JP2021011084A - Welded can manufacturing method and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a manufacturing method of welded cans, which can improve productivity of a printing process even in a small lot production of individual patterns.SOLUTION: A manufacturing method of welded cans comprises the steps of: printing for forming a printing plate 100 by printing a plurality of kinds of patterns as a combination intaglio-printing plate F in which a plurality of kinds of patterns are combined, on a main surface 10a of a metal plate 10; cutting for forming a blank 200 for can bodies by dividing and cutting the printing plate 100; and manufacturing cans for forming welded cans by forming can bodies 230 by welding and bonding both ends 200b by rounding the blank 200 into a cylinder such that both ends of the blank 200 come into contact, and mounting a bottom cap 240 or a top cap on one opening 230a of the can body 230.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a welding can manufacturing method and an apparatus, and more particularly to a welding can manufacturing method and an apparatus for printing a plurality of types of symbols.

Metal cans are superior to plastic containers in terms of storage stability of contents because they are excellent in light-shielding and oxygen-blocking properties, and are superior to glass containers in terms of impact resistance and light weight. It is widely used as a packaging container for various products such as.
Among metal cans, welded cans (also referred to as "three-piece cans") are not only widely used as aerosol cans because they have excellent high-pressure sealing properties, but also containers for various beverages such as coffee beverages. It is also widely used as.

Welding cans also print a large number of single-type patterns simultaneously on a large metal plate (metal sheet) that is flat or unwound from a roll in the printing process, and divide the printed metal plate into a large number of cans. Since it is possible to manufacture blanks for the body, it is suitable for mass production of a single type of product, and realizes high productivity at low cost.

By the way, in recent years, small lot production with a small number of production lots has been increasing. In small lot production of welding cans, the number of metal plates printed on one original plate is small, and in addition, it is necessary to frequently change plates in order to print a wide variety of patterns. Therefore, in the small lot production of welded cans, it is difficult to improve the productivity of the printing process as compared with the case of mass producing a single type of product.

Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a can manufacturing technique for printing a pattern on the outer periphery of a can body after forming a welded can body in order to respond to a request for manufacturing a large number of small lots.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-177228

The can manufacturing technique described in Patent Document 1 is excellent in that it can respond to manufacturing requests for small lots and many brands, but there is a restriction that curved surface printing must be performed on each can body.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a welding can manufacturing method and apparatus capable of improving the productivity of the printing process even when individual symbols are produced in small lots. It is said.

In order to achieve the above object, the welding can manufacturing method of the present invention includes a printing step of printing a plurality of types of symbols on the main surface of a metal plate to form a printing plate as a plate in which a plurality of types of symbols are combined. By a cutting step of dividing and cutting the printing plate to form a blank for a can body, and by forming the blank into a cylindrical shape so that both end edges of the blank are in contact with each other and welding and joining the both end edges to each other. It is characterized by having a can manufacturing step of forming a can body and attaching a bottom lid or a canopy to one opening of the can body to form a welded can.

Further, the welding can manufacturing apparatus of the present invention divides a printing apparatus for forming a printing plate by printing a plurality of types of symbols on the main surface of a metal plate as a plate in which a plurality of types of symbols are combined, and the printing plate. A cutting device for cutting to form a blank for a can body and a can body are formed by forming the blank into a cylindrical shape so that both end edges of the blank are in contact with each other and welding and joining the both end edges to each other. It is characterized by having a can making device for forming a welded can by attaching a bottom lid or a canopy to one opening of the can body.

In the welding can manufacturing method and apparatus of the present invention, as a combined plate in which a plurality of types of symbols are combined, a plurality of types of symbols are printed on the main surface of a metal plate to form a printing plate. As a result, even if each pattern is produced in a small lot, the number of printing plates to be printed on one plate can be increased, and the frequency of plate change can be reduced. As a result, the productivity of the printing process can be improved even in small lot production.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a welding can manufacturing method and apparatus capable of improving the productivity of the printing process even when individual symbols are produced in small lots.

It is a flowchart of the welding can manufacturing method in 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the welding can manufacturing apparatus in 1st Embodiment of this invention. (A) is an explanatory diagram of a conventional single symbol plate, (b) is an explanatory diagram of a conventional high-mix low-volume production plate, and (c) is the first embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the combination plate. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of a symbol identification code. (A) to (d) are schematic diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the symbols in the combination plate and the cutting direction in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of an accumulator. (A) shows a combination plate in a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention, and (b) shows welding cans having different heights and patterns. It is a flowchart of the welding can manufacturing method in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the welding can manufacturing apparatus in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) to (d) are schematic diagrams for explaining the arrangement of the symbols in the combination plate and the cutting direction in the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the welding can manufacturing method in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram of the welding can manufacturing apparatus in 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, the welding can manufacturing method and the welding can manufacturing embodiment of the present invention will be described together with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the welding can manufacturing method and apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 1, the welding can manufacturing method of the present embodiment includes a printing step (S1), a cutting step (S2), an accumulating step (S3), and a can making step (S4). Each of these steps (S1 to S4) is carried out in the printing device 1, the cutting device 2, the accumulator device 3 and the can making device 4 of the welding can manufacturing device shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 2, respectively.

In the present embodiment, prior to the printing step (S1), in the painting step (not shown), the paint is applied to the metal plate for the can body of the large plate by the coater, and the paint is baked by the sheet oven. As a material for the metal plate, a plated steel plate such as a tin-plated steel plate (tinplate) is often used. The painted metal plates are stacked and supplied to the printing process (S1).

(Printing process)
In the printing step (S1), the metal plates 10 are fed one by one by a sheet feeder (not shown), and ink is applied to the main surface 10a of the metal plate 10 from the original plate 12 mounted on the rotary press 11 constituting the printing apparatus 1. Is transferred to form a printing plate 100 on which a pattern is printed. The printing is repeated according to the number of printing colors of the design.

By the way, in the conventional printing process, a large number of single-type patterns are simultaneously printed on a metal plate to form a printing plate, and the printing plate is divided to manufacture a large number of blanks for a can body. In the case of mass production of a single product, high productivity was realized at low cost.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, in the conventional printing process, when printing a blank of the symbol "A" for 50,000 cans, the original plate of the plate containing 25 single-type symbols "A" is used. Assuming that 25 cans of blank design "A" are printed on one metal plate 10, a single type of design "A" is printed on 2000 metal plates 10.

However, when a large number of types of products are produced in small quantities, the number of metal plates 10 on which each pattern is printed is small, and the printing device is stopped and the original plate is replaced each time the pattern type is changed. Since it is necessary, it has been difficult to improve the productivity of the printing process.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the blank of the symbol "A" is printed for 20,000 cans, the blank of the symbol "B" is printed for 20,000 cans, and the blank of the symbol "C" is printed for 10,000 cans. Consider the case. In this case, assuming that 25 cans of blank patterns are printed on one printing plate 100, 800 sheets of only a single pattern "A" are printed on the first original plate, and the second original plate is printed. 800 sheets of only a single symbol "B" were printed, and 400 sheets of only a single symbol "C" were printed on the third original plate. As a result, in order to exchange the original plate from the first original plate to the second original plate and further from the second original plate to the third original plate, it is necessary to stop the printing apparatus and perform the exchange work.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a plurality of types of symbols are printed on the metal plate 10 at the same time by using the original plate of the combination plate F in which a plurality of types of symbols are combined.
For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, three types of symbols are simultaneously printed as one combination plate F in which three types of symbols (“A”, “B”, and “C”) are combined. The combination plate F shown in the figure includes 10 symbols "A", 10 symbols "B", and 5 symbols "C".
As a result, by printing and forming 2000 printing plates 100 with one combination plate F of three types of symbols "A", "B" and "C", the symbol "A" is (10 x 2000 sheets =). ) 20,000 cans, the design "B" (10 pieces x 2000 sheets =) 20,000 cans, and the design "C" (5 pieces x 2000 sheets =) 10,000 cans are printed respectively.
As a result, even if each pattern is produced in a small lot, the number of metal plates 10 (the number of printing lots) to be printed on one original plate can be increased, and the frequency of plate change of the original plate can be reduced. As a result, the productivity of the printing process can be improved even if the individual symbols are produced in small lots.

As shown in FIG. 3C, in the combination plate F used in the present embodiment, one symbol is arranged for each of a total of 25 blank compartments 110 arranged in a grid pattern in 5 rows and 5 columns. .. In particular, in the example shown in FIG. 3C, in the combination plate F, symbols of the same type are arranged in each of the blank compartments 110 in the same row. More specifically, five symbols "A" are arranged in the first and second columns, five symbols "B" are arranged in the third and fourth columns, and the fifth. Five symbols "C" are arranged in a row.
As for the directions of rows and columns, the direction corresponding to the circumference of the blank can is the row direction, and the direction corresponding to the height of the can is the column direction. Further, the direction of arrangement is not limited to the above, and symbols of the same type may be arranged in blank sections 110 in the same row.

In the present embodiment, the combination plate F includes a symbol identification code 120 indicating the type of symbol at a predetermined position of each symbol arranged in each blank section 110. The symbol identification code 120 is preferably printed in the margin portion 111 around the symbol in each blank section 110. More preferably, the symbol identification code 120 may be printed on a portion that cannot be seen from the outside of the product, particularly a portion of the winding allowance.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a partially enlarged view of the printing plate 100 printed by the combination plate F. In the figure, "○○-○○○" is printed as a symbol identification code 120 indicating the type of the symbol "A" in the margin portion 111 of the blank section 110 of the symbol "A", and the symbol "B" is printed. In the margin portion 111 of the blank section 110 of the above, "○○-XXX" is printed as a symbol identification code 120 indicating the type of the symbol "B". Similarly, although not shown, a symbol identification code (not shown) indicating the type of symbol "C" is also printed in the margin of the blank section of symbol "C".
The symbol identification code 120 may include, for example, at least one of numbers, characters and symbols, may be a barcode, or may be a matrix-type two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark).

Then, a plurality of types of symbols are printed on the main surface 10a of 2000 metal plates 10 by one combination plate to form a printing plate.
In the printing process, ink is transferred from the original plate 12 to the metal plate 10 to print each pattern to form the printing plate 100, and then a coater (not shown) is used to coat the surface of the printing plate 100 with a transparent varnish. Further, the coated paint is dried and baked at a high temperature by a sheet oven (not shown) to form the printing plate 100.
The printing plates 100 are stacked by a sheet piler (not shown) and sent to the cutting device 2 shown in FIG.

(Cutting process)
In the cutting step (S2), the stacked printing plates 100 are fed out one by one by a sheet feeder (not shown), and the printing plate 100 is divided and cut for each blank section 110 in the cutting device 2 shown in FIG. The blank 200 for the can body is formed.
In the present embodiment, first, in the first cutting step (S21), the printing plate 100 shown in FIG. 5A is transferred by the first slitter 21 of the cutting device 2 in the row direction as shown in FIG. 5B. The blank units 210 are cut in a row along the line and are connected in the row direction.
Subsequently, in the second cutting step (S22), as shown in FIG. 5C, the blank unit 210 is cut row by row along the column direction by the second slitter 22 of the cutting device 2, and is used for the can body. Blank 200 is formed.
In the present embodiment, by arranging the blank sections 110 in a grid pattern in the printing step (S1), the printing plate 100 can be linearly cut in the cutting step (S2). As a result, the cutting efficiency of the printing plate 100 can be improved.
The printing board 100 may be cut line by line along the column direction first, and then cut line by line along the row direction.
In the present embodiment, the square printing plate is cut to form a blank, but a pre-printed coil-shaped sheet may be unwound and cut to form a blank. In the cutting step (S2) in this case, the sheet is cut in the longitudinal direction of the sheet in the first cutting step (S21) to form a continuous blank unit 210, and cut in the lateral direction of the sheet in the second cutting step (S22). The blank 200 can be formed. Alternatively, the blank unit 210 can be formed by cutting in the lateral direction of the sheet in the first cutting step (S21), and the blank 200 can be formed by cutting in the longitudinal direction of the sheet in the second cutting step (S22). ..

As shown in FIG. 5D, the cut blank 200 is sent to the accumulator 3 shown in FIG. 2 as a blank bundle 220 that is sorted and stacked for each symbol as shown in FIG. 5 (d).
Further, in the present embodiment, in the printing step (S1), by arranging the same kind of symbols in each of the blank sections 110 in the same row as each other in the combination plate F, the same kind of symbols are arranged after the cutting step (S2). The blanks 200 can be easily grouped into a blank bundle 220 for each of the symbols.
When the same type of symbols are arranged in each of the blank compartments 110 in the same row, they are cut in the column direction in the first cutting step (S21) and in the row direction in the second cutting step (S22). After cutting, the blanks 200 can be easily bundled into the blank bundle 220 for each symbol of the same type after the cutting step (S2).
The cutting direction and arrangement of symbols of the same type in the cutting step are not particularly limited as long as the blanks 200 can be finally grouped into the blank bundle 220 for each of the symbols of the same type. In the above two patterns, the first cutting step and the first 2 The direction of the cutting process may be reversed, or the symbols may be randomly arranged regardless of the row / column direction, but one of the above two patterns is preferable in order to easily organize the blanks 200.
Further, in the present embodiment, since the existing device can be used as the cutting device 2, new equipment cost can be suppressed.

(Accumulation process)
When the blank 200 was formed from the printing plate printed by the conventional single symbol plate, it was not necessary to separate the blank 200 for each symbol because the blank 200 had a single symbol.
On the other hand, when the printing plate 100 printed by the combination plate F is cut to form a blank 200 for a can body, a blank 200 having a plurality of types of symbols is formed from one printing plate 100. Therefore, in order to prevent mixing of different types of cans with different symbols, it is necessary to separate the blanks 200 for each symbol and manufacture cans for each of the same type of symbols.

Therefore, in the accumulator step (S3), the blank bundle 220 sorted into the same type of symbols is sorted by the accumulator device 3 according to the symbol type and temporarily stored, and the blank bundle 220 is further selected according to the symbol type. Is supplied to the can manufacturing process.
FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the accumulator device 3. As shown in the figure, the accumulator 3 includes a carry-in conveyor 31 for carrying the blanks 200 collected as a blank bundle 220 into the accumulator 3, and a sorting conveyor 32 for separating the blanks 200 and transporting them to a temporary storage location. The blank 200 is provided with a carry-out conveyor 33 for carrying out the blank 200 to the can-making device 4.
Further, the accumulator device 3 has a first image inspection device 34 as a reading means for reading the symbol identification code 120 printed on the blank 200 conveyed by the carry-in conveyor 31, and a blank conveyed by the carry-out conveyor 33. Each conveyor 31 to 33 corresponds to the second image inspection device 35 as a reading means for reading the symbol identification code 120 printed on the 200 and the symbol identification code 120 read by the first and second image inspection devices. It is provided with a controller 36 for driving and controlling.

The controller 36 drives the sorting conveyor 32 according to the symbol identification code 120 read from the blank 200 on the carry-in conveyor 31 by the first image inspection device 34, and temporarily stores the blank 200 at a predetermined position.
Further, the blank 200 having a desired pattern that is temporarily stored is carried out to the can making device 4 by the carry-out conveyor 33 by driving the sorting conveyor 32. When the blank 200 is carried out, the symbol identification code 120 of the blank 200 on the carry-out conveyor 33 is read by the second image inspection device 35, and the design of the blank 200 is checked.

In this way, even when blanks 200 of a plurality of types of symbols are formed from one printing plate 100 by the combination plate F, the blanks 200 are separated for each symbol as a blank bundle 220 in the accumulator device 3, and temporarily stored and supplied. By doing so, it is possible to prevent mixing of different types of cans with different designs.
A plurality of can-making process lines may be provided to supply blanks 200 to different can-making process lines for each symbol, or blanks 200 having different symbols may be supplied to one can-making process line by dividing time. May be supplied.

In addition, one or both of the first and second image inspection devices may be used as an image pickup means for photographing the whole or a part of the pattern printed on the blank 200. In that case, the controller 36 as the identification means configured by the computer may identify the type of the symbol by recognizing the image captured by the imaging means. When identifying the type of symbol from the symbol itself, the symbol identification code may not be required.

(Can making process)
Next, in the can making step (S4), first, the blank 200 is rolled into a cylindrical shape by a welding machine (not shown) of the can making device 4 so that both end edges 200b of the blank 200 are in contact with each other, and both end edges 200b are connected to each other. The can body 230 is formed by welding and joining. After welding, it is painted to correct the joint, and then the can body 230 is heated in the oven (not shown) of the can making device 4 to bake the paint.
Further, the can mouth of the can body 230 is squeezed by a Necka flanger (not shown) and the edge is projected outward, and then the bottom lid 240 is wound around one opening of the can body 230 by a seamer (not shown). It is tightened and mounted to form a welding can 250.
The formed welding can 250 is shipped by blowing air into the inner surface by an air tester (not shown) to perform a leak inspection, and then stacking the formed weld can 250 on a pallet by a palletizer (not shown). Further, at the shipping destination of the welded can 250, a canopy is attached to the other opening of the can body 230 after the contents are filled.

[Modification example]
Next, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.
The welding can manufacturing method of this modified example is basically the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 1, and the welding can manufacturing device of this modified example is also basically the same as the device shown in FIG. In the modified example, a welded can having a different can height and design is manufactured.

In this modified example as well, in the printing process, as in the case of the first embodiment, as a combination plate in which a plurality of types of symbols are combined, three types of symbols (“A”, “B”, and “C”) are combined. The printing plate 100a is formed by one combination plate.
As shown in FIG. 7A, in the combination plate Fa used in the present embodiment, one symbol is arranged for each of a total of 25 blank compartments 110a arranged in a grid pattern in 5 rows and 5 columns. In particular, in this combination plate Fa, symbols of the same type are arranged in each of the blank sections 110a in the same row. More specifically, five symbols "A" are arranged in the first and second rows, five symbols "B" are arranged in the third and fourth rows, and the fifth row. Five symbols "C" are arranged in a row.

However, in this modification, in the combination plate Fa, the length along the column direction (vertical direction of the drawing) of the blank section 110a of at least one row is along the column direction of the blank section 110a of at least one other row. It is different from the length. Specifically, the length Ha in the column direction of the blank compartments 110a in the first and second rows in which the symbol "A" is arranged is the blank in the third and fourth rows in which the symbol "B" is arranged. It is longer than the length Hb of the section 110a in the row direction. Further, the length Hc in the column direction of the blank compartment 110a in the fifth row in which the symbol "C" is arranged is shorter than the length Hb in the column direction of the blank compartment 110a in the third row and the fourth row. ..
The length of the blank section 110a of each row in the row direction is set uniformly.

In this modification, the steps after the cutting step are the same as those in the first embodiment. The can-making process produces three types of welded cans that have the same diameter but different heights and patterns. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), a welding can having a height Ha and a symbol "A", a welding can having a height Hb and a symbol "B", and a design "C" having a height Hc. Welding cans and cans are made respectively. On the other hand, the diameters D of the welded cans of each symbol are the same as each other.
However, in this modification, in order to form the welding cans 250a, 250b and 250c having different heights, the spacing between the slitter blades in the cutting step of cutting in the row direction in the cutting device 2 of FIG. 2 is the blank section 110a. It is set according to the length in the column direction of.
The heights of the welding cans 250a, 250b, and 250c shown in FIG. 7B are lower than the length in the row direction of the blank section 110a of the printing plate by the amount of the winding allowance, but for convenience. Is represented by Ha, Hb and Hc.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the welding can manufacturing method and apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, the welding can manufacturing method of the present embodiment includes a printing step (S81), a cutting step (S82), an accumulating step (S83), and a can making step (S84). Each of these steps (S81 to S84) is carried out in the printing device 1, the cutting device 2a, 2b, the accumulator device 3a, and the can manufacturing device 4 of the welding can manufacturing device shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 9, respectively.

(Printing process)
The printing process (S81) of the present embodiment is the same as the printing process (S1) of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 10A, in the combination plate F used in the present embodiment, one symbol is arranged for each of a total of 25 blank compartments 110 arranged in a grid pattern in 5 rows and 5 columns. In the example shown in the figure, in the combination plate F, symbols of the same type are arranged in each of the blank sections 110 in the same row. More specifically, five symbols "A" are arranged in the first and second columns, five symbols "B" are arranged in the third and fourth columns, and the fifth. Five symbols "C" are arranged in a row.
Further, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the combination plate includes a symbol identification code indicating the type of the symbol at a predetermined position of each symbol.

(Cutting process and accumulating process)
The cutting step (S82) includes a first cutting step (S821) and a second cutting step (S822). Further, in the present embodiment, an accumulator step (S83) is provided between the first cutting step (S821) and the second cutting step (S822).

First, as shown in FIG. 10B, in the first cutting step (S821), the printing plates 100 are made of the same type of symbols by the first slitter 21 as the first cutting portion of the cutting device 2a shown in FIG. Is divided and cut along the direction of the printed row to form a blank unit 210a in which blank compartments 110 in the same row are connected as shown in FIG. 10 (b).
In the present embodiment, the combination plates F may have symbols of the same type arranged in each of the blank sections 110 in the same row, and in the first cutting step (S821) in that case, the combined plates F are cut in the row direction. ..
As shown in FIG. 10C, the formed blank unit 210a is sent to the accumulator device 3 as a bundle of blank units 260 stacked for each symbol in the cutting device 2.

Subsequently, in the accumulator step (S83), the blank unit bundle 260 formed in the first cutting step (S821) is sorted according to the type of the symbol and temporarily stored, and the blank unit bundle 260 is selected according to the type of the symbol. 2 Supply to the cutting step (S822).
The accumulator 3a of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the accumulator 3 of the first embodiment, but instead of the blank bundle 220, the blank unit bundle 260 is sorted and stored according to the type of symbol.
In the present embodiment, since the blank unit bundle 260 is separated and temporarily stored in the accumulating step (S83), the space required for accumulating can be reduced as compared with the case where the blank bundle 220 is separated and temporarily stored. ..

Also in the present embodiment, a reading means for reading the symbol identification code printed on the blank unit 210a is provided, and the blank unit bundle 260 in which the blank units 210a are stacked is provided according to the type of symbol according to the read symbol identification code. It is advisable to provide a controller that controls the accumulator 3a so that it can be sorted and stored.
In order to separate the blank unit bundle 260 according to the type of symbol, it is sufficient to read the symbol identification code of the symbol of at least one blank section included in the blank unit 210a, and the symbols of all the blank sections included in the blank unit 210a may be read. It is not necessary to read the symbol identification code of.

The controller 36 drives the sorting conveyor 32 according to the symbol identification code 120 read from the blank 200 on the carry-in conveyor 31 by the first image inspection device 34, and temporarily stores the blank 200 at a predetermined position.
Further, the blank 200 having a desired pattern that is temporarily stored is carried out to the can making device 4 by the carry-out conveyor 33 by driving the sorting conveyor 32. When the blank 200 is carried out, the symbol identification code 120 of the blank 200 on the carry-out conveyor 33 is read by the second image inspection device 35, and the design of the blank 200 is checked.

In this embodiment as well, an imaging means for capturing the entire or a part of the pattern printed on the blank unit 210a may be provided. In that case, it is preferable to identify the type of the symbol by recognizing the image captured by the imaging means by the identification means configured by the computer. When identifying the type of symbol from the symbol itself, the symbol identification code may not be required.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10D, in the second cutting step (S822), the blank unit 210a was formed by the second slitter 22 as the second cutting portion of the cutting device 2b shown in FIG. As shown in d), the blank section 110 is divided and cut along the row direction orthogonal to the column direction to form the blank 200. The formed blank 200 is supplied to the can making device 4.
In the present embodiment, since the blank unit 210a having a single type of symbol is supplied from the accumulator 3a to the second cutting step (S822) at a time, the blank 200 supplied to the can manufacturing process is supplied depending on the type of symbol. There is no need for further sorting.
Further, since the can making step (S84) and the can making device 4 of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the welding can manufacturing method and apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the welding can manufacturing method of the present embodiment includes a printing step (S111), a cutting step (S112), a can making step (S113), and a sorting step (S114). Each of these steps (S111 to S114) is carried out in the printing device 1, the cutting device 2, the can making device 4, and the sorting device 5 of the welding can manufacturing device shown in the schematic view of FIG. 12, respectively.

The printing step (S111), cutting step (S112), and can making step (S113) of the present invention include the printing steps (S1, S81), cutting steps (S2, S82), and manufacturing of the first and second embodiments. It is the same as the can process (S4, S84).
Further, also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the combination plate includes a symbol identification code indicating the type of the symbol at a predetermined position of each symbol.

However, in the present embodiment, the blank 200 cut by the cutting device 2 becomes a stacked blank bundle 220 and is sent to the can making device 4 shown in FIG. 2 without going through the accumulator step.
The blank bundle 220 in the present embodiment does not need to be sorted for each symbol, and different symbols may be mixedly loaded. Further, the blank 200 may be sent to the can making apparatus 4 as it is without being stacked on the blank bundle 220.
In the present embodiment, since the accumulator step is not required, space saving can be achieved.

(Separation process)
The welded can formed in the can manufacturing step (S113) is sorted according to the type of the symbol in the sorting step (S114). The sorting of the welded can is performed based on the symbol identification code printed in the printing step (S1) described in the first embodiment.
For example, also in the present embodiment, a reading means for reading the symbol identification code printed on the welding can is provided, and a conventionally known sorting device (not shown) is transported in the transport lane according to the symbol identification code. By selectively extruding the welded cans into the parallel running lane, the welded cans can be easily separated. It is advisable to repeat such sorting according to the number of types of symbols.
In this way, since the welded cans are separated after the can manufacturing process, the printing plate 100 printed by the combination plate F is divided and cut to form a blank 200 for a can body having a plurality of patterns from one printing plate 100. Even if this is the case, it is possible to prevent mixing of different types of cans with different designs.
Welding cans sorted according to the type of symbol are palletized by a palletizer (not shown) for each type of symbol and shipped.

In this embodiment as well, an image pickup means for capturing an image of the whole or a part of the pattern printed on the welding can may be provided. In that case, it is preferable to identify the type of the symbol by recognizing the image captured by the imaging means by the identification means configured by the computer. When identifying the type of symbol from the symbol itself, the symbol identification code may not be required.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example of printing a design of a can body blank for 25 cans per metal plate has been described, but in the present invention, the number of blank compartments on the metal plate is not particularly limited.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the blank compartments on the metal plate are arranged in a grid pattern has been described, but in the present invention, the arrangement of the blank compartments is not limited to the grid pattern.

1 Printing equipment 2, 2a, 2b Cutting equipment 3, 3a Accumulation equipment 4 Can making equipment 10 Metal plate 10a Main surface 11 Rolling machine 12 Original plate 21 1st slitter 22 2nd slitter 31 Carry-in conveyor 32 Sorting conveyor 33 Carry-out conveyor 34 1st Image inspection device 35 Second image inspection device 36 Controller 100, 100a Printing board 110, 110a Blank section 111 Margin 120 Design identification code 200 Blank 200b Both ends edge 210, 210a Blank unit 220 Blank bundle 230 Can body 230a Opening 240 Bottom Lid 250, 250a, 250b, 250c Welding can 260 Blank unit bundle A, B, C Design F Combination plate

Claims (15)

A printing process of printing a plurality of types of symbols on the main surface of a metal plate as a combination plate in which the plurality of types of symbols are combined to form a printing plate.
A cutting step of dividing and cutting the printing plate to form a blank for a can body, and
A can body is formed by rolling the blank into a cylindrical shape so that both end edges of the blank are in contact with each other and welding and joining the both end edges to each other, and a bottom lid or a canopy is attached to one opening of the can body. The can manufacturing process for forming welded cans and
A welding can manufacturing method characterized by having. In the printing step, one symbol is arranged on the main surface of the metal plate for each blank section arranged in a grid along the row direction and the column direction orthogonal to the row direction.
The welding can manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein in the cutting step, the printing plate is divided and cut for each blank section to form the blank. The welding can manufacturing method according to claim 2, wherein in the printing step, symbols of the same type are arranged in each of the blank compartments in the same row or column of the combination plates. In the combination plate, symbols of the same type are arranged in each of the blank sections in the same row.
3. The length of the blank section of at least one row along the column direction is different from the length of the blank section of at least one other row along the column direction. The described welding can manufacturing method. Between the cutting step and the can making step, the blank is sorted according to the type of the symbol and temporarily stored, and the separated blank is selected according to the type of the symbol and supplied to the can making step. The welding can manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the welded can is provided. The cutting step includes a first cutting step of dividing and cutting the printing board along the row or column direction in which the same type of pattern is printed to form a blank unit in which the blank sections are connected, and the blank unit. The blank section is divided and cut to form the blank.
Between the first cutting step and the second cutting step, the blank unit is sorted according to the type of symbol and temporarily stored, and the separated blank unit is selected according to the type of symbol to move to the second cutting step. The welding can manufacturing method according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising an accumulating step of supplying. The welding can manufacturing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a sorting step of sorting the welded cans according to the type of the symbol after the can manufacturing step. The combination plate includes a symbol identification code indicating the type of symbol at a predetermined position of each symbol.
The welding can manufacturing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein sorting is performed according to the type of symbol based on the symbol identification code. The welding can manufacturing method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the image of the whole or a part of the symbol is image-recognized to identify the type of the symbol. A printing device that forms a printing plate by printing a plurality of types of symbols on the main surface of a metal plate as a combination plate in which the plurality of types of symbols are combined.
A cutting device that divides and cuts the printing plate to form a blank for a can body, and
A can body is formed by rolling the blank into a cylindrical shape so that both end edges of the blank are in contact with each other and welding the both end edges to each other, and a bottom lid or a canopy is attached to one opening of the can body and welded. A can making device that molds cans and
A welding can manufacturing apparatus, which comprises. The tenth aspect of claim 10, wherein the blank is sorted according to the type of symbol and temporarily stored, and the blank is further provided with an accumulator device that selects the separated blank according to the type of symbol and supplies the blank to the can manufacturing apparatus. Welding can manufacturing equipment. In the combination plate, one symbol is arranged for each blank section arranged in a square grid pattern on the main surface of the metal plate, and the same type of symbol is arranged in each of the blank sections in the same row or column. The design is arranged,
The cutting device divides and cuts the printing board along the row or column direction in which the same type of pattern is printed, and forms a blank unit in which the blank sections are continuous, and the blank. The unit is provided with a second cutting portion for forming the blank by dividing and cutting each blank section.
The welding can manufacturing apparatus is further provided with an accumulator in which the blank unit is sorted according to the type of symbol and temporarily stored, and the separated blank is selected according to the type of symbol and supplied to the second cutting portion. The welding can manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10. The welding can manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the welding can manufacturing apparatus further includes a sorting apparatus for sorting the welded cans according to the type of a symbol. The combination plate includes a symbol identification code indicating the type of symbol at a predetermined position of each symbol.
The welding can manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the welding can manufacturing apparatus includes a reading means for reading the symbol identification code. An imaging means that captures all or part of the symbol, and
An identification means for identifying the type of the symbol by recognizing an image captured by the imaging means.
The welding can manufacturing method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the welding can manufacturing method is provided.

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