RU202353U1 - Cartridge printing and labeling devices - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of laboratory technology, more specifically to accessories for printing and applying labels to containers. A cartridge of a device for printing and applying labels to containers, including a body made of two parts connected to each other to form a container for placing containers, is available in the body. an opening made with the possibility of passing the container, a groove is made on the inner surface of the body. The groove is formed by the first and second ribs, the distance between the first and second ribs in the lower part of the cartridge from the side of the opening for the passage of the container is less than the distance between the first and second ribs in the upper part of the cartridge. The technical result is to increase the versatility of the cartridge of the printing device and gluing labels to containers.

Description

Technology area

The present technical solution relates to the field of laboratory technology, more specifically to accessories for devices for printing and applying labels to containers.

State of the art

Currently, there are many types of containers for chemicals, biomaterials, etc., which are used in laboratories for research. For example, various test tubes, containers with a lid, etc. Distinctive features of containers, in addition to their purpose, are material, overall dimensions, shape, type and color of the lid, bottom shape, presence / absence of vacuum, presence / absence of filler, in particular, reagent, etc. Thus, there are dozens of possible options for containers, while the quality and the possibility of conducting research depends, among other things, on the correct choice of container.

In addition to the correct selection of the type of container for a particular study, an important task is to accurately label the container for its unique identification. Since data on containers is usually encrypted, for example, with a barcode, numeric / alphabetic and / or other code, this can make it difficult for the operator to visually identify errors. Manual labeling of containers by the operator can lead to errors caused by human error, and it also increases the time of collection, registration and processing of the sample.

For the purpose of automating the process of selecting and labeling containers, there are devices for printing and applying labels to containers. Such devices are widely used in laboratories of various organizations and institutions.

From the publication of international application No. WO2020089461, publ. On 05/07/2020, the design of a syringe tube is known, which includes a cylinder into which a piston with a rod and a rod stop is introduced, similar to the design of a syringe.

From the Sarstedt AG product catalog published at https://dafxbb5uxjcds.cloudfront.net/fileadmin/user_upload/99_Broschueren/NEU/615/58_615_0200_7100_bestInfo_be_systeme_0720.pdf monovette® is similar to that presented in publication WO2020089461.

From the description to the patent for a useful model of the Russian Federation No. 193521 publ. On October 31, 2019, a device for printing and applying labels to containers is known, which includes a housing, a control unit, a container feeding unit, a printing unit, a labeling unit, and a dispensing compartment. The control unit is configured to receive and process a print job and dispense a pasted container from the dispensing compartment. The container supply unit is configured to remove the container from the removable cartridges with containers and transfer the container to the label applying unit.

The patent specification also discloses the design of a removable cartridge for a printing and labeling device. Known from the patent, the cartridge includes a housing made of two parts connected to each other to form a container for placing containers, the housing has an opening made with the possibility of passing the container, and a groove is made on the inner surface of the cartridge housing to accommodate the limiter of the inner space of the container.

The specified known cartridge is suitable for almost any test tube, however, when using syringe tubes as containers, the containers can jam in the cartridge. Especially considering the variety of possible diameters and lengths of such containers. So, for example, according to the Sarstedt catalog (Appendix 1), syringe-shaped tubes with a length of 66 mm to 130 mm and a diameter of 8 mm to 15 mm are known. Moreover, test tubes of different diameters can have the same length, and vice versa, test tubes of the same diameter can have different lengths. As will be understood by a specialist in practice, test tubes of other dimensions can be used. Jamming of containers can occur both as a result of transportation and during the operation of the printing device and sticking labels on containers, with the gradual removal of containers from cartridges.

Obviously, jamming of containers in the cartridge or incorrect positioning of containers when they are removed by the container supply unit can lead to equipment downtime and / or breakdowns of the printing device and labeling of containers, which is extremely undesirable in laboratory conditions.

As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, in the working environment of modern laboratories, the use of containers of various types and sizes, including syringe tubes, is relevant.

The objective of this utility model is to create a universal cartridge for a device for printing and applying labels, which provides the ability to accommodate containers in the form of syringe-shaped test tubes of various dimensions.

Disclosure

The object of the present technical solution is a cartridge for printing and sticking labels on containers, including a housing made of two parts connected to each other to form a container for placing containers, there is an opening in the housing that allows the container to pass through, a groove is made on the inner surface of the housing, and the groove is formed by the first and second ribs, the distance between the first and second ribs in the lower part of the cartridge from the side of the opening for the passage of the container is less than the distance between the first and second ribs in the upper part of the cartridge.

Possible specifying features of the claimed utility model are indicated below.

The distance between the first and second ribs in the lower part of the cartridge from the side of the opening for the passage of the container is 2 times less than the distance between the first and second ribs in the upper part of the cartridge.

The distance between the first and second ribs at the bottom of the cartridge is at least 2 mm.

The groove is made on one of the body parts.

The height of the first and second ribs relative to the plane of the body in the lower part of the cartridge from the side of the opening for the passage of the container is greater than the height of the first and second ribs in the upper part of the cartridge.

The second rib is located perpendicular to the plane of the opening for the passage of the container, and the first rib is located at an angle to the second rib, and the groove in the longitudinal section has the shape of a truncated right-angled triangle.

On the other part of the cartridge body on the inner surface there is an additional groove formed by the third and fourth ribs.

The groove and the additional groove are located opposite each other, and between the first and third ribs, as well as the second and fourth ribs, there are openings made with the possibility of passing the container rod, and the groove and the additional groove are made with the possibility of placing the stop of the container rod in them and passing the stop of the container rod on them.

The body has an additional opening made with the possibility of passing the container.

Parts of the body are split.

The body is provided with an identifier for the contents of the cartridge.

The housing is equipped with an indicator of the contents of the cartridge.

The technical result is to increase the versatility of the cartridge of the device for printing and sticking labels on containers.

In the context of the present description, the term container refers to syringe tubes with a stem stop, in particular the S-monovette® series, manufactured by Sarstedt AG. The given examples of manufacturers and types of tubes are not limiting.

For use in an apparatus for printing and applying labels to containers, the container must have a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape to allow the label to be applied by rolling the container between the rolls of the labeling unit. Other characteristics, in particular, such as type, color and shape of the cover; the shape of the bottom of the container; material or combination of materials; the overall dimensions are essentially not limited in any way. The presence or absence of a vacuum environment as well as the presence / absence of a filler in a container is not a limiting condition for the purposes of this utility model. The presence / absence of a manufacturer's label is also not a limiting condition, since the device can apply labels both to containers without a label, and with a label, for example, over a manufacturer's label.

In the context of the present description, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. are used as adjectives solely to distinguish the nouns to which they refer from each other, and not for the purpose of describing any specific relationship between these nouns. So, for example, it should be borne in mind that the use of the terms "first printer" and "third printer" does not imply any ordering, assignment to a particular type, chronology, hierarchy or ranking, nor does their use (in itself) assumes that some "second printer" must necessarily exist in a given situation. Similarly, "first edge", "second edge", "fourth edge" does not imply any order, assignment to a particular type, chronology, hierarchy or ranking, nor does their use (by itself) imply that some "third edge "must necessarily exist in a given situation.

In the context of this description, a print job is understood to mean either an identifier (for example, a barcode) that can be read by an input device and that allows data to be obtained from an LIS (laboratory information system) and / or other databases and / or systems via a data network , or the data itself, which can be obtained at least in part from the operator and / or via the data transmission network from an external device and / or through one or more input devices.

Additional and / or alternative characteristics, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present technical solution will become apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the accompanying claims.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 shows the general arrangement of a device for printing and applying labels to containers.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a cartridge for printing and applying labels to containers.

FIG. 3.1.- 3.3. illustrative examples of the placement of containers of various dimensions in the cartridge are given.

Description

FIG. 1 depicts an apparatus 100 for printing and applying labels to containers, in accordance with a non-limiting embodiment. The device 100 includes a housing 102, a control unit (not shown), a container supply unit 104, a printing unit 106, a label applying unit 108, a dispensing compartment 110. The control unit is configured to receive and process a print job and dispense a pasted container from the compartment. issuance 110. The control unit is configured to receive, process commands in such a way as to initiate the execution of operations by individual nodes of the device. The device 100 can be connected to a power supply and / or include an autonomous power source, such as a battery. To receive a job, apparatus 100 may include a communications interface (not shown) that allows at least a portion of the job to be received over a communications network. The device for printing and applying labels may additionally include one or more input devices, as well as one or more output devices. In the illustrated illustrative example of FIG. 1, device 100 includes a touchscreen 112 that is both an input device and an output device at the same time.

The list of possible output devices is not particularly limited, among other things, the device 100 may include one or more of: screen, indicator light, printer, speaker.

These output devices can be used, in particular, for one or more of the following: outputting data on the progress of the task, task details, task results, indicating the presence of faults, providing instructions for working with the device, providing data on the state of the device as a whole or its individual nodes, settings, etc.

The list of possible input devices is not specifically limited, among other things, the device 100 may include one or more of: a touch screen, a camera, a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID tag reader, a biometric reader (fingerprint, retina eye, etc.), one or more buttons, touchpad, joystick, gesture recognition, microphone.

These input devices can be used in particular for one or more of the following: receiving at least part of a print job, receiving confirmation of the print job, operator identification, sample identification, identification of cartridges and / or containers, setting device operating modes, and others. settings, receiving other commands or feedback from the operator, controlling the device as a whole and / or its individual nodes.

The container supply unit 104 is configured to remove the container from the removable cartridges 200 with the containers 300 (FIG. 2) and transfer the container 300 to the labeling unit 108. For example, by means of a conveyor belt, guide rollers, by gravity, etc. Removal of containers 300 from cartridges 200 can be accomplished by rotating pivot chute 204.

An embodiment is possible, according to which the pivot tray 204 is installed in the cartridge itself, and the release of the container 300 from the cartridge 200 is carried out by the container supply unit 104 by transferring the rotational motion from the drive.

Alternatively, a pivoting chute can be installed in the container supply unit. (not shown)

It should be noted that in the illustrative example of FIG. 1, only one cartridge 200 is shown installed in the container supply unit 104. However, given the number of free slots 1041 of the container supply unit 104, it is obvious that the container supply unit 104 of this illustrative example of the device 100 may installed 11 more cartridges 200.

The number of cartridges in the container printing and labeling device and the number of slots in the container supply unit may be different or the same. So, for example, a container supply unit may include one or more slots for installing cartridges, and the number of cartridges installed at a time required for the operation of the device may be 1 or more, but cannot exceed the number of slots for installing cartridges in the container supply unit. ...

For the case when the number of installed cartridges in the container supply unit is more than one, the control unit is configured to select a specific installed cartridge for removing the container from it. The selection is made based on the received print job and information about the available cartridges with containers.

An embodiment is possible in which the device 100 further includes a manual feeder 122 configured to feed a container directly from an operator to a labeling unit 108 without passing through a container supply unit 104. The manual feeder may also include a pivot tray similar to a turntable tray 208 and, by means of an additional drive, remove the container and direct it directly to the labeling unit 108.

An embodiment is possible in which the manual feeder 122 is configured to feed various containers. Thus, in the absence of the required type of container in the cartridges, the device 100, through one or more output devices, can request the operator to manually supply the required container.

Returning to the illustrative example in FIG. 1, it is important to note that one or more cartridges 200 can be installed at the same time in the container supply unit 104, but not more than 12 pieces, since in this illustrative example there are a total of 12 slots 1041 for installing cartridges 200.

As will be understood by a person skilled in the art, this design is scalable and devices for printing and applying labels to containers, with practically any number of slots for installing cartridges 200, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... 10, ..., 100 , etc. The optimal number of slots for the container supply unit for installing cartridges 200 can be determined based on the required number of containers, the number of different types of containers, as well as the required dimensions of the device for printing and applying labels.

The print station 106 includes a first label dispenser 114 and a first printer 116 associated with a first inlet label dispenser 114 and an outlet label applicator 108. The first label dispenser 114 may include a first sleeve and a take-up sleeve, the first sleeve is configured to mount the first roll of self-adhesive labels on a substrate, and after passing through the first printer 116, the first label dispenser 114 is configured to direct the printed label to the label applicator 108 , and winding the unlabelled liner onto a take-up sleeve to form a roll of liner. Self-adhesive labels can be fed by rotating the take-up roller. Alternatively or additionally, the device can be provided with, for example, guide and drive rollers for feeding self-adhesive backed labels to the first printer 116.

The first printer 116 can be a thermal printer, or an inkjet printer, or other printing device.

The labeling unit 108 is configured to apply the label obtained from the first printer 116 to the container and guide the glued container into the dispensing compartment 110.

The label gluing unit 108 includes three shafts, one of which is driven, that is, it is connected to the drive and is driving, and the other two are driven, when the container is located between the three shafts, the drive shaft is configured to rotate the container and transmit rotational motion to the driven shafts so as to ensure that the label obtained from the first printer 116 is applied to the container.

One of the shafts is made with the possibility of linear movement relative to the other two shafts to ensure the receipt of the container before pasting and the release of the glued container into the dispensing compartment 110 after pasting. Movement can be provided, for example, by means of an electro-mechanical drive, a mechanical system, and manually. The diameter of the shafts can be the same or different. For example, the diameter of the drive shaft can be larger than the diameter of one or two driven shafts. Alternatively, the drive shaft can be smaller in diameter than one or two driven shafts. Other combinations are possible and will be understood by a person skilled in the art. Roll diameters can be selected based on the possible dimensions of the containers to ensure uniform and accurate labeling.

The label applicator 108 may include at least one sensor associated with the control unit to ensure synchronization of the print station 106 and the label applicator 108, and / or container identification and / or accurate positioning of the label on the container. The sensor can be used, in particular, optical, magnetic, mechanical and other types of sensors.

The print station 106 may further include a second label dispenser 118 and a second printer 120 associated with a second inlet label dispenser 118. The second printer 120 is configured to receive a print job from the control unit and direct the printed label to the dispensing slot 110. The second printer 120 may be similar in structure to the first printer 116 and may be a thermal printer or inkjet printer or other printing device.

The second label dispenser 118 includes a second sleeve configured to receive a second roll of self-adhesive labels on a substrate and direct the self-adhesive tape to a second printer 120.

The second printer 120 at the exit may be provided with a tape cutter and configured to cut the printed label onto the liner and direct it to the dispensing slot 110.

The second label dispenser 118 may be configured to mount a second roll of self-adhesive labels on a perforated backing and direct the self-adhesive tape to a second printer 120. In this case, the separation of the printed label on the backing can be performed in the dispensing compartment 110.

FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting illustrative example of a cartridge 200

A cartridge 200 for printing and applying labels to containers 100, including a body 204 made of two parts, a first part 2041 and a second body part 2042, interconnected to form a container for receiving containers 300. The first part 2041 and the second part 2042 of the body 204 can be detachable and connected to each other by a loop connection and retainers as shown in FIG. 2. This design allows for the convenience of refilling the cartridges 200 with the containers 300. The first portion 2041 and the second portion 2042 of the housing 204 may be connected by other fasteners such as retainers, screws, latches, etc. The type of connection can be selected based on the need to ensure the convenience of online replenishment and / or replacement of containers 300 in the cartridge 200, or vice versa to limit the possibility of refilling or replacement of containers 300 in the cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 2 can be additionally sealed to prevent unauthorized removal of containers 300 or refilling of cartridge 200 with containers 300.

As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the first portion 2041 and the second portion 2042 of the housing 204 may in turn be formed as single or multiple pieces of one or more pieces. The material of the parts of the body 204 is not particularly limited, for example, the body can contain elements made of the same and / or different materials, in particular, plastic, metal, rubber, etc. The individual parts of the body 204 or elements can be made of transparent material. ...

The shape of the housing 204 is not particularly limited, for example, it may have a substantially parallelepiped shape (not shown) or another geometrical shape, or a complex shape such as shown in FIG. 2.

The shape and size of the body 204 of the cartridge 200 is determined based on the characteristics of the possible dimensions of the containers 300 and the characteristics of the container supply unit 104 for which the cartridge 200 is intended.

The body 204 of the cartridge 200 has an opening 206 adapted to pass the container 200. The opening 206 serves to remove the containers 300 from the cartridge 200. For some non-limiting embodiments, the opening 206 may also be configured to load the containers 300 into the cartridge 200.

An embodiment is possible, according to which in the region of said opening 206 a pivoting tray 208 (Figs. 3.1-3.3) is installed, configured to release the container 300 from the container of the cartridge 200 when the said tray rotates. The containers 300 are placed in the cartridge 200 one above the other and when installed in the container supply unit 104 of the device 100 under the action of gravity and through the pivoting tray 208 (Fig. 3.1-3.3) are sequentially removed from the cartridge 200.

Alternatively, the cartridge 200 can be provided with a locking device in the region of the opening 206 (not shown), which is unlocked when the cartridge 200 is inserted into the device 100. The pivot tray 208 can then be installed in the container supply unit 104 of the device 100.

The pivot chute 208 may be provided with a groove adapted to transmit rotational motion to the pivot chute from the drive of the container supply unit 104.

The swivel chute 208 can be rotated about its axis through an angle of up to 90 °, or up to 180 °, or up to 360 °. The angle of rotation can be selected based on the shape of the tray and the overall dimensions of the containers 300 placed in the cartridge 200. The specified angle of rotation should ensure that one container 300 is removed from the cartridge 200 at a time and transferred to the container supply unit 104 of the device 100.

The cartridge 200 may additionally be provided with a return mechanism (not shown) of the pivot tray 208. The return mechanism may be spring-implemented to restore the position of the pivot tray 208 after it has been rotated by the actuator of the container supply unit 104. Alternatively, said return movement may be carried out by the drive unit itself. container 104.

The cartridge 200 may be further equipped with a pivot chute 208 rotation limiter. Thus, the cartridge 200 may be further configured to accommodate different sized containers 200 and prevent more than one container from passing when the pivot chute 208 is rotated. Alternatively or additionally, the rotation angle limitation may not be specified. only on the cartridge 200 itself, but also in the container supply unit 104 of the device 100.

The cartridge 200 can be additionally provided with a latch capable of blocking rotation of the pivoting tray 208. The latch serves, for example, to prevent the pivoting tray 208 from turning and the containers 300 falling out during the transportation of the cartridge 200. The latch can be made, for example, in the form of a slot lock located on the axis rotation of the pivot tray 208. When the cartridge 200 is inserted into the container supply unit 104, the latch can, for example, automatically move upwards and unlock the rotation of the pivot tray 208. As the skilled person will understand, the latch can also have a different design, for example, it can be a cover inserted into the opening of the cartridge 200 and a rotation blocking tray 208.

The pivot chute 208 of the cartridge 200 may be provided with a guide (not shown) adapted to position the container in the pivot chute. The guide can be, for example, a rib or ribs, removable or non-removable, located on the inner surface of the pivot tray 208.

The cartridge 200 in the region of the opening 206 and / or the pivoting tray 208 can be provided with guides configured to accurately position the cartridge in the device 100 for printing and applying labels to containers. The guides can prevent cartridge 200 from being inserted incorrectly into device 100.

The pivoting tray 208 can be installed directly in the said opening 206 of the cartridge 200 or below it.

The pivot tray 208 may have a semicircle, U-shape, V-shape, U-shape in cross-section. The cross-sectional shape can be determined by the type and size of containers 300, the angle of rotation of the pivot chute 208, and the overall dimensions of the cartridge 200. For example, when rotating through 90 °, it may be preferable to use a pivoting chute 208 with a V-shaped section, and for a given rotation by angle up to 180 ° or up to 360 ° can be used pivot tray 208 with a section of U-shaped or U-shaped. As the skilled person will understand, it is possible to use pivoting trays and other cross-sectional shapes, in particular those representing complex geometric shapes.

The cartridge 200 can be provided with an identifier for the contents of the cartridge. The content identifier can be, for example, a barcode, QR code, color identifier, or other identifier that can be read by an operator or device 100 via input devices to enter information about the installed cartridges 200 into the device 100.

The cartridge 200 can be provided with an indicator of the contents of the cartridge 200. In particular, the indicator can be a transparent area on the body of the cartridge 200, a mechanical or light indicator that allows you to determine the presence of containers in the cartridge 200, their number, type, size, etc.

A groove 210 is formed on the inner surface of the housing 204. The groove 210 is formed by first 2101 and second 2102 ribs. The distance A between the first 2101 and the second 2102 ribs at the bottom of the cartridge 200 on the side of the opening 206 for the passage of the container 300 is less than the distance B between the first 2101 and the second 2102 ribs at the top of the cartridge. For example, distance A can be 2.5 mm and distance B 7 mm.

An embodiment is possible, according to which the distance A between the first 2101 and the second 2102 ribs in the lower part of the cartridge 200 on the side of the opening 206 for the passage of the container 300 is 2 times less than the distance B between the first 2101 and the second 2102 ribs in the upper part of the cartridge. For example, distance A can be 3 mm and distance B 6 mm.

An embodiment is possible, according to which the distance A between the first 2101 and the second 2102 ribs in the lower part of the cartridge is at least 2 mm.

An embodiment is possible in which the variation in the distance between the ribs 2101 and 2102 can vary linearly as shown in FIG. 2, or nonlinearly (not shown).

The slot 210 can be formed on one of the body parts 204, for example, on the first part 2041 or on the second part 2042, inside the body 204.

In additional embodiments, the height of the first rib 2101 relative to the plane of the housing portion 204 on which it is located at the bottom of the cartridge 200 on the side of the opening 206 for the passage of the container 300 is greater than the height of the first rib 2101 at the top of the cartridge 200.

The height of the second rib 2102 relative to the plane of the part of the body 204 on which it is located, in the lower part of the cartridge 200 from the side of the opening 206 for the passage of the container 300, is greater than the height of the second rib 2102 in the upper part of the cartridge 200.

For example, the height of the second rib 2102 and the first rib 2101 in the upper part of the cartridge may be equal to .5 mm, and in the lower part of the cartridge 200 from the side of the opening 206 - 9 mm. The given dimensions are given as a non-limiting example, so for different cartridges and different containers, the ratio of the transition of the height of the ribs can be the same or different, for example, it can differ by 1.5, 2, 3 times, etc.

A possible embodiment, according to which the change in the height of the ribs 2101 and 2102 of the groove 204 from the top of the cartridge 200 to the bottom of it, where the opening 206 is located, can vary linearly or non-linearly (not shown).

In one non-limiting embodiment, the second rib 2102 is located perpendicular to the plane of the opening 206 for the passage of the container 300, and the first rib 2101 is located at an angle to the second rib 2102 (Fig. 2), and the groove 210 in longitudinal section has the shape of a truncated right-angled triangle (Fig. 2 ). A variant is possible in which the first 2101 and second 2102 ribs are located at a different angle to each other and the groove 210 in the longitudinal section has the shape of an isosceles triangle.

In a non-limiting embodiment, on another part of the body 204 of the cartridge 200, an additional groove 212 is formed on the inner surface, formed by the third 2123 and the fourth 2124 ribs (Fig. 2). If the groove 210 is formed on the first part 2041 of the body 204, then an additional groove 212 can be formed on the second part 2042 of the body 204. Conversely, if the groove 210 is formed on the second part 2042 of the body 204, then the additional groove 212 can be made on the first part 2041 case 204.

The slot 210 and the additional slot 212 may be located symmetrically with respect to the ends of the cartridge 200 on different parts 2041 and 2042 of the housing 204.

The container 300, according to the present invention, may be a syringe tube including a tip 302, a cylinder 304 in which a piston 306 is movably accommodated. The piston 306 is provided with a rod 308. According to a possible embodiment, a stop is made at the end of the rod 308 opposite from the piston 306. 310 stock.

The groove 210 and the additional groove 212 can be located opposite each other, and between the first 2101 and the third 2123 rib, as well as the second 2102 and the fourth 2124 rib, there are openings made with the possibility of passing the rod 308 of the container 300, and the groove 210 and the additional groove 212 are made with the possibility of placing in them the stop of the rod 310 of the container 300 and passing the stop of the rod 310 of the container 300 along them.

According to additional embodiments, the height of the third rib 2123 relative to the plane of the housing portion 204 on which it is located at the bottom of the cartridge 200 on the side of the opening 206 for the passage of the container 300 is greater than the height of the third rib 2123 at the top of the cartridge 200.

The height of the fourth rib 2124 relative to the plane of the part of the body 204 on which it is located, in the lower part of the cartridge 200 from the side of the opening 206 for the passage of the container 300, is greater than the height of the fourth rib 2124 in the upper part of the cartridge 200.

An embodiment is possible according to which the change in the height of the ribs 2123 and 2124 of the additional groove 212 from the top of the cartridge 200 to the bottom of it, where the opening 206 is located, can vary linearly or non-linearly.

FIG. 3.1 shows this embodiment in which the container 300 includes a stem stop 310 that can be received in a slot 210.

In another non-limiting embodiment, shown in FIG. 3.2 and FIG. 2, the stem stop 310 is positioned outside the slot 210 in front of the first rib 2101.

In another non-limiting embodiment, shown in FIG. 3.3 the stem stop 310 is located outside the slot 210 behind the second rib 2102.

Thus, the cartridge 200 can accommodate containers 300 of various lengths and diameters, and the slot 210 or slot 210 and the additional slot 212 allow the containers 300 to be accurately positioned in the cartridge 200 and ensure they pass through the cartridge 200 in a predetermined sequence.

Changing the width of the groove 210 or the groove 210 and the additional groove 212 from top to bottom makes it possible to evenly distribute the pressure of the containers 300 on each other and to accurately position them before being removed by the container supply unit 104 from the side of the opening 206. Additionally, the positioning accuracy can be ensured by increasing the height ribs of groove 210 or groove 210 and additional groove 212 from top to bottom and, accordingly, by reducing the openings between the first 2101 and third 2123 ribs and the second 2102 and fourth 2124 ribs in the direction of the opening 206 located in the lower part of the cartridge 200

An additional opening may be provided in the body 204 of the cartridge 200 to allow passage of the container. An additional opening (not shown) may be located opposite the opening 206 on the opposite side of the cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is installed in the device 100, it can be possible to refill it with containers through the additional opening without the need to remove the cartridge 200 from the device 100. The additional opening can be provided with a locking a device that prevents the containers from falling out of the cartridge during transportation. If the additional opening is similar to the opening 206 with the installation of an additional rotary tray (not shown), the cartridge 200 can be inserted into the device 100 on either side with the opening, which further increases its versatility.

The claimed technical solution works as follows.

Cartridges 200 are pre-filled with containers 300, the type and size of containers 300 in one cartridge 200 must be the same, and containers of one removable cartridge may be the same or different from containers in another similar cartridge 200.

Additionally, each or some of the cartridges can be provided with a content identifier. For example, a sticker with a barcode in which is encrypted, in particular, the number of containers 300 in this cartridge, their type and size.

Before installing the cartridges 200 into the container supply unit 104, the operator, through one or more input devices, sets information about the cartridges 200 and their contents. This can be done, for example, via the touch screen 112 and / or via a barcode scanner (not shown) by reading the / identifiers on the container. Previously, the device 100 can identify the operator, for example, by means of one or more input devices, in particular, biometric data, for example, by recognizing a fingerprint, the operator's retina, his voice or face. As the skilled person will understand, various options and combinations are possible depending on the input devices available and the system settings. For an illustrative embodiment, FIG. 1, operator identification can be performed via the touch screen 112 by entering operator authentication data such as a username and password.

After entering information about the cartridge 200 and its contents, the device 100, through one or more output devices, can inform the operator about the specific slot 1041 of the container supply unit in which this cartridge 200 should be installed. Alternatively or additionally, the operator can insert the cartridge 200 into any free slot 1041, and the device 100 will automatically determine in which slot 1041 a given cartridge 200 was installed. The control unit is configured to receive, process and store data about the installed cartridges 200 and the containers placed therein by means of one or more input devices.

The control unit is configured to receive at least a part of a print job via a data network and / or via one or more input devices. For example, the operator can initiate the execution of a task through input devices, in particular, through a barcode scanner to read information about a sample, or manually enter the list and types of containers required for a given study. Alternatively or additionally, device 100 may receive a print job over a data network.

Sample data for application to a container can be encrypted and retrieved from an external database in the form of an identifier, such as a barcode, alphabetic or numeric code.

Taking into account the received task, the control unit of the device 100 checks the presence of the required types and the number of containers in the cartridges 200 installed in the container supply unit 104. If one of the required containers is missing, the control unit can request the operator through one or more output devices to install an additional cartridge 200 with the desired type of containers, or request placement of the desired container through the manual feed unit 122.

With all or part of the required containers present, the device 100 can begin the print job. In this case, the control unit initiates the sequential removal of the required containers by the container supply unit 104 from the removable cartridges 200 and / or the manual supply unit 122. The drive unit for the container supply 104 rotates the rotary tray 208 and removes the container 300 with subsequent direction to the label application unit 108. Control unit initiates the printing of the label at the print station 106, for example, by the first printer 116, which receives a label from the first label dispenser 114 and then directs the printed label to the label applicator 108.

In the labeling unit 108, the selected container 300 is placed between three shafts, where the drive shaft rotates the container, which is transmitted to the driven shafts. The control unit, through one or more sensors installed in the labeling unit 108, determines the position of the container 300 and initiates the supply of the printed label from the first printer 116 and its precise positioning on the container 300. The glued container is then directed to the dispensing compartment 110.

The above steps are similarly repeated for each of the containers in the job.

For an embodiment in which the print station 106 includes a second printer 120, the control unit is configured to initiate separate printing of a label without adhesion to the container 300 and dispensing the printed label in the dispensing slot 110. The presence of the second printer 120 allows the device 100 to be used for any containers, including those missing in cartridges 200, or which cannot be used in the device, for example, due to size, and, for example, for the case when a sample has already been taken and a sticker must be applied to the container, and rotation and other manipulations with the filled container are undesirable. The versatile design of the device 100 allows the label to be applied to a container filled with content (sample) as required, for example, via a manual feed unit 122.

After completing the task, the control unit can transmit data about the execution of the task via the data network and / or output to the operator through one or more available output devices, for example, a screen, an additional third printer, speakers, indicator lights, etc.

The claimed design of a removable cartridge for printing and applying labels is versatile and allows the use of containers of various types and dimensions.

The presented illustrative embodiments, examples and description serve only to provide an understanding of the claimed technical solutions and are not limiting. Other possible options for implementation will be clear to the specialist from the description provided. The scope of this utility model is limited only by the enclosed utility model claims.

Claims (12)

1. The cartridge of the device for printing and applying labels to containers, including a housing made of two parts connected to each other to form a container for placing containers, there is an opening in the housing made with the possibility of passing the container, a groove is made on the inner surface of the housing, characterized in that that the groove is formed by the first and second ribs, the distance between the first and second ribs in the lower part of the cartridge from the side of the opening for the passage of the container is less than the distance between the first and second ribs in the upper part of the cartridge. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the first and second ribs in the lower part of the cartridge from the side of the opening for the passage of the container is 2 times less than the distance between the first and second ribs in the upper part of the cartridge. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the distance between the first and second ribs in the lower part of the cartridge is at least 2 mm. 4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the groove is formed on one of the body parts. 5. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the height of the first and second ribs relative to the plane of the body in the lower part of the cartridge from the side of the opening for the passage of the container is greater than the height of the first and second ribs in the upper part of the cartridge. 6. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the second rib is perpendicular to the plane of the opening for the passage of the container, and the first rib is located at an angle to the second rib, and the groove in the longitudinal section has the shape of a truncated rectangular triangle. 7. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that an additional groove is made on the inner surface of the other part of the cartridge body, formed by the third and fourth ribs. 8. The cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that the groove and the additional groove are located opposite each other, and between the first and third ribs, as well as the second and fourth ribs, there are openings made with the possibility of passing the container rod, and the groove and the additional groove are made with the possibility of placing in them the stop of the container rod and passing the stop of the container rod along them. 9. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the body has an additional opening made with the possibility of passing the container. 10. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the body parts are detachable. 11. A cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the body is provided with an identifier of the contents of the cartridge. 12. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the housing is provided with an indicator of the contents of the cartridge.

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