JPS6367238A - Labeller - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a labeling device, and more particularly, to a device for automatically affixing labels such as price tags to a large number of products housed in parallel in containers such as paper boxes and containers. .

(Prior art and its problems) Conventionally, when attaching a label to each product stored in a container, such as a canned product, a boxed product, or a bottled product, it is not possible to automatically attach a label to each product while the product is stored in the container. Unable to affix the label, the product had to be manually taken out from the container, sent to an automatic labeler to be affixed with a label, and then manually stuffed into the container once the product had been affixed.

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.

In addition, conventionally, there is a method of manually attaching labels to a large number of products stored in a container using a hand labeler, but when handling a large number of products, the level of fatigue of the worker increases. is high and workability is not good.

(Object of the Invention) In view of the conventional circumstances, the present invention provides a device that automatically affixes labels to each product in sequence while the products are housed in a container, thereby saving labor and streamlining the label affixing work. In addition to improving work efficiency, it also allows for easy input and setting of pitch motion data for the moving direction and amount of movement of the movable frame, that is, the label printer, and it also reduces the overall size of the device compared to systems that move the work table, and the structure The purpose is to simplify the system and make it possible to easily incorporate it into the conveyance path of the container.

(Structure of the Invention) The labeling device of the present invention tffi containers containing a large number of products in parallel at a fixed position on the work table,
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 suspended from the movable frame. The movable frame is equipped with an X motor for moving the frame in the X-axis direction and means for measuring its displacement, and a Y motor for moving the frame in the Y-axis direction and means for measuring its displacement. It has a driving means, and the driving means includes the above-mentioned X motor.

It has an operation key for driving the Y motor, an @number key, and a setting key, and is electrically connected to and provided with an operation setting means for setting movement operation data of the movable frame by operating these keys, and based on the operation data. The label printer is provided with a drive control unit that moves the movable frame by moving the movable frame. The label printer is characterized in that the issued label is pasted onto the product from the label pasting opening of the label printer that moves together with the movable frame by coordinating the unit with the movable frame.

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 movement 1 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 this 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 an embodiment of the present invention with reference to drawings, in Figs. 1 to 4, (1) is a machine frame, and four struts (Ia)
(1b) (1c) (ld) and reinforcing rods connecting them to form a rectangular frame, and supports (1a
) (1b) (1c) (Id) (7) Top ceiling rod (2a) (2b) (2c) (2d
) are mounted and connected to construct a ceiling frame (2).

A work table (4) formed by a roller conveyor is mounted on the machine frame (1) across the reinforcing rods (3) (3') at the bottom of both sides, and a work table (4) formed by a roller conveyor is mounted on the right end of the table (4). A roller conveyor (5) forming a path and a roller conveyor (5') forming a discharge path are provided at the left end.

A container (N) to be transferred to the roller conveyor (5) is carried onto the work table (4), and after the predetermined label pasting work is completed, the container (N) is transported from the work table (4).
- Allow it to be delivered to the la conveyor (5').

On the work table (4), a stopper (6) for positioning is provided between the rollers at fixed positions and protrudes freely onto the table (4), and the container (N>) that has been carried in is brought into contact with the stopper (6) to stop the container. (N), and position the left edge of the container (N).
Position the front edge of the table (4) so that it aligns with the front edge of the 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 roller conveyor of the carry-out path may be driven by a motor or the like to automatically convey the container (N), and the table (4) is not necessarily provided by a roller conveyor. It is not necessary to construct a flat plate, and a positioning means, such as a container (N
) It is also a good idea to place a guide line in the shape of a wedge at the installation number to align the left side edge and front edge of the carriage.

It is also free to have an independent structure that is not connected to the roller conveyor for the discharge path.

In addition, a clamp (7) is attached to the front side of the work table (4) so that it can be raised and lowered freely, and when the container (N) is a paper box with a lid, the lid is opened and the front lid is clamped by the clamp (7). I'll try to keep it that way.

The container (N) is a paper box or container, and there are many products (n+) (n2)...(n+z) inside.
are arranged and accommodated in parallel and in multiple rows.

In addition, the machine frame (1) has racks (8) (8') placed horizontally on the front and rear surfaces of its upper part, respectively, and a ceiling frame (1).
2) horizontally suspend guide rods (9) (9') on the front and rear surfaces respectively, and slide the X frame (at) of the movable frame <A) on the guide rods (9) (9'). Can be hung freely.

The movable frame (A) is composed of an X frame (al) that is movable in the X-axis direction (horizontal and horizontal width directions) and a Y-frame (al) that is movable in the Y-axis direction (back and forth directions) with respect to the machine frame. X frame (al)
2 extending back and forth between the front frame (10) and the back frame (10')
They are integrally connected via book guide rods (11) (11').

The above X frame (al) has a front frame (10) and a back frame (10').
), the movers (10a) (IGa') are attached to the guide rods (9) (
9゛) so that it can slide freely and move along the rod in the X-axis direction.

The Y frame (al) is the guide rod (11) of the X frame (al).
(11') is a frame body that is slidably installed on the guide rod (11) (11'(11')) and is movable 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 (al) vertically, and a label printer ( At the same time as hanging and installing the label printer (B), install four vertical shafts (14) (14) upward around the screw shaft (13), and install the Y frame (
The guide layer is movably inserted through the guide layer al).

Thus, the movable frame (A) is constructed above the work table (4), and its X frame (at) moves in the X@force direction, and the Y frame (al) moves in the Y-axis direction. Place the label printer (8) suspended on the frame (al) on the work table (4)
1! ! Move in the l and Y axis directions.

Back frame (10') of the above X frame (at) 1. :+,t
A rotating shaft (15) to which an XL” motor (Ml) and a Y motor (Ml) are attached, and which is rotated in forward and reverse directions by the respective X motor (Ml).
The binions (15') (15') attached to the racks (8) (8') roll on the X frame (at)
is movable, and the Y frame (al) is movable by being attached to the screw shaft (1G) which is rotated forward and backward by the Y motor (Ml).

In addition, a Z motor (M3) is installed in the Y frame (al), and the motor (M3) connects the reduction gear (12) so that it can freely rotate in forward and reverse directions, and the rotation of the reduction gear (12) causes the screw shaft (13 ) moves up and down to move the label printer (B) in the up and down direction (Z-axis direction).

Note that the label printer (B) may be arranged so that the screw shaft (13) is manually rotated by a manual handle or the like instead of using the Z motor (M3).
Instead of a mechanism that moves the label printer (B) up and down,
The light may be fixedly installed in the frame (al) and the work table (4) may be lowered.

Furthermore, the label printer (B) may be attached to the Y frame (al) so as to be able to move horizontally and longitudinally, and the bottom surface may be adjusted to be horizontal or at a desired angle of inclination.

The label printer (8) has a label applicator (b') on its left end.
), and a label pasting opening (1) on the bottom of the pasting device (b').
)), and the label (L) printed and issued by the printing means is adsorbed and held in the pasting opening (b), and when a pasting command signal is received, the label (L) is printed by air pressure.
Spray from the application opening (b) in an unsuitable direction.

In addition, the label printer (8) is equipped with an indicator (11) at a predetermined position, for example, on the left side of the label attachment 3 (b'), and this indicator (11) is attached to the XY coordinate relationship of the fixed position from the label attachment opening (b). Place the movable frame (
A) is used as a position indicator for the product when moving it.

The indicator (17) is a horizontally arranged transparent glass plate (
17a), concentric circles (18a)... and square scale (18
b)..., and these concentric circles (18
a) Or, visually check the position where the product and the center (18) of the indicator (17) coincide by looking through the grid scale (18b) (FIG. 5).

The operator must attach the glass plate (17) to the indicator (11).
Reflection ffl (17b) is arranged in an inclined manner so that it is easy to see through a).

In addition, a console unit (C) is installed at the upper front of the machine frame (1), and the control unit for the movable frame (A) and label printer (B) is built into this console unit (C). Display part (21) of movable frame (A)
, the operation section (22) and the display section of the label printer (B) (
23) 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.

Display section (21) and operation section (22) of the movable frame (A)
The details of the operation section (22) will be explained with reference to FIG.
(31) is the operation key, (32) is the numeric key,
(33) is the setting key, and those keys (31)
(32> (33) constitutes the operation setting means (30) for the movable frame (A), (34) is a function key, and (35) is a label pasting operation key.

Operation key (31) A key to drive the $tX-E-Y (M+), Y motor (M2), and Z motor (M3),
The Xa key rotates the X motor (Ml) forward and moves the movable frame (
The Y frame (al) of A) is moved to the left in the X-axis direction, and the xb primary key X motor (Ml) is reversed to move the movable frame (A) to the right in the X-axis direction. Also, the S (a key is the Y motor (M
2) is rotated forward to move the Y frame (al) of the movable frame (A) backward in the Y-axis direction, and the Yb key is used to reverse the Y motor (M2) to move the Y frame (al) forward in the Y-axis direction. move it.

Furthermore, the X-Y key is the motor (fVI+) (M2
) is rotated forward or reverse to return the Y frame (at) and Y frame (al) to their mechanical origin positions in the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

Also, raise the Za flat key Y frame (al) and press the zb primary key Y
This is to lower the frame (al) and return the Zo primary key Y frame (al) to its origin position in the two-axis direction.

Setting key (33) is Xo main key Yo flat key X + key tY
+ key, Px primary key PY primary key Mx key +, MY primary key, that Xo primary key Input the X @ force direction measurement origin coordinates of the movable frame (A), Yo primary key Y axis direction measurement origin coordinates The X+ key allows inputting the dimension (width) of the product in the X-axis direction, and the Y1 key allows inputting the Y@ force direction dimension (length) of the product.

Also, input the pitch (Px) in the X-axis direction between px primary key products, and input the pitch (PY) in the Y-axis direction between PY primary key products.
The Lt1Mx key is used to input the number of columns of products in the X-axis direction, and to enter the number of columns of MY primary key products in the Y-axis direction.

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), and also includes memory (ROM, RAM).
further comprising a drive 1111111 part (25),
Moreover, the operation section (22) includes the above-mentioned operation setting means (30).

The drive control section (25) controls the motors (Ml) (M2).
(M3), rotating shaft (15), screw shaft (1
6) Connected to rotary encoders (15a), (16a), and (13a) that detect the rotation amount of (13).

The input operation of the motion data of the movable frame (A) by the motion setting means (30) will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 and 8.
The xa primary key of the operation key (31) is operated by the xb primary key to move the movable frame (A) and move the indicator (17) of the label printer (B) to the Y axis of the product (n+) in the container (N). position (jl), press the Ya main key at that position, move the movable frame (A) backwards, and move the front edge (nl) of the product (nl).
A) and the center (18) of the indicator (17), stop the movable frame (A) and press the setting key (33)
Press the main key and input the Y-axis origin (Yo) measured with the encoder (16a).

Next, press the Ya main key again to move the movable frame (△) backward, and stop the movable frame (A) when the center (18) of the indicator (17) matches the rear edge (b) of the product (n+). Press the Y1 key of the setting key (33), and press the encoder (16a).
) Input the Y-axis coordinate (Yl) measured at

Next, press the Ya main key again to move the movable frame (A) further backward, and when the front edge (c) of the product in the invading row (n8) and the center (18) of the indicator (17) coincide, the movable frame (A)
) and press the PY main key of the setting key (33) to input the Y-axis coordinate (Yl) at that position.

After that, by operating the operation key (31), the product (nl)
Center of the indicator (17) on the X-axis back (J2) of
18) and press the Xa primary key to turn the indicator <1
The center (18) of 7) is the left edge (d) of the product (n+),
Each time the right edge (E) and the left edge (E) of the product (n2) match, the movable frame (A) is temporarily stopped, and the Xo primary key
Press the + key and the Px main key to input the X-axis origin (Xo) and X-axis coordinates (x1) and (x2) at their stop positions.

The above coordinates (Xo) (X+) (X2), (YO) (
Container (N
), i.e. the product to be labeled first (
Coordinates (Xo +
(X+Xo)/2. Yo +
(Y+-YO)/2) and the product pitch in the X-axis direction (Px=
X2 Xo) and product pitch in the Y-axis direction (PY = Yz
-Yo) is calculated.

The coordinates of the base point '11 (Po) above are the label attachment opening (
b) and the distance coordinates (X', Y) of the indicator (17)
”) is corrected by subtracting (Xo + (X+
Xo )/2 X', Yo + (Yl - Yo)/
2Y').

Next, press the Mx key of the setting keys (33) and then press the container (
Enter the number of rows in the X-axis direction of the product in N), for example 4", using the number key (32), and after pressing the MY primary key, enter the number of rows in the Y-axis direction of the product, for example "3". Enter the number using the number key (32).

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 by the above-mentioned number setting operation.

Also, the feeding direction of the movable frame (A) is determined by pressing the function key (3).
Set by key operation in 4).

The operation data of the data input by the setting means (30) and the data obtained by the arithmetic processing are stored in the memory (R
AM), and when the device is started, the drive control section (25) operates based on these operation data.

In addition, when dealing with many types of products, a preset memory (40) is provided to store and hold the product code and operation data for each product, and the product code is input using the operation unit (22). Corresponding operation data is recalled from the preset memory (40) by operation.

The drive unit 611 (25) controls the movement and timing of the movable frame (A) and the operation of the label printer (B) based on the above-mentioned operation data. 27).

It includes a return means (28) and a height adjustment means (29).

The base point alignment means (26) is configured to locate the mechanical origin (0) of the movable frame <A.
) to the container (N
) is used to set the rotation amount of the product (nl) moving @ (15) and the screw shaft (16).

That is, the movable frame (A) is first moved so that the label attachment opening (b) is aligned with the base position (Po) of the product (nl).

The above-mentioned setting means (30) may also set the base point position (Po) at a position shifted by a predetermined distance from the center position of the product.
).

The pitch feeding means (27) sequentially moves the label application opening (b) from the base position (Po) to the products (n2) (ns)...
This is to set the amount of rotation of the rotation shaft (15) and screw shaft (16) that move onto each center of the rotation axis (15) and the screw shaft (16).

In this sending means (27), the same product (nl)
~(n4), (ns) ~(n8>.

When moving between (ns) and (nlz), only the rotating shaft (15) that moves in the X-axis direction rotates forward or reverse, and the movement between rows (
n+→ns), (ns→n+), only the screw shaft (16) that moves in the Y-axis direction rotates.

In the embodiment, the pitch feeding means (27) continuously moves fj
+ method, and the label printer (B) performs the label pasting operation when the label pasting opening (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) operates after the pasting port (b) reaches the final product (r++z) and the label pasting operation is completed, that is, after the number of label pastings corresponding to the number of products inputted by the setting means (30) is completed. After finishing, move the movable frame (A) to the origin position (
0), rotate the rotating shaft (15), screw shaft
Set the rotation value of 16), that is, encoder (15a)
The rotating shaft (is) and the screw shaft (16) are rotated so that (IGa) becomes O.

The height adjusting means (29) drives the Z motor (M3) by operating the keys 7-a, zb, and 7-a on the operating section (22), moves the label printer (B) up and down, and adjusts the top surface of the product and the application opening ( (b) is adjusted so that the distance between the two is approximately constant.

Preset memory (40) for operation data of movable frame (A)
In the case where the setting amount of the height adjusting means (29) is stored in the brilet memory, it is preferable to also store the setting amount of the height adjusting means (29).

The functional section of the label printer (B) includes the display section (23) and the operation section (24), as well as memory (ROM, R
AM), and further includes 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 attaches it to the bottom of the pasting opening (b). The label (L) below the application opening (b) is sprayed downward by the application means (51).

The functional parts of the movable frame (A) and the label printer (B) are electrically connected to each other via communication interfaces (52) and (53), so that both (△) and (B') work together. do.

That is, the printing means (50) of the label printer (B) starts at the same time as the movable frame (A) starts moving from the origin position, and prints on the label (L) before the movable frame (A) reaches the origin position. Complete the operation of applying and issuing the movable frame (
△) passes through the base position, the pasting means (5
1) Start up.

By starting this pasting means (51), the first product (n+
) is pasted with a label (L).

Next, the movable frame (A) is pitch-fed by the pitch-feeding means (27), and the label printer (B) activates the printing means (50) in response to the pasting operation completion signal from the pasting means (51). The pasting means (51) of the label printer (B) is activated every time the pitch is fed.
Connect them so that they tighten.

As a result, the movable frame (A) enters the pitch feeding operation, and the label printer (B)'s application opening (b)
<ns )...(ns )・・
- Labels are attached sequentially to (n+2).

Further, when the movable frame (A) reaches the end point of the pitch feeding operation, the return means (28) of the movable frame (A) is activated by a pasting operation completion signal from the pasting means (51) of the label printer (B). This causes the motor (Ml) or (Ml
) is activated and the movable frame (A) returns to its home position.

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)'s label printer (B)'s label printer (B) will be able to display the product (n+) () in the container (N). nz
)...(n+z) The label (L) is moved upward one by one and the label (L) is pasted at the point where it is pasted, and then the label printer (B) returns to the origin position together with the movable frame (A). done 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) onto the roller conveyor (5').

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

In addition, in the above embodiment apparatus, the movement m of the movable frame (A) in the X-axis direction and the Y't* direction and the movement m of the label printer (B
) are measured by rotary encoders (15a) and (16a), respectively.

(13a) rotates the rotating shaft (15) and the screw shaft (1
6) and (13), the measurement is performed by detecting the amount of rotation, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, X motor (M+), Y motor (Ml), Z motor (M
Each movement (2) can also be measured by using a stepping motor for each of (1) and counting the number of drive pulses supplied to this stepping motor.

If a stepping motor is used, the cost will be slightly higher than if a fi-flow 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 attach a label to a predetermined position on a small product.

(Effects) According to the present invention, labels can be sequentially applied mechanically and automatically to each product while the products are housed in the container.
There is no need to carry out packing work, which saves labor, reduces the fatigue level of the working tool compared to the case of using a hand labeler, and improves the efficiency of the labeling work.

In addition, since the movement data of the movable frame for moving the label printer is set by the movement setting means connected to the driving means, the movement data of the movable frame can be easily set by the teaching operation and arithmetic processing of the driving means by the means. By using pre-pit memory to store operation data for each product, it is possible to provide eight label attachment locations with excellent usability and versatility.

In addition, since the label printer is moved in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction using a movable frame, compared to a method in which the container is moved using a work table, the container can be moved between the side and front edges.
When positioning by side, the movement range of the label printer can be streamlined and reduced, making the device 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 roller conveyors, etc. The carry-in path and the carry-out path can be easily connected, and the device of the present invention can be incorporated into the container transport path for automation.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway front view of the device of the present invention. Figure 2 is a partially cutaway side view, and Figure 3 is a side view of Figure 1 (
III)-(I [I) line sectional view, Figure 4 is the same (rV)
- (IV) line sectional view, Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the indicator part, Fig. 6 is a surface view of the console unit 1, 7
The figure is a block diagram showing the movable frame and the functional parts of the label printer, FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the setting operation of a part of the operation setting means, and FIGS. 9 and 10 are plan views showing the label pasting order, respectively. It is a diagram. In the figure, (1) is the machine frame, (N) is the container, (n+) - (n+
z > is the product, (A) is the movable frame, (al) is the X frame, (a
z) is the Y frame, (4) is the work table, (17) is the indicator, (B) is the label printer, (b) is the label pasting slot, (L) is the label, (25> is the drive j control unit, ( 26H is the base point U means, (27) is the pitch feed means, (28) is the return means, (30) is the operation setting means, (31) is the operation #J4'-. (32) is the numeric key, ( 33) is the setting key, (50
) is the printing means, (51) is the pasting means, (52)
(53) is a communication interface.

Claims (1)

[Claims] A container containing a large number of products arranged in parallel is placed at a fixed position on a work table, and a movable frame is installed above the table so as to be movable in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction, and the container is placed at a fixed position from the label pasting opening. a label printer equipped with a position indicator placed on 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 an operation key, a number key, and a setting key for driving the X motor and the Y motor, and is electrically connected to an operation setting means for setting movement movement data of the movable frame by operating these keys. and a drive control unit that moves the movable frame based on the operation data, and the label printer has printing means for printing and issuing required data on a label and pasting means for spraying the issued label downward. and a label sticking device in which both means and the drive control unit are linked to each other to stick an issued label onto a product from a label sticking opening of a label printer that moves together with a movable frame.