JPH0555376B2 - - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention (Industrial Field of Application) The present invention relates to a label pasting device, specifically, a label pasting device which is arranged in a container such as a paper box or a container, and is housed in a container such as a paper box or a container. The present invention relates to a device that automatically attaches labels such as price tags to products.

(Prior art and its problems) Conventionally, when attaching labels to each product stored in a container, such as canned products, boxed products, bottled products, etc., it is not possible to automatically attach labels to each product while it is stored in the container. Unable to affix the label, the product must be manually removed from the container, sent to an automatic labeler to affix the label, and then manually packed into the container again. Ta.

However, in the conventional work, in order to attach a label, it is necessary to remove and pack the products, which causes a decrease in work efficiency.

On the other hand, as a device that automates labeling,
There are JP-A-60-13633 and JP-A-56-64931.

The former device handles products stacked vertically,
The label pasting machine that has absorbed the adhesive label sequentially pastes the label on each of the product surfaces while moving in the vertical direction by the product height. In addition, the latter device places products on pedestals provided at regular intervals on a rail, moves them intermittently one after another, and then affixes a label to the product when it stops at the label affixing section. By inputting in advance the relative misalignment of the label pasting position that occurs depending on the size of the product, the label pasting machine can be adjusted in X-Y based on the product size data.
In this way, the label is always affixed to the product in a fixed position. Both of the above-mentioned devices have the function of automatically pasting labels on multiple products in sequence and the function of moving the label pasting machine in the There is no function to automatically affix labels by moving the labeling machine vertically or horizontally according to a preset order in response to the array of products stored in the product array. As mentioned above, attaching labels to the products arranged in the container requires manual work to put in and take out the products.

Furthermore, conventionally, there is a method of manually attaching labels to a large number of products while they are still in a container using a hand labeler.
When handling a large number of products, worker fatigue is high and work efficiency is poor.

(Object of the Invention) In view of the conventional circumstances, the present invention provides an apparatus that automatically attaches labels to each product in a predetermined order while the products are arranged in multiple rows and columns on the storage surface of a container. The purpose is to provide.

(Structure of the Invention) The labeling device of the present invention places a container in a predetermined position on a work table, in which a large number of products are arranged horizontally in a plurality of rows at predetermined intervals on the storage surface of the container. A movable frame is installed above the table so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and a label printer equipped with a position indicator placed at a fixed position from the label application opening is mounted on the movable frame. The movable frame is installed in a suspended frame, and the movable frame is equipped with an X motor for moving the frame in the X-axis direction and means for measuring the amount of movement thereof, and a Y motor for moving the frame in the Y-axis direction and means for measuring the amount of movement thereof. The driving means has an operation key for driving the X motor and the Y motor, a numeric key, and a setting key, and when these keys are operated, the labeling opening is first pasted with a label using the indicator. An operation setting means for setting moving movement data of the movable frame, which comprises means for setting the reference position of the product, means for setting the pitch of the product in the container in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and means for setting the number of rows. By electrically connecting the frame and moving the movable frame based on the operation data, the label application opening of the label printer installed in the frame is sequentially attached to each product arranged in the container in the set order. A drive control unit for moving the label printer is provided, and the label printer has a printing unit for printing required data on a label and issuing it, and a pasting unit for spraying the issued label downward, and both units and the drive control unit are linked. The label printer moves along with the movable frame to attach the issued label to the product from the label attaching port of the label printer.

The movable frame can be moved continuously at a constant speed, or intermittently by stopping each time the label application port reaches directly above the product, or decelerates each time the label application port approaches the label application position on the product. Any method may be adopted, such as a variable speed movement method, or a method of fast forwarding the movement section from the mechanical origin position to the first product position and the section returning from the final product position to the origin position.

The linkage between the printing means and pasting means of the label printer and the drive control section of the movable frame is such that when the movement of the movable frame is continuous, the amount of movement of the movable frame is detected by the measurement means in the drive control section; The pasting means is activated at each predetermined movement point, and after label pasting is performed by activation of the pasting means, the printing means is activated to print and issue a label while the movable frame reaches the next movement point.

Further, when the movement of the movable frame is an intermittent movement method, the drive control section activates the pasting means every time the movable frame pauses, and also activates the feeding of the drive control section every time the pasting operation of the pasting means ends. , the printing means is operated during the moving section of the movable frame during the feeding operation.

The moving operation data of the movable frame is input by key operation of the operation setting means, and the drive control section is controlled based on the operation data.

(Embodiment) To explain the embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, in Figs.
A, 1b, 1c, 1d and reinforcing rods connecting them are constructed into a square frame body, and the pillars 1a,
Ceiling rods 2a, 2b, 2 on the top surface of 1b, 1c, 1d
The ceiling frame 2 is formed by mounting and connecting the ceiling frames 2c and 2d.

A work table 4 formed by a roller conveyor is mounted on the machine frame 1 across reinforcing rods 3 and 3' at the lower portions of both sides, and a roller conveyor 5 forming a carry-in path is mounted on the right end of the table 4. A roller conveyor 5' forming a discharge path is connected to each end.

A container N to be transferred by a roller conveyor 5 is carried onto the work table 4, and after a predetermined labeling work is completed, the container N is carried out from the work table 4 to the roller conveyor 5'.

On the work table 4, a positioning stopper 6 protrudes freely onto the table 4 between rollers at fixed positions, and a container N carried in is placed against the stopper 6 to position the left side edge of the container N, and the container Position the front edge of N to match the front edge of table 4.
That is, the container N is placed at a fixed position on the table 4 with its left side edge and front edge positioned.

Note that the table 4, the roller conveyors of the carry-in path, and the carry-out path may be driven by a motor or the like to automatically convey the container N, and the table 4 does not necessarily have to be configured with a roller conveyor. It is also possible to use a simple flat plate and provide positioning means on the top surface thereof, for example, an L-shaped guide line for aligning the left side edge and front edge of the container N, and rollers for the carry-in path and the carry-out path. It is also free to have an independent structure that is not connected to the conveyor.

Further, a clamp 7 is attached to the front side of the work table 4 so as to be able to rise and fall freely, and when the container N is a paper box with a lid, the lid is opened and the front lid is held by the clamp 7.

The container N is a paper box, a container, or the like, and a large number of products n ₁ , n _{2 ,} .

Further, racks 8 and 8' are horizontally suspended on the front and rear surfaces of the upper part of the machine frame 1, respectively, and guide rods 9 and 9' are horizontally suspended on the front and rear surfaces of the ceiling frame 2, respectively. The X frame _a1 of the movable frame A is slidably suspended from the guide rods 9, 9'.

Movable frame A is in the X-axis direction (left and right width direction) with respect to the machine frame.
It is composed of an X frame a ₁ that is movable in the forward and backward directions, and a Y frame a ₂ that is movable in the Y axis direction (back and forth direction) _. are integrally connected via guide rods 11, 11'.

The above-mentioned X frame a ₁ has movers 10a, 10a' attached to the front frame 10 and back frame 10', and the movers 10a, 1
0a' is slidably suspended from the guide rods 9, 9',
It is movable along the rod in the X-axis direction.

The Y frame _a2 is a frame that is slidably installed on the guide rods 11, 11' of the X frame _a1 , and the guide rods 11,1
1' in the Y-axis direction.

A screw shaft ₁₃ that is screwed into the internal screw 12' of the reduction gear 12 arranged horizontally is passed through the Y frame a2 vertically, and a label printer B is hung and installed on the lower end of the screw shaft 13. In B, four vertical shafts 14, 14, . . . are installed upward around the screw shaft 13, and inserted through the Y frame _a2 so as to be guided and slidable.

Thus, the movable frame A is constructed above the work table 4, and its X frame _a1 moves in the X-axis direction, and the Y frame _a2
is moved in the Y-axis direction, and the label printer B suspended from the Y-frame _a2 is moved in the X-axis and Y-axis directions on the work table 4.

X motor _{M 1 and} Y
A pinion ₁₅ ' is attached to a rotating shaft 15 which is rotated in forward and reverse directions by an X motor _M2 , and a motor M2 is attached thereto.
15' rolls on the racks 8, ₈ ' to move the X frame a1, and the Y frame _a2 is moved by the screw shaft 16 which is rotated forward and backward by the Y motor _M2 .

Further, a Z motor _M2 is installed in the Y frame _a2 , and the motor _M2 connects the reduction gear 12 so that it can freely rotate in forward and reverse directions.The rotation of the reduction gear 12 causes the screw shaft 13 to move up and down, and the label printer B move in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

Incidentally, the label printer B may be configured so that the screw shaft 13 is manually rotated using a manual handle or the like instead of using the Z motor _M3 , and instead of using a mechanism that moves the label printer B up and down, the label printer B can be moved in the Y frame a. ₂ may be installed in a fixed manner, and the work table 4 may be moved up and down.

Furthermore, the label printer B may be attached to the Y frame _a2 so as to be swingable in the left and right and front and back directions, and the bottom surface may be adjusted to be horizontal or at a desired angle of inclination.

Label printer B has a label applicator on its left end.
b', a label pasting port b is disposed on the bottom of the pasting device b', and the label L printed and issued by the printing means is suctioned and held in the pasting port b, and when a pasting command signal is received, Label L by air pressure
Spray downward from application port b.

In addition, the label printer B has an indicator 17 attached to a predetermined position, for example, on the left side of the label applicator b', and this indicator 17 is arranged so that it is in the XY coordinate relationship of the fixed position from the label applicator b', and the movable frame A is moved. It is used as a position indicator of the product when placing the product.

The indicator 17 has concentric circles 18a... and grid scales 18b... on a transparent glass plate 17a arranged horizontally.
The product and the indicator 1 can be seen through the concentric circles 18a or grid scale 18b.
Visually confirm the position where the center 18 of 7 coincides with the center 18 (FIG. 5).

When the operator places the glass plate 1 on the indicator 17,
A reflecting mirror 17b is arranged in an inclined manner so that it is easy to see through the mirror 7a.

Further, a console unit C is arranged at the upper front of the machine frame 1, and a control section for the movable frame A and the label printer B is built into the console unit C, and a display section 21 of the movable frame A is displayed on the surface.
The operation unit 22 and the display unit 23 of the label printer B,
An operating section 24 is provided.

Note that the console unit C may be installed not at the top of the machine frame 1 but in the middle, or may be provided separately from the machine frame.

The details of the display section 21 and operation section 22 of the movable frame A will be explained with reference to FIG.
31 is an operation key, 32 is a numeric key, and 33 is a setting key, these keys 31, 32, and 33 constitute an operation setting means 30 for the movable frame A;
is a function key, and 35 is a label pasting operation key.

The operation key 31 is for X motor M ₁ , Y motor M ₂ , Z
This key drives the motor _M3 , and the Xa key rotates the X motor _M1 forward to move the X frame _a1 of the movable frame A to the left in the X-axis direction, and the Xb key drives the X motor _M1.
is reversed to move the movable frame A to the right in the X-axis direction. Also, the Ya key rotates the Y motor M ₂ in the forward direction to move the Y frame a ₂ of the movable frame A backward in the Y-axis direction, and the Yb key rotates the Y motor M ₂ in the reverse direction to move the Y frame a ₂ in the Y-axis direction. move it forward.

Furthermore, the X-Y keys are used to rotate the motors M ₁ and M ₂ forward or reverse to return the X frame a ₁ and Y frame a ₂ to their mechanical origin positions in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

Further, the Za key raises the Y frame _a2 , the Zb key lowers the Y frame _a2 , and the _Z0 key returns the Y frame _a2 to its original position in the Z-axis direction.

Setting keys 33 are X ₀ key, Y ₀ key, X ₁ key, Y ₁
key _, P _X key, P _Y key, M _X key, and _{M Y} key. The coordinates are entered, the _X1 key allows the user to enter the dimension (width) of the product in the X-axis direction, and the _Y1 key allows the user to enter the dimension (length) of the product in the Y-axis direction.

Also, the P _X key changes the pitch between products in the X axis direction ( _P
, the P _Y key inputs the pitch (P _Y ) between products in the Y-axis direction, the M _X key inputs the number of rows of products in the X-axis direction, and the M _Y key This allows you to input the number of columns.

The functional parts of the movable frame A and label printer B will be explained with reference to FIG.

The functional section of the movable frame A includes the display section 21 and the operation section 22, as well as memory (ROM, RAM).
It further includes a drive control section 25, and the operation section 22 includes the aforementioned operation setting means 30.

_The drive control unit 25 includes rotary encoders 15a _{, 16a} , and
13a.

The input operation of the operation motor of the movable frame A by the operation setting means 30 will be explained with reference to FIGS. The indicator 17 of B is the Y-axis line of product n ₁ in container N.
I ₁ , press the Ya key at that position and move the movable frame A
When the front edge A of the product _n1 and the center 18 of the indicator 17 coincide with each other, the movable frame A
, press the Y ₀ key of the setting key 33, and input the Y ₀ measured by the encoder 16a.

Next, press the Ya key again to move the movable frame A backward,
When the center 18 of the indicator 17 coincides with the rear edge B of product n ₁ , stop the movable frame A and press the setting key 33.
Press the _Y1 key and input the Y-axis coordinate _Y1 measured with the encoder 16a.

Next, press the Ya key again to move the movable frame A further backward, and when the front edge C of the product _n8 in the back row matches the center 18 of the indicator 17, stop the movable frame A and press the P _Y key of the setting key 33. Press to enter the Y-axis coordinate _Y2 at that position.

Thereafter, by operating the operation key 31, align the center 18 of the indicator 17 with the X-axis line _I2 of the product _n1 , and by operating the Xa key, align the center 18 of the indicator 17 with the left edge of the product _n1 , and product n ₂
Temporarily stop _the movable frame A _{every time the} left edge _of
and input X ₂ .

_{Based on the} above _coordinates X ₀ , _{X 1 , 0 +} (X _{1 -} X ₀ )/2, Y ₀ + (Y ₁ - Y ₀ )/2], the product pitch in the X _- axis direction (P P _Y = Y ₂ − _{Y 0} ) is calculated.

In addition, the coordinates of the base point P ₀ above are label pasting opening b
It is corrected by subtracting the distance coordinates (X', Y') between the indicator 17 and the indicator 17 [X ₀ + (X _{1 −}
−X′Y ₀ +(Y ₁ −Y ₀ )/2−Y′].

Next, after pressing _{the M} The number of columns in the Y-axis direction, for example, "3" is entered using the number key 32.

By the above-mentioned number setting operation, the pitch of the movable frame A to be pitch-fed, the number of pitch-feeds, the inter-row movement position, and the total number of products to be labeled are calculated.

Further, the feeding direction of the movable frame A is set by key operation of the function key 34.

The operation data of the data inputted by the setting means 30 and the data obtained through arithmetic processing are stored in a memory (RAM), and the drive control section 25 operates based on these operation data when the apparatus is started.

In addition, when handling many types of products, a preset memory 40 is provided to store and hold the product code and operation data for each product.
By inputting a product code using the operation section 22, the corresponding operation data is called up from the preset memory 40.

The drive control section 25 controls the movement amount and timing of the movable frame A and the operation of the label printer B based on the above-mentioned operation data.
6, pitch feeding means 27, return means 28 and height adjustment means 29 are provided.

The base point alignment means 26 moves from the mechanical origin 0 of the movable frame A to the product in the container N when the label printer B's application opening b is
This is to set the amount of rotation of the rotating shaft 15 and the screw shaft 16 that move _n1 .

That is, the movable frame A is first moved so that the label attachment opening b coincides with the base position _P0 of the product _n1 .

Note that the reference point position P ₀ can also be set at a position shifted by a predetermined distance from the center position of the product by using the setting means 30 described above.

The pitch feed means 27 is used to set the amount of rotation of the rotary shaft 15 and the screw shaft 16 by which the label pasting port b sequentially moves from the base position P ₀ to the centers of the products n ₂ , n ₃ . . . n ₁₂ .

In this feeding means 27, products n ₁ ~
When moving between n ₄ , n ₅ - n ₈ and n ₉ - _{n 12} , only the rotating shaft 15 that moves in the X-axis direction rotates forward or reverse, and the movement between rows (n ₄ → n ₅ ), (n ₈ → n ₉ ), only the screw shaft 16 that moves in the Y-axis direction rotates.

In the embodiment, the pitch feeding means 27 is of a continuous movement type, and the label printer B performs the label pasting operation when the label pasting port b reaches the top of each product.

A diagram of movement of the movable frame A, that is, the label printer B, by the pitch feeding means 27 is shown in FIG. 9 or 10.

The return means 28 moves the movable frame A after the pasting port b reaches the top of the final product n ₁₂ and the label pasting is completed, that is, after the number of label pastings corresponding to the number of products inputted by the setting means 30 has been completed. Rotating shaft 15 and screw shaft 1 so as to return to the origin position 0
Set the rotation amount of 6, that is, encoder 15a,
The rotating shaft 15 and the screw shaft 16 are rotated so that 16a becomes 0.

The height adjusting means 29 drives the Z motor _M3 by key operation of the Za key or the Zb key of the operation section 22 to move the label printer B up and down, so that the distance between the top surface of the product and the application opening b is kept approximately constant. This will be adjusted accordingly.

The operation data of the movable frame A is stored in the preset memory 40.
If the height adjustment means 29 is to be stored and retained, it is preferable to also store the setting amount of the height adjustment means 29 in the preset memory.

The functional section of the label printer B includes the display section 23 and the operation section 24, as well as memory (ROM,
RAM), and is further provided with a printing means 50 and a label pasting means 51, and the printing means 50 prints necessary data such as the price of the product on the label L and issues it under the pasting opening b. Then, the label L below the application opening b is sprayed downward.

The functional parts of the movable frame A and label printer B are electrically connected to each other via communication interfaces 52 and 53, so that both A and B can operate in conjunction with each other.

That is, at the same time as the movable frame A starts moving from the origin position, the printing means 50 of the label printer B is activated, and the operation of printing and issuing the label L is completed by the time the movable frame A reaches the base position, The pasting means 51 is activated in conjunction with the movement of the movable frame A passing through the base position.

By activating this pasting means 51, the label L is pasted onto the first product _n1 .

Next, the movable frame A is moved in pitches by the pitch feeder 27, but the label printer B activates the printing means 50 in response to the pasting operation completion signal from the pasting means 51, and the label printer B starts the printing means 50 every set pitch feed. It is linked to activate the pasting means 51 of B.

As a result, the movable frame A enters the pitch feed operation, and the label printer B's application port B moves the products n ₂ , n ₃ , etc.
Each time the product reaches the top of n ₁₂ , the label L is sprayed onto the product from the application port b, and the labels are sequentially affixed to products n ₂ , n ₃ . . . n ₁₂ in the order shown in FIG. 9 or 10. Ru.

Also, when the movable frame A reaches the end point of the pitch feed operation,
The return means 28 of the movable frame A is activated in response to the pasting operation completion signal from the pasting means 51 of the label printer B, thereby starting the motor _M1 or _M2 and returning the movable frame A to its original position. do.

Then, when the container N is placed in a fixed position on the work table 4 and the device is started, the label printer B
The pasting opening b is the product n ₁ , n ₂ ...n ₁₂ in the container N 1
The labels L are affixed under the affixing opening by moving to the destination one by one, and then the label printer B returns to the original position together with the movable frame A automatically.

After pasting the label, the stopper 6 on the table 4 is lowered, and the container N is pushed out from the table 4 to the roller conveyor 5'.

When attaching a label to an inclined surface of an object, the label printer can be tilted freely.

In the apparatus of the above embodiment, the amount of movement of the movable frame A in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction and the amount of movement of the label printer B in the Z-axis direction are determined by the rotary encoders 15a, 16a, and 13a, respectively, on the rotary shaft 15, Although the configuration is such that measurement is performed by detecting the amount of rotation of the screw shafts 16 and 13, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, each movement amount can also be measured by using stepping motors for each of the X motor M ₁ , Y motor M ₂ , and Z motor M ₂ and counting the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motors. I can do it. When a stepping motor is used, the cost is somewhat higher than when a DC motor and rotary encoder are used, but the amount of movement can be measured more accurately.

Therefore, it is desirable to use a stepping motor when it is required to accurately apply a label to a predetermined position on a small item.

(Effects) According to the present invention, while products are arranged in multiple rows and columns in a container, labels can be mechanically and automatically applied to each product in an efficient order. Therefore, it is not necessary to take out and read products as in the conventional work, which saves labor, reduces worker fatigue compared to using a hand labeler, and improves the work efficiency of label pasting work. can be increased.

In addition, since the moving operation data of the movable frame for moving the label printer is set by the operation setting means connected to the driving means, the moving operation data of the movable frame for moving the label printer is set by the teaching operation of the driving means and calculation processing by the means. To provide a label pasting device that allows operation data to be easily and accurately set, and has excellent usability and versatility by storing operation data for each product using a preset memory. I can do it.

In addition, since the label printer is moved in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction using the movable frame, it is easier to position the container on two sides, the side edge and the front edge, compared to a method in which the container is moved using a work table. By rationalizing and reducing the moving range of the label printer, the device can be made smaller and lighter. It also eliminates the need for a locking mechanism to secure containers on the work table, and it also allows the work table to be equipped with a loading and unloading path for a roller conveyor, etc. It can be easily connected, and it is also possible to integrate and automate the inventive device during the transport of containers.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway front view of the device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway side view, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line - - of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the same line.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the indicator part, Fig. 6 is a surface view of the console unit, Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the movable frame and the functional parts of the label printer,
FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating a setting operation of a part of the operation setting means, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan views showing the order in which labels are pasted, respectively. In the diagram, 1 is the machine frame, N is the container, n ₁ ... n ₁₂ is the product,
A is a movable frame, _a1 is an X frame, _a2 is a Y frame, 4 is a work table, 17 is an indicator, B is a label printer, b is a label pasting opening, L is a label, 25 is a drive control unit, 26 is a reference point 27 is a pitch feeding means, 28 is a return means, 30 is an operation setting means, 3
1 is an operation key, 32 is a numeric key, 33 is a setting key, 50 is a printing means, 51 is a pasting means, 52,5
3 is a communication interface.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A container containing a large number of products arranged in multiple rows at predetermined intervals both vertically and horizontally on the storage surface of the container is placed at a fixed position on a work table, and a movable frame is placed above the table. A label printer is installed so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and is equipped with a position indicator placed from a fixed position from the label application opening, suspended from the movable frame;
The movable frame has a driving means including an X motor for moving the frame in the X-axis direction and means for measuring the amount of movement thereof, and a Y motor for moving the frame in the Y-axis direction and means for measuring the amount of movement thereof, The driving means has the above-mentioned
It has an operation key for driving a motor, a Y motor, a numeric key, and a setting key, and means for setting the label application opening to the standard position of the product to be labeled for the first time using the indicator by operating these keys, and the product in the container. an operation setting means for setting movement operation data of the movable frame, which is electrically connected to the operation data, and includes means for setting the pitch in the X-axis and Y-axis directions of the movable frame and means for setting the number of rows of the movable frame; A drive control unit is provided that moves the movable frame based on the frame to sequentially move the label application opening of the label printer installed in the frame in the set order on each product arranged in the container. A label pasting opening of a label printer, which has a printing means for printing and issuing required data on a label, and a pasting means for spraying the issued label downward, and the both means and the drive control unit are linked to move together with a movable frame. A labeling device that sequentially affixes issued labels onto each product arranged in a container.