JP4618872B2 - Label attaching apparatus and drive control method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a label sticking apparatus and a drive control method thereof, and more particularly, a label sticking apparatus for sticking a label (label piece) to a product or other article conveyed to a sticking position by a conveyor or the like and a drive control method thereof. It is about.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional labeling apparatus will be outlined with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the label sticking device 1, which includes a housing frame 2, a label supply roll 3, a label peeling member 4 using a turning pin or a peeling plate, and a label suction transfer belt. 5 and its suction box 6, a mount winding roll 7, and a label sticking roller 8.
Corrugated cardboard, merchandise, and other articles M are transported on the conveyor 9, and the transport position is detected by the article sensor 10, and along the guide plate 11 on the label sticking apparatus 1 side by the offset conveyor (not shown). The label piece L (label) is stuck by the label sticking roller 8 at the sticking position.
The central control circuit 12 is connected to the label suction transfer belt 5 and its suction box 6, the label supply roll 3 and the mount winding roll 7, the label application roller 8, and the article sensor 10, and performs transmission and reception of signals and drive control. .
[0003]
In the label sticking device 1 having such a configuration, the number of the label sticking rollers 8 is conventionally one, and even if the number of the label sticking rollers 8 is one, as long as the conveying speed of the article M is normally performed (30 meters / minute). However, if necessary, it is also possible to improve the sticking characteristics by providing a plurality of fixed label sticking rollers 13 along the transport direction in another part apart from the housing frame 2. Yes.
[0004]
However, since the size of the article M conveyed on the conveyor 9 is not constant, or when the conveyance conditions are not constant, there is a variation in the pasting accuracy by the label pasting roller 8, and sticking failure may occur. There is a problem.
In particular, when it is intended to improve the sticking processing capability by increasing the conveyance speed of the label sticking roller 8 in the logistics sorting field or the like, the label sticking roller 8 is repelled when the label sticking roller 8 comes into contact with the article M. Alternatively, there is a problem that the label piece L is not firmly attached and a floating phenomenon occurs, and it is difficult to reliably attach the label piece L.
[0005]
Furthermore, if the label sticking roller 8 is continuously pressed in the direction of the article M until the article M has passed through the sticking position, there is a problem that the label sticking roller 8 made of a soft material is worn.
In particular, when a plurality of label sticking devices 1 are arranged in series along the transport direction and operated so as to alternately carry out the label sticking operation, the label piece L is not stuck. Also in the label sticking apparatus 1, the label sticking roller 8 comes into contact with the article M every time with a predetermined pressing force, so that the degree of wear is further increased and there is a problem that noise is generated due to the driving of the label sticking roller 8. .
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been considered in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a label affixing device and a drive control method thereof that can improve the label affixing accuracy even when the conveyance speed of an article is increased. And
[0007]
Moreover, this invention makes it a subject to provide the label sticking apparatus which can stick a label piece stably even if the sticking conditions of the label piece to goods differ, and its drive control method.
[0008]
Moreover, this invention makes it a subject to provide the label sticking apparatus which can suppress the abrasion of label sticking members, such as a label sticking roller, and generation | occurrence | production of noise, and its drive control method.
[0009]
Further, the present invention provides a label application device that avoids contact between the label application member and the application surface of an article to which no label is applied even when a plurality of label application devices are arranged to improve the label application processing capability. It is another object of the present invention to provide a drive control method thereof.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
That is, the present invention provides two or more label affixing members, and enables the first label affixing member and the second label affixing member to contact the article only when affixing the label to the article. The first invention is a label affixing device for affixing a label to an article to be conveyed, in which a plurality of affixing devices are arranged side by side. A first label affixing member such as a first label affixing roller that rotates to affix the label to the article, and the first label located slightly downstream from the first label affixing member to be projectable from the adhering member on the article side, for example the LA and the second label adhering member such as a second labeling roller or sticking brush, said article being conveyed A label sensor which detects whether Le is attached, which has a by a signal of the label sensor, when it is determined that the label to the article is attached, the first label adhering member And the second label sticking member is allowed to pass through the article without contacting the article, and only when it is determined that the label is not stuck on the article, the first label sticking member and the first label sticking member A label sticking apparatus for sticking the label so that the label sticking member can be brought into contact with the article.
[0011]
A second invention is a drive control method of a label sticking device for sticking a label to a conveyed article, and the label sticking device rotates to stick the label to the article. A first labeling member such as one labeling roller and a position slightly downstream from the first labeling member and projectable from the first labeling member to the article side. The above-mentioned article which has a second label sticking member such as a label sticking roller or sticking brush and a label sensor which detects whether or not the label is stuck on the article being conveyed. by detecting whether the label is attached to, if it is determined that the label to the article is attached, the first label adhering member and the upper The second label adhering member is passed through the article without contact with the said article, only if it is determined that the label to the article is not attached, the first label adhering member and the second It is a drive control method of a label sticking apparatus, wherein the label sticking member is stuck to the article so as to stick the label.
[0013]
The first label sticking member and the second label sticking member can be pressed against the article only during an operation of sticking the label to the article.
[0014]
The label sticking apparatus can serially attach the labels by arranging the plurality of labels in series along the conveyance direction of the article.
[0015]
The first label sticking member can be rotationally driven at a rotational peripheral speed substantially the same as the conveying speed of the article.
[0016]
The second label sticking member can be a label sticking roller that can freely rotate.
[0017]
The second label sticking member can be a sticking brush.
[0018]
As a material of the first label attaching member and the second label attaching member, a soft material having a cushioning property, for example, a sponge material or a brush material is desirable in order to secure the attaching property.
The first label application member and the second label application member are generally in the form of a roller. In particular, the second label application member is not only a roller-shaped member but also a hair. A sticking brush with a long foot can also be used.
Further, the diameter and length of the first label sticking member and the second label sticking member may be either larger or the same size, and can be arbitrarily designed.
[0019]
In the label sticking apparatus and the drive control method thereof according to the present invention, at least a first label sticking member and a second label sticking member are provided as label sticking members, and the second label sticking member is slightly smaller than the first label sticking member. Since it is arranged so as to protrude downstream from the article side, the sticking operation with the second label sticking member is performed continuously or twice immediately after the sticking operation with the first label sticking member. Therefore, the label piece can be prevented from being lifted, and the label piece can be securely attached to the article.
That is, even if the article conveyance speed or various conditions for application are different, the application accuracy can be improved and stable application can be ensured.
[0020]
Further, it is detected by a label sensor or the like whether or not a label is affixed to the conveyed article, and when the label is affixed to the article, the first label affixing member and the second label affixing member are The first label sticking member and the second label sticking member can be brought into contact with the article only when the article is passed through the retracted position without being brought into contact with the article and the article is not pasted. Since the label is pasted as the first label pasting member and the second label pasting member, the first label pasting member and the second label pasting member are pressed against the article through the label only during the pasting function. The degree of wear can be suppressed as much as possible, and the stability and reliability of the label applicator can be ensured.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, the label sticking apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 together with its drive control method. However, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
1 is a perspective view of the main part of the bottom of the label sticking device 20 as viewed from the label piece L side, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the essential part of the label sticking device 20 as seen from the top side. A thermal head 21 and a platen roller 22, a label peeling member 4 for peeling a label piece L from a mount, the label suction transfer belt 5 and the suction box 6, and a first label application roller 23 ( 1st label sticking member) and its 1st roller drive mechanism 24 (1st sticking member drive mechanism), 2nd label sticking roller 25 (2nd label sticking member), and its 2nd roller drive mechanism 26 (second sticking member driving mechanism) and the central control circuit 12.
[0022]
The label piece L which has been printed and further peeled off is transferred to the first label application roller 23 by the label suction transfer belt 5 while being sucked at the suction port 27 of the suction box 6 to drive the first roller. The mechanism 24 and the second roller driving mechanism 26 stick the label piece L to the article M by swinging the first label sticking roller 23 and the second label sticking roller 25 in the direction of the article M, respectively.
The first label sticking roller 23 is driven to rotate at a rotational peripheral speed that is substantially the same as the conveying speed of the article M, and rotates to stick the label piece L to the article M.
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the main part of the label sticking device 20. As shown in the figure, the second label sticker roller 25 is slightly rotatable from the first label sticker roller 23 so that it can freely rotate. It is located on the downstream side and can protrude from the first label sticking roller 23 to the article M side.
[0023]
As shown in FIG. 2, the first roller drive mechanism 24 includes a first roller arm 28 (first sticking member arm), a first cylinder 29, a first biasing member 30, and a drive motor. 31.
[0024]
The first roller arm 28 can be rotated around the first arm rotation shaft 32, and the rotational driving force by the drive motor 31 is passed through the first timing belt 33 and the second timing belt 34. The first roller arm 28 supports the first labeling roller 23 around the first roller rotation shaft 35 so as to be rotationally driven.
[0025]
The first cylinder 29 is composed of an air cylinder or the like, and the piston portion pushes the end portion of the first roller arm 28 against the urging force of the first urging member 30, thereby The first label application roller 23 is swung in the retreat direction so as to be separated from the conveyance path on the conveyor 9 of the article M via the one roller arm 28.
[0026]
The first urging member 30 is composed of a tension spring or the like, and when the pressing force by the first cylinder 29 is released, the first labeling roller 23 is moved via the first roller arm 28. Swing in the sticking direction toward the article M.
[0027]
When the first label sticking roller 23 comes into contact with the article M via the label piece L, the drive motor 31 rotationally drives the first label sticking roller 23 as described above.
[0028]
The second roller drive mechanism 26 includes a second roller arm 36 (second sticking member arm), a second cylinder 37, and a second biasing member 38.
[0029]
The second roller arm 36 is rotatable around the second arm rotation shaft 39 and supports the second label sticking roller 25 so as to be rotatable around the second roller rotation shaft 40.
[0030]
The second cylinder 37 is composed of an air cylinder or the like, and the piston portion presses the end of the second roller arm 36, whereby the second label applying roller 25 is passed through the second roller arm 36. Is swung in the retracting direction in the same manner as the first label applying roller 23.
[0031]
The second urging member 38 is constituted by a tension spring or the like, and the second label applying roller 25 is applied via the second roller arm 36 in the same direction as the first label applying roller 23. Rocks.
[0032]
In the label sticking apparatus 20 having such a configuration, before sticking the label piece L to the article M, the first label sticking roller 23 and the second label sticking roller 25 are in a standby state shown in FIG.
When the article sensor 10 detects the article M conveyed on the conveyor 9 in this standby state, the first cylinder 29 is moved by the drive signal from the central control circuit 12 immediately before the article M is conveyed to the label attaching position. By driving, the first roller arm 28 is rotated about the first arm rotation shaft 32 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 2 against the urging force of the first urging member 30, and the article The first label sticking roller 23 is retracted to a retracted position where it does not collide with M to avoid damage, deformation or wear.
Similarly, the second labeling roller 25 also drives the second cylinder 37 by a driving signal from the central control circuit 12 immediately before the article M is conveyed to the labeling position, whereby the second urging member 38 is driven. The second roller arm 36 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 2 around the second arm rotation shaft 39 against the urging force of the first label application roller 23 at the same timing as the first label application roller 23. Retract it to the retreat position to avoid its damage, deformation or wear.
[0033]
When the article M is transported to the labeling position, both the first cylinder 29 and the second cylinder 37 are turned off, and the pressing force to the first roller arm 28 and the second roller arm 36 is released respectively. Then, the first roller arm 28 and the second roller arm 36 rotate in the direction of the article M (clockwise in FIG. 2) by the urging force of the first urging member 30 and the second urging member 38, respectively. Then, since the first label sticking roller 23 and the second label sticking roller 25 are swung so as to contact the article M, the label piece L peeled off at the timing of the sticking position is put on the article M. Can be affixed.
In particular, since the first label application roller 23 rotates, it is possible to avoid the bending phenomenon of the label piece L, and the second label application roller 25 rotates freely, so that the label piece L that has already been temporarily attached can be traced. Re-press.
[0034]
Therefore, the label piece L is first attached to the article M by the upstream first label sticking roller 23, and then the downstream second label sticking roller 25 immediately follows the label piece L. Since the pressing is performed in the M direction, even if the sticking operation by the first label sticking roller 23 cannot be performed, the sticking operation by the second label sticking roller 25 is possible, or by the first label sticking roller 23. Even if the sticking operation is insufficient, the sticking operation by the second label sticking roller 25 can assist this, and even if the conveying speed of the article M by the conveyor 9 is increased, the label piece L is removed from the article M. Can be securely attached.
[0035]
Further, in the present invention, the distance between the position of the article sensor 10 at the upstream position and the positions of the first label application roller 23 and the second label application roller 25 at the downstream position, and the conveyance by the conveyor 9. Since the speed is known, the central control circuit 12 can calculate the transport time from when the article sensor 10 detects the article M to the sticking position, or the timing at which the article M reaches the sticking position. The first label application roller 23 and the second label application roller 25 are required by driving the first label application roller 23 and the second label application roller 25 as described above to contact and separate from the article M. In order to press the article M for a minimum pressing time, the first label application roller 23 and the second label application roller 2 are used. It is possible to suppress the wear to a minimum.
If the length of the label piece L in the conveying direction is taken into consideration, the first label application roller 23 and the second label application roller 25 move up and down only in the area where the label piece L is attached to the article M, and the label is moved. By pressing the piece L, it is possible to avoid contact of the first label application roller 23 and the second label application roller 25 over the entire surface of the article M, and further suppress the degree of wear. .
[0036]
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a main part when a plurality of label sticking apparatuses 20 are arranged in series along the transport direction of the article M and the label pieces L are sequentially pasted. The label sticking device 20A and the right label sticking device 20B are slightly spaced from each other.
In the label attaching devices 20A and 20B, along with the article sensor 10, a label sensor 41 capable of detecting the label piece L attached to the article M is provided along the conveyor 9, and is conveyed to the label attaching devices 20A and 20B. It is possible to detect whether or not the label piece L is attached to the article M to be printed.
[0037]
The operation of the label sticking apparatuses 20A and 20B having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the label sticking apparatus 20A and the label sticking apparatus 20B. The article sensor 10 detects whether the article M has been conveyed to the portion of the label sticking apparatus 20A in step S1, and step S2 Then, it is determined from the detection signal from the label sensor 41 whether or not the label piece L is affixed to the article M. If affixed, the first label 29 is driven without driving the affixing operation by the label affixing device 20A, that is, as described above, by driving the first cylinder 29 and the second cylinder 37 (FIG. 2). The sticking roller 23 and the second label sticking roller 25 are retracted to the retracted position, and the first label sticking roller 23 and the second label sticking roller 25 are allowed to pass through without contacting the article M (step S3).
If not pasted, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the label pasting device 20A has performed the pasting operation of the label piece L when the article M passes immediately before (previous).
If the previous sticking operation has not been performed, the label piece L sticking operation to the article M by the label sticking apparatus 20A is performed in the next step S5.
[0038]
Subsequently, the article M is conveyed in the direction of the label sticking apparatus 20B, and the detection by the article sensor 10 and the label sensor 41 is performed in the same manner as the label sticking apparatus 20A (step S6, step S7), and the label piece L is stuck in step S7. Then, it is made to pass, without performing the sticking operation by the label sticking apparatus 20B similarly to step S3 (step S8). That is, during this passage, the first label application roller 23 and the second label application roller 25 are retracted to the retracted position, and the first label application roller 23 and the second label application roller 25 may contact the article M. Therefore, the progress of the wear can be avoided.
If the label piece L is not stuck in step S7, the sticking operation of the label piece L to the article M is performed in step S9.
[0039]
Thus, the label sticking device 20A and the label sticking device 20B perform the sticking operation of the label pieces L alternately, and when the sticking operation is not performed, the first label sticking roller 23 and the second label sticking roller 25 are used as articles. Since it is allowed to pass through without being in contact with M, it is possible to suppress wear and to improve the pasting accuracy as described above, and to ensure stability and reliability.
The drive control can be similarly performed when three or more label affixing devices 20 are arranged.
[0040]
In the present invention, the first label sticking member (first label sticking roller 23) and the second label sticking member (second label sticking roller 25) are respectively made of a roll sponge material or a roll brush material. Although a roller member can be adopted, a broom-like sticking brush can also be adopted as the second label sticking member.
That is, FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the main part of a label sticking device 50 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and the label sticking device 50 employs a sticking brush 51 as a second label sticking member. is doing. The other structure is practically the same as the above-described labeling device 20.
[0041]
This sticking brush 51 is attached in a cantilevered manner with a predetermined density of the brush to a fixed end 52 for attachment at the tip of the second roller arm 36 (second sticking member arm). The label M protrudes by a predetermined length toward the article M, and the label piece L can be stroked with a predetermined flexibility or elastic force in the conveyance path or affixing direction of the article M, and preferably has a long bristle. It is desirable to make it.
[0042]
Also in the label sticking apparatus 50 having such a configuration, the label piece L can be reliably stuck on the article M by the first label sticking roller 23 and the sticking brush 51 as in the case of the label sticking apparatus 20 described above.
In particular, in the case where the article M is, for example, a product in which various products are packed and stored in a cardboard box, the outer surface may be uneven, but the sticking brush 51 is used. By doing so, since it is possible to continue pressing the label piece L over a wider area in the conveyance direction of the article M, it is possible to further improve the pasting performance.
[0043]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the first label sticking member and the second label sticking member are provided, and the first label sticking member and the second label sticking member are attached to the article only during the sticking operation of the label piece. Since they are brought into contact with each other, it is possible to stabilize the sticking of the label piece to the article and to cope with an increase in the conveying speed of the article.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an essential part of a bottom surface of a label sticking device 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from a label piece L side.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the main part as viewed from the upper side of the label sticking device 20;
FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the label sticking device 20;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a principal part when a plurality of label affixing devices 20 are arranged in series along the conveyance direction of the article M and the label pieces L are affixed sequentially.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the label sticking device 20A and the label sticking device 20B.
FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of an essential part of a label sticking device 50 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a schematic plan view of a conventional label sticking device 1. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Labeling device (conventional, Fig. 7)
2 Housing frame 3 Label supply roll 4 Label peeling member 5 by a turning pin, a peeling plate, etc. Label suction transfer belt 6 Suction box 7 Mount take-off roll 8 Label sticking roller 9 Conveyor 10 Article sensor 11 Guide plate 12 Central control circuit 13 Fixed Labeling roller 20 Labeling device (first embodiment, FIG. 1)
20A Label sticking device 20A on the upstream side in the conveying direction (first embodiment, FIG. 4)
20B Label sticking device 20B on the downstream side in the transport direction (first embodiment, FIG. 4)
21 Thermal Head 22 Platen Roller 23 First Labeling Roller (First Labeling Member)
24 1st roller drive mechanism (1st sticking member drive mechanism, FIG. 2)
25 Second label application roller (second label application member)
26 Second roller driving mechanism (second sticking member driving mechanism, FIG. 2)
27 Suction port of suction box 6 (Fig. 1)
28 First roller arm (first sticking member arm)
29 First cylinder (air cylinder)
30 First biasing member (tension spring)
31 drive motor 32 first arm rotation shaft 33 first timing belt 34 second timing belt 35 first roller rotation shaft 36 second roller arm (second sticking member arm)
37 Second cylinder (air cylinder)
38 Second biasing member (tension spring)
39 Second arm rotation shaft 40 Second roller rotation shaft 41 Label sensor (FIG. 4)
50 Label sticking device (second embodiment, FIG. 6)
51 Affixing brush (second label affixing member)
52 Fixed end L for mounting Label piece (label)
M Cardboard, merchandise and other goods

Claims (7)

A label affixing device for affixing a label to an article being conveyed, the first label affixing member rotating to affix the label to the article;
A second label sticking member which is located slightly downstream from the first label sticking member and can protrude from the first label sticking member to the article side;
A label sensor for detecting whether or not the label is affixed to the article being conveyed;
And having
By the signal of the label sensor,
If it is determined that the label is affixed to the article, the article is allowed to pass through without contacting the first label affixing member and the second label affixing member to the article,
Only when it is determined that the label is not attached to the article, the label is attached so that the first label attaching member and the second label attaching member can be brought into contact with the article. Labeling device. 2. The label according to claim 1, wherein the first label attaching member and the second label attaching member can be pressed against the article only during an operation of attaching the label to the article. Pasting device. 2. The label sticking device according to claim 1, wherein the label sticking device is capable of sticking the labels sequentially by arranging a plurality of the devices in series along the conveying direction of the article. 2. The label sticking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first label sticking member is rotationally driven at a rotational peripheral speed substantially equal to the conveying speed of the article. The label sticking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second label sticking member is a label sticking roller that can freely rotate. The label sticking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second label sticking member is a sticking brush. A drive control method for a label sticking device for sticking a label to an article being conveyed, the label sticking device comprising: a first label sticking member that rotates to stick the label to the article; The label is affixed to the second label affixing member that is positioned slightly downstream from the first label affixing member and that can protrude from the first label affixing member to the article side, and the article being conveyed. A label sensor that detects whether or not the label is attached to the article being conveyed,
If it is determined that the label is affixed to the article, the article passes through the article without bringing the first label affixing member and the second label affixing member into contact with the article, Only when it is determined that the label is not stuck, the label sticking apparatus sticks the label so that the first label sticking member and the second label sticking member can be brought into contact with the article. Drive control method.

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