Container production management system

Abstract

Provided is a container production management system capable of optimizing a manufacturing plan and manufacturing management of an on-site manufacturing line by grasping failure information of a container in real time on the basis of identification information related to a manufacturing history of the container used for transportation and storage of various liquids. The container production management system includes a network 6 for connecting respective personal computers of a container molding manufacturer M1, a liquid filling manufacturer M2, an end user U, a cleaning manufacturer M3, and a material recycling company M5 to each other. The container is provided with an automatic recognition medium on which identification information related to a manufacturing history is written by the container molding manufacturer. The identification information includes first-tier and second-tier information that can be shared via digital devices over a network and third-tier and fourth-tier information that cannot be shared via the digital devices over the network. The first-tier information includes product information, a container manufacturing location, a manufacturing machine, a manufacturing date, a manufacturing time, raw materials, and a pulverization processing method. The second-tier information includes UN standard information, a resin type, and SDS.

Description

Container production management system

[0001] This invention relates to a production management system for containers.

[0002] Containers used for transporting and storing various liquids are often sent from a "molding manufacturer" 21 that molds the containers, to a "liquid filling manufacturer" 22 that fills the containers with liquid, as shown in Figure 5. After the liquid filling manufacturer 22 fills the containers with the predetermined liquid, they are sent to an "end user" 23 that will use the liquid. After the end user 23 removes the liquid from the container and uses it, the container is either sent to a "cleaning manufacturer" 24, returned to the liquid filling manufacturer 22, or, if deemed unusable due to its external shape or other reasons, sent to an "industrial waste disposal company" 25. Containers cleaned at the cleaning manufacturer 24 are sent to the liquid filling manufacturer 22. However, containers that are unusable due to deterioration of their external shape or other reasons are sent to a "material recycling company" 26 or to an "industrial waste disposal company" 25. The material recycling company 26 sends the containers from the cleaning manufacturer 24 to the molding manufacturer 21, where they are crushed or pelletized and used as part of the container material. Furthermore, when the material recycling company 26 performs material recycling, it may wash the containers sent from the cleaning manufacturer 24 before crushing or pelletizing, or it may supply them to other molding manufacturers other than the molding manufacturer 21. In addition, among the containers sent from the cleaning manufacturer 24 to the material recycling company 26, those that are deemed unsuitable for material recycling due to the type of residual liquid inside the container or material deterioration are sent to the industrial waste disposal company 25.

[0003] As described above, containers used for transporting and storing various types of liquids go through complex processing routes, where all of the containers are reused, part of the containers are reused, or the containers are discarded. In this case, if various information related to the containers can be obtained, such as information on the raw materials of the containers, information during molding, and information on the liquid to be filled, appropriate conditions can be adopted as processing conditions for each of the above-mentioned processors. As a result, for example, cleaning manufacturers can be expected to reduce cleaning costs by adopting optimal cleaning conditions. Furthermore, recyclers can reduce recycling costs by adopting optimal recycling conditions. Furthermore, molding manufacturers can use recycled materials for optimal applications by clearly securing the raw material information of the recycled materials. In addition, industrial waste disposal operators can reduce disposal costs by adopting optimal treatment conditions, and will not cause environmental problems due to the adoption of inappropriate treatment conditions.

[0004] Currently, some various information related to containers is added to containers currently on the market by means such as QR codes and barcodes, but it is hard to say that this information always exerts sufficient effects. For this reason, it is impossible to clarify the location of responsibility during cleaning processing, recycling processing, or waste disposal. That is, when a container molding manufacturer sends molded containers to a liquid filling manufacturer, the molding manufacturer recognizes that the management responsibility for the containers lies with the liquid filling manufacturer; when the liquid filling manufacturer sends liquid-filled containers to end users, the liquid filling manufacturer recognizes that the management responsibility for the containers lies with the end users; when end users send used containers to cleaning manufacturers, end users recognize that the management responsibility for the containers lies with the cleaning manufacturers; when cleaning manufacturers send cleaned containers to recyclers, the cleaning manufacturers recognize that the management responsibility for the containers lies with the recyclers; and when end users, cleaning manufacturers, or recyclers send containers to industrial waste disposal operators, they often recognize that the management responsibility for the containers lies with the industrial waste disposal operators.

[0005] Thus, it can be said that none of the parties involved in the various processes from the molding to the disposal of containers used for transporting and storing various liquids recognize that they are personally responsible for managing these containers. Consequently, there is a risk that water pollution may occur due to inappropriate cleaning conditions at cleaning manufacturers, resulting from the wastewater used for cleaning. Furthermore, there is a risk of environmental pollution due to inappropriate recycling conditions at recycling companies and inappropriate processing conditions at industrial waste disposal companies.

[0006] Therefore, in establishing a recycling system for containers used for transporting and storing various liquids, it is urgent to ensure that proper processing and disposal are carried out.

[0007] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a paper container recycling system, as shown in Figure 6, comprising a mobile phone A connected to a network, a management server C, and a collection device B, for improving the recycling rate of paper containers G. The mobile phone A comprises a first reading means 31 for reading a two-dimensional code H provided inside the paper container G, a first analysis means 32 for analyzing identification information converted into the two-dimensional code H read by the first reading means 31, and a first transmission means 33 that connects to the management server C via the network and transmits the identification information obtained by the analysis by the first analysis means 32 and personal identification information that identifies the person who recycles the paper container G to the management server C. The collection device B comprises a second reading means 34 for reading a two-dimensional code H provided inside the paper container G, a second analysis means 35 for analyzing identification information converted into the two-dimensional code H read by the second reading means 34, and the management server C via the network. A paper container recycling system is disclosed, comprising: a second transmission means 36 that connects to a server C and transmits identification information obtained by analysis by the second analysis means 35 to the management server C, wherein the management server C comprises: a first receiving means 37 that receives the identification number and personal identification information transmitted from the first transmission means 33 of the mobile phone A; a first information storage means 38 that checks whether the personal identification information received by the first receiving means 37 is stored in the personal database, and if it is stored, stores the identification number received by the first receiving means 37 in the personal database in combination with the personal identification information; a second receiving means 39 that receives the identification number transmitted from the collection device B; and a first point adding means 40 that checks whether the identification number received by the second receiving means 39 is stored in the personal database, and if it is stored, adds points to the individual identified by the personal identification information stored in the personal database in combination with the identification number.

[0008] According to the paper container recycling system described in Patent Document 1, points are awarded for recycling paper containers, which can increase the participation rate of consumers who purchase and dispose of paper containers, thereby improving the collection rate of paper containers. However, even among paper containers, the base material often differs depending on the contents filled in the container, such as being made only of paper and resin, or paper, aluminum foil, and resin, and the type of resin also varies. Therefore, even if paper containers can be collected by the recycling system, sorting after collection becomes necessary, which can be time-consuming, and if sorting is not done sufficiently, they may be discarded or incinerated as unrecyclable.

[0009] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-242943

[0010] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a container production management system that can grasp information on defects in containers in real time based on identification information regarding the manufacturing history of containers used for transporting and storing various liquids, and optimize the manufacturing plan and production management of the on-site production line.

[0011] The container production management system of the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises a container molding manufacturer, a liquid filling manufacturer that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer with a predetermined liquid, an end user that uses the liquid filled in the containers by the liquid filling manufacturer, a cleaning manufacturer that cleans the containers after they have been used by the end user U, a material recycling company, an information terminal equipped with information reading, writing and transmission functions, a personal computer owned by the container molding manufacturer, a personal computer owned by the liquid filling manufacturer, a personal computer owned by the end user, a personal computer owned by the cleaning manufacturer, a personal computer owned by the material recycling company, and a network connecting all of these personal computers to each other.

[0012] First, the meanings of the terms used in this specification are explained below. (1) Automatic identification media include optical information media and radio wave information media, and non-contact identification technologies such as RFID tags, NFC tags, IC cards, QR codes, blockchain, and smart packaging. (2) Information terminals include electronic devices that handle digital information, such as digital devices, and refer to devices that can use various digital content that can connect to the internet, such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and personal computers. (3) Digital devices refer to electronic devices that handle digital information, and include smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers, and game consoles, and are devices that can use various digital content that can connect to the internet. (4) Automatic identification refers to technology that can automatically acquire information on data carriers or unique information (such as human characteristics or object characteristics) attached to people, animals, plants, objects, and information, using equipment including hardware and software, without human intervention. (5) Automatic identification media refers to media that use technologies such as barcodes, two-dimensional codes, RFID, magnetic stripes, and OCR to identify objects and information and to collect and manage data. These technologies are used in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, and are making a significant contribution to improving operational efficiency and ensuring accuracy. (6) Contactless identification media refers to media that use RFID technology to identify and manage goods and information without physical contact. RFID systems are constructed by enclosing a dedicated IC chip and antenna in a resin tag or card. RFID tags contain an IC chip that can be rewritten, and the information can be updated any number of times using a dedicated writer. Unlike barcodes and QR codes, RFID is not printed on paper or stickers, is resistant to environmental changes, and can be used repeatedly. (7) Contactless identification technology is a mechanism that uses radio waves to identify individuals, and refers to technology that allows information to be read and written from individual identification markers or radio frequency markers without physical contact. The advantage of this technology is that information over a wide area can be read all at once via wireless communication. As a result, it is expected that work efficiency will be dramatically improved compared to when conventional bar codes are used.(8) Device information refers to information about devices such as smartphones and personal computers, and includes hardware information (model name, model number, year of manufacture, etc.), software information (operating system version, application software version, etc.), and communication information (IP address, MAC address, etc.). (9) Digital content is information such as text, images, audio, and video that has been digitized and can be viewed and used on smartphones, tablet devices, personal computers, etc. Unlike traditional analog content such as paper media and CDs, it does not degrade when copied and has the advantage of being easily distributed and shared via the internet.

[0013] Identifying information regarding the manufacturing history of a container includes, for container molding manufacturers, information on the raw materials of the container (e.g., type of resin, physical and chemical properties of the resin, resin mixing ratio, etc.), information on the molding of the container (e.g., molding atmosphere, molding temperature, molding pressure, molding time, molding pattern, etc.), and other information about the container itself (e.g., container shape, container size, container manufacturing control number, container performance information, etc.).

[0014] For liquid filling manufacturers, identifying information regarding the manufacturing history of a container includes publicly available information about the container (e.g., the container's manufacturing control number) and information about the filled liquid (e.g., type of liquid, properties of the liquid, concentration of the liquid, amount of liquid filled, date and time of filling, handling instructions, etc.).

[0015] For end users, identifying information regarding the manufacturing history of a container includes publicly available information about the container (e.g., the container's manufacturing control number) and information about the liquid it contains (e.g., type of liquid, properties of the liquid, concentration of the liquid, amount of liquid filled, date and time of filling, handling instructions, etc.).

[0016] For cleaning manufacturers, identifying information regarding the manufacturing history of a container includes publicly available information about the container (e.g., the container's manufacturing control number) and information about the cleaning method (e.g., type of cleaning liquid, properties of the cleaning liquid, concentration of the cleaning liquid, amount of cleaning liquid used, date and time of cleaning, drying method, etc.).

[0017] For material recyclers, identifying information regarding the manufacturing history of a container includes publicly available information about the container (e.g., the container's manufacturing control number) and information regarding recycling conditions (e.g., washing and crushing conditions).

[0018] The medium on which identification information regarding the manufacturing history of a container is written is not particularly limited, but a data carrier is preferred, and for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) can be used. Among the identification information regarding the manufacturing history of a container, the particularly important "information about the container itself" and "information about the filling liquid" may be written on the same data carrier, or they may be written on separate data carriers.

[0019] RFID is a general term for technologies that use short-range wireless communication to exchange information with dedicated tags that record data such as ID information, without physical contact. It is known as one of the automatic identification technologies that reads data from dedicated tags and recognizes its contents without human intervention. Dedicated tags are called RF tags, RFID tags, or IC tags. These tags consist of an IC chip on which data can be written, an antenna, a capacitor, etc. Using a dedicated reading device called a reader / writer, information can be exchanged between the tag and the reader / writer via short-range wireless communication. There are three types of RF tags for RDID: passive tags that do not have a battery, active tags that have a built-in battery, and semi-active tags that combine the features of both, and all of them can be used. Even passive tags without a battery will activate via electromagnetic induction when a reader / writer is brought close, and communication will begin. In addition to the tag types mentioned above, there are various types of RFID depending on the communication method, access method, frequency band, etc. There are three types of communication methods: electromagnetic coupling method (mutual induction method), electromagnetic induction method (inductive electromagnetic field method), and radio wave method (radiated electromagnetic field method). Electromagnetic coupling is a communication method that utilizes mutual induction between the coils of the tag and the reader / writer; electromagnetic induction is a communication method that utilizes induced magnetic flux; and radio wave is a communication method that utilizes radio waves. Access methods include read-only type, write-once type that allows data to be rewritten only once, and read-write type that allows data to be rewritten multiple times. There are four types of frequency bands: LF band (long wave band below 135 kHz), HF band (short wave band below 13.56 MHz), UHF band, and microwave band. In the present invention, it is preferable to use RFID that allows data rewriting.

[0020] For example, a QR code (registered trademark) can be used as a medium to write identification information regarding the manufacturing history of a container. QR codes have several advantages: they can handle data such as numbers, letters, kanji, kana, binary symbols, and control codes, allowing for large amounts of information to be represented in a small code; they can represent data both vertically and horizontally, enabling display in small spaces; they can be read from any direction (360°); and they have an error correction function, allowing data recovery even if part of the code is dirty or damaged, making them resistant to dirt and damage. There are also different types of QR codes, such as Model 1 (maximum version 14 (73 x 73 cells), capable of handling up to 1167 digits) and Model 2 (maximum version 40 (177 x 177 cells), capable of handling up to 7089 digits). Micro QR codes (maximum version M4 (17 x 17 cells), capable of handling up to 35 digits), which allow printing in even smaller spaces, can also be used. Furthermore, it is possible to use rMQR codes (R7×43 (7 cells × 43 cells) which can handle up to 12 digits, and the largest R17×139 (7 cells × 139 cells) which can handle up to 361 digits) which are rectangular QR codes that are easy to display in narrow spaces and have large and small cutout symbols placed in one place, thus balancing readability and information capacity. In addition, it is possible to use SQRC (registered trademark) which has a data reading restriction function and can be used for managing private information and internal company information. Furthermore, it is also possible to use frame QR codes which have a freely usable canvas area within the code, and text and images can be placed in the canvas area. In the present invention, it is preferable to use a variable QR code in which the data can be rewritten.

[0021] According to the present invention, container defect information can be grasped in real time based on identification information regarding the manufacturing history of containers used for transporting and storing various liquids by container molding manufacturers, liquid filling manufacturers, end users, cleaning manufacturers, and material recycling companies, thereby optimizing the manufacturing planning and manufacturing management of on-site production lines.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the container production management system of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the container production management system of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the container production management system of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of the container production management system of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic layout diagram showing a conventional container processing system. Figure 6 is a configuration diagram of a paper container recycling system described in Patent Document 1.

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the container production management system of the present invention. In Figure 1, the container production management system of the present invention comprises a container molding manufacturer M1, a liquid filling manufacturer M2 that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer M1 with a predetermined liquid, an end user U that uses the liquid filled in the containers by the liquid filling manufacturer M2, a cleaning manufacturer M3 that cleans the containers after they have been used by the end user U, a material recycling company M5, an information terminal IT equipped with information reading, writing and transmission functions, a personal computer 1 provided by the container molding manufacturer M1, a personal computer 2 provided by the liquid filling manufacturer M2, a personal computer 3 provided by the end user U, a personal computer 4 provided by the cleaning manufacturer M3, a personal computer 5 provided by the material recycling company M5, and a network 6 that connects these personal computers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 to each other.

[0025] A two-dimensional code (identification code) 8, which records identification information related to the manufacturing history of the container, is provided on the containers 7a and 7b that were molded at the container molding manufacturer M1.

[0026] Figure 1 shows the case where "information about the container itself" and "information about the filling liquid" are shared or not shared in network 6. Figure 2 shows the case where only "information about the container itself" is shared or not shared in network 6. Figure 3 shows the case where "information about the filling liquid" is written to the same data carrier as the data carrier on which "information about the container itself" is written, and only "information about the filling liquid" is shared or not shared in network 6. Figure 4 shows the case where "information about the filling liquid" is written to a different data carrier than the data carrier on which "information about the container itself" is written, and only "information about the filling liquid" is shared or not shared in network 6.

[0027] In Figure 1, the container molding manufacturer M1 writes identification information regarding the manufacturing history of the container into a two-dimensional code (identification code) 8 provided on the molded container 7a or 7b, and sends this molded container 7a or 7b to the liquid filling manufacturer M2. This identification information includes first-level information consisting of product information (A***), container manufacturing location (** factory), manufacturing machine (* machine number), manufacturing date, manufacturing time (hours, minutes, seconds), raw materials, and crushing method; second-level information consisting of UN standard information (details below), resin type, and SDS (details below); third-level information relating to a manufacturing monitoring system that monitors information such as manufacturing process setting conditions, actual control conditions, and manufacturing conditions; and fourth-level information relating to a manufacturing management system that manages information such as order to shipment information (customer information, product specification information, product formulation information, raw material inventory and order information, production plan, output information, quality control information, packaging information) and sales information. In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, which are schematic diagrams of an embodiment of the container production management system of the present invention, the first, second, third, and fourth levels are shown as blank rectangles, but each of these first to fourth levels contains the aforementioned information. In addition, the two-dimensional code (identification code) 8 provided on the molded container 7a or 7b may have identification information related to the manufacturing history of the container written on it by the liquid filling manufacturer M2.

[0028] The information at the first and second levels is shared via network 6 between the personal computers of the container molding manufacturer M1, the liquid filling manufacturer M2, the end user U, the cleaning manufacturer M3, and the material recycling company M5. The information at the third and fourth levels is kept confidential, and each of the container molding manufacturer M1, the liquid filling manufacturer M2, the end user U, the cleaning manufacturer M3, and the material recycling company M5 has their own unique information at the third and fourth levels, which is different from the information at the third and fourth levels included in the identification information written by the container molding manufacturer M1. The container molding manufacturer M1, the liquid filling manufacturer M2, the end user U, the cleaning manufacturer M3, and the material recycling company M5 can access their own unique information at the third and fourth levels, but they cannot access the information at the third and fourth levels that is unique to others.

[0029] For example, a container molding manufacturer M1, a liquid filling manufacturer M2, an end user U, a cleaning manufacturer M3, and a material recycling company M5 can read the first and second-level information by reading the identification codes provided on containers 7a and 7b with a reading device, and the first and second-level information is shared via the network 6.

[0030] On the other hand, as described above, the container molding manufacturer M1, the liquid filling manufacturer M2, the end user U, the cleaning manufacturer M3, and the material recycling company M5 cannot access the third and fourth tier information unique to others. For example, in order for the container molding manufacturer M1 to access the manufacturing monitoring system that monitors the third tier information, which is the history of changes over time in controllable parameters such as mixers, extruders, and molds, as well as temperature, humidity, and cleanliness at the manufacturing site, and the manufacturing management system that manages the fourth tier information, which is information including orders, shipments, and costs (order information, formulation of ordered products (raw material part numbers and mixing ratios, functional agent part numbers and mixing ratios), production plans including the capacity of the molding machine, output (efficiency), inspection information, product information such as product cost and selling price), the container molding marker M1 can access the manufacturing monitoring system that monitors the third tier information and the manufacturing management system that manages the fourth tier information by entering a password unique to the PC 1 equipped with the container molding marker M1. In this way, the container molding manufacturer M1 can obtain detailed manufacturing information (including confidential information) from a manufacturing monitoring system that monitors third-tier information and a manufacturing management system that manages fourth-tier information. Furthermore, the liquid filling manufacturer M2, end-user U, cleaning manufacturer M3, or material recycler M5 can access their respective manufacturing monitoring systems (which monitor third-tier information) and manufacturing management systems (which manage fourth-tier information) by entering their unique passwords into computers 2, 3, 4, or 5.

[0031] For example, when a container molding manufacturer M1 receives first- and second-tier information about container defects, along with the container's identification code, from a liquid filling manufacturer M2 or end-user U via network 6, the container molding marker M1 can enter a unique password into PC 1 to obtain detailed manufacturing information, such as the cause of the defect, the manufacturing date, and the time (minutes, seconds) of the defective container, from a manufacturing monitoring system that monitors third-tier information and a manufacturing management system that manages fourth-tier information. This allows for quick verification of not only the product lot, but also shipping information, inspection information, raw material information, and even the product history before and after the exact time the defective container was manufactured. Furthermore, if the cause of the defect extends to the time before and after the defective container was produced, sharing first- and second-tier information about potentially defective containers on network 7 enables liquid filling manufacturer M2 and end-user U to quickly and accurately address their respective operational problems.

[0032] Traditionally, when the container molding manufacturer M1 received a report of a container defect from the liquid filling manufacturer M2 or end-user U, it would obtain the lot information stamped on the container from M2 or U. From this lot information, it would then check the shipping status, inspection information, manufacturing history, and raw material information. However, because the time frame of a single lot is long (e.g., a full day or half a day), and many manufacturing factors such as production, packaging, shipping, and unloading are involved, containers are not delivered and filled in the order they were manufactured (chronological order). Instead, a single lot contains a mix of containers manufactured on various dates and times, and they are used randomly. Therefore, even if the manufacturing date and time of the container that caused the defect can be identified, the liquid filling manufacturer M2 or end-user U cannot identify and separate the containers manufactured on that specific date and time. Thus, traditionally, management was only possible on a lot-by-lot basis, making it impossible to respond quickly and accurately to operational problems.

[0033] For example, if a container molding manufacturer M1 receives first- and second-tier information regarding container defects, along with the container's identification code, from a liquid filling manufacturer M2 or end-user U via the network 6, the container molding marker M1 can obtain detailed information about the manufacturing of the defective container by entering a unique password into a PC 1, enabling management down to the hour, minute, and second. As a result, by sharing first- and second-tier information on containers manufactured around the exact time a potentially defective container was manufactured via the network 6, the liquid filling manufacturer M2 and end-user U can take appropriate measures, thereby minimizing operational troubles caused by defective containers (such as line shutdowns or production cuts for equipment inspection).

[0034] UN standard information refers to information that certifies the international transport of dangerous goods in accordance with the United Nations Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods, covering explosives (Classification 1), high-pressure gases (Classification 2), flammable liquids (Classification 3), combustible substances (Classification 4), oxidizing substances (Classification 5), poisons (Classification 6), radioactive materials, etc. (Classification 7), corrosive substances (Classification 8), and hazardous substances (Classification 9). Containers that meet UN standards are marked with a symbol that includes the type of container, the material of the container, the type of top (fixed or removable), the container class (an indicator of the degree of danger of the dangerous goods), the specific gravity of the contents, the hydrostatic test pressure, the year of manufacture, the name of the country of approval, and the manufacturer's abbreviation.

[0035] A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a document used to provide information about the properties and handling of chemical substances when transferring or providing products containing potentially hazardous or harmful chemicals to other businesses, in accordance with the United Nations' Universally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). An SDS includes product and company information (product name, name, address, and contact information of the business providing the SDS), a summary of hazards (using GHS-compliant pictograms and warning words), composition, ingredient information (names, types, and percentages of designated chemical substances contained), first aid measures, fire measures, spill measures, handling and storage precautions, exposure prevention and protection measures for people, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, hazard information, environmental impact information, disposal precautions, transport precautions, applicable laws and regulations, and other information.

[0036] Liquid filling manufacturer M2 reads the identification information written on the two-dimensional code 8 of the molded container 7a or 7b sent from the container molding manufacturer M1 using an information terminal IT, and then transmits this identification information to PC 2 using the information terminal IT. After filling the molded container 7a or 7b with the predetermined liquid, M2 writes identification information regarding the manufacturing history of the container for the filled liquid (details of the filled liquid: for example, the chemical formula of the liquid, chemical composition, amount filled, date and time of filling, time of filling, name of the filling plant, name of the filling machine, etc.) into the information readable by the two-dimensional code 8 on the molded container 7a or 7b, and then sends this molded container 7a or 7b to the end user U.

[0037] End user U reads the identification information written on the two-dimensional code 8 of the molded container 7a or 7b sent from liquid filling manufacturer M2 using an information terminal IT, and then transmits this identification information to PC 3 using the information terminal IT. After using the liquid filled in the molded container 7a or 7b, U may write identification information related to the container's manufacturing history (details of usage: for example, if the liquid filled in the molded container 7a or 7b was used to clean an IC chip, the weight of the liquid used for cleaning the IC chip, the date and time of use, the duration of use, the name of the factory used, the name of the machine used, etc.) into the information readable by the two-dimensional code 8 on the molded container 7a or 7b, and then sends this molded container 7a or 7b to cleaning manufacturer M3.

[0038] The cleaning manufacturer M3 reads the identification information written on the two-dimensional code 8 of the molded container 7a or 7b sent from the end user U using the information terminal IT, and then transmits this identification information to the personal computer 4 using the information terminal IT. Then, after confirming the information of the filling liquid written on the two-dimensional code 8 of the molded container 7a or 7b sent from the end user U, selects a cleaning method, and cleans the molded container 7a or 7b, it writes the identification information related to the container's manufacturing history (details of the liquid used for cleaning: for example, the chemical formula of the liquid, chemical composition, amount used, date and time of cleaning, cleaning time, name of the cleaning plant, name of the cleaning machine, etc.) into the information that can be read by the two-dimensional code 8 on the molded container 7a or 7b, and sends this molded container 7a or 7b to the material recycling company M5.

[0039] Material recycling company M5 reads the identification information written on the two-dimensional code 8 of the molded container 7a or 7b sent from cleaning manufacturer M3 using information terminal IT, and then transmits this identification information to PC 5 using information terminal IT. After performing the necessary processing (e.g., cleaning) on ​​the container, it writes identification information related to the container's manufacturing history (number of recyclings, processing applied to the container, processing date and time, processing time, etc.) into the information readable by the two-dimensional code 8 on the molded container 7a or 7b, and then sends this molded container 7a or 7b to the container molding manufacturer M1.

[0040] Since personal computers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are connected to each other by network 6, the container molding manufacturer M1, the liquid filling manufacturer M2 that fills the containers molded by container molding manufacturer M1 with a predetermined liquid, the end user U that uses the liquid filled in the containers by liquid filling manufacturer M2, the cleaning manufacturer M3 that cleans the containers after they have been used by end user U, and the material recycling company M5 can share the first-level information and the second-level information of the identification information written in the two-dimensional code 8 of the molded container 7a or 7b, which is read by the information terminal IT.

[0041] The above describes the basic flow of the production management system for the containers of the present invention. However, if the liquid filling manufacturer M2 finds, for example, that the part number and specifications engraved on the container are different, that the container is not UN standard despite being a UN standard container, that, after checking the container information written on the container, it is found that a container molded using a resin other than the specified resin has been mistakenly included, that a foreign object has been found in the container, or that the container is damaged, the liquid filling manufacturer M2 will not fill the molded container 7a or 7b with the predetermined liquid and will return the molded container 7a or 7b to the container molding manufacturer M1. At the same time as the return, the liquid filling manufacturer M2 will input the details of the defect into the defect information field provided in the first or second layer of the identification information of the personal computer 2 using the information terminal IT, thereby instantly transmitting the defect information to the container molding manufacturer M1.

[0042] In this way, when information regarding defective containers is instantly transmitted from the liquid filling manufacturer M2 to the container molding manufacturer M1, the container molding manufacturer M1 can access the first and second level information to determine the manufacturing date, time, minute, and second of the defective container. Then, when the container molding manufacturer M1 transmits the individual identification information of the defective container to the PC 1 via the information terminal IT, the liquid filling manufacturer M2 and the end user U can use that information to remove containers that are presumed to have been manufactured around the same time as the defective container from the production line.

[0043] If, for example, as a result of confirming information about the filled liquid written on the container, the end user U finds that the composition or composition ratio of the specified filled liquid is different, the end user U returns the molded container 7a or 7b to the liquid filling manufacturer M2 without using the liquid filled in the molded container 7a or 7b. Further, when an abnormality such as discoloration or contaminated impurities is confirmed in the filled liquid, the end user U returns the molded container 7a or 7b to the liquid filling manufacturer M2 without using the liquid filled in the molded container 7a or 7b. Simultaneously with the return, the end user U inputs the content of the above defect into the defect information column provided in the first layer or the second layer of the identification information of the personal computer 3 through the information terminal IT, whereby the defect information is instantly transmitted to the liquid filling manufacturer M2.

[0044] In this way, when information regarding the defect of the filled liquid is instantly transmitted from the end user U to the liquid filling manufacturer M2, the liquid filling manufacturer M2 can grasp even the year, month, day, hour, minute and second when the predetermined liquid was filled into the container by accessing the information of the first layer and the information of the second layer. Then, after the liquid filling manufacturer M2 transmits the individual identification information of the predetermined liquid to the personal computer 2 via the information terminal IT, the end user U can exclude, based on this information, containers that are assumed to have been filled with the same liquid at the same time as the predetermined liquid was filled from the on-site production line.

[0045] In this way, since individual identification of defective molded containers and defective filled liquids can be performed in real time, the defect range can be managed by hour, minute and second instead of lot management.

[0046] For example, when the cleaning manufacturer M3 determines that the molded container 7a or 7b sent from the end user U cannot be reused because it is damaged or has noticeable dirt, the cleaning manufacturer M3 returns the molded container 7a or 7b to the container molding manufacturer M1 without cleaning the molded container 7a or 7b. Simultaneously with the return, the cleaning manufacturer M3 inputs the content of the above defect into the defect information column provided in the first layer or the second layer of the identification information of the personal computer 4 through the information terminal IT, whereby the defect information is instantly transmitted to the container molding manufacturer M1.

[0047] In this case, since there is a shortage of containers, the container molding manufacturer M1 checks the inventory and the on-site manufacturing process, transmits the information to the personal computer 1 via the information terminal IT, thereby inquires the cleaning manufacturer M3 about the delivery date of the insufficient containers, and the order is established when the cleaning manufacturer M3 approves the delivery date. In this way, the lead time for delivering the insufficient containers can be shortened. In addition, since the liquid filling manufacturer M2 and the end user U can learn the delivery date of the insufficient containers within a short time, it becomes easier to make a production plan for the on-site production line.

[0048] For example, when the material recycler M5 determines that the molded container 7a or 7b sent from the cleaning manufacturer M3 cannot be recycled due to damage, contamination or other reasons, the molded container 7a or 7b is sent to an industrial waste disposal company without being recycled (for example, cleaned). When it is determined that the container is recyclable, the molded container 7a or 7b is pulverized, or pulverized and pelletized.

[0049] Simultaneously with pulverization, the material recycler M5 inputs the content of the above-mentioned defects into the defect information column provided in the first layer or the second layer of the identification information of the personal computer 5 via the information terminal IT, whereby the defect information is instantaneously transmitted to the container molding manufacturer M1. In this case, a container shortage may also occur, so as described above, the container molding manufacturer M1 checks the inventory and the on-site manufacturing process, transmits the information to the personal computer 1 via the information terminal IT, thereby inquires the liquid filling manufacturer M2 and the end user U about the delivery date of the insufficient containers, and the order is established when the liquid filling manufacturer M2 and the end user U approve the delivery date. In this way, the lead time for delivering the insufficient containers can be shortened.

[0050] The contents described in paragraphs 0036 to 0039 represent the basic business models of liquid filling manufacturers, end users, cleaning manufacturers, and material recyclers, respectively. However, one of these companies may perform the work of another. For example, an end user may, after using the liquid filled in a molded container, clean the container themselves and return it to the liquid filling manufacturer. Alternatively, a cleaning manufacturer may, after cleaning the molded container sent by the end user, crush or mill it into pellets. Furthermore, a material recycler may, after cleaning the molded container sent by the cleaning manufacturer, crush it, or clean and crush the molded container sent by the cleaning manufacturer and then mill it into pellets. Thus, the production management system of the present invention also includes cases where one company performs part or all of the work of another company.

[0051] Furthermore, a production management system may be used only by manufacturers that utilize information about the container itself, or only by manufacturers that utilize information about the filling liquid.

[0052] The container production management system of the present invention can also be applied to a container molding manufacturer, a liquid filling manufacturer that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer with a predetermined liquid, an information terminal equipped with information reading, writing, and transmission functions, a digital device provided by the container molding manufacturer, a digital device provided by the liquid filling manufacturer, and a network connecting the digital devices to each other.

[0053] Furthermore, the container production management system of the present invention can also be applied to a container molding manufacturer, a liquid filling manufacturer that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer with a predetermined liquid, an end user that uses the liquid filled in the container by the liquid filling manufacturer, an information terminal equipped with information reading, writing, and transmission functions, a digital device provided by the container molding manufacturer, a digital device provided by the liquid filling manufacturer, a digital device provided by the end user, and a network connecting all of these digital devices to each other.

[0054] Furthermore, the container production management system of the present invention can also be applied to a container molding manufacturer, a liquid filling manufacturer that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer with a predetermined liquid, an end user that uses the liquid filled in the container by the liquid filling manufacturer, a cleaning manufacturer that cleans the containers after they have been used by the end user, an information terminal equipped with information reading, writing, and transmission functions, a digital device provided by the container molding manufacturer, a digital device provided by the liquid filling manufacturer, a digital device provided by the end user, a digital device provided by the cleaning manufacturer, and a network connecting all of these digital devices to each other.

[0055] The container production management system of the present invention, configured as described above, has the following effects: (1) The usage status of molded containers or filling liquids can be checked in real time, allowing the container molding manufacturer M1, liquid filling manufacturer M2, end user U, and cleaning manufacturer M3 to flexibly modify the on-site production management plan as needed.

[0056] (2) Since individual identification of defective molded containers and defective filled liquids is possible in real time, the scope of defects can be managed not by lot but by time, minute, and second.

[0057] (3) By understanding the lifespan of containers based on information that they cannot be reused or recycled, accumulating container lifespan data, and examining its correlation with operational data, container molding manufacturers and liquid filling manufacturers can improve their operating conditions.

[0058] (4) Based on information about the filled liquid and information about whether the container is unreusable or unrecyclable, chemical resistance data of the container can be accumulated, and based on this chemical resistance data, the container molding manufacturer can develop containers with superior chemical resistance.

[0059] (5) Because the resin components are clearly identified by the individual identification code of each container, they can be recycled for the most optimal use.

[0060] (6) Container molding manufacturers can accurately obtain information on material recycling (physical properties such as melt flow rate, melt viscosity, strength, and elongation before recycling), and the source of the molded products used as recycled materials will be clearly identified. This will make it easier to design formulations to address the deterioration of physical properties due to the mixing of different materials or the deterioration of the physical properties of the recycled material itself, and will make it easier to guarantee the quality of recycled containers. In other words, so-called horizontal cycles, container to container, and especially certified container to certified containers will become possible.

[0061] M1 Container molding manufacturer M2 Liquid filling manufacturer U End user M3 Cleaning manufacturer M5 Material recycling company IT Information terminal 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Personal computer 6 Network 7a, 7b Container 8 QR code

Claims

1. A container molding manufacturer, a liquid filling manufacturer that fills containers molded by the container molding manufacturer with a predetermined liquid, an end user that uses the liquid filled in the container by the liquid filling manufacturer, a cleaning manufacturer that cleans the container after it has been used by the end user U, a material recycling company, an information terminal equipped with information reading, writing and transmission functions, a digital device provided by the container molding manufacturer, a digital device provided by the liquid filling manufacturer, a digital device provided by the end user, a digital device provided by the cleaning manufacturer, a digital device provided by the material recycling company, and a network connecting all of these digital devices, wherein the container is provided with an automatic recognition medium on which identification information relating to the manufacturing history is written by the container molding manufacturer, the identification information includes first and second-tier information that can be shared via the network through digital devices, and third and fourth-tier information that cannot be shared, the first-tier information includes product information, the place of manufacture of the container, the manufacturing machine, the date of manufacture, the time of manufacture, the raw materials, and the crushing process, The container production management system is characterized in that the second level of information includes UN standard information, resin type, and SDS; the third level of information includes information about a manufacturing monitoring system that monitors information including manufacturing process setting conditions, actual control conditions, and manufacturing conditions; the fourth level of information includes information about a manufacturing management system that manages information including orders, shipping information consisting of customer information, product specification information, product formulation information, raw material inventory and order information used, production plan, output information, quality control information, and packaging information, and sales information; the liquid filling manufacturer, the end user, the cleaning manufacturer, and the material recycler each have their own unique third and fourth level information that is different from the third and fourth level information included in the identification information; and the container molding manufacturer, the liquid filling manufacturer, the end user, the cleaning manufacturer, and the material recycler can each access their own unique third and fourth level information, but cannot access the third and fourth level information that is unique to others.

2. The container production management system according to claim 1, wherein the automatic recognition medium is an optical information medium.

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