a can body side end which is an end that is located on the can body side when the plurality of rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, and further comprising a connecting member that connects the can body side ends of each of the plurality of rod-shaped members to each other.

10. The can body conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising a mechanism for changing the positional relationship of the plurality of rod-shaped members.

11. The can body conveying device according to claim 10, wherein the change mechanism moves the rod members in directions toward each other and moves the rod members in directions away from each other.

12. A can body conveying device as described in claim 11, wherein when the plurality of rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, the plurality of rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body while being in a state in which they have moved in the direction approaching each other.

13. The can body conveying device according to claim 12, wherein the change mechanism moves the rod members in directions away from each other after the rod members are inserted into the can body.

14. A can body conveying device as described in claim 10, wherein when the multiple rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body, the multiple rod-shaped members move along the axial direction of the can body and / or the can body moves, and on a virtual orthogonal plane that is perpendicular to the axial direction of the can body when the multiple rod-shaped members are inserted into the can body and that crosses the multiple rod-shaped members, the multiple rod-shaped members are arranged to be positioned at each of a multiple vertices of a virtual polygon, and the change mechanism moves the multiple rod-shaped members so that they approach the center of the virtual polygon and moves the multiple rod-shaped members so that they move away from the center of the virtual polygon.

15. The can body conveying apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a heat source used to heat an image formed on a can body supported by said plurality of rod-shaped members.

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 can body conveying device that conveys the can body, and that manufactures can bodies with an image formed thereon, wherein the can body conveying device is configured to include a can body conveying 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 used to heat the image formed on the can body moving along the conveying path, wherein when the can body is positioned opposite the heat source, a part of the can body is positioned away from the opposite position.

18. The heating device according to claim 17, wherein the can body is formed in a cylindrical shape, has a bottom at one end and an opening at the other end, and when the can body is positioned opposite the heat source, the bottom of the can body is positioned away from the opposite position.

19. A heating device as described in claim 18, wherein the can body is transported along the transport path with the bottom positioned at an upper position and the opening positioned at a lower position, and when the can body is positioned opposite the heat source, the bottom of the can body is positioned above an upper end of the heat source.

20. The heating device described in claim 17, wherein the heating sources are provided on both one side and the other side of the conveying path, and when the can body is located at a position opposite the one-side heating source provided on the one side, the can body is located at a position opposite the other-side heating source provided on the other side, and when the can body is located at a position opposite the one-side heating source and at a position opposite the other-side heating source, a part of the can body moves out of the position opposite the one-side heating source and out of the position opposite the other-side heating source.

21. The heating device according to claim 20, wherein the can body is formed in a cylindrical shape, has a bottom at one end and an opening at the other end, and when the can body is positioned opposite the one-side heating source and the other-side heating source, the bottom of the can body moves out of the position opposite the one-side heating source and out of the position opposite the other-side heating source.

22. A heating device as described in claim 17, wherein a plurality of the heating sources are arranged in a line in the can body transport direction on one side of the transport path, and as the can body passes in sequence between the opposing positions of the plurality of heating sources, the portion of the can body passes in sequence through a location that is out of the opposing position.

23. The heating device according to claim 22, wherein the can body is formed in a cylindrical shape, has a bottom at one end in the axial direction of the can body and has an opening at the other end in the axial direction, and as the can body passes in sequence between the opposing positions of the multiple heating sources, the bottom of the can body passes in sequence through locations that are out of the opposing positions.

24. A heating device comprising: a conveying means for conveying a can body having an image formed thereon along a conveying path using a moving part that moves; and a heat source that is provided to the side of the conveying path and is used to heat the image formed on the can body moving along the conveying path, wherein the moving part is configured to pass through a location that is not opposite the heat source.

25. The heating device according to claim 24, wherein the moving part is constituted by a member that performs circulating movement, and the moving part that performs circulating movement passes through a location that is out of the position facing the heat source.

26. The heating device as described in claim 25, further comprising a can body support part supported by the moving part which performs circulating movement and supports the can body, wherein when the can body is positioned in a position facing the heat source, a part of the can body support part is positioned at a position away from the facing position.

27. A heating device as described in claim 26, wherein the can body support part is provided with a contact member that is inserted inside the can body and contacts the can body, and a base that supports the contact member, and when the can body is positioned in a position facing the heat source, the base of the can body support part is positioned at a location away from the facing position.

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 heat source provided on the side of the conveying path; and a rotating means for rotating the can body moving along the conveying path.

30. A heating device as described in claim 29, wherein the rotating means applies resistance to the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical can body moving along the conveying path, or applies resistance to the outer peripheral surface of a can body support part that supports the can body moving along the conveying path, thereby rotating the can body in the circumferential direction of the can body.

31. A heating device as described in claim 30, wherein the member functioning as the rotation means is a side member arranged on the side of the conveying path and along the conveying path, and the outer peripheral surface of the can body moving along the conveying path comes into contact with the side member, thereby applying a resistance force to the outer peripheral surface, or the outer peripheral surface of the can body support part moving along the conveying path comes into contact with the side member, thereby applying a resistance force to the outer peripheral surface, thereby rotating the can body in the circumferential direction of the can body.

32. The heating device according to claim 29, wherein the rotating means rotates the can body by blowing gas against the can body moving along the transport path or against a can body support part that supports the can body.

33. A heating device as described in claim 32, wherein the rotating means blows gas against a portion of the cylindrical can body that is offset from the axis of the can body, or blows gas against a portion of the can body support part that is offset from the axis of the can body support part, thereby rotating the can body in the circumferential direction of the can body.

34. A heating device as described in claim 33, wherein a protrusion is provided on the outer periphery of the can body support part, protruding radially outward from the can body support part, and the rotation means rotates the can body support part by blowing gas onto the protrusion, thereby rotating the can body in the circumferential direction of the can body.

35. A heating device as described in claim 29, wherein the rotating means applies vibration to a can body support part that supports the can body moving along the conveying path, thereby rotating the cylindrical can body in the circumferential direction of the can body.

36. A heating device as described in claim 29, wherein the can body is rotated at least once by the rotating means from when the conveying means starts conveying the can body to when the conveying means finishes conveying the can body.

37. The heating device according to claim 29, wherein the rotating means rotates the can body so that all parts of a band-shaped region extending around the entire circumference of the can body, which is formed in a cylindrical shape, face the heating source at least once.

38. The heating device according to claim 29, wherein the conveying path is provided with a curvature imparting section in which a curvature is imparted to the can body so that the traveling direction of the can body is changed, and the rotating means is provided in the curvature imparting section.

39. A heating device as described in claim 38, wherein the rotating means is provided on a side of the conveying path where the curvature imparting portion is provided, and is provided on a side opposite to the side on which the center of curvature of the curvature imparting portion is located.

40. 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 29 to 39.

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