JP2021172436A - Printing system, sorting device, container sorting method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve a problem that it is difficult to sort each container into an arbitrary sorting destination when different images are printed for each container.SOLUTION: A printing system is provided including a first printing device capable of printing different images for each container and a sorting device that sorts a plurality of containers based on sorting signs given to a plurality of containers. A sorting device that sorts containers based on the sorting signs given to a plurality of containers includes a storage unit that stores the sorting information of a printed image as a sorting database among the image databases of images printed on a plurality of container and a control unit that controls the sorting of the plurality of containers based on the sorting database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system, a sorting device, a container sorting method and a program.

Patent Document 1 discloses a sorting device that sorts cans for each type.
[Prior art literature]
[Patent Document]
Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent No. 4904173

In the conventional manufacturing method, when a different image is printed for each container, it is difficult to distribute the image to an arbitrary distribution destination for each container.

In order to solve the above problems, in the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of printing devices capable of printing different images for each container and a plurality of distribution labels given to the plurality of containers are used. Provided is a printing system including a sorting device for sorting containers.

The sorting device may sort the container into one of a plurality of lines.

The sorting device may sort the containers on which different images are printed into the same line.

The printing system may include a linking information generation unit that generates linking information in which the sorting sign and the image printed on the container are linked. The printing system 200 may include a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicating the distribution destination according to the image printed on the container based on the association information.

The sorting device may have a sorting information acquisition unit that acquires sorting information based on the association information of the images printed by the first printing device.

The sorting device may have a storage unit that stores the sorting information as a sorting database. The sorting device may have a control unit that controls the sorting of containers based on the sorting database.

The control unit may exclude the distribution information of the containers that have been sorted by the sorting device from the sorting database.

The printing system may further include a defect detection unit that detects defective products from a plurality of containers.

The control unit may exclude the distribution information of the image printed on the container determined to be defective from the distribution database.

The control unit may reprint the image printed on the container determined to be defective.

The printing system may include a labeling device that assigns a distribution label to a plurality of containers.

The labeling device may be provided in a process prior to the first printing device. The first printing device may print the image on a plurality of containers to which the distribution label is attached.

The labeling device may be provided in a step after the first printing device, and a distribution sign may be added to the container on which the image is printed.

A second printing device provided in parallel with the first printing device may be provided.

The first printing apparatus may attach a distribution sign to a plurality of containers. The sorting device may sort based on the sorting sign given by the first printing device.

A second printing device provided in parallel with the first printing device may be provided. The distribution sign may be given by the second printing apparatus. The sorting device may sort based on the sorting sign given by the second printing device.

The printing system may include a print switching unit that switches the printing operation of the first printing device and the second printing device. The print switching unit may stop the printing operation of either the first printing device or the second printing device.

The print switching unit may switch between a first state in which the printing operation of the first printing device is stopped and the second printing device operates in printing, and a second state in which the first printing device and the second printing device perform printing operation. ..

The second printing apparatus may make the printing speed of the second state slower than the printing speed of the first state.

The printing speed of the second printing apparatus in the first state may be equal to the sum of the printing speeds of the first printing apparatus and the second printing apparatus in the second state.

The printing system may include a first determination unit that detects a distribution sign while rotating or moving the container and determines the distribution destination of the container.

The first determination unit may include a container rotation unit that rotates the container and a detection unit for detecting a distribution sign. The first determination unit may determine the distribution destination of the container by detecting the distribution sign at the detection unit while the container is intermittently transported, the transport of the container is stopped, and the container is rotating.

The first determination unit may have a plurality of detection units arranged around the container. The first determination unit may detect the distribution label with a plurality of detection units while the container is moving.

The printing system may include a first determination unit that detects a distribution sign while rotating and moving the container and determines the distribution destination of the container. The first determination unit may include a container rotation unit that rotates and moves the container, and a single detection unit for detecting a distribution sign. The first determination unit may detect the distribution sign at the detection unit while the container is rotating and moving, and determine the distribution destination of the container.

The printing system may be provided after the first determination unit and may include a second determination unit that redetermines the distribution destination of the container. The first determination unit may be provided in a step prior to the sorting step by the sorting device. The second determination unit may be provided in a step after the sorting step by the sorting device.

The first determination unit may also serve as an inspection unit for inspecting the quality of a plurality of containers.

The distribution sign may be affixed to the inner surface of the container or the bottom of the container.

The printing system may include a retention portion for retaining a plurality of containers in a step prior to the first printing apparatus.

In the second aspect of the present invention, it is a sorting device that sorts containers based on sorting signs given to a plurality of containers, and has been printed out of an image database of images printed on the plurality of containers. Provided is a sorting device including a storage unit that stores the sorting information of the image of the above as a sorting database, and a control unit that controls the sorting of a plurality of containers based on the sorting database.

In the third aspect of the present invention, a container sorting method including a step of printing a different image for each container and a step of sorting a plurality of containers based on a sorting sign given to the plurality of containers. I will provide a.

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, a program for causing a computer to execute the container sorting method according to the third aspect of the invention is provided.

The outline of the above invention does not list all the features of the present invention. Sub-combinations of these feature groups can also be inventions.

The outline of the configuration of the printing system 200 is shown. An example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the first embodiment is shown. An example of the configuration of the sorting device 100 is shown. This is an example of an operation flowchart of the printing system 200. An example of the data acquired by the printing system 200 is shown. An example of the process information Pi is shown. An example of distribution information Si is shown. An example of a printing operation switching method by the print switching unit 15 is shown. An example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the second embodiment is shown. An example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the third embodiment is shown. An example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the fourth embodiment is shown. An example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the fifth embodiment is shown. An example of the configuration of the printing system 200 including the first determination unit 50 and the second determination unit 60 is shown. An example of the configuration of the first determination unit 50 is shown. An example of the configuration of the first determination unit 50 is shown. An example of the acquisition method of the distribution sign S attached to the bottom surface of the container 150 is shown. An example of the configuration of the printing system 200 including the defect detection unit 70 is shown. An example of a computer 2200 in which a plurality of aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part is shown.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the inventions that fall within the scope of the claims. Also, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the means of solving the invention.

FIG. 1A shows an outline of the configuration of the printing system 200. The printing system 200 includes a first printing device 10 and a sorting device 100. The printing system 200 prints a predetermined image on the container 150 and distributes the image.

The container 150 may be, for example, an article such as a can, a PET bottle, a bottle, a pouch, a box, a paper pack, a lid, a cap or a cup. The container 150 may be a metal plate for producing the container. The container 150 to be processed may be an article such as paper, a resin sheet or a film. Further, the container 150 includes a container in the process of being manufactured. For example, the container 150 includes a container in a state before being molded into a metal can such as an empty can without a lid. Further, in the present embodiment, the container 150 is used, but the object to be processed is not limited to the "container", and any article to be processed may be used.

The first printing device 10 prints a predetermined image on the container 150. The first printing device 10 may be a plate printing device or a plateless printing device. In one example, the first printing device 10 is a plateless printing device capable of printing different images for each container 150. For example, the first printing device 10 is either an inkjet printing device, a laser printing device, or an electrophotographic printing device.

The distribution device 100 distributes the container 150 to any one of the plurality of lines based on the distribution signs S given to the plurality of containers 150. The sorting device 100 of this example distributes the container 150 to any one of the three lines L1 to L3 corresponding to the palletizers PL1 to PL3.

For example, the sorting method by the sorting device 100 is any one of a partition plate method, a turret method, a slider method, a roller method, a pickup method, a vacuum method, and an air method. In the partition plate method, the partition plate that guides the container 150 is moved to change the line L of the distribution destination. In the turret method, sorting is performed using a turret that rotates and conveys the container 150.

In the slider method, the container 150 is placed on a slider conveyed by a conveyor and sorted. In the roller method, the rollers embedded in the surface of the conveyor are distributed by changing the rotation direction. In the pick-up method, the container 150 is picked up and sorted by the robot. The vacuum method is a method of realizing sorting by using a vacuum means in a turret method, a slider method, a pickup method, or the like. The air method is a method in which arbitrary air is blown onto the container 150 to change the line L of the container 150 or drop the container 150 from the line L.

The distribution sign S is a sign given to the container 150 in order to identify the distribution destination of the container 150. The distribution sign S may be an individual identification ID given to the container 150 or an image printed on the container 150. The distribution marker S may be visible or invisible.

The individual identification ID is information for identifying each of the containers 150. The individual identification ID may be an individual identification code including letters and numbers, or may be a barcode. The distribution sign S may be a symbol, a code, a letter, a number, a figure, a color, or a combination thereof, or a design configured by combining them, which is given to the container 150.

The distribution sign S may be acquired by an image processing device such as a camera. The distribution marker S may be printed with visible or invisible ink. The distribution sign S may be printed by laser engraving. The sorting device 100 may identify the container 150 by not providing the sorting label S.

FIG. 1B shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the first embodiment. The printing system 200 of this example includes a pretreatment step 210, a printing step 220, and a posttreatment step 230. The printing system 200 of this example has a sorting step by the sorting device 100 after the post-processing step 230. The printing system 200 may include a storage device 250.

The pretreatment step 210 includes a cupping press step (CP), a body maker step (BM), and a trimmer step (TR). The pretreatment step 210 of this example includes an individual identification ID giving step (ID) by the labeling device 30. In the present embodiment, the ID giving step (ID) is provided before the cupping press step (CP), but the position is not limited to this. For example, the ID imparting step (ID) may be performed after the cupping press step (CP), the body maker step (BM), or the trimmer step (TR). Although the labeling device 30 of this example applies the distribution label S to the coil before punching, the distribution label S may be applied to the container 150 after punching.

In the cupping press process (CP), a circular material member is punched out from a sheet-shaped sheet metal as a material unwound from a coil and formed into a cup shape. In the body maker process (BM), the cup-shaped material member C1 is drawn to thinly extend the can body, and the can bottom is further formed to form the can body C2. In the trimmer step (TR), the can body C2 may have an unnecessary portion at the upper end of the can body cut off.

The labeling device 30 assigns the distribution label S to the plurality of containers 150. In one example, the labeling device 30 applies the distribution label S of the two-dimensional code by laser engraving. The labeling device 30 of this example is provided in a process prior to the first printing device 10. However, the signing device 30 may be provided in a process after the first printing device 10 and the distribution sign S may be given to the container 150 on which the image is printed.

The printing step 220 includes a printing step (PR) for printing a predetermined image or the like on the container 150. For example, in the printing process (PR), the can body portion of the can body C2 is painted and printed. The printing process 220 of this example has two printing devices, a first printing device 10 and a second printing device 20. The printing process 220 may have three or more printing devices.

The first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 print an image on a plurality of containers 150 to which the distribution sign S is attached. In one example, the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 print an image on the container 150, and associate the printed image with the image information assigned to the ID assigned to the container 150. The first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 may be a plate printing device or a plateless printing device. The first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 of this example are plate printing devices. The first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 are arranged in parallel. The first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 may print images different from each other.

The post-treatment step 230 includes a spray step (SP), an oven step (Oven), an inspection step (TST), and a necking step (Ne). In the spraying step (SP), the inner surface of the container 150 is painted. The oven step (Oven) is a baking step by heating the container 150 or the like. The oven step (Oven) may be UV oven treatment.

In the inspection step (TST), defects on the inner and outer surfaces of the can body C3 that have undergone the printing step 220 are inspected. As a result of the inspection, the can body C3 determined to be defective is excluded from the production line, and only the can body C3 determined to be non-defective is shipped.

In the necking process (Ne), a mold is pressed against the upper part of the can body to perform step-like processing. The necking process improves the strength against external pressure.

The sorting device 100 is provided after the post-processing step 230. The sorting device 100 of this example sorts the container 150 according to the sorting information Si.

The storage device 250 includes a linking information generation unit 252 and a distribution information generation unit 254. For example, the storage device 250 is a server connected to each processing device of the printing system 200. The association information generation unit 252 and the distribution information generation unit 254 may be provided in the distribution device 100.

The association information generation unit 252 acquires the individual identification ID and the image data Di, and generates the association information Li in which the individual identification ID and the image data Di are associated with each other. The image data Di is data related to the image printed on the container 150 in the printing step 220. The association information generation unit 252 transmits the generated association information Li to the distribution information generation unit 254.

The distribution information generation unit 254 acquires the association information Li and the process information Pi, and generates distribution information Si indicating the distribution destination according to the individual identification ID. The distribution information generation unit 254 determines the distribution destination according to the individual identification ID based on the association information Li and the process information Pi. The association information generation unit 252 transmits the generated distribution information Si to the distribution device 100.

The process information Pi shows the processing history for the container 150. For example, the process information Pi includes an individual identification ID, a processing date and time, conditions of each processing process, an inspection result, and the like. In one example, the conditions of each processing step of the process information Pi include the design of the image printed on the container 150. The process information Pi may be updated at any time each time the process is executed.

The distribution information Si includes the relationship between the distribution marker S and the distribution destination. Thereby, the distribution destination can be determined according to the distribution sign S. In this example, since the individual identification ID is used as the distribution marker S, the distribution information Si includes the relationship between the individual identification ID and the distribution destination. For example, the distribution destination is the line L or the palletizer PL of the printing system 200.

The processing step of the printing system 200 is not limited to the contents of the pretreatment step 210, the printing step 220, and the posttreatment step 230 of this example. The printing system 200 may include various other steps such as a cleaning step or a coating step. In this example, the processing process of the metal can is shown as the container 150, but the process may be a process of a container other than the metal can.

By associating the individual identification ID with the image data Di, the printing system 200 of this example can sort the container 150 based on the individual identification ID which is the sorting marker S. The sorting device 100 of this example can sort the same image to different sorting destinations even when the same image is printed on the container 150. Further, the container 150 printed by the first printing device 10 and the container 150 printed by the second printing device 20 may be mixed in the same palletizer PL. It is also possible to distribute the number of containers 150 printed by each printing device to a predetermined number or to adjust the number of containers 150 in a predetermined order.

FIG. 1C shows an example of the configuration of the sorting device 100. The distribution device 100 of this example includes a distribution execution unit 110, a control unit 120, and a storage unit 130.

The distribution execution unit 110 distributes the container 150 to a predetermined line L. The distribution execution unit 110 of this example distributes the container 150 to any one of the three lines L1 to L3 in response to an instruction from the control unit 120.

The control unit 120 controls the distribution destination of the container 150 by the distribution execution unit 110. The control unit 120 includes a sign acquisition unit 121, a distribution information acquisition unit 122, and a determination unit 123.

The sign acquisition unit 121 acquires the distribution label S from the container 150. For example, the sign acquisition unit 121 acquires the distribution sign S attached to the container 150 by photographing the container 150 with a sensor (bar code reader, camera, etc.) such as a camera. Further, the sign acquisition unit 121 may acquire the distribution label S from another device such as an inspection unit that inspects the container 150.

The distribution information acquisition unit 122 acquires the distribution information Si. In one example, the distribution information acquisition unit 122 acquires the distribution information Si from the distribution database DB stored in the storage unit 130. Further, the distribution information acquisition unit 122 may function in the same manner as the distribution information generation unit 254 to generate the distribution information Si.

The determination unit 123 determines the distribution destination of the container 150 based on the distribution sign S and the distribution information Si. The determination unit 123 of this example collates the distribution database DB with the distribution marker S to determine the distribution destination line Ln. The determination unit 123 transmits the determined distribution destination line Ln to the distribution execution unit 110.

The storage unit 130 stores the distribution information Si as the distribution database DB. For example, the storage unit 130 stores distribution information Si (1) to distribution information Si (n) corresponding to 1 to n containers 150. The storage unit 130 may store the process information Pi. The storage unit 130 of this example is connected to the control unit 120 and can be written and read by the control unit 120. The storage unit 130 may be connected to other devices of the printing system 200 such as the first printing device 10 via a network. The network may be wired or wireless as long as it is for transmitting information. The storage unit 130 may be connected to another storage device such as a server.

The distribution database DB includes distribution information Si for each container 150. The distribution database DB does not have to include the distribution information Si of all the containers 150, and may include the distribution information Si of the containers 150 to be distributed. That is, the storage unit 130 may store the distribution information Si of the printed image among the image databases of the images printed in the plurality of containers 150 as the distribution database DB. As a result, the storage unit 130 does not need to store the distribution information Si that is not scheduled to be distributed. The storage unit 130 may set an arbitrary period to store only the distribution information Si required for the set period, and exclude the distribution information Si that is not required for the set period.

The image database contains information about the images printed on the plurality of containers 150. The printing apparatus selects an arbitrary image from the images stored in the image database and prints it on a plurality of containers 150. The image database may be stored in a storage device such as a server.

By storing the distribution information Si, the distribution device 100 of this example can execute distribution without accessing the server for each container 150. Further, the sorting device 100 may acquire the sorting information Si corresponding to the container 150 printed by the first printing device 10 from the sorting database DB. As a result, even when there are many types of printed images, they are less likely to be affected by the delay in the communication time of the server.

Further, the sorting device 100 may exclude the sorting information Si of the sorted container 150 from the sorting database DB. This makes it easier for the sorting device 100 to find the sorting information Si of the container 150 that has not been sorted. In the present specification, exclusion from the distribution database DB includes not only the case of deleting the information but also the case of not deleting the information.

For example, the distribution device 100 deletes the distribution information Si from the distribution database DB of the storage unit 130. In one example, the information deleted by the sorting device 100 from the sorting database DB is an individual identification ID that is not scheduled to be used after sorting. Information that will be used after distribution does not have to be deleted.

Further, the distribution device 100 may exclude the distribution information Si that has already been distributed from the distribution database DB while leaving the distribution information Si that has been distributed in the storage unit 130 by adding out information to the distribution information Si that has already been distributed. .. For example, when the distribution marker S is image data Di, the same image data Di may be used after distribution, so the image data Di is excluded from the distribution database DB and distributed as necessary. It may be returned to the distribution database DB.

The sorting device 100 does not have to exclude the sorting information Si of the sorted container 150 from the sorting database DB. For example, when the distribution information Si is simple such that the container 150 with a mark and the container 150 without a mark are distributed, it is not necessary to delete the distribution information Si from the distribution database DB.

FIG. 1D is an example of an operation flowchart of the printing system 200. In step S100, a different image is printed for each container 150. In step S200, the plurality of containers 150 are sorted based on the sorting sign S. In the printing system 200 of this example, the container 150 can be distributed to an arbitrary distribution destination based on the distribution sign S, so that the container 150 on which the same image is printed can be distributed to different distribution destinations. can. It is also possible to distribute the containers 150 on which different images are printed to the same distribution destination.

FIG. 2A shows an example of data acquired by the printing system 200. The printing system 200 acquires arbitrary data in each of the processing steps.

For example, the printing system 200 acquires the individual identification ID, the passing time, the machine speed, the lane number, and the coil information of the processed container 150 in the coupling press process (CP). In addition, the printing system 200 acquires information such as an individual identification ID, a passing time, a machine speed, a machine number, and various conditions of the processed container 150 in the body maker process (BM). Similarly, the printing system 200 may acquire various data in each processing step. The data acquired in each processing step is used to generate the distribution information Si, the process information Pi, and the distribution information Si, respectively. In addition, the data acquired in each processing step may be used to acquire the tendency of defective products to occur. The process information Pi is associated with the information of the part common to the association information Li. In the present embodiment, the process information Pi is stored separately from the association information Li, but may be included in the association information Li.

FIG. 2B shows an example of the process information Pi. The process information Pi shows the history of the process corresponding to each of the distribution information Si and the distribution information Si. For example, the process information Pi includes a production start date / time, an end date / time, a print image type, and a palletizer number corresponding to the individual identification ID. Therefore, by referring to the process information Pi, the process history for each container 150 can be known.

FIG. 2C shows an example of distribution information Si. The distribution information Si of this example is stored in a list format in which the distribution sign S and the distribution destination are linked. The distribution information Si of this example includes a distribution destination corresponding to each of the individual identification ID and the image data Di. However, the distribution information Si may include either the relationship between the individual identification ID and the distribution destination or the relationship between the image data Di and the distribution destination. In this example, the containers 150 on which the images of the same image data Di are printed are sent to different palletizers.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a printing operation switching method by the print switching unit 15. The printing system 200 of this example includes a print switching unit 15. In this example, a case where the first printing device 10 is a plateless printing device and the second printing device 20 is a plate printing device will be described.

The print switching unit 15 switches the printing operation of the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20. The print switching unit 15 switches the printing operation on / off by the printing device, the printing speed, or other printing conditions. In one example, the print switching unit 15 stops the printing operation of either the first printing device 10 or the second printing device 20. The print switching unit 15 of this example switches between the first state S1 and the second state S2 as the operation of the printing process 220.

The first state S1 is a state in which the printing operation of the first printing device 10 is stopped and the second printing device 20 is in the printing operation. The second state S2 is a state in which both the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 are printing. For example, the second printing apparatus 20 makes the printing speed of the second state S2 slower than the printing speed of the first state S1.

The printing speed of the second printing device 20 in the first state S1 may be equal to the total printing speed of the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 in the second state S2. As a result, the overall printing speed of the printing system 200 can be kept constant. It should be noted that the fact that the total printing speeds are equal does not mean that the printing speeds need to be exactly the same, and may include an error that may occur during actual operation. For example, an error of ± 10% may be included between the printing speed in the first state S1 and the total printing speed in the second state S2. Even if there is an error in the printing speed, the printing speed of the entire printing system 200 can be kept constant by adjusting the flow of the container 150 with the retention portion 240 described later. In the printing system 200, by keeping the printing speeds of the plurality of printing devices constant, it is not necessary to change the production speed of the line according to the operating status of the printing devices. Therefore, the production efficiency of the line can be maintained regardless of the operating status of the printing apparatus.

The printing system 200 of this example realizes a line in which a plate printing device and a plateless printing device are combined by using the print switching unit 15. For example, in the second state, the second printing device 20 for plate printing is mainly used, and the first printing device 10 for plateless printing is additionally operated as needed. During the operation of the first printing device 10, the printing device can be switched while maintaining the production amount of the container 150 by slowing down the printing speed of the second printing device 20.

Further, when the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 are plate printing devices, printing of the container 150 by the other printing device is continued even if one of the printing devices is undergoing maintenance such as plate replacement. Can be done. As a result, the printing apparatus can be maintained without reducing the production amount of the line, so that the production efficiency is improved.

FIG. 4A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the second embodiment. The printing system 200 of this example is different from the first embodiment in that the first printing device 10 is provided in the printing process 220 and the image printed by the first printing device 10 is used as the distribution marker S. In this example, the differences from the first embodiment will be particularly described.

The first printing device 10 is a plateless printing device, and can print different images for each container 150. The first printing device 10 attaches the distribution label S to the plurality of containers 150.

The association information generation unit 252 acquires the image data Di from the first printing device 10. When the image data Di is used as the distribution marker S, it is not necessary to attach the individual identification ID to the container 150. If the individual identification ID is not attached, the association information generation unit 252 may transmit the image data Di to the distribution information generation unit 254.

The sorting device 100 sorts the container 150 based on the sorting sign S given by the first printing device 10. The sorting device 100 of this example sorts the container 150 using the image data Di as the sorting marker S. The sorting device 100 may sort the containers 150 to which the same image data Di is attached to the same line, or may sort them to different lines. Further, the sorting device 100 may sort the containers 150 to which different image data Di are assigned to the same line. For example, the sorting device 100 is a container 150 of the same type to which a serial number is assigned, but some containers 150 having different designs are sorted into the same line.

FIG. 4B shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the third embodiment. The printing system 200 of this example is different from the first embodiment in that the image printed by the first printing device 10 is used as the distribution marker S. Further, the printing system 200 of this example includes a retention unit 240. In this example, the differences from the first embodiment will be particularly described.

The first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 are provided in parallel. In this example, the first printing device 10 is a plateless printing device, and the second printing device 20 is a plate printing device.

The distribution sign S is attached in the printing step 220. When the printing step 220 has a plurality of printing devices, the distribution label S may be attached by at least one printing device. That is, when the printing process 220 has a plurality of printing devices, the distribution sign S does not have to be applied by at least one printing device.

In the printing step 220 of this example, the second printing device 20 does not give the sorting sign S, but the first printing device 10 gives the sorting sign S. That is, by adding the sorting sign S to the first printing device 10 which is a plateless printing device, it is possible to sort the containers 150 of various types. Therefore, the container 150 does not have to be given an individual identification ID.

The retention unit 240 retains a plurality of containers 150. The retention portion 240 may be provided in a step before the printing step 220, or may be provided in a step after the printing step 220. The retention portion 240 of this example is provided in a process prior to the printing process 220 to retain the container 150 that is conveyed at a speed higher than the printing speed, so that the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 are retained. The amount of container 150 supplied to the container 150 can be adjusted. Further, when the retention portion 240 is provided in the process after the printing process 220, the influence on the subsequent process can be suppressed and the production efficiency can be maintained even when the printing speed of the printing apparatus is changed. For example, by preserving the printed container 150 in the retaining portion 240 in advance, it is possible to cope with a decrease in printing speed.

The position where the retention portion 240 is provided does not have to be immediately before the printing process 220. The retention portion 240 may be provided before the step of distributing the container 150 to the first printing device 10 or the second printing device 20. The retention unit 240 may be provided before the step of either the first printing device 10 or the second printing device 20. Further, the retention portion 240 may also be provided in the printing system 200 described in another embodiment.

FIG. 4C shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the fourth embodiment. The printing system 200 of this example is different from the first embodiment in that the lines of the post-processing step 230 are separated. In this example, the differences from the first embodiment will be particularly described.

The printing system 200 includes two separate post-processing steps 230a and a post-processing step 230b. The post-processing step 230a processes the container 150 printed by the first printing apparatus 10 of the printing step 220a. The post-processing step 230b processes the container 150 printed by the second printing apparatus 20 of the printing step 220b.

The processing line L10 is a processing line connected to the first printing apparatus 10. The processing line L20 is a processing line connected to the second printing apparatus 20. In this example, since the processing line L10 and the processing line L20 are completely separated, it is possible to prevent the container 150 printed by the first printing device 10 and the container 150 printed by the second printing device 20 from being mixedly loaded. As a result, contamination between containers 150 of different types can be avoided.

Further, the printing system 200 also includes two separated sorting devices 100a and a sorting device 100b for the sorting process. The sorting device 100a distributes the container 150 printed by the first printing device 10 to the palletizer PL1 or PL2. The sorting device 100b distributes the container 150 printed by the second printing device 20 to the palletizer PL3 or PL4.

In the printing system 200, one of the sorting device 100a and the sorting device 100b may be omitted. For example, the printing system 200 omits the sorting step by the sorting device 100b, sorts the containers 150 printed by the first printing device 10, and does not sort the containers 150 printed by the second printing device 20. good.

FIG. 4D shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 200 according to the fifth embodiment. The printing system 200 of this example is different from the printing system 200 of the fourth embodiment in that a part of the post-processing step 230 and the sorting device 100 are shared. In this example, the differences from the fourth embodiment will be particularly described.

Although the post-processing process of the printing system 200 is a separation line, the oven process (Oven) is a common device. However, in the apparatus of the oven step (Oven), the container 150 printed by the first printing apparatus 10 and the container 150 printed by the second printing apparatus 20 are separated. As a result, the post-processing step 230 can be used as a separation line without increasing the number of devices.

The sorting device 100 may sort the container 150 printed by the first printing device 10 and the container 150 printed by the second printing device 20 by one device. For example, when the sorting device 100 is a necker device, the pocket of the container 150 printed by the first printing device 10 and the pocket of the container 150 printed by the second printing device 20 can be used properly to obtain the container 150. Prevent mixed loading. In one example, the pocket of the sorting device 100 and the sorting destination are determined in advance. By properly using the pockets of the sorting device 100, it is possible to prevent mixed loading caused by a detection error of the sorting marker S. The sorting device 100 of this example is also used as a necker device, and executes both the necking step (Ne) and the sorting step.

The printing system 200 of this example can prevent mixed loading of containers 150 while sharing the device on different processing lines. By sharing some of the devices of the processing line L10 and the processing line L20, the number of required devices can be reduced.

The printing system 200 may change the processing amount of each processing line according to the printing speed of the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20. For example, when the second printing device 20 has stopped the printing operation, the processing line L20 may be connected to the first printing device 10. As a result, even when the printing speeds of the first printing device 10 and the second printing device 20 are changed, the overall processing speed can be maintained without delay in the processing line.

FIG. 5A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 200 including the first determination unit 50 and the second determination unit 60. The configuration of this example may be applied to the printing system 200 of any embodiment.

The first determination unit 50 acquires the distribution sign S from the container 150 and determines the distribution destination of the container 150. For example, the first determination unit 50 acquires the distribution sign S by photographing the container 150 with a camera. The first determination unit 50 of this example is provided in a step prior to the sorting step by the sorting device 100. The step of determining the container 150 by the first determination unit 50 may be provided in the post-processing step 230, or may be shared with the inspection step (TST). The first determination unit 50 may also serve as an inspection unit for inspecting the quality of the plurality of containers 150.

The second determination unit 60 is provided after the first determination unit 50, and redetermines the distribution destination of the container 150. The second determination unit 60 of this example is provided in a process after the distribution process by the distribution device 100. In this example, a second determination unit 60a and a second determination unit 60b are provided on each of the line L1 and the line L2 distributed by the distribution device 100. A sorting device for excluding an inappropriate container 150 as a result of re-determination may be provided in the subsequent stage of the second determination unit 60.

The first determination unit 50 and the second determination unit 60 may be provided in a process prior to the distribution process by the distribution device 100. In this case, erroneous determination can be prevented by determining the distribution destination in two stages of the first determination unit 50 and the second determination unit 60.

FIG. 5B shows an example of the configuration of the first determination unit 50. The configuration of this example may be applied to the second determination unit 60. The first determination unit 50 of this example intermittently conveys the container 150 to determine the distribution destination. That is, the first determination unit 50 detects the distribution marker S while rotating or moving the container 150, and determines the distribution destination of the container 150. The first determination unit 50 includes a container rotation unit 51 and a detection unit 52.

The container rotating portion 51 rotates the container 150 on its axis. The container rotating unit 51 of this example moves the container 150 to the detection position of the detection unit 52, and rotates the container 150 while fixing the position of the container 150. The container rotating unit 51 moves the container 150 after the determination is completed. In this case, the container rotating portion 51 may or may not rotate the container 150 during movement.

The detection unit 52 detects the distribution label S from the container 150. For example, the detection unit 52 is a camera that images the outer circumference of the container 150. Since the container 150 rotates on its axis, the distribution label S can be detected while the detection unit 52 is fixed. The first determination unit 50 of this example has one detection unit 52, but is not limited to this.

The first determination unit 50 of this example detects the distribution sign S by the detection unit 52 while the container 150 is intermittently transported and the container 150 rotates, and determines the distribution destination of the container 150. As a result, the first determination unit 50 can surely acquire the distribution sign S even by one detection unit 52.

FIG. 5C shows an example of the configuration of the first determination unit 50. The configuration of this example may be applied to the second determination unit 60. The first determination unit 50 of this example determines the distribution destination by transporting the container 150 while rotating the container 150 instead of intermittently transporting the container 150. The first determination unit 50 has a plurality of detection units 52.

The container rotating portion 51 rotates and moves the container 150. The container rotating unit 51 rotates the container 150 at the detection position of the detection unit 52, and moves the container 150 so as to pass through each of the detection positions of the plurality of detection units 52. The first determination unit 50 of this example detects the distribution marker S while rotating and moving the container 150, and determines the distribution destination of the container 150.

The plurality of detection units 52 are arranged around the container 150. The plurality of detection units 52 detect the distribution label S from the container 150 while the container 150 is moving. The plurality of detection units 52 may detect the distribution sign S from the same direction with respect to the transport direction, or may detect the distribution sign S from different directions. The first determination unit 50 of this example includes two detection units 52a and a detection unit 52b, but may include three or more detection units 52. The detection unit 52a and the detection unit 52b detect the distribution label S from the container 150 that is moving while rotating.

By having the first determination unit 50 of this example having a plurality of detection units 52, it is possible to prevent the detection omission of the distribution sign S. Further, in the first determination unit 50 of this example, it is not necessary to attach the distribution marker S to the entire circumference of the container 150 in order to detect by the detection unit 52. The first determination unit 50 may detect the container 150 by one detection unit 52 using a galvanometer mirror or the like.

FIG. 5D shows an example of a method for obtaining the distribution sign S attached to the bottom surface of the container 150. The distribution sign S of this example is attached to the bottom surface of the outer surface of the container 150. By detecting the bottom surface of the outer surface of the container 150, the detection unit 52 of this example can detect the distribution sign S regardless of the rotation position of the container 150. That is, the first determination unit 50 of this example can acquire the distribution sign S by one detection unit 52 without rotating the container 150. As a result, the number of cameras required to acquire the distribution sign S is reduced. The distribution sign S may be attached to the inner surface of the container 150.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 200 including the defect detection unit 70. The defect detection unit 70 may be applied to the printing system 200 of any embodiment.

The defect detection unit 70 detects defective products from a plurality of containers 150 in the inspection step (TST). For example, the defect detection unit 70 is provided between the printing device and the sorting device 100. The defect detection unit 70 acquires the distribution sign S of the container 150, which is a defective product, and updates the distribution information Si of the distribution device 100. As a result, the sorting device 100 can exclude the defective container 150. Defective products include products that do not meet the requirements for final products or products that cannot be distributed to the shipping line. The printed image of the container 150 determined to be defective may or may not be reprinted on a new container 150.

The control unit 120 excludes the distribution information Si of the image printed on the container 150 determined to be defective from the distribution database DB. Further, the control unit 120 may notify the first printing device 10 of the distribution sign S of the container 150 determined to be defective and have the new container 150 reprint. As a result, the container 150 determined to be defective can be replenished in real time.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a computer 2200 in which a plurality of aspects of the present invention may be embodied in whole or in part. The program installed on the computer 2200 can cause the computer 2200 to function as an operation associated with the device according to an embodiment of the present invention or as one or more sections of the device, or the operation or the one or more. A section can be run and / or a computer 2200 can be run a process according to an embodiment of the invention or a stage of the process. Such a program may be run by the CPU 2212 to cause the computer 2200 to perform certain operations associated with some or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described herein.

The computer 2200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 2212, a RAM 2214, a graphic controller 2216, and a display device 2218, which are interconnected by a host controller 2210. The computer 2200 also includes input / output units such as a communication interface 2222, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 2210 via the input / output controller 2220. There is. The computer also includes input / output units of legacy interfaces such as ROM 2230 and keyboard 2242, which are connected to the input / output controller 2220 via an input / output chip 2240.

The CPU 2212 operates according to the programs stored in the ROM 2230 and the RAM 2214, thereby controlling each unit. The graphic controller 2216 acquires the image data generated by the CPU 2212 in a frame buffer or the like provided in the RAM 2214 or itself, so that the image data is displayed on the display device 2218.

The communication interface 2222 communicates with other electronic devices via the network. The hard disk drive 2224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 2212 in the computer 2200. The DVD-ROM drive 2226 reads the program or data from the DVD-ROM 2201 and provides the program or data to the hard disk drive 2224 via the RAM 2214. The IC card drive reads the program and data from the IC card and / or writes the program and data to the IC card.

The ROM 2230 stores in it a boot program or the like executed by the computer 2200 at the time of activation, and / or a program depending on the hardware of the computer 2200. The input / output chip 2240 may also connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 2220 via a parallel port, serial port, keyboard port, mouse port, and the like.

The program is provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 2201 or an IC card. The program is read from a computer-readable medium, installed on a hard disk drive 2224, RAM 2214, or ROM 2230, which is also an example of a computer-readable medium, and executed by the CPU 2212. The information processing described in these programs is read by the computer 2200 and provides a link between the program and the various types of hardware resources described above. The device or method may be configured by implementing manipulation or processing of information in accordance with the use of computer 2200.

For example, when communication is executed between the computer 2200 and an external device, the CPU 2212 executes a communication program loaded in the RAM 2214, and performs communication processing on the communication interface 2222 based on the processing described in the communication program. You may order. Under the control of the CPU 2212, the communication interface 2222 reads and reads transmission data stored in a transmission buffer processing area provided in a recording medium such as a RAM 2214, a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM 2201, or an IC card. The data is transmitted to the network, or the received data received from the network is written to the reception buffer processing area or the like provided on the recording medium.

Further, the CPU 2212 makes the RAM 2214 read all or necessary parts of a file or database stored in an external recording medium such as a hard disk drive 2224, a DVD-ROM drive 2226 (DVD-ROM2201), or an IC card. Various types of processing may be performed on the data on the RAM 2214. The CPU 2212 then writes back the processed data to an external recording medium.

Various types of information such as various types of programs, data, tables, and databases may be stored in recording media and processed. The CPU 2212 describes various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgment, conditional branching, unconditional branching, and information retrieval described in various parts of the present disclosure with respect to the data read from the RAM 2214. Various types of processing may be performed, including / replacement, etc., and the results are written back to RAM 2214. Further, the CPU 2212 may search for information in a file, a database, or the like in the recording medium. For example, when a plurality of entries each having an attribute value of the first attribute associated with the attribute value of the second attribute are stored in the recording medium, the CPU 2212 specifies the attribute value of the first attribute. Search for an entry that matches the condition from the plurality of entries, read the attribute value of the second attribute stored in the entry, and associate it with the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined condition. The attribute value of the second attribute obtained may be acquired.

The program or software module described above may be stored on or near a computer 2200 on a computer-readable medium. Also, a recording medium such as a hard disk or RAM provided in a dedicated communication network or a server system connected to the Internet can be used as a computer readable medium, thereby providing the program to the computer 2200 via the network. do.

Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the claims that such modified or improved forms may also be included in the technical scope of the present invention.

The order of execution of operations, procedures, steps, steps, etc. in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specification, and drawings is particularly "before" and "prior to". It should be noted that it can be realized in any order unless the output of the previous process is used in the subsequent process. Even if the scope of claims, the specification, and the operation flow in the drawings are explained using "first", "next", etc. for convenience, it means that it is essential to carry out in this order. It's not a thing.

10 ... 1st printing device, 15 ... printing switching unit, 20 ... 2nd printing device, 30 ... labeling device, 50 ... 1st judgment unit, 51 ... container rotating unit , 52 ... detection unit, 60 ... second judgment unit, 70 ... defect detection unit, 100 ... distribution device, 110 ... distribution execution unit, 120 ... control unit, 121 ... Mark acquisition unit, 122 ... Sort information acquisition unit, 123 ... Decision unit, 130 ... Storage unit, 150 ... Container, 200 ... Printing system, 210 ... Preprocessing Process, 220 ... Printing process, 230 ... Post-processing process, 240 ... Retention unit, 250 ... Storage device, 252 ... Linking information generation unit, 254 ... Distribution information generation unit 2,200 ... Computer, 2201 ... ROM, 2210 ... Host controller, 2212 ... CPU, 2214 ... RAM, 2216 ... Graphic controller, 2218 ... Display device, 2220 ... Output controller, 2222 ... communication interface, 2224 ... hard disk drive, 2226 ... ROM drive, 2230 ... ROM, 2240 ... output chip, 2242 ... keyboard

Claims (31)

A first printing device that can print different images for each container,
A printing system including a sorting device that sorts the plurality of containers based on the sorting signs given to the plurality of containers. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the sorting device distributes the container to one of a plurality of lines. The printing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sorting device distributes the containers on which different images are printed to the same line. An association information generation unit that generates association information in which the distribution sign and the image printed on the container are associated with each other.
The item according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a distribution information generation unit that generates distribution information indicating a distribution destination according to an image printed on the container based on the association information. Printing system. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the sorting device has a sorting information acquisition unit that acquires the sorting information based on the association information of the image printed by the first printing device. The sorting device is
A storage unit that stores the distribution information as a distribution database,
The printing system according to claim 4 or 5, further comprising a control unit that controls the distribution of the containers based on the distribution database. The printing system according to claim 6, wherein the control unit excludes the distribution information of the containers that have been sorted by the sorting device from the sorting database. The printing system according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a defect detection unit that detects defective products from the plurality of containers. The printing system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control unit excludes distribution information of an image printed on a container determined to be defective from the distribution database. The printing system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the control unit reprints an image printed on a container determined to be defective. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a labeling device for imparting the distribution label to the plurality of containers. The labeling device is provided in a process prior to the first printing device.
The printing system according to claim 11, wherein the first printing device prints an image on the plurality of containers to which the distribution sign is attached. The printing system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the labeling device is provided in a step after the first printing device, and the distribution label is applied to the container on which an image is printed. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a second printing device provided in parallel with the first printing device. The first printing apparatus attaches the distribution label to the plurality of containers, and attaches the distribution label to the plurality of containers.
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sorting device sorts based on the sorting sign given by the first printing device. A second printing device provided in parallel with the first printing device is provided.
The distribution sign is given by the second printing apparatus.
The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sorting device sorts based on the sorting sign given by the second printing device. A print switching unit for switching the printing operation of the first printing device and the second printing device is provided.
The printing system according to claim 16, wherein the printing switching unit stops the printing operation of either the first printing device or the second printing device. The print switching unit is
The first state in which the printing operation of the first printing device is stopped and the second printing device operates for printing,
The printing system according to claim 17, wherein the first printing device and the second printing device switch between a second state in which printing is performed. The printing system according to claim 18, wherein the second printing apparatus makes the printing speed of the second state slower than the printing speed of the first state. The printing system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the printing speed of the second printing apparatus in the first state is equal to the sum of the printing speeds of the first printing apparatus and the second printing apparatus in the second state. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising a first determination unit that detects the distribution sign while rotating or moving the container and determines the distribution destination of the container. The first determination unit
The container rotating part that rotates the container and
It has a detection unit for detecting the distribution label, and has a detection unit.
21. In claim 21, the container is intermittently transported, the transport of the container is stopped, and while the container is rotating, the detection unit detects the distribution sign and determines the distribution destination of the container. The printing system described. The first determination unit has a plurality of detection units arranged around the container, and has a plurality of detection units.
The printing system according to claim 21, wherein the distribution sign is detected by the plurality of detection units while the container is moving. It is provided with a first determination unit that detects the distribution sign while rotating and moving the container and determines the distribution destination of the container.
The first determination unit
A container rotating part that rotates and moves the container,
While the container having one detection unit for detecting the distribution sign is rotating and moving, the detection unit detects the distribution sign and determines the distribution destination of the container. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 20. A second determination unit provided after the first determination unit and redetermining the distribution destination of the container is provided.
The first determination unit is provided in a step prior to the sorting step by the sorting device.
The printing system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the second determination unit is provided in a step after the sorting step by the sorting device. The printing system according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the first determination unit also serves as an inspection unit for inspecting the quality of the plurality of containers. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the distribution sign is attached to the inner surface of the container or the bottom of the container. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising a retention portion for retaining the plurality of containers in a step prior to the first printing apparatus. A sorting device that sorts containers based on sorting signs given to multiple containers.
Of the image databases of images printed on multiple containers, a storage unit that stores the distribution information of the printed images as a distribution database, and
A distribution device including a control unit that controls distribution of the plurality of containers based on the distribution database. The stage of printing different images for each container,
A method for sorting containers, which comprises a step of sorting the plurality of containers based on the sorting signs given to the plurality of containers. A program for causing a computer to execute the container sorting method according to claim 30.

Images