JP2015036308A - Label sticking apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a label sticking apparatus which can perform label sticking with high accuracy without being interfered by a long label and an applicator even when the applicator sticks the label to a packaged article in the vicinity of a label issuing portion and the label issuing portion issues the long label.SOLUTION: The label sticking apparatus for sticking an issued label to an article to be stuck comprises: a label issuing portion B1 for printing and issuing a label L; an applicator B2 that absorbs and moves the label L issued by the label issuing portion B1 and sticks the label to a commodity W as the article to be stuck; an applicator driving portion for driving the applicator B2; a determination portion that determines whether the label L to be issued by the label issuing portion B1 overlaps with a movement route of the applicator B2; and a drive control portion that performs a control so that the label L to be issued by the label issuing portion B1 does not overlap with the movement route of the applicator B2 when the determination portion determines the overlapping.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label sticking device.

  There is known a label sticking device for sticking a label to a product (article) such as a package wrapped by a wrap (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). For example, the label sticking device sticks a label issued by a label issuing unit to an object to be stuck by suction and movement with an applicator.

JP 2001-315737 A JP 2012-188143 A

  However, for example, in the label sticking apparatus as described in Patent Document 2 described above, the label issued by the label issuing unit is relatively long, and the long label issued by the label issuing unit is the movement path of the applicator. When the label and the part other than the adsorbing part of the applicator come into contact with each other, there is a possibility that problems such as label displacement may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems. Even when a label is applied to an item to be packaged by an applicator in the vicinity of the label issuing unit and a relatively long label is issued by the label issuing unit. An object of the present invention is to provide a label sticking device that can prevent a problem such as label displacement due to contact between the long label and the applicator, and can perform label sticking with high accuracy.

  The label sticking device of the present invention is a label sticking device for sticking an issued label to an object to be stuck, and a label issuing unit that prints and issues a label, and the label issued by the label issuing unit is sucked and moved. Then, it is determined whether or not the applicator to be applied to the object to be applied, the applicator driving unit for driving the applicator, and the label issued by the label issuing unit overlap with the movement path of the applicator. And a drive control unit that performs control so that the label issued by the label issuing unit does not overlap the movement path of the applicator when the determination unit determines that the overlap occurs. Features.

  According to the present invention, even when a label is applied to an item to be packaged by an applicator in the vicinity of the label issuing unit and a relatively long label is issued by the label issuing unit, the label is applied with high accuracy. It is possible to provide a label attaching apparatus capable of performing the above.

The front view which shows an example of the packaging apparatus which assembled | attached the label sticking apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows the outline | summary of the label sticking apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the label issuing part of the label sticking apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The upper surface schematic diagram of the label sticking apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of operation | movement of an applicator, (a) is a figure which shows an example when an applicator is located in the upper part, (b) is a figure which shows an example when an applicator is located below at the time of labeling, (C) is a figure which shows an example of the positional relationship of the rotating plate which has a light-shielding part and a translucent part, a light emission part, and a light-receiving part. The block diagram of the packaging apparatus which assembled | attached the label sticking apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is an electrical block diagram, (b) is a functional block diagram of a control part. The figure which shows an example of the various files used with the label sticking apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is a figure which shows an example of a goods file, (b) is a figure which shows an example of a label format file, (c) Tray The figure which shows an example of a file. The figure which shows an example of the label sticking operation | movement by the label sticking apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (a) is explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the label stuck on a tray, (b) is the standby position and label of a label adsorption | suction part Explanatory drawing which shows the positional relationship of the horizontal direction with an issuing port, (c) is explanatory drawing which shows the vertical positional relationship of the standby position of a label adsorption | suction part and a label issuing port. The figure which shows an example of the mountless label of the label sticking apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a variable-length label having a length corresponding to the data amount of a print item, (a) shows an example of a short label, and (b) shows an example of a long label. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the packaging apparatus which assembled | attached the label sticking apparatus which can move an applicator along a detour. The figure which shows an example of operation | movement of the label issuing part and applicator of a label sticking apparatus, (a) is a figure which shows an example of the normal movement path | route which an applicator moves, (b) is a figure which shows an example of a detour path, c) A figure showing other examples of a detour route. The figure which shows an example of operation | movement of a label issuing part and an applicator, (a) is a figure which shows the state before an applicator passes a label issuing area when issuing a long label, (b) is an applicator issuing a label The figure which shows the state after passing an area | region. The flowchart which shows the other example of operation | movement of the packaging apparatus which assembled | attached the label sticking apparatus. The flowchart which shows an example of the judgment process shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the packaging apparatus which assembled | attached the label sticking apparatus which has a timing delay function of the label issuing by a label issuing part. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination process illustrated in FIG. 16. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the packaging apparatus which assembled | attached the label sticking apparatus which has a movement control function of a label issuing part. The flowchart which shows an example of the judgment process shown in FIG.

An example of a label sticking device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The label sticking apparatus 100 includes a label issuing unit that prints and issues a label, an applicator that sucks and moves a label issued by the label issuing unit and sticks the label to an object to be pasted, and an applicator drive that drives the applicator. And the label issuing unit, the label issuing unit determines whether or not the label issued by the label issuing unit overlaps the movement path of the applicator, and the label issuing unit And a drive control unit that performs control so as not to overlap the movement path of the data.
Further, when the determination unit determines that the label issued by the label issuing unit interferes with the applicator, the drive control unit performs control so that the label and the applicator do not interfere with each other.
Hereinafter, the packaging device in which the label sticking device 100 is assembled will be described in detail.

<Device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a packaging device in which a label sticking device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is assembled. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the label sticking apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a label issuing unit of the label sticking apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of the label sticking device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the applicator B2. Specifically, FIG. 5 (a) is a diagram showing an example when the applicator B2 is located at the top, and FIG. 5 (b) is a diagram showing an example when the applicator B2 is located below when the label is applied. FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an example of a positional relationship between the rotating plate 241, the light emitting unit 245a, and the light receiving unit 245b having the light shielding unit 241a and the light transmitting unit 241b.

The label applicator 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention employs an applicator B2 that adsorbs and holds a label issued from the label issuing unit B1 by the label adsorbing unit 13 and applies the label to an article to be labeled (product W or the like). (Labeling part).
The label sticking apparatus 100 includes a storage unit that stores the size of an article to be labeled, the size of a label, and print items. In the present embodiment, the label issuing unit B1 issues a variable-length label that is defined based on the size of the print data.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, the label sticking apparatus 100 includes a label issuing unit B1 (printer) that issues a mountless label, and an applicator for sticking the mountless label issued from the label issuing unit B1 to an object to be pasted. B2 (label sticking part) and the like. In the present embodiment, the label sticking device 100 is assembled to the packaging device A as shown in FIG.

When the product W is carried in, the packaging device A automatically wraps the product W with a stretch film, and discharges the product W that has been packed into the discharge path.
A label sticking device 100 is disposed in the vicinity of the discharge path through which the product W packaged by the packaging device A is discharged, so that the mountless label L can be stuck to the packaged product W.
The packaging apparatus A conveys the product W to the elevator 14 disposed immediately below the packaging unit 16 by the carry-in conveyor 91, and the product W from below with respect to the film 97 a stretched on the packaging unit 16 by the elevator 14 rising. The upper surface of the product W is covered with the film 97a, and the periphery of the film 97a is folded into the bottom of the product W with a folding plate and a folding roller, and the overlapped portion of the folded film is heat-sealed and packaged. This is a push-up packaging device A that is completed.

  The label issuing unit B1 (printer) employs a mountless label roll 1 in which a long strip-like mountless label sheet 1 ′, which is a sticking surface having a printing surface on one side and an adhesive layer on the other side, is rolled as a label sheet. The label issuing unit B 1 has a roll loading unit 3 in the case 2, and the label sheet feeding means 4 is disposed at a front position in the feeding direction of the label sheet of the mountless label roll 1 set in the roll loading unit 3. And a printing unit 5 and a cutting means 76 for cutting the printed mountless label paper into a predetermined length. A mountless label roll 1 is rotatably supported by the roll loading unit 3.

  The sending means 4 for sending the label paper 1 ′ from the mountless label roll 1 includes a downstream paper sending means 4b composed of a pair of upper and lower rollers arranged in the vicinity of the upstream side of the label delivery opening provided on the peripheral wall of the case 2. An upstream sheet delivery means 4a also serving as a printing unit 5 disposed at a predetermined interval upstream of the sheet delivery means 4b.

The upstream sheet delivery means 4a that also serves as the printing unit 5 includes a platen roller 5a located below (labeling side) the label sheet 1 ', and a thermal head located above (printing side) the label sheet 1'. 5b, and the platen roller 5a and the lower roller of the sheet feeding means 4b on the downstream side are configured to be driven and rotated by a motor.
The thermal head 5b located above the label paper 1 'and the upper roller in the downstream paper feeding means 4b are attached downward so that the label paper 1' is attached by the lower roller (platen roller 5a). Thus, the label paper 1 'can be sent out stably.

The platen roller 5a of the printing unit 5 and the lower roller of the downstream sheet feeding means 4b are coated with a release agent on the respective surfaces, and are coated on the side opposite to the printing surface of the label sheet 1 ′. The adhesive is formed so as not to adhere to the adhesive, so that the label paper 1 ′ can be smoothly fed out.
In addition, the structure which makes the adhesive layer of label paper 1 'hard to adhere to a roller is not restricted to the said form, For example, you may comprise the roller itself or the outermost periphery part of a roller with an easily peelable member.

  Product information is printed on the label paper 1 'by the printing unit 5, and the cutting means 76 for cutting the label paper 1' sent to the label delivery outlet into a sheet of a predetermined length is, for example, horizontal from the label delivery outlet. And a pair of upper and lower movable blades 76a and a fixed blade 76b arranged so as to sandwich the label paper 1 'fed in a shape.

For example, the movable blade 76a disposed on the printing surface side (upper side) of the label paper 1 ′ has a blade portion formed in an inverted V shape when viewed from the front, and is fixed on the sticking surface side (lower side) of the label paper 1 ′. The blade 76b is formed of a band blade having a blade portion formed to have the same width, and is configured such that the label paper 1 'is cut by a shearing action when the movable blade 76a advances and retreats with respect to the fixed blade 76b.
The movable blade 76a is configured to advance and retreat by a motor of a cutter driving unit 48 (described later).
Since the blade portion of the movable blade 76a is formed in an inverted V shape when viewed from the front, the cutting of the label paper 1 ′ proceeds from the both sides in the width direction of the label paper 1 ′ toward the central direction, and finally the central portion. Is cut and the mountless label L is cut off, so that it is possible to reduce the flying and skewing of the cut mountless label L compared to the cutting method in which the entire width is cut at once.

On the downstream side of the cutting means 76, there is a holding means 9 for holding the sheet-like mountless label L cut and formed by the cutting means 76 until it is adsorbed by the label adsorbing portion 13 of the applicator B2 (label attaching portion). Is provided.
The holding means 9 includes a label holding body 10 (receiver) that holds the mountless label L that is cut and issued and sent by the cutting means 76 in a substantially horizontal shape, and the lower surface of the label holding body 10 that receives and sends the mountless label L. And an air blowing part 11 to be brought into contact with the air.

  The label holding body 10 (receiver) is cut by the cutting means 76, protrudes along the sending direction of the mountless label L sent from the label issuing port 77, and crosses the sending direction of the mountless label L. It is composed of a pair of parallel frames that are arranged to face each other at intervals in the direction, and the pair of parallel frames is configured to be movable so that the interval between the parallel frames can be adjusted according to the width dimension of the mountless label L. Has been.

  The air blowing portion 11 that makes the lower surface of the pair of parallel frames abut the surface (printing surface) on the opposite side to the attachment surface of the issued and sent mountless label L is Air is blown from below to the affixing surface (lower surface) to push up the mountless label L and abut against a pair of parallel frames. In this embodiment, it is composed of a small blower fan or the like. .

  The air blowing part 11 is mounted and fixed on the upper surface of the protruding part of the bottom plate 2 'in the case 2 of the label issuing part B1. In this embodiment, the air blowing part 11 has a blower fan, and the blower fan is arranged at a substantially center between the pair of holding frames, and the blown air hits a substantially center part of the mountless label L to be sent out, The mountless label L is configured to push up substantially vertically upward. In this way, the mountless label L is configured to be securely abutted and held on the lower surface of the label holder 10.

  Further, a sensor that detects whether or not the mountless label L is present on the label holding body 10 is disposed in the vicinity of the air blowing unit 11, and issuance of the mountless label L is controlled by a detection signal of the sensor. It is like that. In addition, the air blowing part 11 is not restricted to the form which mounts a ventilation fan on the baseplate 2 ', and various forms may be sufficient as it.

<Applicator B2 (label sticking part)>
The applicator B2 includes a label adsorbing portion 13 that adsorbs and holds the mountless label L held on the label holding body 10, and moves the label adsorbing portion 13 from the initial position to a position almost directly above the label holding body 10. The structure is provided with a moving mechanism (not shown) that moves from the position 10 to the position of the packaged product W to which the mountless label L is attached.

The label suction unit 13 that sucks and holds the mountless label L is configured to generate a suction force due to negative pressure on the label suction surface by the rotation of the suction fan. The suction fan is an air blowing unit that constitutes the holding unit 9. It is configured to turn on / off at the same timing as the 11 fans.
Further, the label suction unit 13 is moved to a position immediately above the label holder 10 in order to suck and hold the mountless label L held on the label holder 10 of the holding means 9, but the label suction unit 13 holds the label. It is detected by the sensor 30 whether or not it is positioned directly above the body 10.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b), the applicator B2 which is a label sticking portion is arranged on the label suction portion 13 for sucking and holding the label, and on the upper portion of the label suction portion 13. The suction portion 13 has a suction box portion 13b that generates a label suction force. The suction box portion 13b has a negative pressure in the suction box portion 13b due to the rotation of the fan, and the suction force is generated in the label suction portion 13. It is configured.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the moving means for moving the applicator B <b> 2 discharges the applicator B <b> 2 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the product W that is an object to be pasted, that is, the product W is discharged. The first moving means 20 for moving the discharge path 111 in the width direction of the discharge means 111 connected to the discharge path, and the second moving means 21 for moving the label suction portion 13 in the vertical direction with respect to the conveyance surface of the product W. And a third moving means 22 (rotating means) for rotating the label suction surface in the label suction section 13 in a horizontal plane parallel to the transport surface of the product W.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the first moving means 20 includes two guide members 20 a that are horizontally fixed at a position above the packaging portion 16 of the packaging device A perpendicular to the pushing direction of the discharge pusher 8. And a case 20b fitted to the guide member 20a to be slidable, an endless belt 20c arranged in parallel along the guide member 20a, and a motor 20m (horizontal) that moves the endless belt 20c in the forward and reverse directions. A moving motor), a pulley, and the like. The case 20b is connected and fixed to the endless belt 20c, the guide member 20a is attached to the packaging apparatus main body via a bracket or the like, and the case 20b is configured to be movable along the guide member 20a by the operation of the motor. . The first moving means 20 moves in the left-right direction (width direction of the discharge path) in the apparatus and is driven by a motor (horizontal movement motor).

The label adsorbing portion 13 is attached to the distal ends of a pair of upper and lower parallel arms 23 and 23 'whose base ends are attached to a case 20b moved along the guide member 20a, and the pair of parallel arms 23 and 23' Two moving means 21 support the label suction unit 13 so as to move up and down with respect to the product W.
The pair of parallel arms 23 and 23 'that hold the label adsorbing portion 13 has pins 24 and 24, which are two support shafts whose base end sides are horizontally mounted at a predetermined interval with respect to the case 20b. 'It is attached to be rotatable.
The other end side (front end side) of the upper parallel arm 23 is connected to a pin 27 (support shaft) that is movably fitted and mounted in an arc groove 26 of the mounting cylinder 25 that is connected to the upper part of the label suction portion 13. The other end side (front end side) of the lower parallel arm 23 ′ is located below the pin 27, and is attached to a rotary shaft 28 that is horizontally mounted on the attachment cylinder 25 so as to be rotatable.
In other words, the label adsorbing portion 13 is swingable in the conveyance direction of the product W around the rotation shaft 28, and the swing swing range is regulated by the arc groove 26 (swing) mechanism).
The second moving means 21 is attached to the base end side of the upper parallel arm 23, and the third moving means 22 rotates the label suction surface of the label suction section 13 around the lower parallel arm 23 'within a horizontal plane. Is attached. Furthermore, when the label suction part 13 swings, an angle maintaining means for maintaining the swinging tilt angle is provided in the case 20b.

The second moving means 21 has a stepping motor 21m (vertical movement motor), and a gear provided at the tip of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor 21m supports the base end side of the upper parallel arm 23. It is configured to mesh with a gear provided on the pin 24 (support shaft).
The second moving means 21 is configured to be able to rotate the arms 23 and 23 ′ upward or downward around the pins 24 and 24 ′ (support shafts) by rotating the rotation shaft of the stepping motor 21m. .

  The third moving unit 22 (rotating unit) is configured to be able to rotate the label suction surface of the label suction unit 13 in a horizontal plane parallel to the transport surface of the product W under the control of the control unit. It is configured to be rotatable at a predetermined angle such as °, 180 °, and 270 °.

<Detection of position of applicator B2 (label sticking part)>
The label sticking device 100 includes a position detection unit 245 of the applicator B2. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b), and 5 (c), the position detection unit 245 is within the movable range along the vertical direction of the applicator B2, and the applicator B2 The label adsorbing portion 13 is positioned below (when the label is attached) and the other states can be detected. Specifically, it includes a rotating plate 241 (such as a gear) that rotates in conjunction with the vertical movement of the applicator B2, an optical sensor, and the like.

The rotating plate 241 includes a light shielding part 241a and a light-transmitting part 241b having a notch shape or a hole shape. Parts other than the translucent part 241b such as a notch shape of the rotary plate formed on the outer peripheral part of the rotary plate 241 function as a light shielding part.
Note that the above-described detection means is not limited to this form, and it is sufficient that the applicator B2 can detect the position where the label is applied within the movable range along the vertical direction of the applicator B2.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5C, the rotating plate 241 is disposed between the light emitting unit 245a and the light receiving unit 245b.

<Applicator B2 is in the lower position>
When the applicator B2 is positioned below in the movable range, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, the light emitted from the light emitting portion 245a passes through the light transmitting portion 241b of the rotating plate 241. Thus, the light receiving unit 245b is configured to receive light. That is, when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 245a is received by the light receiving unit 245b via the light transmitting unit 241b of the rotating plate 241, the label adsorbing unit 13 of the applicator B2 is controlled by the label adhering unit 13 of the applicator B2. It is determined that it is located below within the movement range.

<Applicator B2 is in a position other than below>
When the applicator B2 is located at the upper position (when located at a position other than the lower position), the light emitted from the light emitting section 245a is shielded by the light shielding section 241a of the rotating plate 241 as shown in FIG. Thus, the light receiving unit 245b does not receive the light emitted from the light emitting unit 245a.
That is, when the light emitted from the light emitting unit 245a is not received by the light receiving unit 245b, the control unit of the label applicator is such that the label adsorbing unit 13 of the applicator B2 is positioned above the moving range of the applicator B2. It is determined that there is.

<Modification of optical sensor>
Note that the optical sensor is not limited to the above-described form, and for example, a reflective optical sensor may be adopted. In this case, the reflection type optical sensor has a light emitting / receiving part such as a light emitting / receiving element, a reflector, and a rotating plate provided between the light emitting / receiving part and the reflector, for example, light emitted from the light emitting / receiving part. When the light incident on the reflector through the translucent part of the rotating plate and reflected by the reflector is received by the light emitting / receiving unit through the translucent part of the rotating plate, the control unit of the labeling device It is determined that the label suction portion 13 of the applicator B2 is positioned below in the movement range of the applicator B2. For example, when the light emitted from the light emitting / receiving unit is shielded by the light shielding unit of the rotating plate and the light does not reach the light receiving unit, the control unit moves the label adsorption unit 13 of the applicator B2 in the vertical direction of the applicator B2. It is determined that it is located above in the range.

  When the position of the suction surface (lower end surface) of the applicator B2 is located below the movable range of the applicator B2, as shown in FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (c), the light emitted from the light emitting unit 245a Enters the light receiving part 245b through the light transmitting part 241b of the rotating plate 241. For this reason, the level of the detection signal from the light receiving unit 245b becomes equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the control unit determines that the position of the suction surface of the applicator B2 is a position below the movable range based on the level of the detection signal.

<Determination of label affixing position>
As shown in FIG. 4, the packaging device A includes a product placement unit S that places the product W in front of the machine frame. In the case where a product to be packaged, which is a label application target, and a product W to be labeled is placed on the product placement unit S, the control unit detects the width or placement of the product W detected by the product width detection sensor 17a. The label application position is determined based on the position, the height of the product detected by the product height detection sensor 17b, the tray size stored in the tray file, and the like.
As will be described later, the tray file stores an identification number of each tray, a tray size (horizontal width, depth, height), a tare, and the like in association with each other.

  The product W placed on the product placement unit S is transported to the elevator 14 by the transport unit, and the product W is transported to the elevator 14 disposed immediately below the packaging unit 16 by the carry-in conveyor, and the product W is transported to the elevator 14. The film 97a stretched on the packaging portion 16 is pushed upward from below, the top surface of the product W is covered with the film 97a, and the periphery of the film 97a is further covered with a folding plate, a folding roller 99, etc. Then, the overlapped portion of the folded film is heat-sealed to complete the packaging, and the product W is moved within the movable range (labeling area 110) of the applicator B2 by being pushed by the discharge pusher 8 or the like. Then, a label is pasted by the applicator B2.

In the above-described embodiment, the product W placed on the product placement unit S moves in the front-rear direction and the up-down direction of the device while maintaining a relative positional relationship with the left and right ends of the product placement unit S. For this reason, when the product W is placed in the center of the product placement unit S, the position of the product W itself is located in the center of the label pasting area when the label is stuck. On the other hand, when the product W is placed at a position that is shifted to the left or right with respect to the center of the product placement unit S, the position of the product itself is the left side or the right side of the label pasting area when the label is pasted.
That is, as for the label affixing position on the product W, the relative position with respect to the reference position (for example, the lower right end portion) of the product (tray) is defined in the tray file. Based on the file or the like, the applicator B2 is controlled according to the relative position from the reference position in the label attaching area 110.

<Configuration of packaging device A>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the packaging apparatus A assembled with the label sticking apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 6A is an electrical block diagram, and FIG. 6B is a functional block diagram of the control unit 540.

As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the packaging device A assembled with the label sticking device 100 includes a control device D for the label issuing part B1 and an applicator B2 (label sticking part), a control device E for the packaging mechanism, Etc. The control device D mainly controls the label issuing unit B1 and the label pasting unit, and has a CPU 41. The packaging mechanism control device E mainly controls the packaging mechanism and has a CPU 50.
As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the CPU 41 and the CPU 50 cooperate to realize the functions of the determination unit 541, the drive control unit 542, the control unit 540, and the like according to the present invention. Alternatively, the functions of the determination unit 541, the drive control unit 542, the control unit 540, and the like according to the present invention may be realized by any one of the CPU 41 and the CPU 50.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, the control device D of the label applying unit and the label issuing unit B1 includes a CPU 41 as a control unit, a storage unit such as a ROM 42 and a RAM 43, a display operation unit 12, and a weighing unit 45. An interface 46 (INF), a printing unit 5, a cutter driving unit 48, a product detection sensor 49, an applicator driving unit 411, a position detection unit 245, and the like. Are connected so that data communication is possible via a bus 41a.

  The CPU 41 executes the control program to realize the function of the present invention, such as a label sticking device as a computer, a function of a packaging device in which the label sticking device is assembled, and the like.

Various control programs executed by the CPU 41 are stored in the ROM 42.
The RAM 43 includes various registers and flags used when the CPU 41 executes the control program of the ROM 42, a preset data area in which various data are stored in advance for each product, and the like.
In the preset data area, various product data such as “product name”, “price (unit price)”, “barcode”, etc., which are data for price calculation and label printing, corresponding to the packaged item (product number) G Stored product file (see FIG. 7 (a)), label format file (see FIG. 7 (b)) in which a label printing format having a label length and the like is defined, a tray file (see FIG. 7 (c)), etc. Is remembered.

  FIG. 7A shows an example of a product file. In the product file, items such as “product number”, “product name”, “price”, “barcode”, “additive”, “label format”, and “tray format” are stored in association with each other. In the label format, the label format number of the label format file is set and stored. In the tray format, the tray number of the tray file is set and stored.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of a label format file. In the label format file, various print formats can be set, the format number that identifies the type of format, the label length that determines the cutting length of the label tape, and the product name, additive, message, There are raw materials, prices, barcodes, units, expiration dates, processing dates and times, store names, etc., and these print items are the print position (the upper left of the label is 0, 0, and indicates the upper left corner of the print range), paper (Mountingless label tape) A height that is a printing range in the transport direction, a length that is a printing range orthogonal to the height, a font that specifies a character font type, and the like are stored in association with each other.

FIG. 7C shows an example of a tray file. The tray file includes a tray number that identifies the type of tray, and for each tray number, width, depth, height, tare weight, label affixing position (distance data from the end of the tray to the center of the label: X0, Y0) ) (Sticking position information), movement (horizontal movement distance of the applicator B2: X), timing (falling timing of the sticking part after the discharge pusher is driven: T), 90 ° rotation (mounting board on which the sticking part is sucked and held) A flag for identifying whether or not to rotate the less label by 90 °, a rotation by 180 ° (a flag for identifying whether or not the mountless label that is stuck and held by the sticking unit is rotated by 180 °), and the like are set in association with each other.
Although the tray width, depth, and height data are set, they may be omitted because they are detected by the product width detection sensor 17a and the product height depth detection sensor 17b, or the product width. When each length is not automatically detected without providing the detection sensor 17a and the detection height / depth sensor 17b, each length is set in the tray file, and the corresponding tray file is set when starting packaging. It is also possible to read and set each length data.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the display operation unit 12 (console unit) includes a keyboard, a touch panel, a liquid crystal display, and the like. Under the control of the CPU 41, display of information and the like according to the present invention and operation input by the operator are performed. I do.

  The weighing unit 45 weighs the mass of the article W to be packaged and the pasting object placed on the article placing unit S, and outputs a signal indicating the measured value to the CPU 41.

  The communication interface 46 (INF) communicates various data and commands via the CPU 50 of the packaging mechanism and the interface 51 (INF).

  The printing unit 5 includes the sending unit 4 and the printing unit 5 in the label issuing unit B1. Specifically, the printing unit 5 includes a platen roller 5a, a thermal head 5b, and the like. , Unit price, barcode, etc. are printed.

  The cutter driving unit 48 is a motor that drives the movable blade 76a as the cutting means 76, and moves the movable blade 76a to the fixed blade 76b side under the control of the CPU 41 to issue the label L by cutting the label paper. To do.

  The merchandise detection sensor 49 is disposed, for example, slightly before the position where it is vertically lowered for labeling by the label adsorbing unit 13 (close to the packaging unit), detects the presence or absence of a package, and outputs a detection signal to the CPU 41. .

  The applicator driving unit 411 controls the labeling operation by the applicator B2, the movement operation along the movement path of the applicator B2, the movement operation along the detour path of the applicator B2, and the like under the control of the CPU 41.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b), and 5 (c), the position detection unit 245 is within the movable range along the vertical direction of the applicator B2, and the label adsorption unit 13 of the applicator B2. Is configured to be able to detect a state positioned below (when a label is attached) and other states. The position of the applicator B2 is detected, and the detection signal is output to the CPU 41.

<Control device E of the packaging mechanism>
Next, the control device E of the packaging mechanism will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the control device E for the packaging mechanism includes a CPU 50, an interface 51 (INF), a ROM 52, a RAM 53, an operation unit 54, a mechanism drive unit 55, an elevator motor 56, and a carry-in motor 57. A film transfer motor 58, a product width detection sensor 17a, a product height detection sensor 17b, and the like. A CPU 50, an interface 51 (INF), a ROM 52, a RAM 53, an operation unit 54, and a mechanism drive unit 55 are connected to be communicable via a bus 50a as a communication path. The mechanism drive unit 55 is electrically connected to an elevator motor 56, a carry-in motor 57, a film transfer motor 58, a product width detection sensor 17a, a product height detection sensor 17b, and the like.

The interface 51 (INF) communicates various data and commands with the CPU 41 via the interface 46 (INF).
Various control programs executed by the CPU 50 are stored in the ROM 52. The RAM 53 includes areas such as various registers and flags used when the CPU 50 executes the control program of the ROM 52, a preset data area in which various data are stored in advance for each product, and the like.

  The operation unit 54 includes a switch for starting and stopping the apparatus, an operation panel, and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the CPU 50.

The mechanism driving unit 55 is a circuit for driving each mechanism unit of the packaging apparatus when packaging is performed. Specifically, the mechanism driving unit 55 is an elevator motor 56 that drives the elevator 14 and a carry-in conveyor 91 (pusher) that carries the product W. A conveyor motor 57, a film feed motor 58 of a film feed mechanism, and the like.
The mechanism drive unit 55 is connected with a product width detection sensor 17a for detecting the width of the packaged goods, a product height sensor 17b for detecting the height, depth, etc. of the product W, and the like. It is configured to be supplied to the CPU 50.

The product width detection sensor 17a that detects the lateral width (L) of the product W placed on the product placement unit S includes movable right and left reflective optical sensors.
The right reflective optical sensor that detects the right side length (LR) of the product and the left reflective optical sensor that detects the left side length (LL) of the product W are each laterally wide from a substantially central position where the product is placed. It moves so as to be separated in the direction (the right side length LR of the product W + the left side length LL of the product W). The lateral width (dimension L) of the product W is used for controlling the packaging device and the label attaching portion. The product width detection sensor 17a transmits the length data L, that is, (LL + LR) to the CPU 50 (control unit) of the label issuing unit B1 (measurement label printer).

  The detection sensor 17b for detecting the height H of the product has a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the height direction with the conveyance path in the middle of the product conveyance path. The height H of the product W is detected by blocking the light of the light emitting unit according to the height of the product that is arranged in large numbers and is transported on the transport path. The height data is used for control of the packaging device and the label attaching part.

The detection sensor for detecting the vertical width w of the product is the position P0 of the sensor with respect to a predetermined reference point and the product W placed on the product placement unit S is pushed by the pusher of the carry-in conveyor 91 (pusher conveyor). When the product W is transported to the elevator 14 provided inside the machine frame, the difference from the pusher position P when the light of the light emitting part of the sensor is blocked by the product W transported on the transport path (P0−P) As a result, the vertical width of the product W is detected.
In this manner, the size (width L, height H, height w) of the product W (such as a tray) is detected while being conveyed to the elevator 14 provided inside the machine frame of the packaging unit 16.

  A wrapping section 16 is provided above the elevator 14, a film roll 97 is set on the side of the wrapping section 16 (a direction perpendicular to the pusher conveyor), and a film 97 a fed out from the film roll 97 is formed as a film. The sheet is pulled out by the feed mechanism 75, cut to a predetermined length, and then transferred to the packaging unit 16.

In the packaging part 16, the film folding mechanism 6 and the left and right folding members 7, 7 ′ are folded above the film feed mechanism 75 and the end of the film 97 a covering the upper surface of the product W (article) is folded to the bottom side of the product W. A discharge pusher 8 (pusher) that discharges the packaged product W located above the left and right folding members 7 and 7 ′, and a front folding roller 99 is disposed at a front position in the movement direction of the discharge pusher 8. .
The film feed mechanism 75 includes a pair of upper and lower endless elastic belts 75a and 75b that sandwich a side end portion in the width direction of the film, and a clamp plate 75c that presses the lower elastic belt 75b toward the upper elastic belt 75a. They are arranged before and after the packaging part 16.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the CPU 41 and the CPU 50 implement functions such as the determination unit 541, the drive control unit 542, and the control unit 540 according to the present invention.
The determination unit 541 determines whether or not the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2. Specifically, the determination unit 541 determines the label adsorption surface of the label adsorption unit 13 of the applicator B2 based on, for example, the label length, the label application position, the label issuance speed, the movement speed of the applicator B2, and the like. It is determined whether or not the part other than the label L contacts / interferences.

  When the determination unit 541 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2, the drive control unit 542 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 is the applicator Control is performed so as not to overlap the movement path of B2. In this way, by controlling the label L so that it does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2, the portion other than the label suction surface of the label suction portion 13 of the applicator B2 and the label L avoid contact / interference. It is possible to prevent defective labeling.

Examples of a method for performing control so that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2 include the following control methods.
(1) The applicator driving unit 411 performs drive control so that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 moves the applicator B2 along a detour path that does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2.
(2) Control is performed to delay the issuing timing of the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 next to the label sucked / moved by the applicator B2 from the normal time.
(3) Control is performed to move the applicator B2 or the label issuing unit B1 so that the applicator B2 and the label issuing unit B1 are relatively distant from each other.

In this embodiment, the drive control unit 542 is issued by the label issuing unit B1 when the determining unit 541 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2. The applicator driving unit 411 performs drive control so that the applicator B2 moves along a detour path that does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2.
When the determination unit 541 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2 (normal time), the drive control unit 542 performs normal applicator B2. The applicator driving unit 411 performs drive control so as to move the applicator B2 along the movement path.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a label sticking operation by the label sticking apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship of the label L attached to the product W such as a tray, and FIG. 8B is the horizontal direction between the standby position of the label suction unit 13 and the label issuing port. FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram illustrating a vertical positional relationship between a standby position of the label suction unit 13 and a label issuing port.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the label affixing position is the distance from the adjacent side of the tray to the label center, for example, the width: 200 mm, An example in which X0: 30 mm and Y0: 130 mm are set on a tray having a vertical width of 150 mm is shown. In this case, there is a blank distance between the outer periphery of the label on the tray and the end of the tray.
Further, the movement distance (horizontal movement distance data) X when the rotation angle is 0 ° is the distance data (X0, Y0) from the tray edge to the center of the label set in advance and the width of the tray during the packaging process. Calculated when detected. Based on the calculated movement distance X and timing data T, movement control of the label pasting unit is performed. However, the moving distance X and the timing data T may be calculated before the packaging operation by associating the tray file to be used with the label pasting data file. That is, the product W (such as a tray) is placed at the center of the product placement unit S, and the horizontal width (L) of the tray and the distance X0 from the tray edge to the center of the label are known, so the movement distance X is determined.
For example, when the rotation angle is 0 °, the movement distance X is determined by the horizontal width (L) of the tray and the input X0. As will be described later, the timing data T is determined by the input Y0 and the conveyance speed (constant) of the product W by the discharge pusher 8.

Further, the label standby position (X, Z) is calculated based on the tray width data, the X0 data input to the label pasting data file, and the product height data “H”.
The label standby position (X, Z) is a position until the label suction unit 13 sucks and holds the label issued to the label issuing port (initial position) and waits to attach the label to the product W. In the movement distance data, “X” is a horizontal distance from the initial position to the label standby position, and “Z” is a vertical distance from the initial position to the label standby position (see FIGS. 8B and 8C). . The initial position corresponds to the label issuance position in FIGS. 8A and 8B, and is a position where the label affixing unit sucks the issued label and starts moving.

[Equation 1]
Horizontal movement distance X = XC−LR + X0 (see FIG. 8B)

  XC is the distance from the initial position of the label suction unit 13 to the center of the conveyance path (the center of the product). LR is detected (measured) by the product width detection sensor 17a. X0 is a set value.

[Equation 2]
Vertical movement distance Z = (Z0−Z2) −H (see FIG. 8C)

  Z0 is a vertical distance from the initial position of the label suction unit 13 to the conveyance surface of the product W, and is a fixed value determined by the mechanism. Z2 is a vertical distance from the label standby position to the label adhesion position (the upper surface of the package), and is set to a constant value so that the label adhesion position does not vary depending on the height H of the product W. H is the height of the product W and is detected by the sensor 17b.

In addition, the sensor 49 is located immediately before the heat seal portion 810 arranged in the discharge path, and the labeling timing data T (timing time) is from when the product W is detected by the sensor 49 (T = 0). This is a delay time until the label suction unit 13 starts to descend from the standby position, and determines the label adhesion position in the Y-axis direction on the product W. Accordingly, when the time T = T ′ is set so that Y0 = 0, and the conveyance speed of the product W is D (mm) per second, the sticking timing time T is T = T ′ + Y0 / D. Calculated. Y0 is input and set in advance in the pasting conditions.
The presence / absence of label rotation is known when the tray file is called. For example, if rotation of 90 ° is set, the driving of the third moving means 22 is controlled based on that.

  FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a mountless label of the label sticking apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a variable-length label having a length corresponding to the data amount of the print item. Specifically, FIG. 10A shows an example of a short label, and FIG. 10B shows an example of a long label.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the format data of the label format is stored in a storage unit such as a RAM, when the format number # 1 is designated, the format specified by the format number # 1 is displayed. Calls format data. In the format data of the format specified by the format number # 1, a print range having a prescribed size such as three lines for product names and four lines for additives is set (see FIG. 9A).

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the label length is variable according to the size of each print item, that is, a variable length label is employed.
When the interference avoidance process between the label L and the applicator B2 is performed, for example, (2) the issuance timing of the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 next to the label sucked and moved by the applicator B2 is normally set. As a specific example of the method of performing the delay control, as shown in FIG. 9, when the print head is positioned in the blank area WS of the print label, the platen roller 5a is driven to stop the conveyance of the label. You may control so that it may stop only for time. In this way, interference between the label L and the applicator B2 may be avoided.

<Example of operation of device (controls path of applicator B2)>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the packaging device in which the label applicator that can move the applicator B2 along the detour is assembled. An example of an operation for avoiding interference between the label L and the applicator B2 by controlling the path of the applicator B2 will be described with reference to FIG.
In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the functions of the control unit 540 are realized by the CPU 41 and the CPU 50 executing the control program. As described above, either the CPU 41 or the CPU 50 may perform the control according to the present invention.

  In step ST <b> 1, when the product W is placed on the product placement unit S, the mass of the product W is weighed by the weighing unit 45 provided in the product placement unit S.

  In step ST <b> 2, when the measurement value by the measurement unit 45 is stabilized, the measurement stability signal and the measurement value are output to the control unit 540. When the measurement stable signal and the measurement value are input from the measurement unit 45, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST3, and when determining that the measurement value is not stable, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST1. The measurement stability signal is a signal indicating that the measurement value is stable. This metering stability signal may not be present.

  In step ST <b> 3, the control unit 540 drives the carry-in conveyor 91 (pusher conveyor) by the carry-in motor 57, and conveys the product W on the product placement unit S toward the elevator 14.

In step ST4, the control unit 540 performs a packaging process. Specifically, the control unit 540 controls the elevator motor 56 so as to raise the elevator 14 on which the product W is placed on the packaging unit 16 on which the film 97a is stretched from the film roll 97 by the film feed mechanism 75. Control is performed so that the end of the film covering the upper surface of W is folded by each folding portion that folds to the bottom side of the product W, and the packaged product W is discharged by the discharge pusher 8.
Further, the control unit 540 prints / issues the label L by the applicator B2, which is a label pasting unit.

In step ST5, the determination unit 541 of the control unit 540 determines whether or not the label issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2. Specifically, the control unit 540 comprehensively determines the label length issued by the label issuing unit B1, the printing speed, the path of the applicator B2, the label attaching position of the product W, and the like.
When the control unit 540 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST6, and the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 is If it is determined that the movement route overlaps B2, the process proceeds to step ST7.

  In step ST6, when the control unit 540 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 does not overlap the moving path of the applicator B2 by the determination unit 541 (normal time), the drive control unit 542 The applicator drive unit 411 performs drive control so that the applicator B2 moves along the movement path of the normal applicator B2, and the process proceeds to step ST1.

Specifically, in step ST7, when the determination unit 541 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2, the drive control unit 542 of the control unit 540 Control is performed so that the label L issued by the part B1 does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2.
In the present embodiment, when the determination unit 541 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2, the drive control unit 542 of the control unit 540 is the label issuing unit B1. The applicator driving unit 411 performs drive control so that the issued label L moves along the detour path that does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2, and the process proceeds to step ST1.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of operations of the label issuing unit B1 and the applicator B2 of the label sticking device 100. Specifically, FIG. 12A is a diagram illustrating an example of a normal movement path along which the applicator B2 moves. FIG. 12B is a diagram illustrating an example of a bypass route, and FIG. 12C is a diagram illustrating another example of the bypass route.

  In the example shown in FIG. 12A (ordinary movement route NP), the applicator B2 attaches the label L to a predetermined position of the product W, and then the vicinity of the label issuing unit B1 along the normal movement route NP. To the initial position TX (standby position). Specifically, the applicator B2 attaches the label L to the product W and then moves the label adsorbing unit 13 to a specified position higher than the label L held by the label holding body 10 (receiver) of the label issuing unit B1. Is moved to the initial position TX in the vicinity of the label issuing unit B1.

  The example (the detour route AP) shown in FIG. 12B is an example in which the long label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the moving route of the applicator B2. Specifically, the applicator B2 attaches the label L to a predetermined position of the product W, and then moves in substantially the same direction as the label issuing direction of the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 so as to leave the label issuing unit B1. After moving a predetermined distance, after raising applicator B2 which is a label applying part to a specified position higher than label L held by label holding body 10 (receiver) of label issuing part B1, label issuance It moves to the initial position TX in the vicinity of the part B1. By doing so, it is possible to avoid the interference between the label L and the applicator B2.

  The example (the detour route AP) shown in FIG. 12C is an example in which the long label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement route of the applicator B2. In detail, the applicator B2 After applying the label L to a predetermined position of W, the applicator B2, which is the label applying unit, is lifted diagonally upward by a predetermined distance so as to be separated from the label issuing unit B1, and then the initial position in the vicinity of the label issuing unit B1 Move to TX. By doing so, the interference between the label L and the applicator B2 can be avoided, and the detour time can be shortened.

<Another example of controlling the path of the applicator B2>
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of operations of the label issuing unit B1 and the applicator B2. Specifically, FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a state before the applicator B2 passes the label issuing area AH (label issuing height) when a long label L is being issued, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the state after the applicator B2 passed label issuing area | region AH (label issuing height).

As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, even when the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps with the normal movement path NP of the applicator B2, for example, the label issuance is performed. The label issuing area of the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 by the label adsorbing unit 13 of the applicator B2 before the timing at which the tip LT of the label L issued by the unit B1 overlaps the movement path NP. When the determination unit 541 of the control unit 540 determines that AH (label issue height) can pass along the normal movement path NP, the drive control unit 542 of the control unit 540 uses the applicator B2 to After applying the label L at a predetermined position of W, the applicator B2 may be moved along the normal movement path NP to the initial position TX (standby position) in the vicinity of the label issuing unit B1. There.
By doing so, contact / interference between the label L and the applicator B2 can be avoided in a short time and in a short time.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the packaging apparatus A to which the label sticking apparatus 100 is assembled. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the determination process illustrated in FIG.
Another example of controlling the path of the applicator B2 in order to avoid interference between the label L and the applicator B2 will be described with reference to FIGS.

In step ST11, when the product W is placed on the product placement unit S, the weighing unit 45 provided in the product placement unit S measures the mass of the product W.
In step ST12, when the measurement value by the measurement unit 45 is stabilized, the measurement stability signal and the measurement value are output to the control unit 540. When the measurement stability signal and the measurement value are input from the measurement unit 45, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST13, and when determining that the measurement value is not stable, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST11.

  In step ST <b> 13, the control unit 540 drives the carry-in conveyor 91 (pusher conveyor) by the carry-in motor 57, and conveys the product W as an article to be packaged on the product placement unit S toward the elevator 14.

  Then, the control unit 540 stretches the film 97a by the film feed mechanism 75 (ST14), controls the elevator motor 56 to raise the elevator 14 on which the product W is placed (ST15), and covers the upper surface of the product W. The label is issued by the label issuing unit B1 by controlling the folding of the end of the film to the bottom side of the product W by each folding unit (ST16) and discharging the packaged product W by the pusher 8 (ST17). L is controlled to apply a label to the product W by the applicator B2 (label application unit) (ST18).

  In step ST19, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, by detecting the position of the lower end portion of the label adsorption unit 13 of the applicator B2 of the control unit 540 with a sensor, it is detected that the product W has been labeled.

  In step ST20, the control unit 540 determines a normal movement route NP or detour route AP as a return route of the applicator B2 by a determination process.

  In step ST21, the return operation of the applicator B2 is controlled along the route determined by the determination process in step ST20.

Next, an example of the process in step ST20 will be described with reference to FIG.
In step ST31, after applying the label L to the product W by the applicator B2, the control unit 540 determines whether or not the next label L has been issued by the applicator B2 which is the label applying unit. If it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to step ST32. If it is determined that the process is completed, the process proceeds to step ST34.

  In step ST32, the control unit 540 determines whether or not the condition that “the next label L is being issued by the applicator B2, which is the label applying unit, and the label L overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2” is satisfied. To do. When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST37, and when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the control unit 540 determines to move the applicator B2 along the normal movement path (step S40). ST33), the process proceeds to step ST21 of FIG.

  In step ST34, the control unit 540 has a label length of the label L issued by the applicator B2 which is a label application unit longer than a predetermined reference length, and interferes with the previous label application position by the applicator B2. Is determined (that is, the label L overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2 (the normal movement path NP)), and if it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the applicator B2 is 14 (ST35), and when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the applicator B2 is moved along the detour route AP (ST36), and the steps shown in FIG. The process proceeds to ST21.

  In step ST37, as shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 540 is issuing the time until the applicator B2 passes through the label issuance area AH (label issuance height) by the applicator B2, which is the label affixing unit. It is determined whether or not the condition that the time required for issuing the remaining label of the label L is longer than the condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, it is determined that the applicator B2 is moved along the normal movement route NP. (ST38) When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, it is determined that the applicator B2 is moved along the detour route AP (ST39), and the process proceeds to step ST21 shown in FIG.

  In this way, even when the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the normal movement path NP of the applicator B2, the label L issued by the label issuing unit and the label adsorption of the applicator B2 When the positional relationship of the part 13 satisfies a predetermined condition, the applicator B2 is controlled to move along the normal movement path NP, so that the contact / interference between the label L and the applicator B2 is the shortest route, and It can be avoided in a short time.

<Issue timing control>
FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the packaging apparatus A assembled with the label applying apparatus 100 having a label issuing timing delay function by the label issuing unit B1. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the determination process illustrated in FIG.
In this embodiment, when the determination unit 541 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the moving path of the applicator B2, the label issuing unit next to the label sucked and moved by the applicator B2. By controlling the issuance timing of the label L issued in B1 to be delayed than usual, interference between the label L and the applicator B2 is avoided.

As shown in FIG. 16, when the product W is placed on the product placement unit S in step ST <b> 41, the mass of the product W is weighed by the weighing unit 45 provided in the product placement unit S.
In step ST42, when the measurement value by the measurement unit 45 is stabilized, the measurement stability signal and the measurement value are output to the control unit 540. When the measurement stability signal and the measurement value are input from the measurement unit 45, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST43, and when determining that the measurement value is not stable, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST41.

  In step ST <b> 43, the control unit 540 drives the carry-in conveyor 91 (pusher conveyor) by the carry-in motor 57, and conveys the product W as an article to be packaged on the product placement unit S toward the elevator 14.

  Then, the control unit 540 stretches the film 97a by the film feed mechanism 75 (ST44), controls the elevator motor 56 to raise the elevator 14 on which the product W is placed (ST45), and covers the upper surface of the product W. The label is issued by the label issuing unit B1 by controlling the folding of the end of the film to the bottom side of the product W by each folding unit (ST46) and discharging the packaged product W by the pusher 8 (ST47). L is controlled to apply a label to the product W by the applicator B2 (label application unit) (ST48).

  In step ST49, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, by detecting the position of the lower end portion of the label suction unit 13 of the applicator B2 of the control unit 540 with a sensor, it is detected that the label is attached to the product W.

In step ST50, the control unit 540 determines the issuing timing by the label issuing unit B1 by the determination process.
In step ST51, label issuance processing and label pasting processing are performed at the issuance timing determined by the determination processing in step ST50.

  Next, an example of the process in step ST50 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step ST61, the control unit 540 determines whether or not the condition that “the next label L is being issued by the applicator B2, which is the label applying unit, and the label L overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2” is satisfied. To do. When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST63, and when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the control unit 540 determines that the label L is issued at a normal issue timing (step ST62). The process proceeds to step ST51 in FIG.

In step ST63, the control unit 540 determines the time until the applicator B2 passes the label issuance area AH (label issuance height), and issues the remaining label issuance of the label L that is being issued by the applicator B2, which is a label pasting unit If it is determined whether or not the condition that the time required for the period of time is satisfied is satisfied, and it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, it is determined that the label L is issued at a normal issuance timing (step ST64). In this case, it is determined that the issuance timing of the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 is delayed than usual, and the process proceeds to step ST51 in FIG.
As described above, the control unit 540 avoids the interference between the label L and the applicator B2 by delaying the label L issuance timing than usual.
As shown in FIG. 9, when the print head is positioned in the blank area WS of the print label, control may be performed so that the drive of the platen roller is stopped for a predetermined time so as to stop the conveyance of the label L. In this way, interference between the label L and the applicator B2 may be avoided.

<Position control of label issuing unit>
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the packaging apparatus A in which the label sticking apparatus 100 having the movement control function of the label issuing unit B1 is assembled. FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the determination process illustrated in FIG.
In the present embodiment, when the determination unit 541 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2, the applicator B2 and the label issuing unit B1 are relatively moved away from each other. By performing control to move the applicator B2 or the label issuing unit B1, interference between the label L and the applicator B2 is avoided.

As shown in FIG. 18, when the product W is placed on the product placement unit S in step ST <b> 71, the mass of the product W is weighed by the weighing unit 45 provided in the product placement unit S.
In step ST72, when the measurement value by the measurement unit 45 is stabilized, the measurement stability signal and the measurement value are output to the control unit 540. When the measurement stability signal and the measurement value are input from the measurement unit 45, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST73, and when determining that the measurement value is not stable, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST71.

  In step ST <b> 73, the control unit 540 drives the carry-in conveyor 91 (pusher conveyor) by the carry-in motor 57, and conveys the product W as an article to be packaged on the product placement unit S toward the elevator 14.

  Then, the control unit 540 stretches the film 97a by the film feed mechanism 75 (ST74), controls the elevator motor 56 to raise the elevator 14 on which the product W is placed (ST75), and covers the upper surface of the product W. The label is issued by the label issuing unit B1 by controlling the folding of the end of the film to the bottom side of the product W by each folding unit (ST76) and discharging the packaged product W by the pusher 8 (ST77). L is controlled to apply a label to the product W by the applicator B2 (label application unit) (ST78).

  In step ST79, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is detected that the label is attached to the product W by detecting the position of the lower end portion of the label adsorbing unit 13 of the applicator B2 of the control unit 540 with a sensor.

In step ST80, the control unit 540 determines the issuing timing by the label issuing unit B1 by the determination process.
In step ST81, label issuing processing and label pasting processing are performed at the issuing timing determined by the determination processing in step ST80.

  Next, an example of the process in step ST80 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step ST91, after applying the label L to the product W by the applicator B2, the control unit 540 determines whether or not the next label L has been issued by the applicator B2 which is the label applying unit. If it is determined that it is not, the process proceeds to step ST92. If it is determined that the process is completed, the process proceeds to step ST94.

  In step ST92, the control unit 540 determines whether or not the condition that “the next label L is being issued by the applicator B2, which is the label applying unit, and the label L overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2” is satisfied. To do. When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the control unit 540 proceeds to the process of step ST97, and when it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the control unit 540 determines that the label issuing unit B1 issues a label at the normal issue position. (Step ST93), the process proceeds to Step ST81 of FIG.

  In step ST94, the control unit 540 has a label length of the label L issued by the applicator B2, which is a label application unit, longer than a predetermined reference length, and interferes with the label application position by the previous applicator B2. Is determined (that is, the label L overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2 (normal movement path NP)), and if it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, the label issuing unit B1 is When it is determined that the label is issued at the normal issue position (ST95), and when it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the label issuer B1 is normally set so that the applicator B2 and the label issuer B1 are relatively distant from each other. (ST96), and the process proceeds to step ST81 shown in FIG.

  In step ST97, the control unit 540 issues the remaining label issuance of the label L being issued by the applicator B2, which is the label pasting unit, until the applicator B2 passes through the label issue area AH (label issue height). It is determined whether or not the condition of the time required for the time is exceeded, and if it is determined that the condition is not satisfied, it is determined that the label issuing unit B1 issues a label at the normal issuing position (ST98), and the condition When it is determined that the condition is satisfied, it is determined that control is performed to move the label issuing unit B1 from the normal position so that the applicator B2 and the label issuing unit B1 are relatively distant from each other (ST99). The process proceeds to step ST81.

As described above, when the determination unit 541 determines that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path of the applicator B2, the application unit B2 and the label issuing unit B1 are relatively separated from each other. Interference between the label L and the applicator B2 can be avoided by performing the control to move the printer B2 or the label issuing unit B1.
Even when the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the normal movement path NP of the applicator B2, the label L issued by the label issuing unit and the label suction unit 13 of the applicator B2 are used. When the positional relationship between the label L and the applicator B2 satisfies a predetermined condition, the label issuing unit B1 issues a label at a normal position to avoid contact / interference between the label L and the applicator B2 in the shortest route and in a short time. can do.

As described above, the label affixing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention affixes the issued label L to the product W that is an article to be adhered.
The label sticking device 100 includes a label issuing unit B1 that prints and issues a label L, an applicator B2 that sucks and moves the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1, and sticks the label L to an object to be pasted, and an applicator B2. An applicator driving unit 411 to be driven, a determination unit 541 that determines whether or not the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 overlaps the movement path (normal movement path NP) of the applicator B2, and a determination unit 541 A drive control unit 542 that performs control so that the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2 (normal movement path NP). .
For this reason, even if the label L is applied to the product W by the applicator B2 in the vicinity of the label issuing unit B1, and the label issuing unit B1 issues a relatively long label L, for example, the label is applied with high accuracy. It is possible to provide a label attaching apparatus capable of performing the above.

Specifically, when the determination unit 541 determines that the overlap occurs, the drive control unit 542 applies the application along the detour route AP in which the label L issued by the label issuing unit B1 does not overlap the movement path of the applicator B2. The applicator drive unit 411 performs drive control so as to move the printer B2.
By doing so, even if it is determined that the relatively long label L and the applicator B2 interfere with each other, the label L and the applicator B2 can avoid the interference, and labeling can be performed with high accuracy. it can.

In addition, when it is determined by the determination unit 541 that the overlapping occurs, the drive control unit 542 delays the label issuing timing issued by the label issuing unit B1 next to the label sucked / moved by the applicator B2 from the normal timing. Take control.
As described above, the control unit 540 can easily avoid the interference between the relatively long label L and the applicator B2 by delaying the label L issuance timing than usual.

Further, the drive control unit 542 performs control to move the applicator B2 or the label issuing unit B1 so that the applicator B2 and the label issuing unit B1 are relatively distant from each other when the determination unit 541 determines that they overlap. .
Thus, by moving the applicator B2 or the label issuing unit B1 so that the applicator B2 and the label issuing unit B1 are relatively distant from each other, interference between the relatively long label L and the applicator B2 can be easily avoided. can do.

  In the above embodiment, the timing for determining whether or not the applicator B2 and the label interfere with each other is after label application, but is not limited to this form. For example, at the time of label application, it may be before label application.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and there are design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. Is included in the present invention.
Further, the embodiments described in the above drawings can be combined with each other as long as there is no particular contradiction or problem in the purpose and configuration.
Moreover, the description content of each figure can become independent embodiment, respectively, and embodiment of this invention is not limited to one embodiment which combined each figure.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, some or all of embodiment of this invention is described as the following additional remarks.
[Appendix 1]
A label affixing device for affixing an issued label to an object to be pasted,
A label issuing unit for printing and issuing labels;
An applicator for adsorbing and moving the label issued by the label issuing unit and attaching the label to the object to be applied;
An applicator drive for driving the applicator;
A determination unit for determining whether or not a label issued by the label issuing unit overlaps a movement path of the applicator;
A drive control unit that performs control so that the label issued by the label issuing unit does not overlap the movement path of the applicator when the determination unit determines that the labels overlap. Pasting device.
[Appendix 2]
The control unit moves the applicator along a detour path in which the label issued by the label issuing unit does not overlap the movement path of the applicator when the determination unit determines that the overlap occurs. The label applicator according to appendix 1, wherein driving control is performed by the applicator driving unit.
[Appendix 3]
The control unit performs control to delay the label issuing timing issued by the label issuing unit after the label sucked / moved by the applicator when it is determined by the determination unit to overlap. The label sticking apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein
[Appendix 4]
The control unit performs control to move the applicator or the label issuing unit so that the applicator and the label issuing unit are relatively distant from each other when the determination unit determines that the overlap occurs. The label sticking apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3.

5 Printing part 13 Label adsorption part 16 Packaging part (Stretch packaging part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Label sticking apparatus 411 Applicator drive part 540 Control part 541 Judgment part 542 Drive control part A Packaging apparatus (packaging machine)
AP detour route B1 Label issuing part B2 Applicator (label sticking part)
L Label NP Normal travel route W Product (attachment, package)

Claims (4)

A label affixing device for affixing an issued label to an object to be pasted,
A label issuing unit for printing and issuing labels;
An applicator for adsorbing and moving the label issued by the label issuing unit and attaching the label to the object to be applied;
An applicator drive for driving the applicator;
A determination unit for determining whether or not a label issued by the label issuing unit overlaps a movement path of the applicator;
A drive control unit that performs control so that the label issued by the label issuing unit does not overlap the movement path of the applicator when the determination unit determines that the labels overlap. Pasting device.   The drive control unit moves the applicator along a detour path in which the label issued by the label issuing unit does not overlap the movement path of the applicator when the determination unit determines that the overlap occurs. The label applicator according to claim 1, wherein drive control is performed by the applicator driving unit.   The drive control unit, when it is determined by the determination unit that the overlap, the control to delay the label issuance timing issued by the label issuing unit after the label sucked and moved by the applicator than usual. The label affixing device according to claim 1, wherein the label affixing device is performed.   The drive control unit performs control to move the applicator or the label issuing unit so that the applicator and the label issuing unit are relatively moved away when the determination unit determines that the overlap occurs. The label sticking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the label sticking device is characterized.

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