JP2018012320A - Printer and can body manufacturing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve downsizing of a printer and a can body manufacturing system.SOLUTION: A moving unit 550 used for transporting a can body 10 is provided at a printer 500. Further, the printer 500 is provided with a first linear part 610 with a linear form through which the moving unit 550 passes when moving in one direction. Furthermore, the printer 500 is provided with a second linear part 620 disposed so as to be parallel with the first linear part 610 and formed into a linear form and through which the moving unit 550 passes when moving in a direction opposite to the one direction. Additionally, the printer 500 is provided with a printer part 520 which performs printing to the can body 10 held by the moving unit 550.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a can manufacturing system.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus in which inkjet printing is performed in at least one inkjet printing station, and a plurality of inkjet heads are arranged in the inkjet printing station.

JP 2012-232771 A

In a printing apparatus, a moving body that moves while holding a can body may be moved to transport the can body to a printing unit or the like.
Here, if the path along which the moving body moves is bent, a dead space is likely to occur, resulting in an increase in the size of the printing apparatus. Further, if the path along which the moving body moves is provided on one horizontal plane, the occupation area of the printing apparatus tends to increase.
In addition, when a plurality of printing apparatuses are provided in a can body manufacturing system, if the facilities required for manufacturing the can body are shared, the manufacturing system can be downsized.
An object of the present invention is to reduce the size of a printing apparatus and a can manufacturing system.

A printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes a moving body used for transporting a can body, a linear first movement path that passes when the moving body moves in one direction, and the first movement path. A second movement path that is arranged in parallel and is formed in a straight line and passes when the moving body moves in a direction opposite to the one direction, and a can body that is held by the moving body. And a printing unit that performs printing.
Here, the printing unit is provided in the first movement path or the second movement path, and the printing unit is provided in the first movement path and the second movement path. The path may be characterized in that a linear mechanism is used to move the moving body.
In addition, one of the first movement path and the second movement path may be disposed above the other movement path.
Further, the apparatus further comprises a third movement path for moving the moving body from one movement path of the first movement path and the second movement path to the other movement path, and the third movement path includes: In addition to being formed in a straight line, the first movement path and the second movement path are arranged in a substantially orthogonal relationship.
The moving unit further includes a moving unit that moves the moving body from one of the first moving path and the second moving path to the other moving path, and the moving unit holds the moving body. The rotating body is provided, and the rotating body is rotated to move the moving body from the one moving path to the other moving path.

From another point of view, a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes a moving body used for transporting a can body, a first moving path along which the moving body moves, and above the first moving path. The printing apparatus is provided with a second movement path on which the moving body moves and a printing unit that performs printing on the can held by the moving body.
Here, a heating unit that heats the can body that has been printed by the printing unit is further provided, and the printing unit is provided in the first movement path, and the heating unit is connected to the first movement path. Is also provided in the second movement path located above.
In addition, the second movement route may be provided at a location deviated from directly above the first movement route.
The second movement route may be provided in parallel with the first movement route.
In addition, at least one of the first movement path and the second movement path branches into a plurality of movement paths at a branching section, and merges downstream from the branching section. It can be.

  Further, when the present invention is regarded as a can body manufacturing system, the can body manufacturing system to which the present invention is applied is a movement path in which the can body moves, and branches into a plurality of branch paths at a branch portion, An inkjet printing apparatus that is provided on a moving path that merges downstream from the branching section and one branch path included in the plurality of branch paths, and that performs printing on a can body by an inkjet method, and the plurality of branches A can body manufacturing system comprising: a printing plate printing apparatus that is provided in another branch path included in a path and performs printing on a can body by a printing plate method.

  According to the present invention, the printing apparatus and the can manufacturing system can be downsized.

It is a perspective view at the time of seeing a printing apparatus from the upper part. It is the figure which showed the structure of the 1st moving mechanism. It is the figure which showed the other structural example of the 1st moving mechanism and the 2nd moving mechanism. It is the figure which showed the other structural example of the printing apparatus. It is the figure which showed the other structural example of the 2nd moving mechanism. It is the figure which showed the other structural example of the mechanism which moves a moving unit. (A)-(E) are the figures which showed the other structural example of the printing apparatus. (A), (B) is the figure which showed the other structural example of the printing apparatus. (A), (B) is the schematic diagram which showed the structure of the outer surface coating part. (A), (B) is the figure which showed the structure of the 2nd drying part. It is the figure which showed the other structural example of the 1st linear part of a printing apparatus. It is a figure at the time of seeing a printing apparatus from the one end side in axial directions, such as a 1st linear part. It is the figure which showed the other structural example of the printing apparatus. It is the figure which showed the whole manufacturing process of the can body. It is the figure which showed the other structural example of the printing apparatus. It is a schematic diagram at the time of looking at two adjacent inkjet heads.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 500 as viewed from above.
The printing apparatus 500 is provided with a plurality of moving units 550 that move while supporting the can body 10. Furthermore, a first linear portion 610 that moves the moving unit 550 in a straight line and in one direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 1A in the figure) is provided. In addition, a second linear portion 620 that moves the moving unit 550 in the direction opposite to the one direction (the direction indicated by the arrow 1B in the drawing) linearly is provided.

Here, the first straight portion 610 can be regarded as a first movement path through which the movement unit 550 moves when moving in the upper left direction in the drawing. Moreover, the 2nd linear part 620 can be grasped | ascertained as a 2nd movement path | route through which the movement unit 550 moves toward the lower right direction in the figure.
The first movement path and the second movement path are formed in a straight line. The second movement route is provided so as to be parallel to the first movement route. In the first movement path, the movement unit 550 moves in one direction, and in the second movement path, the movement unit 550 moves in a direction opposite to the one direction.

Further, in the printing apparatus 500, the first moving mechanism 710 that moves the moving unit 550 that has moved the first straight portion 610 to the second straight portion 620, and the moving unit 550 that has moved the second straight portion 620 are the first. A second moving mechanism 720 for moving to the linear portion 610 is provided.
The first moving mechanism 710 and the second moving mechanism 720 are installed at end portions in the longitudinal direction of the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620. The first moving mechanism 710 and the second moving mechanism 720 hold the moving unit 550 and move the moving unit 550.

  In addition, the 1st linear part 610, the 2nd linear part 620, the 1st moving mechanism 710, and the 2nd moving mechanism 720 are arrange | positioned on the same horizontal surface, and the moving unit 550 moves along a horizontal direction. Further, the second straight line portion 620 is disposed at a position opposite to the first straight line portion 610. Furthermore, the first straight part 610 and the second straight part 620 are arranged so that the first straight part 610 and the second straight part 620 are parallel to each other.

The first straight part 610 includes a can body insertion unit 510 into which the can body 10 is charged, a printing unit 520 that performs printing on the charged can body 10, a drying unit 530 that performs drying of the printed can body 10, A can body discharge section 540 is provided for discharging the dried can body 10.
Furthermore, the first linear portion 610 is provided with a moving mechanism 560 that functions as a moving unit that moves the moving unit 550. The moving mechanism 560 is formed in a linear shape.
In the present embodiment, the second linear portion 620 is also provided with the moving mechanism 560.

The printing unit 520 is provided with a plurality of inkjet heads 11 arranged along a direction orthogonal (crossing) to the moving direction of the moving unit 550. Printing using the inkjet head 11 is a method that does not use a plate, and the time and labor for creating a plate can be omitted. Further, in printing using the inkjet head 11, it is possible to easily and quickly change or modify the printing contents.
Each of the inkjet heads 11 can be regarded as an image forming unit that forms an image on the can 10. In the present embodiment, the printing unit 520 is provided with a plurality of image forming units.

Specifically, the printing unit 520 includes a first inkjet head 11W that ejects white ink, a second inkjet head 11C that ejects cyan ink, a third inkjet head 11M that ejects magenta ink, and yellow ink. A fourth inkjet head 11Y that ejects black ink and a fifth inkjet head 11K that ejects black ink are provided.
In the following description, when the first inkjet head 11W to the fifth inkjet head 11K are not particularly distinguished, they are simply referred to as “inkjet head 11”.

The five inkjet heads 11 of the first inkjet head 11W to the fifth inkjet head 11K perform image formation on the can 10 using ultraviolet curable ink.
Further, in the present embodiment, in the process in which the can body 10 passes below the five inkjet heads 11, ink is ejected from above to the can body 10, and an image is formed on the can body 10.

In other words, in this embodiment, the moving unit 550 passes through each of the plurality of inkjet heads 11 provided. In the course of this movement, ink is ejected from each inkjet head 11 to the can 10, and an image is formed on the can 10.
In the present embodiment, the case where five ink jet heads 11 are provided is illustrated, but for example, the ink jet head 11 that discharges ink of a special color such as a corporate color color downstream of the fifth ink jet head 11K. May be further provided.

The moving unit 550 as an example of the moving body moves at a predetermined moving speed, and the can body 10 on the moving unit 550 rotates in the circumferential direction at a predetermined rotating speed.
In FIG. 1, two moving units 550 are shown, but the printing apparatus 500 is provided with more than two moving units 550.
In the present embodiment, the timing at which the can 10 reaches each ink-jet head 11 is determined in advance, and each ink-jet head 11 starts ejecting ink in accordance with the timing at which the can 10 reaches the ink-jet head 11.

The first first ink jet head 11W is used to form a positioning mark on the surface of the can body 10, and the second and subsequent ink jet heads 11 read the positioning mark to thereby determine the ink ejection timing. You may decide.
Further, the determination of the discharge timing using the positioning marks may be performed by reading a dedicated mark to determine the discharge timing, or by reading a barcode or a recycle mark.

For example, UVLED (ultraviolet LED) (not shown) is installed in the drying unit 530. Further, the drying unit 530 is disposed on the downstream side of the printing unit 520. The drying unit 530 irradiates the can body 10 with ultraviolet rays, and cures the image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 10.
In the present embodiment, as described above, image formation on the can 10 is performed using ultraviolet curable ink. The drying unit 530 irradiates the can body 10 with ultraviolet rays to cure the image on the can body 10.
In forming an image on the can 10, a thermosetting ink may be used. In this case, the drying unit 530 applies heat to the can 10 to cure the image on the can 10. Let

The moving mechanism 560 provided in each of the first straight part 610 and the second straight part 620 is provided with a guide member 561 that guides the moving unit 550.
An electromagnet (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided inside the guide member 561. The moving unit 550 is provided with a permanent magnet (not shown in FIG. 1). In this embodiment, the moving unit 550 is moved using a linear mechanism.
Specifically, a propulsive force is generated in the moving unit 550 by the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet provided in the guide member 561 and the permanent magnet provided in the moving unit 550, and the moving unit 550 moves.

In the conveyance using the linear mechanism, the moving speed of the moving unit 550 can be easily changed. Further, the moving unit 550 can be retracted. Further, the moving speed can be controlled for each moving unit 550.
Furthermore, the transfer using the linear mechanism enables high-speed transfer and also has the expandability of the transfer line. If it adds, a conveyance line can be made into arbitrary length. Further, in the conveyance using the linear mechanism, the structure is simple and the space can be saved.

Further, the printing apparatus 500 is provided with a control unit 600 that controls the energization of the electromagnet to move the moving unit 550. The control unit 600 is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that is program-controlled.
In the present embodiment, a detection sensor (not shown) that detects the position of the moving unit 550 is provided on the moving path of the moving unit 550. The control unit 600 performs position control, speed control, and the like of the moving unit 550 based on the detection result by the detection sensor.

  In this embodiment, the moving unit 550 is stopped below each of the plurality of inkjet heads 11 to form an image on the can 10. In each inkjet head 11, the movement with respect to the inkjet head 11 is performed. If the positioning accuracy of the unit 550 is poor (the accuracy of the stop position is poor), the images of the respective colors formed on the can 10 are shifted, and the quality of the formed image is deteriorated.

When the linear mechanism is used as in the present embodiment, for example, the accuracy of the stop position can be within 100 μm, and the shift of the image of each color can be reduced.
When high-definition printing is necessary, position accuracy such as 50 μm to 100 μm or 10 μm to 30 μm can be obtained by devising such as reducing the moving speed of the moving unit 550.

The moving unit 550 is provided with a mandrel 70 that is inserted into the can 10 and supports the can 10. The can 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape, has an opening at one end, and is closed at the other end. The mandrel 70 is inserted into the inside of the can body 10 through the opening at one end thereof.
The mandrel 70 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Further, the mandrel 70 is disposed in a lying state (a state along the horizontal direction). Thereby, in this embodiment, the can 10 is also arranged in the sleeping state.

Furthermore, the moving unit 550 is provided with a rotating mechanism 551 that rotates the mandrel 70 in the circumferential direction. The rotation mechanism 551 is provided with a mandrel motor. In the present embodiment, the driving force generated by the mandrel motor is used to rotate the mandrel 70. The rotation of the mandrel 70 is not limited to the configuration in which the mandrel 70 is directly rotated by the mandrel motor, and may be driven by a belt drive. In other words, the mandrel 70 may be rotated by supplying a rotational driving force to the mandrel 70 from the circulating belt.
Further, in this configuration example, when the moving unit 550 moves through the first straight portion 610, the mandrel 70 is disposed on one region 1X side of the two regions 1X and 1Y facing each other across the first straight portion 610. Is installed. In this configuration example, one mandrel 70 is installed in each moving unit 550.

A plurality of mandrels 70 may be installed in each of the moving units 550, for example, two mandrels 70 may be installed. When a plurality of mandrels 70 are installed for each moving unit 550, a plurality of inkjet heads 11 are also installed for each color.
As described above, when a plurality of mandrels 70 and inkjet heads 11 are installed, the number of cans 10 that can be printed per unit time can be increased.

Here, when installing a plurality of mandrels 70, for example, the mandrels 70 may be installed so that the bottom direction of the can 10 of the mandrel 70 is oriented in each of the two regions 1X and 1Y. For example, the mandrel 70 may be installed so that the bottom of the can 10 is oriented only in one of the two regions 1X and 1Y.
It should be noted that the mandrel 70 is installed only in one of the two regions 1X and 1Y so that the mandrel 70 is oriented in each of the two regions 1X and 1Y. Each functional unit such as 520, the drying unit 530, and the can body discharging unit 540 can be brought closer to this one region side, and maintenance of each functional unit is facilitated.

When a plurality of mandrels 70 are provided for each moving unit 550, a mandrel motor may be provided for each mandrel 70, or a single mandrel motor may be provided for each moving unit 550. A driving force may be supplied from the motor to each mandrel 70.
Furthermore, the power supply to the mandrel motor installed in each moving unit 550 is performed by, for example, installing a power rail along the moving path of the moving unit 550 and further collecting a current collector (current collecting) in contact with the power rail. Shoes) is provided on the moving unit 550.
In addition, the power supply to the mandrel motors installed in each mobile unit 550 can be performed even if a battery, which is an example of a power source, is mounted on each mobile unit 550 and power is supplied from this battery to the mandrel motor. Good.

Further, in the present embodiment, the can body insertion unit 510, the printing unit 520, the drying unit 530, and the can body discharge unit 540 are arranged in the first linear portion 610.
Here, a curved portion having a curvature is provided in the printing apparatus 500, and at least a part of the can body charging unit 510, the printing unit 520, the drying unit 530, and the can body discharging unit 540 is installed in the curved portion. In this case, the printing apparatus 500 is likely to be enlarged.

On the other hand, if the can body charging unit 510, the printing unit 520, the drying unit 530, the can body discharging unit 540, and the like are installed in a straight part such as the first straight part 610 as in the present embodiment, each functional unit Can be provided close to each other, and the printing apparatus 500 can be downsized.
Further, the provision of the straight portion increases the degree of freedom when newly installing another functional unit and the degree of freedom when removing the functional unit. Further, the position of the moving unit 550 can be easily controlled in the straight line portion.

Further, in the present embodiment, the case where the four functional units of the can body charging unit 510, the printing unit 520, the drying unit 530, and the can body discharging unit 540 are described as an example, but other functional units are further provided. It may be provided. Specifically, for example, an abnormality detection unit and an abnormal product discharge unit may be provided between the can insertion unit 510 and the printing unit 520.
The abnormality detection unit detects an abnormality in the shape of the can body, an abnormality such as a scratch or a dent, and an abnormality in the attachment of the can body 10 to the mandrel 70. In the abnormal product discharge unit, the can 10 in which the abnormality is detected is removed from the mandrel 70.

Further, in the present embodiment, the moving unit 550 passes through a region located below the plurality of inkjet heads 11 provided.
Furthermore, the moving unit 550 stops whenever it reaches the lower side of each inkjet head 11. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the mandrel motor is driven and the mandrel 70 rotates in the circumferential direction. Further, ink is ejected from the inkjet head 11.

Then, when the mandrel 70 rotates 360 ° after the ink discharge is started, the ink discharge is stopped. Thereby, an image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the can 10.
The rotation of the mandrel 70 may be performed every time the mandrel 70 reaches the lower side of each inkjet head 11, or from the time when the moving unit 550 leaves the can body loading unit 510 to the time when the can body discharge unit 540 is reached. Meanwhile, the mandrel 70 may be continuously rotated.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the mandrel 70 is arrange | positioned sideways. Specifically, the mandrel 70 is arranged along a direction orthogonal (crossing) to the moving direction of the moving unit 550. In other words, in the present embodiment, the can body 10 is transported in a state where the axial direction of the can body 10 is orthogonal (crossed) to the moving direction of the moving unit 550.
In this case, the length L of the printing apparatus 500 can be reduced as compared with the case where the mandrel 70 is disposed along the moving direction of the moving unit 550. In other words, the total length of the moving path along which the moving unit 550 moves can be reduced.

In this case, the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus 500 can be reduced. In the case of the printing apparatus 500 that performs printing in the process of moving the can body 10, the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus 500 is likely to increase according to the length of the movement path of the can body 10. In particular, in the case of conveyance using a linear mechanism, the manufacturing cost increases.
When the mandrel 70 is disposed sideways as in the present embodiment, the movement path of the movement unit 550 can be shortened, and the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus 500 can be reduced.
Further, when the mandrels 70 are arranged sideways, the arrangement density of the moving units 550 in the moving direction of the moving units 550 can be increased, and the number of moving units 550 that can be installed can be increased.

In the present embodiment, the inkjet head 11 is disposed above the can body 10, and ink is ejected from above to the can body 10.
In this case, compared with the case where the inkjet head 11 is disposed on the side of the can body 10 or below the can body 10, the influence of gravity acting on the ink droplets ejected from the inkjet head 11 can be reduced. The accuracy of the ink adhesion position in the can 10 can be increased.

  The can body 10 that has not yet been printed is sequentially transported to the can body loading section 510 by a transport mechanism (not shown). Then, the can body 10 is pushed out toward the mandrel 70 provided in the moving unit 550 (not shown) stopped at the can body loading section 510 (it is pushed out by an unillustrated extrusion mechanism), and the can body 10, a mandrel 70 is inserted. Thereby, support of can 10 by mandrel 70 is started.

In the can body charging unit 510, air in the mandrel 70 is sucked from the rear end side of the mandrel 70 (the end side opposite to the front end where insertion into the can body 10 is started), When the can body 10 is mounted on the mandrel 70, the can body 10 is sucked by the mandrel 70.
Moreover, in the can body discharge | release part 540, compressed air is supplied in the mandrel 70 from the rear-end part side of the mandrel 70 using an air supply apparatus not shown. Thereby, the can 10 is pressed by the compressed air, and the can 10 is detached from the mandrel 70. In addition, the can 10 removed from the mandrel 70 is transported to the next step by a transport mechanism (not shown).

In the present embodiment, the printing unit 520 is provided in the first linear portion 610. If the printing unit 520 is provided in a curved part instead of a straight part such as the first straight part 610, the position of the can 10 with respect to the inkjet head 11 is likely to fluctuate. In such a case, the quality of the formed image may be reduced.
On the other hand, when the printing unit 520 is provided in the first linear portion 610, image formation on the can 10 is performed in the process in which the moving unit 550 moves linearly. In this case, fluctuations in the position of the can body 10 with respect to the inkjet head 11 are less likely to occur, and a reduction in the quality of the image formed on the can body 10 can be suppressed.

  When the can 10 is discharged by the can discharge unit 540, the can 10 is not placed on the moving unit 550. Then, the moving unit 550 in a state where the can body 10 is not placed reaches the first moving mechanism 710 and is conveyed to the second linear portion 620 by the first moving mechanism 710. Thereafter, the moving unit 550 passes through the second linear portion 620 and then reaches the second moving mechanism 720. Then, the moving unit 550 returns to the first linear portion 610 by the second moving mechanism 720.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first moving mechanism 710. The second moving mechanism 720 is configured in the same manner as the first moving mechanism 710.
The first moving mechanism 710 as an example of a moving unit includes a turntable 711 as an example of a rotating body that is rotated by a motor (not shown). In addition, although the rotary disk 711 is formed in a disk shape, it is not limited to the disk shape, and may be another shape such as a polygon.

  The turntable 711 rotates around a rotation shaft 712 along the horizontal direction. Further, two unit support mechanisms 713 are attached to the side surfaces of the rotating disk 711 on the first straight line portion 610 side and the second straight line portion 620 side. The turntable 711 holds the moving unit 550 using the unit support mechanism 713. Then, the rotating disk 711 rotates in the clockwise direction in the figure while holding the moving unit 550, for example.

Each unit support mechanism 713 is provided with a support base 713A that supports the moving unit 550 from below. Further, each of the unit support mechanisms 713 is provided with a unit moving mechanism 713B that moves the moving unit 550.
The unit moving mechanism 713B moves the moving unit 550 that has moved the first straight portion 610 toward the support base 713A on the downstream side of the first straight portion 610.
Further, the unit moving mechanism 713 </ b> B moves the moving unit 550 on the support base 713 </ b> A toward the second linear portion 620 on the upstream side of the second linear portion 620.

Each of the unit moving mechanisms 713B is provided with a pressing member 713C that presses the moving unit 550. Further, a pressing member moving mechanism 713D for moving the pressing member 713C is provided.
The pressing member moving mechanism 713D moves the pressing member 713C in the direction in which the rotation shaft 712 of the turntable 711 extends. Further, the pressing member moving mechanism 713D moves the pressing member 713C forward and backward with respect to the moving path of the moving unit 550 as indicated by an arrow 2A in the drawing.

The pressing member moving mechanism 713D is provided with, for example, a circulation belt (not shown) that is installed along the direction in which the pressing member 713C is attached to the outer peripheral surface and the rotating shaft 712 of the rotating disk 711 extends. The pressing member moving mechanism 713D is provided with a motor that rotates the circulation belt.
In this embodiment, by rotating this motor and rotating the circulation belt, the pressing member 713C moves in the direction in which the rotation shaft 712 of the rotating disk 711 extends.
Further, the pressing member 713C is attached to the circulation belt via a solenoid, for example, and the pressing member 713C moves forward and backward with respect to the moving path of the moving unit 550 by turning on and off the solenoid.

  When the moving unit 550 that has moved the first linear portion 610 is placed on the support base 713A, the unit support mechanism 713 is placed on standby on the extended line of the first linear portion 610, as indicated by reference numeral 10C. At this time, the pressing member 713C is retracted from the moving path of the moving unit 550.

Then, after the moving unit 550 that has moved from the upstream side passes through the pressing member 713C, the pressing member 713C is advanced on the moving path of the moving unit 550.
Next, the pressing member 713 </ b> C is moved in a direction approaching the turntable 711. Thereby, the moving unit 550 is pressed and moved by the pressing member 713C, and the moving unit 550 is placed on the support base 713A.

Thereafter, the turntable 711 is rotated 180 ° in the clockwise direction in the drawing, and the support base 713A on which the moving unit 550 is placed is moved onto the extension line of the second linear portion 620 as indicated by reference numeral 10E.
Thereafter, the pressing member 713 </ b> C indicated by reference numeral 10 </ b> G is moved toward the second linear portion 620. Accordingly, the moving unit 550 is placed on the second linear portion 620 toward the second linear portion 620.

In the present embodiment, the moving unit 550 moves the pressing member 713C while moving from the extension line of the first straight part 610 to the extension line of the second straight part 620.
Specifically, when the moving unit 550 is located on the extension line of the first straight line portion 610, the pressing member 713C is located on the side close to the first straight line portion 610 and the second straight line portion 620.
In the present embodiment, while the moving unit 550 is moving toward the extended line of the second straight line portion 620, the pressing member 713C is moved away from the first straight line portion 610 and the second straight line portion 620. Move.

More specifically, in order to avoid interference between the pressing member 713 </ b> C and the moving unit 550, the pressing member 713 </ b> C is temporarily retracted from the moving path of the moving unit 550, and then from the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620. The pressing member 713C is moved in the direction of leaving.
Then, when the movement of the pressing member 713C is completed, the pressing member 713C is protruded again on the moving path of the moving unit 550. Thereby, as shown to the code | symbol 10G, the pressing member 713C is located in the rotating disk 711 side, and can perform the press of the movement unit 550 toward the 2nd linear part 620 performed after that.

Next, the pressing member 713 </ b> C is moved so that the pressing member 713 </ b> C approaches the second linear portion 620. Thereby, the moving unit 550 is pressed by the pressing member 713 </ b> C and reaches the second linear portion 620. Thereafter, in the second straight line portion 620, the movement unit 550 is moved by the linear mechanism, similarly to the first straight line portion 610.
When the moving unit 550 reaches the second moving mechanism 720, the moving unit 550 is moved by the second moving mechanism 720, and the moving unit 550 moves to the first linear portion 610.

Then, the moving unit 550 that has reached the first linear portion 610 moves along the first linear portion 610. In the course of this movement, the can body 10 is again mounted on the moving unit 550, printed on the can body 10, the image is cured, and the can body 10 is discharged.
In other words, in the printing apparatus 500 of the present embodiment, the moving unit 550 performs a circular movement, and the can 10 is attached to the moving unit 550 while the moving unit 550 is being moved. Printing, image curing, and discharge of the can 10 are performed.

The movement of the moving unit 550 can be performed using a moving mechanism (described later) in which the support base 713A reciprocates, but in this case, the moving efficiency of the moving unit 550 is likely to decrease.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, this reciprocation is not performed, and the moving unit 550 is moved by rotation in one direction of the turntable 711. In such a case, the moving efficiency of the moving unit 550 can be increased as compared with the configuration in which the support base 713A reciprocates.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the case where two unit support mechanisms 713 are provided has been described. However, the number of unit support mechanisms 713 is not limited to two, and three or more unit support mechanisms 713 may be installed.
Specifically, the unit support mechanisms 713 can be installed at locations indicated by reference numerals 2E and 2F in FIG. 2, and in this case, four unit support mechanisms 713 are provided.
In FIG. 2, when the unit support mechanism 713 is also installed at locations indicated by reference numerals 2E and 2F, in a steady operation state, the movement unit 550 moves to the second linear portion 620 every time the turntable rotates by a quarter. Can be moved in a short time.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the first moving mechanism 710 and the second moving mechanism 720. In addition, in FIG. 3, although the 2nd moving mechanism 720 is shown in figure, the 1st moving mechanism 710 is also comprised similarly.
The second movement mechanism 720 is provided with a support base 713A that supports the movement unit 550 from below, and a support base movement mechanism 713E that moves the support base 713A in the direction indicated by the arrow 3C in the drawing to reciprocate the support base 713A. ing.
The support base moving mechanism 713E is configured by, for example, a belt member B to which the support base 713A is attached and performs a circular movement, and a belt motor (not shown) that rotates the belt member B.
The support base 713A is not limited to the belt member B, and may be moved using a cylinder such as an air cylinder. In addition, a chain that circulates in place of the belt member B may be installed, and the support base 713A may be moved by this chain.

Further, the second moving mechanism 720 is provided with a first pressing member 713L and a second pressing member 713M that press and move the moving unit 550, as described above.
Further, similarly to the above, a first moving mechanism 810 for moving the first pressing member 713L and a second moving mechanism 820 for moving the second pressing member 713M are provided.

Similar to the unit moving mechanism 713B (see FIG. 2), the first moving mechanism 810 moves the first pressing member 713L in the direction in which the second linear portion 620 extends. The first moving mechanism 810 moves the first pressing member 713L forward and backward with respect to the moving path of the moving unit 550.
The second moving mechanism 820 moves the second pressing member 713M in the direction in which the first linear portion 610 extends. Further, the second moving mechanism 820 moves the second pressing member 713M forward and backward with respect to the moving path of the moving unit 550.

Also in this configuration example, when the moving unit 550 that has moved through the second linear portion 620 passes by the side of the first pressing member 713L, the first pressing member 713L advances on the moving path of the moving unit 550.
Thereafter, the first pressing member 713L moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 3A in the drawing. The moving unit 550 is pressed by the first pressing member 713L and similarly moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 3A. At this time, the support base 713A stands by on the downstream side in the movement direction of the movement unit 550, and the movement unit 550 is placed on the support base 713A.

  Next, in the present embodiment, the support base moving mechanism 713E is driven, and the moving unit 550 on the support base 713A moves from the side where the second straight part 620 is provided to the side where the first straight part 610 is provided. Move in a straight line. Then, the moving unit 550 reaches the upstream side of the first straight portion 610 and stops.

Here, in this embodiment, when the moving unit 550 moves from the second linear portion 620 side to the first linear portion 610 side, the moving unit 550 moves linearly.
In addition, in this case, the moving unit 550 has a linear moving path (moving path indicated by reference numeral 3X in the drawing) from the second straight line portion 620 side to the first straight line portion 610 side (hereinafter referred to as “third movement”). Along the path 3X).

Here, the third movement path 3X includes a movement path (first movement path) when the movement unit 550 passes through the first straight part 610 and a movement when the movement unit 550 passes through the second straight part 620. It is substantially orthogonal to the route (second movement route).
Here, when the third movement path 3X is not orthogonal to the first movement path and the second movement path, the occupation area of the printing apparatus 500 is larger than when the third movement path 3X is orthogonal.
The same applies to the first moving mechanism 710, and the moving path through which the moving unit 550 moved by the first moving mechanism 710 passes is orthogonal to the first moving path and the second moving path.

Thereafter, in this configuration example, the second pressing member 713M moves in the direction indicated by the arrow 3B, and the moving unit 550 on the support base 713A is pressed by the second pressing member 713M. As a result, the moving unit 550 faces the first straight part 610 and rests on the first straight part 610. Thereafter, the moving unit 550 moves downstream along the first straight portion 610.
The first pressing member 713L and the second pressing member 713M return to the original location after pressing the moving unit 550.

In the support base moving mechanism 713E, the support base 713A is moved using the belt member B that performs the circulation movement and the belt motor that rotates the belt member B. However, the support base movement mechanism 713E is not limited thereto, and may be a cylinder such as an air cylinder. The support base 713A may be moved using
Further, a chain that circulates in place of the belt member may be installed, and the support base 713A may be moved by this chain.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the movement unit 550 moves to the support base 713A by pressing member 713C (see FIG. 2), first pressing member 713L (see FIG. 3), and second pressing member 713M. (See FIG. 3), but the moving unit 550 may be moved onto the support base 713 </ b> A using the inertial force of the moving unit 550 without using these pressing members.
Specifically, without stopping the moving unit 550 that has moved along the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620, the moving unit 550 is moved directly onto the support base 713A, and the mobile unit 550 is moved onto the support base 713A. It may be placed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the printing apparatus 500. In addition, in FIG. 4, illustration of the can body injection | throwing-in part 510, the printing part 520, the drying part 530, and the can body discharge | emission part 540 is abbreviate | omitted.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the first straight portion 610, the second straight portion 620, the first moving mechanism 710, and the second moving mechanism 720 are provided on one horizontal plane.
On the other hand, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the position of the first straight line portion 610 and the position of the second straight line portion 620 are different in the vertical direction, and the second straight line portion 620 is the first straight line portion 610. Above (in the vertical direction).

In other words, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620 are arranged in a plane, but in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the first straight portion 610, The 2nd straight part 620 is arrange | positioned in three dimensions.
More specifically, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620 are arranged in multiple stages.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the first moving mechanism 710 transports the moving unit 550 upward, and moves the moving unit 550 that has moved through the first linear portion 610 to the second linear portion 620. Let
Further, the second moving mechanism 720 conveys the moving unit 550 downward, and moves the moving unit 550 that has moved through the second linear portion 620 to the first linear portion 610.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the first straight portion 610, the second straight portion 620, the first moving mechanism 710, and the second moving mechanism 720 are arranged on one surface along the horizontal direction. The occupation area of the printing apparatus 500 tends to increase.
On the other hand, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 500 is three-dimensionally arranged and the occupation area of the printing apparatus 500 is reduced.

Furthermore, the configuration example shown in FIG. 4 makes it easier to perform maintenance of the printing apparatus 500 than the configuration example shown in FIG.
In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 500 is formed in an annular shape (the movement path of the moving unit 550 is an annular shape). It is necessary to move around and perform maintenance.

On the other hand, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, maintenance can be performed without performing this circular movement. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4, maintenance can be performed from both the area side indicated by reference numeral 4 </ b> A and the area side indicated by reference numeral 4 </ b> B, and maintenance is also easy in this respect.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus 500 has an annular shape, and it is difficult to perform maintenance from the inside of the printing apparatus 500.

Each of the first moving mechanism 710 and the second moving mechanism 720 is configured in the same manner as described above, and includes a support base 713A that supports the movement unit 550 from below, and a support base movement mechanism 713E that moves the support base 713A up and down. Is provided.
Furthermore, each of the first moving mechanism 710 and the second moving mechanism 720 is provided with a first pressing member 713L and a second pressing member 713M that press and move the moving unit 550.
Further, similarly to the above, each of the first moving mechanism 710 and the second moving mechanism 720 includes a first moving mechanism 810 that moves the first pressing member 713L and a second moving mechanism 820 that moves the second pressing member 713M. Is provided.

Also in this configuration example, when the moving unit 550 passes through the first linear portion 610 (when printing on the can body 10 is finished), the moving unit 550 passes by the side of the first pressing member 713L provided in the first moving mechanism 710. pass.
Thereafter, the first pressing member 713L advances on the moving path of the moving unit 550. Thereafter, the moving unit 550 is pressed by the first pressing member 713L, and the moving unit 550 is placed on the support base 713A.

Next, in the present embodiment, the support base moving mechanism 713E of the first moving mechanism 710 is driven, and the support base 713A moves upward. When the support base 713A reaches the extension line of the second linear portion 620, the support base 713A stops. At this time, the second pressing member 713M of the first moving mechanism 710 is located on the side away from the second linear portion 620.
Thereafter, the second pressing member 713M moves toward the second linear portion 620, and the moving unit 550 is pressed by the second pressing member 713M. Accordingly, the moving unit 550 is supported by the second straight portion 620 toward the second straight portion 620.

  Thereafter, the moving unit 550 moves along the second linear portion 620 and reaches the second moving mechanism 720. Then, the moving unit 550 passes by the first pressing member 713L of the second moving mechanism 720. Next, the first pressing member 713L advances on the moving path of the moving unit 550 and further presses the moving unit 550. As a result, the moving unit 550 is placed on the support base 713A.

  Thereafter, the support base 713A descends, and the support base 713A reaches the extension line of the first straight portion 610. Thereafter, the second pressing member 713M of the second moving mechanism 720 presses the moving unit 550. Thereby, the moving unit 550 moves toward the first straight portion 610. Thereafter, the moving unit 550 moves downstream along the first straight portion 610.

Here, in the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the moving unit 550 that has moved along the first linear portion 610 is moved in the lateral direction or moved upward, Move to the two straight line portions 620.
Similarly, the moving unit 550 that has moved along the second linear portion 620 is moved to the first linear portion 610 by moving in the lateral direction or moving downward.

In this embodiment, when moving in the horizontal direction or moving in the vertical direction, the moving unit 550 is moved using a mechanism other than the linear mechanism.
Printing is not performed at locations other than the first linear portion 610, and the positional accuracy of the moving unit 550 is not so required. In such a case, even if the moving unit 550 is moved using a mechanism other than the linear mechanism, it is difficult to cause a problem. Moreover, the printing apparatus 500 becomes cheaper by using a mechanism other than the linear mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the second moving mechanism 720. Note that the first moving mechanism 710 is configured similarly to the second moving mechanism 720.
In the configuration example described above, when the moving unit 550 is pressed toward the first straight part 610 or the second straight part 620, the moving unit 550 is pressed by the pressing member.
On the other hand, in this configuration example shown in FIG. 5, the moving unit 550 is pressed by an advancing / retreating member 729 having a cross-sectional shape that approximates the cross-sectional shape of a base (described later) of the moving unit 550, and the first linear portion The moving unit 550 is moved to 610 or the second linear portion 620.

  The advancing / retreating member 729 is located on the right side in the figure with respect to the support base 713A when the support base 713A moves from above in FIG. The advancing / retreating member 729 moves toward the moving unit 550 when the supporting base 713A is lowered and the moving unit 550 (not shown in FIG. 5) on the supporting base 713A is lowered to the same height as the first linear portion 610. Advance. As a result, the moving unit 550 is pressed by the advance / retreat member 729 and moves toward the first linear portion 610.

Although illustration is omitted, on the first movement mechanism 710 side, an advance / retreat member 729 is provided on an extension line of the second linear portion 620, and on the first movement mechanism 710 side, the movement unit 550 is pressed by the advance / retreat member 729. Thus, the moving unit 550 moves toward the second linear portion 620.
The advancing / retreating member 729 is composed of two members, a downward advancing / retreating member 729A and an upper advancing / retreating member 729B supported by the downward advancing / retreating member 729A. When pressing the moving unit 550, the two members move to the moving unit. Advance to 550.

In the configuration example shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the moving unit 550 is moved using the linear mechanism in both the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620.
By the way, the movement of the moving unit 550 using the linear mechanism is performed only by, for example, the first straight part 610 provided with the printing unit 520, and the second straight part 620 is moved by using a mechanism other than the linear mechanism. The unit 550 may be moved.
For example, the moving unit 550 may be moved using a belt conveying device 750 shown in FIG. 6 (a diagram showing another configuration example of a mechanism for moving the moving unit 550).

The belt conveying device 750 is provided with a circulation belt 751 that circulates, a tension roll 752 that stretches the circulation belt 751, and a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the tension roll 752.
In this configuration example, when the moving unit 550 moves to the upstream side of the belt conveyance device 750, the moving unit 550 is placed on the circulation belt 751. Then, the moving unit 550 moves as the circulation belt 751 moves, and the moving unit 550 reaches the end of the belt conveying device 750.

As shown in FIG. 6, the moving unit 550 of the present embodiment is provided with a base 550A that supports the mandrel 70 and the like from below.
The base 550A is provided with a base main body 550B along the horizontal direction and two side wall portions 550C extending downward from both ends of the base main body 550B.

When the moving unit 550 is conveyed by the belt conveying device 750, the circulation belt 751 enters the area surrounded by the base body 550B and the two side wall portions 550C.
In addition, when the moving unit 550 is supported by the support base 713A shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 and the like, the support base 713A enters the enclosed area. In addition, when the moving unit 550 is supported by the guide member 561 (see FIG. 1) provided in the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620, the guide member 561 enters the enclosed area.

In the printing unit 520 and the like, it is necessary to accurately control the position of the moving unit 550. However, in a portion where the printing unit 520 is not provided, such as the second linear portion 620, the position control may be moderated. . In this case, a belt conveyance device 750 can be provided instead of the linear mechanism.
In addition, when the moving unit 550 is moved using the linear mechanism in both the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620, the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus 500 is likely to increase. On the other hand, if the belt conveyance device 750 is installed instead of the linear mechanism, the manufacturing cost of the printing device 500 is further reduced. In addition, the moving unit 550 may be moved using a cylinder such as an air cylinder. Further, the moving unit 550 may be moved by a chain that circulates. In these cases as well, the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus 500 is lower than when the linear mechanism is used.

In the first movement mechanism 710 and the second movement mechanism 720 of the printing apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 3, the movement unit 550 is moved by moving the support base 713A.
By the way, the mechanism for moving the moving unit 550 is not limited to this, and the first moving mechanism 710 and the second moving mechanism 720 are also provided with the belt conveying device 750 and placing the moving unit 550 on the circulation belt 751. The moving unit 550 may be moved.

FIGS. 7A to 7E, FIGS. 8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating another configuration example of the printing apparatus 500. 7 and 8 show a state in which the printing apparatus 500 is viewed from the side, with the upper side in the figure showing the upper side in the vertical direction and the lower side in the figure showing the lower side in the vertical direction.
FIG. 7A schematically shows the printing apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 4. In the first straight part 610, a can body charging part 510, a printing part 520, a drying part 530, and a can body discharging part 540 are shown. Is provided. In addition, a second straight line portion 620 is provided above the first straight line portion 610.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7B, the first linear portion 610 is provided with a can body charging unit 510, a printing unit 520, a drying unit 530, an outer surface coating unit 570, a second drying unit 580, and a can body discharging unit 540. It has been.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7A, there are four functional units including a can body insertion unit 510, a printing unit 520, a drying unit 530, and a can body discharge unit 540. FIG. In the configuration example shown, in addition to the four functional units, an outer surface coating unit 570 and a second drying unit 580 are further provided.

  The outer surface coating unit 570 applies a transparent paint to the outer peripheral surface of the can body 10 to form a protective layer on the outer peripheral surface of the can body 10. The outer surface coating portion 570 is provided with a contact roll (described later) that comes into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the can body 10, and using this contact roll, a coating layer is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the can body 10 to form a protective layer. To do. The can body 10 on which the protective layer is formed reaches the second drying unit 580, and the can body 10 is heated. Thereby, the protective layer is cured.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views showing the configuration of the outer surface coating portion 570. FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the configuration of the second drying unit 580.
As shown in FIG. 9A, the outer surface coating portion 570 is provided with a contact roll 571 that rotates while contacting the rotating can body 10, and a supply roll 572 that supplies paint to the surface of the contact roll 571. Yes. Furthermore, a storage container 573 in which a paint is stored is provided.
In the present embodiment, the paint in the container 573 is supplied to the contact roll 571 by the supply roll 572. Next, the coating material is applied to the outer peripheral surface of the can 10 by the contact roll 571.
The outer surface coating portion 570 shown in FIG. 9B will be described later.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the second drying unit 580. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view of the second drying unit 580 taken along line XB-XB in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10B, the second drying unit 580 as an example of the heating unit is provided with an infrared heater 581A as a heating source. The infrared heaters 581A are installed at a plurality of locations in the moving direction of the moving unit 550. Infrared heaters 581 </ b> A are installed at two locations above and below the can 10.

The second drying unit 580 is provided with a housing 582A having a rectangular cross section for housing the infrared heater 581A and preventing escape of heat to the outside.
A long hole-shaped through hole 583 is formed in the side wall of the housing 582A along the moving direction of the moving unit 550, and a support shaft that supports the mandrel 70 passes through the through hole 583. It reaches the outside of 582A.

In the present embodiment, when the moving unit 550 reaches the second drying unit 580, as shown in FIG. 10B, the can body 10 enters the housing 582A.
In this state, the moving unit 550 moves as indicated by an arrow 10A in FIG. In this process, the can 10 is heated and the protective layer is cured.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10B, a permanent magnet 87 is attached to the base 550A of the moving unit 550. An electromagnet 88 is installed in the first straight part 610. Furthermore, the base 550A of the moving unit 550 is provided with a rotating roll 89 that is rotatably provided and reduces sliding resistance between the moving unit 550 and the first linear portion 610. In the present embodiment, a propulsive force is generated by the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 88, and the moving unit 550 moves.

Returning to FIG. 7, another configuration example of the printing apparatus 500 will be described.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7C, the second linear portion 620 is provided with an outer surface coating portion 570 and a second drying portion 580. Further, in this configuration example, the can body discharge portion 540 is installed on the first straight portion 610 and on the upstream side of the can body input portion 510.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7B, the first straight portion 610 is provided with an outer surface coating portion 570 and a second drying portion 580, and the first straight portion 610 becomes longer. On the other hand, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 7C, the outer surface coating portion 570 and the second drying portion 580 are provided in the second straight portion 620. In this case, the total length L of the printing apparatus 500 can be reduced.

  Furthermore, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 7C, the second drying unit 580 is positioned above the printing unit 520, and the heat from the second drying unit 580 affects the printing unit 520. This can be suppressed. In addition, in the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 7C, the second drying unit 580 is provided in the uppermost straight portion, and the second drying unit 580 is provided below, compared to the case where the second drying unit 580 is provided below. 2 Occurrence of problems due to heat of the drying unit 580 can be suppressed.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7D, the outer surface coating portion 570 is installed on the first straight portion 610, and the second drying unit 580 and the can body discharging portion 540 are installed on the second straight portion 620.
Also in this case, the total length L of the printing apparatus 500 can be reduced as compared with the configuration example shown in FIG. Moreover, generation | occurrence | production of the malfunction by heat can be suppressed.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 7E, a third straight portion 630 and a fourth straight portion 640 are further provided above the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620.
Further, a third moving mechanism 730 that moves the moving unit 550 that has passed through the second straight portion 620 to the third straight portion 630, and a fourth that moves the moving unit 550 that has passed through the third straight portion 630 to the fourth straight portion 640. A moving mechanism 740 is provided.

Further, in this configuration example, a third drying unit 581 for further heating the can body 10 is provided in the third linear portion 630. Depending on the material of the paint, the heating time, etc., it is necessary to lengthen the drying time. In this configuration example, in addition to the second drying unit 580, the third drying unit 581 is provided.
Further, in this configuration example, the fourth linear portion 640 located at the uppermost stage is a path for returning the moving unit 550 from which the can body 10 has been discharged to the can body insertion portion 510.

Here, for example, if the second drying unit 580 is lengthened in the configuration example shown in FIG. 7D, the heating time of the can 10 is similar to the configuration example shown in FIG. Can be long. However, in this case, the overall length of the printing apparatus 500 increases, and the area occupied by the printing apparatus 500 increases.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7E, if the second drying unit 580 is provided in the second linear portion 620 and the third drying unit 581 is provided in the third linear portion 630, the total length of the printing apparatus 500 is increased. The area occupied by the printing apparatus 500 can be reduced.

In the configuration example illustrated in FIG. 8A, the third straight portion 630 and the fourth straight portion 640 are provided above the first straight portion 610 and the second straight portion 620 as described above.
Further, a third moving mechanism 730 that moves the moving unit 550 that has passed through the second straight portion 620 to the third straight portion 630, and a fourth that moves the moving unit 550 that has passed through the third straight portion 630 to the fourth straight portion 640. A moving mechanism 740 is provided.

Further, in this configuration example, in addition to the second drying unit 580, a third drying unit 581 and a fourth drying unit 582 for further heating the can body 10 are provided.
The third drying unit 581 is provided in the third straight part 630. The fourth drying unit 582 is provided in the fourth linear portion 640.
Even in this configuration example, it is possible to reduce the occupation area of the printing apparatus 500 while sufficiently securing the drying time of the can body 10.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 8B, two straight portions, a first straight portion 610 and a second straight portion 620, are provided. Further, in the second straight line portion 620, the movement path of the moving unit 550 branches in the vertical direction, and the second straight line portion 620 is provided with two straight line portions, an upper straight line portion 621 and a lower straight line portion 622.

In other words, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 8B, the second straight portion 620 serves as a movement path of the can body 10, and this movement path is branched into a plurality of movement paths by the branching section 620X. It merges on the downstream side (downstream side in the conveyance direction of the can body 10) from the branch portion 620X.
And in this structural example, the 2nd drying part 580 is provided in each of the branched conveyance path | route (each of the upper straight part 621 and the lower straight part 622).

Further, the second linear portion 620 is provided with a distribution mechanism 910 that distributes the moving unit 550 conveyed from the upstream side to either the upper linear portion 621 or the lower linear portion 622. In addition, a recovery mechanism 920 that recovers (joins) the moving unit 550 that has passed through the upper linear portion 621 and the lower linear portion 622 is provided.
Also in this configuration example, the occupation area of the printing apparatus 500 can be reduced while ensuring the drying time of the can 10.

The distribution mechanism 910 and the recovery mechanism 920 can be configured by a mechanism similar to the first moving mechanism 710 illustrated in FIG. 4, for example.
In the first movement mechanism 710 shown in FIG. 4, when the movement unit 550 is placed on the support base 713A, the movement unit 550 moves from the right side of the figure with respect to the support base 713A. When the same mechanism as the first moving mechanism 710 is provided, the moving unit 550 moves from the left side instead of the right side of the support base 713A.

  Then, the moving unit 550 is placed on the support base 713A. Thereafter, the support unit 713 </ b> A moves either upward or downward, so that the moving unit 550 moves on the extension line of the upper straight part 621 or on the extension line of the lower straight part 622. Then, the moving unit 550 moves to the upper straight portion 621 or the lower straight portion 622.

Further, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 8B, the moving unit 550 moves from the left side of the support base 713A both when the moving unit 550 is collected (when the collecting is performed by the collecting mechanism 920). Come on. Then, the moving unit 550 once rests on the support base 713A, and then moves to the joining point 11A (see FIG. 8B) between the upper straight portion 621 and the lower straight portion 622.
Thereafter, the moving unit 550 passes through a portion of the second linear portion 620 that is located on the downstream side of the joining point 11A and reaches the can discharging portion 540. Thereafter, the moving unit 550 moves to the first linear portion 610 through the second moving mechanism 720.

In the configuration example shown in FIG. 8B, the number of cans 10 that can be printed per unit time can be increased as compared to the configuration example shown in FIG.
Here, in the drying unit that heats the can 10, like the second drying unit 580, the conveyance speed of the can 10 is often decreased in order to ensure sufficient heating time. In this case, the printing efficiency tends to decrease. Specifically, when the transport speed is decreased in the drying unit, the printing unit 520 needs to decrease the transport speed of the can body 10 accordingly, and the printing efficiency is likely to decrease.

On the other hand, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 8B, for example, the cans 10 are alternately supplied to the upper straight portion 621 and the lower straight portion 622, and both the upper straight portion 621 and the lower straight portion 622 are supplied. The can 10 is dried.
In such a case, a decrease in the conveyance speed of the can 10 in the printing unit 520 can be suppressed, and a decrease in printing efficiency can be suppressed.

In addition, in FIG. 7, FIG. 8, the case where the 1st linear part 610-the 4th linear part 640 were arrange | positioned in three dimensions was demonstrated. In other words, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the configuration example in which the first linear portion 610 to the fourth linear portion 640 are arranged in multiple stages has been described.
By the way, the 1st linear part 610-the 4th linear part 640 are not restricted to such multistage arrangement | positioning, You may arrange | position planarly. In other words, similarly to the aspect shown in FIG. 1, the first straight portion 610 to the fourth straight portion 640 may be arranged to extend in the horizontal direction (lateral direction). In other words, the first straight portion 610 to the fourth straight portion 640 may be arranged so that the first straight portion 610 to the fourth straight portion 640 are placed on one horizontal plane.
In this case (when the first straight portion 610 to the fourth straight portion 640 are arranged so as to extend in the horizontal direction (lateral direction)), the configuration example shown in FIG. 7A is the configuration shown in FIG. An example is shown schematically. In this case, the two straight portions of the upper straight portion 621 and the lower straight portion 622 shown in FIG. 8B are not shifted in the vertical direction but are shifted in the horizontal direction. The In this case, the conveyance path of the can body 10 is branched right and left, not up and down.
Note that the arrangement of the two straight portions of the upper straight portion 621 and the lower straight portion 622 may be different from the arrangement of the first straight portion 610 to the fourth straight portion 640.
For example, the first straight portion 610 to the fourth straight portion 640 are arranged three-dimensionally (multi-stage placement), while the two straight portions of the upper straight portion 621 and the lower straight portion 622 are shifted in the horizontal direction. May be. In addition, for example, the first straight portion 610 to the fourth straight portion 640 are shifted in the horizontal direction (disposed so as to be placed on one horizontal plane), while the upper straight portion 621 and the lower straight portion 622 are two. You may arrange | position the linear part of a book, shifting up and down.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the first straight portion 610 of the printing apparatus 500.
In this configuration example, three (a plurality) mandrels 70 are provided in one moving unit 550, and each moving unit 550 moves while holding three can bodies 10.
Furthermore, the printing unit 520 is provided with three inkjet heads 11 of the same color corresponding to the three mandrels 70. Specifically, three ink jet heads 11 are provided for each color.
In this configuration example, the same color ink is ejected at the same timing. This makes it easier to control printing compared to the case where the same color ink is ejected at different timings.

In this configuration example shown in FIG. 11, each moving unit 550 stops below the three inkjet heads 11 provided for each color.
In each moving unit 550, the three cans 10 are rotated, and ink is ejected from the three inkjet heads 11 that eject the same color ink to the three cans 10. Is called. Thereby, an image is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the can 10. In this configuration example, the printing efficiency can be improved as compared with the case where only one inkjet head 11 is provided for each color.

Further, in this configuration example, when the moving unit 550 reaches the drying unit 530, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the UVLED 539 to the three cans 10 placed on the moving unit 550. As a result, the image formed on each of the three cans 10 is cured.
Thereafter, the moving unit 550 reaches the can body discharge section 540, and the can body 10 is removed from each of the three mandrels 70 provided in the can body discharge section 540.

  When three mandrels 70 are installed in the moving unit 550 and a paint is applied to each mandrel 70 (when a protective layer is formed), as shown in FIG. It is preferable to provide a plurality (three) of contact rolls 571 so as to correspond to the can body 10 and apply the coating using the plurality of contact rolls 571.

  Here, when installing the several mandrel 70 in the movement unit 550, it is preferable that the installation number of the mandrel 70 shall be 2-4. If the number exceeds four, the weight of the moving unit 550 increases, and it may be difficult to control the moving unit 550. Specifically, when the weight of the moving unit 550 increases, the inertial force of the moving unit 550 when the moving unit 550 stops increases, and the stop position of the moving unit 550 tends to deviate from the original position.

Furthermore, if the number of installed mandrels 70 in the moving unit 550 is large, the moving unit 550 is increased in size, and accordingly, the printing apparatus 500 is also increased in size.
Here, in this embodiment, when the number of installed mandrels 70 in the moving unit 550 is increased, the number of installed contact rolls 571 and supply rolls 572 shown in FIG.

Here, the diameters of the contact roll 571 and the supply roll 572 are relatively large, and the separation distance between the contact rolls 571 adjacent to each other and the separation distance between the supply rolls 572 adjacent to each other are large.
In this case, it is necessary to increase the separation distance of the mandrel 70 installed in each moving unit 550 in correspondence with the separation distance. In this case, the moving unit 550 becomes large, and accordingly, the printing apparatus 500 is increased. Becomes larger.
On the other hand, when the number of mandrels 70 is set to 2 to 4 and the number of mandrels 70 is small, the number of contact rolls 571 and supply rolls 572 is reduced, and accordingly, the moving unit 550 is increased in size. Can be suppressed. In this case, an increase in the size of the printing apparatus 500 can also be suppressed.

In the configuration examples shown in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, another straight part such as the second straight part 620 is installed directly above the first straight part 610 (upward in the vertical direction). Although the case has been described, the other straight line portion is not limited to the position directly above the first straight line portion 610, but is shown in FIG. ) As shown in FIG.
In this case, compared with the case where the second straight line portion 620 and the like are located directly above the first straight line portion 610, various functional units (not shown in FIG. 12) provided in the first straight line portion 610. It is easy to perform maintenance etc.

  Furthermore, in arranging each linear part shifted in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 13 (a diagram showing another configuration example of the printing apparatus 500) in addition to an aspect in which each linear part is arranged in parallel to each other, You may arrange | position in the relationship which becomes parallel. However, the size of the printing apparatus 500 can be reduced by arranging them in parallel.

  In the configuration example shown in FIG. 2, the case where the rotating unit 550 is used to move the moving unit 550 in the horizontal direction has been described. In other words, in FIG. 2, the turntable 711 is used to move the moving unit 550 between the two straight portions 610 and 620 arranged on the same horizontal plane. By the way, when using the turntable 711, the movement unit 550 can be moved not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction.

Specifically, for example, if the second straight line portion 620 is disposed at a position opposite to the position indicated by reference numeral 2E in FIG. 2, the moving unit 550 moved from the first straight line portion 610 is moved to the first straight line. It is moved to the second straight line portion 620 located obliquely above the portion 610.
Furthermore, the moving unit 550 that has moved from the second straight line portion 620 is moved to the first straight line portion 610 located obliquely below the second straight line portion 620.

Further, for example, if the first straight line portion 610 is disposed at the position opposite to the position indicated by reference numeral 2F in FIG. 2 and the second straight line portion 620 is disposed at the position opposite to the position indicated by reference numeral 2E, The moving unit 550 that has moved from the first straight portion 610 is moved to the second straight portion 620 that is located directly above the first straight portion 610.
Further, in this case, the moving unit 550 that has moved from the second straight line portion 620 is moved to the first straight line portion 610 that is located directly below the second straight line portion 620.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the entire manufacturing process of the can 10. In other words, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the entire can manufacturing system 900 including the printing apparatus 500.
In the can manufacturing system 900 shown in FIG. 14, the printing apparatus 500 described above is provided in the middle of the manufacturing process. In other words, a printing apparatus 500 that performs printing on the can 10 by an inkjet method is provided.
Further, the can body manufacturing system 900 is provided with a plate printing apparatus 950 that performs printing on the can body 10 by so-called plate printing. In the printing plate printing apparatus 950, the ink attached to the plate is transferred from the plate to the can body 10, and printing on the can body 10 is performed.

In this can manufacturing system 900, a can moving path 900A is provided. Here, the moving path 900A branches into a plurality of branch paths 900C at the branching section 900B, and joins on the downstream side of the branching section 900B.
Furthermore, in the can manufacturing system 900, the printing apparatus 500 is provided in one branch path 900C among the plurality of provided branch paths 900C, and the printing plate printing apparatus 950 is provided in the other branch path 900C.

Further, the branch portion 900B is provided with a distribution mechanism (not shown) that distributes the can 10 conveyed from the upstream side to the one branch path 900C or the other branch path 900C. The can body 10 transported from is distributed to either the printing apparatus 500 or the plate printing apparatus 950. When printing on the can body 10 by the printing apparatus 500 or the plate printing apparatus 950 is completed, the can body 10 is further conveyed downstream.
An upstream process 900X is provided upstream of the printing apparatus 500 and the printing plate printing apparatus 950, and a downstream process 900Y is provided downstream of the printing apparatus 500 and the printing plate printing apparatus 950.

Here, in this embodiment, the upstream process 900X and the downstream process 900Y can be shared. In other words, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the upstream process 900X and the downstream process 900Y corresponding to each of the printing apparatus 500 and the plate printing apparatus 950, and only one upstream process 900X and downstream process 900Y. Thus, it is possible to manufacture the can body 10 that has been subjected to ink jet printing and the can body 10 that has been subjected to printing plate printing.
If the upstream process 900X and the downstream process 900Y are shared, the cost can be reduced, and the exclusive area of the can manufacturing system 900 can be reduced.

The upstream process 900X includes an uncoiler (UC), a lubricator (LU), a cupping press (CP), a body maker (BM), a trimmer (TR), and a washer (WS).
An uncoiler (UC) unwinds an aluminum thin plate wound around a coil. In the lubricator (LU), lubricating oil is applied to the aluminum sheet. In the cupping press (CP), a circular blank material is punched and further drawn to form a cup-shaped material.

  In the body maker (BM), the cup-shaped material is drawn and ironed so that the peripheral wall has a predetermined thickness. Further, the bottom is formed into a dome shape. In the trimmer (TR), the ears at the upper part of the peripheral wall are trimmed. Thereby, the cylindrical can 10 is formed. In the washer (WS), the can 10 is washed to remove lubricating oil and other deposits.

  The downstream process 900Y includes a bottom coater (BTC), a pin oven (PO), an inside spray (INS), a bake oven (BO), a necker flanger (QNF), a defective cantester (DCT), a light tester. (LT) and palletizer (PT) steps are provided.

  In the bottom coater (BTC), the grounding portion of the bottom surface of the can 10 is coated. In the pin oven (PO), the can body 10 is heated to print the outer peripheral surface of the can body 10 and to paint the bottom of the can. In this embodiment, the bottom coater (BTC) and the pin oven (PO) are provided in two sets corresponding to each of the printing apparatus 500 and the plate printing apparatus 950, but the bottom coater (BTC), Only one set of pin ovens (PO) may be provided to share equipment.

  In the inside spray (INS), the inner surface of the can 10 is painted. In the baking oven (BO), the inner surface coating of the can 10 is baked. In the necker flanger (QNF), the diameter of the opening edge of the can body 10 is reduced, and a flange for attaching the can lid is formed. The defective can tester (DCT) inspects the appearance and printing state of the can 10 and removes any defective products. In the light tester (LT), the can 10 is inspected for holes and any defective products are removed. In the palletizer (PT), the cans 10 that have passed the inspection are loaded on a pallet.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating another configuration example of the printing apparatus 500.
Also in this configuration example shown in FIG. 15, the plurality of cans 10 are sequentially conveyed. More specifically, in this configuration example, the can bodies 10 are sequentially transported after separating the can bodies 10 adjacent to each other by the same distance as the distance between the two adjacent ink jet heads 11. In other words, in the printing apparatus 500, the cans 10 are sequentially conveyed at a certain interval, and the interval between the cans 10 at this time is the same as the interval between the two inkjet heads 11 adjacent to each other. ing.
In the configuration example shown in FIG. 15, one or more other can stop portions are provided between the image forming stop portion and the light irradiation stop portion.

Also in this configuration example, each time the can body 10 reaches each of the inkjet heads 11, the can body 10 stops. More specifically, each time the can body 10 reaches each of the image forming stop portions (hereinafter referred to as “image forming stop portions 16A”) indicated by reference numeral 16A, the can body 10 stops.
When the can 10 stops at the image forming stop 16A, the other can 10 stops at the light irradiation stop 16B downstream of the image forming stop 16A. In other words, the other can 10 stops in the drying unit 530 that performs irradiation with ultraviolet rays.

The drying unit 530 is provided with a light source (not shown) that emits ultraviolet light and a light source storage box 531 that stores the light source.
The light source storage box 531 is provided with an inlet portion 531A and an outlet portion 531B, and the can 10 (the moving unit 550) enters the light source storage box 531 through the inlet portion 531A. Further, the can body 10 goes out of the light source storage box 531 through the outlet portion 531B.

  Here, in this configuration example, image formation and light irradiation are not performed between the image forming stop point 16A (the image forming stop point 16A located on the most downstream side) and the light irradiation stop point 16B. A can stop portion 16 </ b> C is provided, which makes it difficult for ultraviolet rays to reach the inkjet head 11.

  In the present embodiment, the drying unit 530 irradiates ultraviolet rays. For example, when the ultraviolet rays reach the inkjet head 11 located on the upstream side, the ink is cured in the inkjet head 11 and ink clogging occurs. There is a risk that the quality of the formed image may be lowered.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, between the image forming stop point 16A and the light irradiation stop point 16B, one can body stop point 16C (one can body 10 stops). One can body stop portion 16 </ b> C) is provided to increase the separation distance between the drying unit 530 and the inkjet head 11 and reduce the ultraviolet rays reaching the inkjet head 11.
In this embodiment, one can stop portion 16C is provided between the image forming stop portion 16A and the light irradiation stop portion 16B. However, two or more can stop portions 16C may be provided. .

Further, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 15, the upstream side regulation wall 31 and the downstream side regulation wall 32 are provided beside each can 10 (mandrel 70).
The upstream regulation wall 31 is located upstream of the can body 10 in the movement direction of the movement unit 550, and the downstream regulation wall 32 is located downstream of the can body 10 in the movement direction of the movement unit 550. To do.

Further, the upstream regulation wall 31 and the downstream regulation wall 32 are arranged along the axial direction of the can body 10 and arranged along the vertical direction.
Further, a plurality (a plurality of sets) of the upstream regulation wall 31 and the downstream regulation wall 32 are provided so as to correspond to each of the plurality of movement units 550 (can body 10), and each of the movement units 550 is further provided with each. Move with it.

The upstream regulating wall 31 is positioned on the upstream side (the side where the inkjet head 11 is provided) from the can body 10 when the can body 10 is stopped at the light irradiation stop point 16B (drying unit 530). To do. As a result, the upstream side regulation wall 31 is positioned between the can 10 and the inkjet head 11, and ultraviolet rays are prevented from going to the inkjet head 11.
Further, when the can body 10 is stopped at the light irradiation stop portion 16 </ b> B (drying unit 530), the downstream side regulation wall 32 is located on the downstream side of the can body 10. Thereby, it is suppressed that an ultraviolet-ray goes to a downstream direction rather than the can 10.

In this configuration example, when the can body 10 stops inside the light source housing box 531, the upstream side regulation wall 31 provided corresponding to the can body 10 closes the inlet portion 531A of the light source housing box 531. . Thereby, it is suppressed that an ultraviolet-ray goes to the inkjet head 11 through the entrance part 531A.
Further, when the can body 10 stops inside the light source housing box 531, the downstream regulation wall 32 provided corresponding to the can body 10 closes the outlet portion 531B of the light source housing box 531. Thereby, it is suppressed that an ultraviolet-ray leaks from the exit part 531B of the light source storage box 531. FIG.

In addition, in the above description, the rotational speed of the can body 10 is not particularly mentioned, but the rotational speed of the can body 10 may be controlled.
Specifically, for example, the movement of the can body 10 from one inkjet head 11 of the two inkjet heads 11 adjacent to each other in the movement direction of the can body 10 to the other inkjet head 11 is started. You may make it control rotation of the can 10 so that the rotation speed of the can 10 until the can 10 reaches the inkjet head 11 may become an integer.

A specific description will be given with reference to FIG. 16 (a schematic view when two adjacent inkjet heads 11 are viewed).
In the process shown in FIG. 16, the can 10 is constantly rotating, and from one inkjet head 11 located on the upstream side (the inkjet head on the right side in the figure, hereinafter referred to as “upstream inkjet head 11 </ b> A”), When the can body 10 moves to the other ink jet head 11 located on the downstream side (the left ink jet head 11 in the figure, hereinafter referred to as “downstream ink jet head 11B”), the can body 10 moves while rotating.

In this process, the number of rotations of the can body 10 from the start of the movement of the can body 10 from the upstream inkjet head 11A to the arrival of the can body 10 at the downstream inkjet head 11B is an integer. It has become.
Thereby, in this embodiment, when the adhesion start position P1 to which the ink ejected from the upstream inkjet head 11A first adhered reaches the downstream inkjet head 11B, the downstream inkjet head 11B is opposed to the downstream side inkjet head 11B. Located in position.

Here, in the upstream inkjet head 11A, a belt-like shape extending from an adhesion start position P1 (position indicated by reference numeral 3A) to which ink first adheres to an adhesion end position P2 (also indicated by reference numeral 3A) to which ink finally adheres. Is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the can 10.
In this embodiment, when the can body 10 moves while rotating and the can body 10 reaches the lower side of the downstream inkjet head 11B, the adhesion start position is located at a position opposite to the lower surface 241 of the downstream inkjet head 11B. P1 is located.

In this embodiment, the can 10 reaches the lower side of the downstream inkjet head 11B, and at the same time, ink is ejected to form an image.
More specifically, in the present embodiment, when the upstream inkjet head 11A completes image formation (the can body 10 rotates once and the adhesion start position P1 again faces the upstream inkjet head 11A). At the same time, the movement of the can 10 is started.
As soon as the can 10 reaches the lower side of the downstream ink jet head 11B (at the same time as the adhesion start position P1 faces the downstream ink jet head 11B), the ink discharge from the downstream ink jet head 11B is started. Then, image formation is started.

Here, in this process, when image formation is started in the downstream inkjet head 11B, the adhesion start position P1 is located immediately below the downstream inkjet head 11B.
Thereby, in this embodiment, the image formation start position when image formation is started by the upstream inkjet head 11A and the image formation start position when image formation is started by the downstream inkjet head 11B coincide. .

Here, when the can 10 reaches the downstream inkjet head 11B, if the adhesion start position P1 is not facing the downstream inkjet head 11B, the adhesion start position P1 is directed to the downstream inkjet head 11B. Control is required.
Specifically, for example, a process such as detecting the state of the can 10 with a rotary encoder and rotating the can 10 based on the detection result is required. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, such processing is unnecessary, and the image formation start positions can be more easily aligned.
Note that the number of rotations of the can body 10 from the start of the movement of the can body 10 from the upstream ink jet head 11A to the arrival of the can body 10 at the downstream ink jet head 11B can be any integer. Or 1 or 2 or more.

As another process, when the can body 10 moves from one inkjet head 11 of the two adjacent inkjet heads 11 to the other inkjet head 11, a predetermined rotation speed (rotation during image formation) is performed. The can 10 may be rotated at a rotational speed greater than (number).
More specifically, when each of the inkjet heads 11 forms an image on the can body 10, the can body 10 is rotated at a predetermined number of revolutions and the can body 10 is moved. (While moving the can body 10), the can body 10 may be rotated at a rotational speed greater than the predetermined rotational speed.

Here, when the rotational speed is increased in this way, the ink on the outer peripheral surface of the can 10 is easily cured. More specifically, in the case of using, for example, thermosetting ink instead of ultraviolet curable ink as in the present embodiment, if the rotation speed increases, the ink becomes easier to dry and the rotation speed does not increase. Compared to the ink, the ink is cured more rapidly.
In addition, the case where ultraviolet curable ink is used has been described above, but thermosetting ink can also be used. In this case, if the rotational speed of the can 10 is increased, the rotational speed is increased. The ink hardens more quickly than when not.

As another process, when the can 10 moves from one inkjet head 11 to the other inkjet head 11 of the two inkjet heads 11 adjacent to each other, the rotational speed is smaller than a predetermined rotational speed. The can body 10 may be rotated.
More specifically, when an image is formed on the can body 10 in each of the inkjet heads 11, when the can body 10 is rotated at a predetermined number of rotations and the can body 10 is moved ( While the can body 10 is being moved), the can body 10 may be rotated at a rotational speed smaller than the predetermined rotational speed.
Thus, when reducing the rotation speed of the can body 10, the total rotation speed of each mechanism part for rotating the can body 10 decreases, and the rotation speed of each mechanism section is constant or as described above. As compared with the case where the size is increased, wear of each mechanism portion is suppressed.

  In each ink jet head 11, image formation is not started at the same time as the can body 10 reaches the ink jet head 11, but after the can body 10 rotates a predetermined number of times below the ink jet head 11. The image formation on the can 10 may be started.

Immediately after the can body 10 is moved below each inkjet head 11, the can body 10 may vibrate without being completely stopped. In particular, when the moving speed of the can body 10 is high, the vibration of the can body 10 tends to increase. When the can body 10 vibrates, the quality of the image formed on the can body 10 is likely to deteriorate.
On the other hand, when image formation by the inkjet head 11 is started after rotating the can body 10 below the inkjet head 11 (when image formation by the inkjet head 11 is started after a certain time has elapsed), the can body 10 is reduced or eliminated, and deterioration of the quality of the image formed on the can 10 is suppressed.

  In addition, while the can body 10 reaches below the inkjet head 11 and rotates the can body 10 for a certain time, the rotation of the can body 10 is stopped or the rotation speed of the can body 10 is reduced. Also good. However, in this case, when the image formation by the inkjet head 11 is started, it is necessary to accelerate the can 10 that has been stopped or decelerated to the rotational speed necessary for the image formation. May occur.

As another control, the image formation start position (position in the circumferential direction of the can body 10) when the inkjet head 11 starts image formation is made different for each inkjet head 11, and the image formation start position of each color is The circumferential direction of the can 10 may be shifted.
When aligning the image formation start positions, there is a possibility that a portion where the image quality is likely to deteriorate is concentrated in one place and the image quality is deteriorated. More specifically, at the image formation start position, the start point and the end point of the formed image overlap each other, or a gap is formed between the start point and the end point, so that the image quality is likely to deteriorate. In such a case, if the image formation start positions are aligned, the image quality is more likely to deteriorate than when the image formation start positions are not aligned.

If the image formation start position is made different for each inkjet head 11 and the image formation start position for each color is shifted in the circumferential direction of the can 10, deterioration in image quality can be suppressed.
The method for shifting the image formation start position by the inkjet head 11 is not particularly limited, but for example, the image formation start position is shifted by shifting the ink discharge timing by each inkjet head 11.

3X ... 3rd movement path, 10 ... can body, 500 ... printing device, 520 ... printing unit, 550 ... moving unit, 580 ... second drying unit, 610 ... first linear portion, 620 ... second linear portion, 620X ... Branch part, 710 ... First movement mechanism, 711 ... Rotary disc, 900 ... Can body manufacturing system, 900A ... Movement path, 900B ... Branch part, 900C ... Branch path, 950 ... press printing apparatus

Claims (11)

A moving body used to transport the can body;
A linear first moving path that passes when the moving body moves in one direction;
A second movement path that is arranged in parallel with the first movement path and is formed in a straight line, and passes when the moving body moves in a direction opposite to the one direction;
A printing unit that performs printing on the can held by the moving body;
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing unit is provided in the first movement path or the second movement path,
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving body is moved using a linear mechanism in a movement path in which the printing unit is provided in the first movement path and the second movement path. .   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the first movement path and the second movement path is arranged above the other movement path. A third movement path for moving the moving body from one movement path of the first movement path and the second movement path to the other movement path;
4. The third movement path according to claim 1, wherein the third movement path is formed in a straight line and is disposed in a relationship substantially orthogonal to the first movement path and the second movement path. The printing apparatus as described. A moving means for moving the moving body from one moving path of the first moving path and the second moving path to the other moving path;
The moving means includes a rotating body that holds the moving body, and rotates the rotating body to move the moving body from the one moving path to the other moving path. The printing apparatus as described in. A moving body used to transport the can body;
A first movement path along which the moving body moves;
A second movement path disposed above the first movement path and moving the moving body;
A printing unit that performs printing on the can held by the moving body;
A printing apparatus comprising: A heating means for heating the can body on which printing by the printing unit is performed;
The printing unit is provided in the first movement path;
The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the heating unit is provided in the second movement path that is located above the first movement path.   The printing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the second movement path is provided at a location deviated from directly above the first movement path.   The printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the second movement path is provided so as to be parallel to the first movement path.   10. At least one of the first movement path and the second movement path branches into a plurality of movement paths at a branching section, and merges at a downstream side of the branching section. A printing apparatus according to any one of the above. A moving path along which the can moves, and a branching path that branches into a plurality of branching paths at the branching section, and that joins on the downstream side of the branching section;
An ink jet printing apparatus which is provided on one branch path included in the plurality of branch paths and performs printing on a can body by an ink jet method;
A printing plate printing apparatus which is provided in another branch path included in the plurality of branch paths and performs printing on the can body by a printing plate method;
A can body manufacturing system.

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