JP5671853B2 - Labeling device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a label affixing device that automatically affixes a label to a product, and more particularly to a label affixing device that can change a region for adsorbing and holding a label according to the size of a label to be issued.

  As a method of adhering and holding the issued label to the label holding part with negative pressure, and sticking the adsorbed and held label to the product, air (air jet) is blown onto the label and the label is blown and pasted. And a “pressing method” in which a label holding portion that holds a label by suction is pressed against a product and stuck. In the case of a system in which air is blown onto the label and the label is blown and pasted, air is evenly blown to a plurality of locations in the label surface so that the label moves in the vertical direction while being in a horizontal state. The label is tilted when the air blowing position with respect to the label is deviated (biased), and there is a case where the label is not attached to a predetermined position of the product.

Therefore, conventionally, a method has been employed in which the number of nozzles (or tubes) that blows air is increased or decreased depending on the label size, or the nozzles that blow out air using a shutter are regulated (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .
However, in the above method, the arrangement of the air blowing nozzles for each label size, or a region (space) for moving or operating the shutter that regulates the nozzles matching the label size is required. It was necessary to provide an extra space for movement or operation, which caused the entire label holding part to become large. In designing the label holding portion, the shutter must be designed in consideration of the position, arrangement, orientation, operability, etc. of the area (space) for moving or operating the shutter. In order to make the entire label attaching part including the region (space) for moving or operating the printer compact, the region (space) for moving or operating the device has become an obstacle.

JP-A-11-240524

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and it is possible to change the number of communication holes for adsorbing and holding labels and attaching labels in accordance with the size of a label to be issued. It is possible to provide a label sticking device that can be easily performed and can stably stick a label.

In order to solve the above problems, the label sticking device of the present invention is a label sticking device for sucking and holding an issued label with a holding portion provided in the label sticking portion, and sticking the sucked and held label to a product. The label affixing portion includes a vent member having a plurality of vent holes, and a holding portion having a plurality of vent holes on a surface corresponding to a front end surface of the vent member. Each time one of the sections is rotated by a predetermined angle, the position of the vent communicating with the vent changes, and the number of vents on which the intake air acts can be increased or decreased. 1).
As a form of the vent member, a form in which holes are arranged in a plane substantially lattice shape at predetermined intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions in a plane of a bottom plate of a frame to which an air pipe is connected, or a plurality of pipes (tubes, tubes) Etc.) are arranged in a plane substantially lattice form with predetermined intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions, or holes are arranged in a plane substantially lattice form with predetermined intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions on the bottom surface of the box to which the air pipe is connected. Any form may be used.

The holding portion switches the vent provided in the holding portion between valid (a state where the suction force is applied) / invalid (a state where the suction force is not applied: closed), and the shape of the holding portion is that of the vent member. For example, in the case where the air hole member is formed by arranging the holes in the plane of the bottom plate of the frame to which the air pipe is connected, in a substantially grid pattern in the vertical and horizontal directions at predetermined intervals. May be in the form of a hollow cover that covers the entire frame to create a sealed space, or in the case where the vent member is in the form of a box, the form of a flat plate that is joined to the bottom of the box.
The material of the holding part is appropriately selected according to its form, but if it is in the form of a hollow cover, a flexible urethane sponge or rubber material is preferable in consideration of the switching operation of the holding part. For example, a hard material (such as a metal plate or a synthetic resin plate) or an elastic material may be used.
Further, the method of changing the correspondence between the vent hole of the vent hole member and the vent hole of the holding portion may be any method of rotating or sliding one of the holding portion and the vent hole member with respect to the other.

  According to the above means, by operating (rotating or sliding, etc.) the holding part or the vent hole member and changing the correspondence relationship between the vent hole and the vent formed in the holding part, the lower surface of the holding part is changed. It is possible to change the generated intake location (the position of the air vent where the suction force acts). Therefore, if the intake location is changed according to the size of the label, the label can be stably sucked and held regardless of the size of the label, and the label can be correctly applied to the product.

The specific structure of the holding portion is, for example, that the holding portion is assembled so as to be horizontally rotatable around the substantially center of the vent member having the plurality of vent holes, and the holding portion is rotated by a predetermined angle. to the located changes vents and communicating with the vent, like intake might regulate increasing or decreasing the number of vents that act.
Examples of the rotation angle of the holding part include 90 degrees clockwise from the reference position, 90 degrees counterclockwise, and the like, but the angle is arbitrary, and the air hole and the holding part are viewed in plan view. It can be set appropriately according to the shape.

  According to the above means, the location where the vent hole matches the vent hole of the holding portion can be changed by rotating the holding portion by a predetermined angle. For example, before rotating the holding portion, six of the plurality of vent holes matched with the vent of the holding portion, but the holding portion was rotated clockwise by a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees). By moving, the three ventilation holes in addition to the six ventilation holes also match the ventilation holes of the holding part, so that a total of nine ventilation holes match the ventilation holes of the holding part so that an intake action occurs. become. In addition, when the holding part is rotated by a predetermined angle (90 degrees) counterclockwise from the reference position, the remaining six ventilation holes in addition to the six ventilation holes also match the ventilation holes of the holding part. All the air holes (12 in total) are aligned with the air holes of the holding portion, so that an air intake action occurs. Therefore, if the holding portion is rotated and adjusted according to the label size, the vent hole at the location where the label can be stably adsorbed and held can be made to coincide with the vent hole.

In addition, the label sticking part sucks and holds the label with a suction force acting on the vent of the holding part. The sticking and sticking label is attached to the product by blowing air on the label and sticking it. Alternatively, any method may be used in which a label is pressed against a product and pasted.
Specifically, switching means for switching the ventilation of the ventilation hole of the holding part in the label sticking part between “suction” and “jetting”, and an elevating means for lowering or raising the holding part toward the product, The switching means is configured to “suction” when sucking and holding the issued label, and when holding and sticking the label sucked and held by the holding part to the product, When the air is lowered to the vicinity of the product and the air is switched to “injection”, and the label held by the holding portion is pressed and stuck to the product, the holding unit is brought into contact with the product by the elevating means. It is set as the structure which descend | falls to a position (Claim 2 ).

  According to the above means, the holding unit is provided with the switching unit for switching the ventilation of the ventilation port between “suction” for sucking the label and “injection” for blowing air to the label. In the case where the ventilation of the ventilation port is switched to “injection” by the switching means after adsorbing and holding the label, the label can be affixed to the product by blowing off air. In addition, when the ventilation of the air vent is left as “suction”, the holding part sucks and holds the label, so that the holding part that sucks and holds the label can be lowered vertically by the lifting and lowering means to be brought into contact with the product. For example, the label can be attached to the product by pressing. Therefore, the label sticking method can be switched and selected according to the product, and the label can be stably attached to any product.

The diameter of the air hole formed in the air hole member and the diameter of the air hole formed in the holding part may be the same diameter, but the diameter of the air hole formed in the air hole member is formed in the holding part. The size may be smaller than the diameter of the vent (claim 3 ).

  According to the above means, the diameter of the air hole formed in the air hole member is set to be slightly smaller than the air hole formed in the holding part, so that the air hole and the air hole correspond and communicate with each other. Even if the positions where the holes are opened in the two members are slightly shifted, the diameter of the vent hole is within the range of the diameter of the vent hole, so that the label can be stably adsorbed (suctioned). ) And affixing (jetting).

Further, the label affixing unit is provided with a label issuing unit adjacent to the label issuing unit, the label issuing unit holding a label cassette, size information setting means for setting label size information in the label cassette, and the size information setting and a size information reading means for reading the label size information from the means, on the basis of the label size information read by said size information reading means, the holding portion may also be rotated by a predetermined angle (claim 4).
The holding part may be rotated by any mechanical mechanism such as a combination of gears or manual rotation.

  According to the above means, the size of the label paper set in the label issuing unit is read by mounting the label cassette, and the holding unit is rotated based on the read label size information. The number and position can be set without making a mistake. As a result, it is possible to correctly hold and hold the label according to the label size and attach the label.

Moreover, when the said label sticking apparatus is being fixed to the predetermined position above the conveyance path where goods are conveyed, the distance from the goods upper surface to the holding | maintenance part lower surface which adsorbs and holds a label changes with goods conveyed. As a method for dealing with this variation in distance, it is possible to cope with this by adjusting the elevating means that moves up and down the holding portion that holds the label by suction. However, it is difficult to respond by adjusting the stroke amount of the lifting means.
Therefore, the stroke amount of the lifting means is fixed, the label sticking device can be moved up and down, the label sticking device is adjusted up and down according to the product, and the distance from the product upper surface to the lower surface of the holding part that holds the label by suction Regardless of whether the label is always kept at a constant distance, the label can be stably applied with a constant stroke of the lifting means.
That is, the label sticking portion may be supported by a position adjusting mechanism that adjusts the position up and down so that the lowering and raising by the elevating means is constant regardless of the height of the product placed on the product placing surface. (Claim 5 ).
For example, a ball screw mechanism is effective as the position adjusting mechanism.

The label sticking device according to the present invention is formed in the vent hole and the holding portion of the vent hole member by operating (turning or sliding) one of the holding portion and the vent hole member according to the configuration of claim 1. The working area (space) for changing the number of communication holes formed by matching with the vents can be minimized, and the label is securely sucked and held according to the label size. The attached label can be correctly attached to the product. Thereby, the operation area | region accompanying the change of label size can be made into the minimum, and the whole label sticking part containing the operation area | region (space) for changing the number of the said communicating holes can be made compact.
Then, the ventilation hole and the holding portion of the vent by a predetermined angle rotation of the hold portion can be changed where to meet. That is, it is possible to establish a suction pattern (the number and position of the vent holes on which suction force acts) according to the label size with a simple operation.

Further, according to the configuration of claim 2, it is possible to switch and select the label affixing method (“spraying method” and “pressing method”) according to the product, and the label can be stabilized for any product. Can be attached.
Further, according to the configuration of claim 3 , the air flowing through the corresponding vent holes and the corresponding vent holes can be smoothly communicated, and even if the positions of the holes opened in both the members are slightly shifted, Since the diameter of the vent hole is within the range of the diameter of the vent hole, the label can be stably adsorbed (sucked) and stuck (jetted).
Further, according to the configuration of the fourth aspect , it is possible to definitely change the suction pattern according to the label size, and accordingly, it is possible to correctly hold the label according to the label size and attach the label correctly. .
Moreover, according to the structure of Claim 5 , a label can be correctly and stably affixed irrespective of the height of goods.

An example of embodiment of the label sticking apparatus which concerns on this invention is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view. The partial notch front view which shows the outline of the label printing issuing part in the label sticking apparatus of FIG. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control part of the label sticking apparatus of FIG. The label sticking part in the label sticking apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown, (a) is a front view, (b) is a side view. The perspective view which shows the state which isolate | separated the ventilation hole member and holding | maintenance part of the label sticking part. (A) is a cross-sectional top view of the state which attached the holding | maintenance part to the vent hole member, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view. The correspondence of the vent hole of a vent hole member and the vent hole of a holding | maintenance part is shown, (a) is a top view of a vent hole member, (b) is a top view of a holding part, (c)-(e) is a vent hole. The top view which changed the attachment position of the holding | maintenance part with respect to the member, (c ')-(e') is explanatory drawing which shows the position of the effective vent in that case, (f) is description which shows another example of a change. FIG. 4F is an explanatory view showing the position of an effective vent in that case.

Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of a label sticking device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is an overall schematic diagram showing the present embodiment, in which A is a label sticking device, B is a console for controlling the operation of the label sticking device A, and C is a transport conveyor for transporting a product W.

  The label sticking device A is disposed above the transport conveyor C that transports the product W, and sticks a label on the upper surface of the product W transported by the transport conveyor C by a “spraying method” or a “pressing method”. And the said label sticking apparatus A is arrange | positioned in the predetermined position of the conveyance direction downstream from the article | item detection sensor 1 provided in the side part of the conveyance conveyor C, and this article | item detection sensor detects the goods W which carry and move, and predetermined time. After the elapse of time, the label L is applied to the product W by the label applying apparatus A.

  The label sticking apparatus A includes a label print issuing unit A1 that prints and issues predetermined items on label paper, and a label sticking unit A2 that sticks the label L printed and issued from the label print issue unit A1 to the product W. The affixing part A2 is attached to the front side of the label issuing port of the label print issuing part A1 so as to be horizontally rotatable via a hinge mechanism. Therefore, by rotating the label sticking part A2 by the hinge, it is possible to smoothly perform operations such as maintenance of the label print issuing part A1 and the label sticking part A2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the label print issuing unit A1 includes a print unit 2 (print head 2a and platen roller 2b) and a label cassette storage unit 3, and a label cassette 4 is attached to the label cassette storage unit 3. Then, predetermined items are printed on the label paper supplied from the label cassette 4, and the printed label L is issued from the label issuing port 5.
Specifically, a movable portion 7 that reciprocates along a guide groove 6 formed in the lower portion of the label cassette storage portion 3 is provided, and the label cassette 4 mounted in the label cassette storage portion 3 by the movement of the movable portion 7 The label sheet 4 is pulled out from the storage section 4a at the bottom of the label cassette 4 to the side and printed while being sandwiched between the platen roller 2b mounted on the movable section 7 and the print head 2a, and the platen roller 2b. The printed label L is peeled off from the mount by the dispenser 8 located further downstream, and is issued so as to be pushed out from the label issuing port.
The label cassette 4 includes a label roll 4b temporarily attached to a belt-like mount so that the label paper can be peeled at a predetermined interval, and a mount winding shaft 4c for winding the mount after the label paper is peeled off. It is well known today.

  When the label cassette 4 is mounted in the label cassette storage unit 3, the movable unit 7 (platen roller 2b) is in a standby position separated from the print head 2a, and the label cassette 4 is mounted in the label cassette storage unit 3. The movable portion 7 is stored in the storage portion 4a of the label cassette 4. Here, since the label paper (mounting paper) of the label roll 4b stored in the label cassette 4 passes through the outside of the storage portion 4a, the movable portion 7 at the standby position is driven and moved to the print head 2a side. Then, the base paper temporarily attached with the label paper crossing the opening at the side of the storage portion 4a is pushed out by the platen roller 2b, and when the movable portion 7 reaches the vicinity of the print head 2a, the label paper is printed. It is sandwiched between the head 2a and the platen roller 2b, and is ready for printing. Then, printing is performed by the print head 2a while simultaneously driving the label roll 4b, the platen roller 2b and the like to move the label paper.

  The print head 2a is supported so as to be rotatable about a shaft 9 and is urged counterclockwise by an urging means, and the urging force securely holds the label paper between the platen roller 2b. Print here. Further, the position of the leading end of the label on the label paper is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the label is printed accurately. In the present embodiment, a so-called center reference is adopted in which the label paper is conveyed so that the center of the width direction of the label paper (direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the label paper) coincides with the center of the print head. ing.

  The auxiliary rollers 9 and 9 'shown in FIG. 2 are for feeding the mount in cooperation with the label roll 4b, the mount winding shaft 4c, and the platen roller 2b. The space between the auxiliary rollers 9, 9 'is opened when the label cassette 4 is mounted, and is closed at the same time as the mounting of the label cassette 4 is completed to sandwich the mount. When removing the label cassette 4 from the label print issuing part A1, the movable part 7 is returned to the standby position, the space between the auxiliary rollers 9, 9 'is opened, and then the lever (not shown) is operated to remove the label cassette 4. .

Attachment of the label cassette 4 to the label cassette storage part 3 of the label print issuing part A1 is detected by a cassette attachment sensor 10. Specifically, a cassette mounting sensor 10 including four optical sensors is disposed in the label print issuing unit. This cassette mounting sensor 10 detects the presence or absence of the label cassette 4 by detecting the presence or absence of reflected light with respect to the output light. That is, the label cassette 4 is formed with through holes 11 at four locations corresponding to the respective cassette mounting sensors 10, and any one or more through holes 11 are closed with a reflective material 12 such as an aluminum seal, and the cassette mounting sensor. The presence of the label cassette 4 is detected by detecting the reflected light reflected by the reflecting material 12 from the output light from 10.
When there is no through-hole 11 blocked by the reflecting material 12 and all the through-holes 11 are penetrated, it is the same as the state in which no label cassette is mounted. Light is not detected, and therefore it is determined that the label cassette 4 is not attached.

  Here, considering that the number of through-holes 11 to which the reflective material 12 is applied is selected from a maximum of 4 to a minimum of 0, 4-bit information can be obtained and stored in the label cassette 4 using this information. The size information of the label paper of the label roll 4b can be input to the label sticking device. In the illustrated example, there are 15 types of label size information that can be input to the label sticking device, except when the number of through holes to which the reflective material is applied is zero.

The label size information includes the label length dimension (dimension along the label paper transport direction) and width dimension (dimension in the direction perpendicular to the label paper transport direction). The positioning reference for the print position is also included. In the present embodiment, the through hole 11 and the reflective material 12 function as size information setting means, and the cassette mounting sensor 10 functions as size information reading means. Note that the size information setting unit and the size information reading unit are not limited to the present embodiment, and various configurations such as electronic information, magnetic information, and a contact type switch can be employed. Further, when a large number of the cassette mounting sensors 10 and the through holes 11 are provided, more various label size information can be transmitted. In addition to the label size information, for example, information such as the paper quality of the label paper may be transmitted.
Further, since the reflective material 12 such as an aluminum seal used as the size information setting means can be easily attached and removed, the label size information can be easily set.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control unit mounted on the label sticking apparatus. A ROM 14, a RAM 15, a printing mechanism control unit 16, a communication unit 17, a size information reading unit (cassette mounting sensor 10), an article detection sensor 1, and a pasting control interface 19 are connected to the CPU 13 of the control unit.
When the label cassette 4 is mounted on the label print issuing unit A1, the label size information read by the size information reading unit (cassette mounting sensor 10) from the size information setting unit (the through hole 11 and the reflective material 12) of the label cassette 4 is The label size information input to the RAM 15 and stored in the RAM 15 is maintained until a cancel operation is performed. Based on the label size information input to the RAM 15, pasting data is created and output to the pasting control interface 19, and the state of ventilation acting on the vent of the label pasting portion A 2 is set to “air suction”, “air jet” Is controlled by a solenoid valve 26 (air supply solenoid).

  Further, when the product number of the product W to be labeled is input to the console B (display operation unit) connected to the communication unit 17, the product data (product name, product name, Price, pasting timing, etc.) are read out to generate print data, which is output to the print mechanism control unit 16 together with a print command. When the article detection sensor 1 detects the product W on the conveyor C, the label affixing part A2 driven based on the affixing data is affixed to the product W with the label L printed and issued from the label print issuing part A1. To do.

Next, the label attaching part A2 will be described.
The label affixing unit A2 adsorbs and holds the label L issued from the label printing issuance unit A1 with the adhesive surface down, and “spraying method” or “pressing method” depending on the product W to which the label L is affixed. One of the methods is selected and the label L is pasted.
The label affixing part A2 branches the air supplied from an air supply mechanism (not shown) at the distributor 22 accommodated in the case 21 and is connected to the front part of the vent pipe 23 branched and connected to the distributor. A ventilation hole member 24 is attached, and a holding portion 25 provided with a plurality of ventilation holes is attached to a surface corresponding to the distal end surface of the ventilation hole member 24 so that the position can be changed.

  The distributor 22 is provided with an electromagnetic valve 26 (air supply solenoid) for switching the ventilation of the ventilation pipe 23 to either “air suction” or “air injection”. “Air suction” or “air injection” is applied to the vent member 24 attached to the tip. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the vent pipe 23 is connected in a substantially T shape to a pipe line supplied from an air supply mechanism and released into the atmosphere, and the vent pipe is connected to the pipe by switching an electromagnetic valve. When communicating with the passage, negative pressure is generated in the vent pipe 23 due to the air flow in the duct, and “air suction” is generated in the vent hole member 24 at the tip of the vent pipe 23. Further, when the solenoid valve 26 is switched so that the air supplied from the air supply mechanism flows to the vent pipe 23, the air is jetted from the vent hole member 24 connected to the tip of the vent pipe 23 "Air jet" Switch to The vent hole member 24 attached to the tip of the vent pipe 23 performs both “air suction” and “air injection”.

The vent hole member 24 attached to the tip of the vent pipe 23 is configured by opening a plurality of vent holes 24a on a metal plate having a substantially square shape in plan view, and the vent hole member 24 is attached to the tip of the vent pipe 23. The substrate 27 is supported substantially horizontally by the support member 28 and the mounting shaft 33 at a predetermined interval. The support member 28 may be formed integrally with the vent hole member 24 or may be formed by welding a separate member.
The substrate 27 is formed in a substantially square shape in plan view that is slightly larger than the vent hole member 24, and a hole that communicates with the vent pipe is opened in the center in plan view. Further, the substrate 27 is made of a metal plate that does not bend and deform even when the weight of the vent hole member 24 to be suspended or a temperature change, vibration (impact), or the like is applied. This is because the holding portion 25 attached to the lower surface of the substrate 27 is in close contact so that the space defined by the holding portion 25 and the substrate 27 becomes a sealed space.
The upper and lower spaces between the substrate 27 and the vent hole member 24 and the outer peripheral edge of the vent hole member 24 are covered with a holding portion 25.

  As shown in FIG. 7A, the vent member 24 is formed with a total of twelve vent holes 24a of 3 × 4 arranged in a substantially lattice shape in plan view. The grid-like arrangement is formed, for example, by sequentially changing the interval of the air holes 24a in each row from the side near the label issuing port 5 of the label print issuing unit A1 toward the opposite side. Has been. Further, the vent hole member 24 has R (R) chamfers at four corners so that a manual horizontal rotation operation of the holding portion 25 attached to the vent hole member 24 can be smoothly performed. .

The holding portion 25 covers the air hole member 24 with an elastic body such as a rubber material or urethane sponge (closed cell type), and defines a vertical space from the lower surface of the substrate 27 to the lower surface of the air hole member 24. A large number of vent holes 25a are formed on the bottom surface that is in contact with the vent hole member 24 so as to communicate with each other.
Further, the upper opening 25b of the cylindrical portion that is in contact with the lower surface of the substrate is formed to a minimum necessary size that can be fitted to the vent hole member 24 from below, and the upper surface portion around the opening 25b is formed on the substrate. The space between the substrate 27 and the vent hole member 24 is finished in contact with the lower surface of the airtight member 27 to be a sealed space.
Further, the outer surface of the holding portion 25, at least the bottom surface portion that holds the label L by suction, is subjected to a surface treatment of a non-adhesive coating film (for example, silicon coating) so that the adhesive of the label L is difficult to adhere. .
Further, the hole size (diameter) of the vent hole 24a formed in the vent hole member 24 may be the same as the hole size (diameter) of the vent hole 25a formed in the holding portion 25, but is slightly smaller than the vent hole 25a. Due to the size, the air holes 24a and the air holes 25a correspond to and communicate with each other and can smoothly flow air, and even if the positions where the holes are opened in both the members are slightly shifted, the air holes Since the hole size (diameter) of 24a falls within the range of the hole size (diameter) of the vent hole 25a, the label can be stably adsorbed (sucked) and stuck (jetted). If the material of the holding portion 25 on the side in contact with the air hole member 24 is a material that firmly adheres to the air hole member 24 and is a member that can withstand air pressure, the hole size of the air hole 24a. The (diameter) may be a hole size (diameter) larger than the hole size of the vent hole 25a.

  The vent hole 25a opened on the bottom surface of the holding portion 25 (the bottom portion in contact with the vent hole member 24) is effective for the twelve vent holes 24a provided in the vent hole member 24 (air suction and air injection work). The holding unit 25 itself has a plurality of nozzles of a predetermined length so that the nozzles have a predetermined length that allows the air flow by suction and injection to flow correctly in and out in a predetermined direction. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), there are a total of 25 vents 25a in the first row: 3 pieces, the second row: 8 pieces, the third row: 7 pieces, and the fourth row: 7 pieces. Is formed. Then, the holding portion 25 is opened in the vent member 24 by rotating the holding portion 25 in a horizontal direction by a predetermined angle (for example, 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position and 90 degrees counterclockwise from the initial position). The communication correspondence relationship between the 12 vent holes 24a and the 25 vent holes 25a opened in the holding portion 25 is switched. Note that switching of the correspondence between the vent hole 24a and the vent hole 25a will be described later.

  The vent hole member 24 and the holding portion 25 configured as described above are supported so as to move up and down in the vertical direction by an air cylinder 29 (lifting means) accommodated in the case 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, a bracket 30 is attached to the upper surface of the substrate 27 to which the vent pipe 23 is connected, and the bracket 30 is connected to the tip of a rod 29a of an air cylinder 29 attached in the case. . Air for operating the air cylinder 29 is branched from the distributor 22. Further, the holding unit 25 moved up and down by the air cylinder 29 is arranged near the label issuing port 5 of the label printing issuing unit A1 so that the label L issued from the label printing issuing unit A1 can be securely sucked and held. In addition, the initial position (upper limit position) of the holding unit 25 is set to the same height position as the label issuing port 5 or slightly higher than the label issuing port 5.

  Further, the label L issued from the label issuing port 5 is fed out in a substantially horizontal state or in an upward state at a position slightly below the holding portion 25 at the initial position of the label applying portion A2 without hanging downward. As described above, the auxiliary injection pipe 31 that blows air onto the lower surface (glue surface side) of the label L is disposed at a predetermined position from the lower surface of the case via the mounting frame 32. The holding portion is lowered / raised through the mounting frame 32.

Next, the correspondence switching operation of the vent hole 24a of the vent hole member 24 and the vent hole 25a of the holding portion 25 in the label attaching portion A2 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7A is a plan view of the vent member 24 having the vent hole 24a attached and fixed to the vent pipe 23, and FIG. 7B is a plan view of the vent hole 25a covering the vent member 24. It is a top view of the holding part 25.
7C, the holding member 25 is put on the vent hole member 24, and two rows (total of six) vent holes 24a near the label issuing port 5 in the vent hole 24a of the vent hole member 24 (FIG. 7C). ) Are in the “valid” state communicating with the vent 25a of the holding portion 25, and the other two rows (third row and fourth row counting from the side edge near the label issuing port) The vent hole 24a does not coincide with the vent hole 25a of the holding portion 25 and is closed to form an “invalid” state. The position of the holding unit 25 in this state is hereinafter referred to as “initial position”. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7 (c ′), only the six vents 25a in the two rows of vents 25a near the label issuing port in the holding unit 25 are “valid”, so that the smallest label It can correspond to a size (for example, 48 mm × 30 mm, 60 mm × 30 mm) (two-dot broken line in the figure).

  Next, when the holding portion 25 set at the initial position is rotated 90 degrees in the clockwise direction, the correspondence between the vent hole 24a of the vent hole member 24 and the vent hole 25a of the holding portion 25 is shown in FIG. It will be in the state shown in That is, a total of nine vent holes 24a in the first to third rows counted from the side edge near the label issuing port 5 in the vent holes 24a of the vent member 24 (holes indicated by hatching in FIG. 7D). ) Communicates with the vent hole 25a of the holding portion 25 and is in the “effective” state, and the remaining one row (fourth row counted from the side edge near the label issuing port) is the vent hole 24a of the holding portion 25. It is closed and does not match, and an “invalid” state is formed. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7D ', only the first through third vent holes 24a near the label issuing port in the vent member 24 are "valid". It can correspond to a size (for example, 60 mm × 40 mm) (two-dot broken line in the figure). That is, the number and position of the effective vents 25a are increased by three compared to the “initial position” (see FIGS. 7C and 7C), and the position of the effective vents is also close to the center of the holding portion. Enlarged.

  Next, when the holding portion 25 set at the initial position is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, the correspondence between the vent hole 24a of the vent member 24 and the vent hole 25a of the holding portion 25 is shown in FIG. ). That is, all the vent holes 24a of the vent hole member 24 (a total of twelve vent holes 24a in the first to fourth rows counted from the side edge near the label issuing port 5) (indicated by the hatched lines in FIG. 7 (e)) The illustrated hole) communicates with the vent hole 25a of the holding portion 25 and is formed in an “effective” state. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7 (e ′), all twelve vent holes 24a formed in the vent member 24 are in communication with the twelve vent holes 25a of the holding portion 25. It can correspond to a label size of “large” (for example, 60 mm × 50 mm) (two-dot broken line in the figure). That is, the number and positions of the effective vents 25a are increased by six compared to the “initial position” (see FIGS. 7C and 7C), and the position of the effective vents exceeds the center of the holding portion. To the middle of the opposite side.

  FIG. 7 (f) shows a state in which the air hole member 24 and the holding part 25 are moved in parallel by a predetermined distance in the label issuing direction after being set in the state of FIG. 7 (e). Thereby, the position of the effective vent 25a of the holding part 25 moves in the label issuing direction, and can correspond to the maximum label size (for example, 60 mm × 60 mm) (two-dot broken line in the drawing). In other words, the effective vent 25a can be arranged at the approximate center position of the maximum size label. In addition, the change to FIG.7 (f) enables adjustment of an attachment position between the brackets 30 which hold down and hold | maintain the ventilation hole member 24, for example.

  As can be seen from the correspondence between the air holes 24a of the air hole member 24 and the air holes 25a of the holding portion 25, the 25 air holes 25a formed in the holding portion 25 have label sizes “small”, “ It is involved in any of the switching corresponding to the three types of “medium” and “large”. That is, the position of the air vent 25a formed in the holding portion 25 is changed in each of the three types of switching by changing the corresponding side edge of the holding portion 25 with respect to the side edge of the air vent member 24 near the label issuing port. FIG. 7B is a plan view in which the vent holes 25a are arranged at locations corresponding to the vent holes 24a in this case.

By the switching operation, an effective vent 25a corresponding to the label size is determined, and the label L is sucked and held by the suction force acting on the vent 25a of the holding portion 25.
Then, the holding unit 25 that sucks and holds the label L is lowered to a predetermined distance with respect to the product W on the transport conveyor C by the air cylinder 29, and air is jetted from the nozzle hole at the lower limit position so that the label L is omitted. Fly vertically down and affix to product W.
Air injection from the nozzle hole is performed by switching from “air suction” to “air injection” by the electromagnetic valve 26.

  In addition to the above-described “spraying method”, the method of attaching the label L sucked and held by the holding unit 25 to the product W includes an integrated body of the vent 24 and the holding unit 25 for sucking and holding the label L. It is also possible to affix by the “pressing method” in which the label L is directly affixed to the product W. Whether to select “spraying method” or “pressing method” as the pasting method is determined according to the form of the product, etc., and is set when the pasting method is set in the product file for each product It becomes possible to affix a label by an affixing method.

Moreover, the label sticking apparatus A according to the present invention can convey the surface of the conveyer C on which the product W is placed (belt conveyor) so that the label L can be stably and correctly stuck to the product W having different heights. 1 is supported by a position adjustment mechanism 34 as shown in FIG. 1 (a) so that the distance from the belt surface, or the roller apex of the roller conveyor) to the lower surface of the label applicator A can be adjusted. Yes.
The position adjusting mechanism 34 is constituted by a ball screw mechanism, and the label sticking apparatus A is moved up and down along the column 36 by rotating the handle 35.
Thereby, in the case of a product with a large thickness, the label sticking device A is moved upward, and in the case of a product with a small thickness, the label sticking device A is moved downward, and the upper surface of the product is always maintained regardless of the thickness of the product. The distance from the labeling device A to the labeling device A is made substantially constant. Thereby, the holding part can be always lowered from the upper surface of the product at a substantially constant distance with a constant stroke of the air cylinder 29, and the label can be stably and correctly applied. The position adjusting mechanism 34 may be moved up and down based on the height of the product set in the product data.

The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.
(1) In the above embodiment, the position and number of “air suction” or “air injection” acting on the lower surface of the holding unit 25 are changed by the rotation operation (manual) of the holding unit 25. The change in the position and number of the vents where “air injection” is performed is not limited to the rotation operation (manual) of the holding unit, but may be changed by mechanical force (electric). For example, by fixing the holding part of the label, assembling a rotary plate having a vent at the tip of the vent of the vent member so as to be horizontally rotatable, and rotating the rotary plate by mechanical force (electric) The position and the number of the vent holes that match and communicate with the vent holes formed in the holding portion are changed. However, in this case, since the holding portion is fixed, the opening position and number of the vent holes formed in the holding portion are the position and number of the vent holes opened in the vent member in the illustrated embodiment, and are formed on the rotating plate. The opening position and the number of the vents to be used are the position and the number opened in the vent hole of the holding part.

(2) In the embodiment, the example in which the position and the number of the vent holes are changed by the rotation of the holding unit is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. You may make it change by the slide (sliding) to a direction. In that case, the position of the hole formed in each member is different from the rotation method.
(3) In the embodiment, an example in which the holding unit is manually rotated has been described. In this case, the initial position of the holding unit (corresponding to the label size “small”), the rotation switching position (label size “medium”) , Corresponding to label size “Large”), a symbol (for example, label size “Small”, “Medium”, “Large” or label depth dimension (issue direction) The numbers “30”, “40”, and “50”) representing the dimensions) may be displayed.
(4) In the embodiment, the cassette type label print issuing unit has been described as the label issuing unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the label paper (mounting paper) drawn from the label roll is sequentially passed along the feeding path, and the print head It may be a roll type label printer that completes the setting by finally winding between the sheet and the platen roller and winding on the mount winding shaft.
(5) In the embodiment, the effective position and number of the vent holes provided in the holding unit are determined by rotating the holding unit with respect to the vent hole of the vent member, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of effective vents in the holding portion corresponding to the vents established in the vent member may be the same number regardless of the label size, and the positions of the vents may be changed. In that case, since the number of vent holes and vent openings to be accommodated can be reduced, it is possible to reduce the parts processing step and the labor cost.

A ... Label sticking device A1 ... Label print issuing part A2 ... Label sticking part B ... Console C ... Conveyor L ... Label W ... Product 5 ... Label issuing port 10 ... Cassette mounting sensor (size information reading means)
11 ... Through hole (size information setting means)
12 ... Reflecting material (size information setting means)
24 ... vent member 24a ... vent 25 ... holding part 25a ... vent 29 ... air cylinder (lifting means)

Claims (5)

In the label sticking device that sucks and holds the issued label in the holding part provided in the label sticking part, and sticks the sucked and held label to the product,
The label attaching portion includes a vent member having a plurality of vent holes, and a holding portion having a plurality of vent holes on a surface corresponding to a tip surface of the vent member,
Each time either one of the vent hole member or the holding portion is rotated by a predetermined angle, the position of the vent hole communicating with the vent hole changes, and the number of vent holes on which intake air acts can be increased or decreased. A labeling device characterized by. A switching means for switching the ventilation of the ventilation hole of the label attaching part to either “suction” or “injection”, and an elevating means for lowering or raising the holding part toward the product,
The switching means is “suction” when sucking and holding the issued label, and when the label sucked and held by the holding part is sprayed and pasted on the product, the holding part is moved to the vicinity of the product by the lifting and lowering means. The air is switched to “injection” after being lowered, and when the label held by the holding portion is pressed and pasted on the product, the holding portion is lowered to a position where the holding portion comes into contact with the product. The label affixing device according to claim 1. The label sticking device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a diameter of the air hole formed in the air hole member is smaller than a diameter of the air hole formed in the holding portion . The label affixing unit is provided with a label issuing unit adjacent to the label issuing unit. The label issuing unit includes a label cassette for holding label paper, a size information setting unit for setting label size information in the label cassette, and the size information setting unit. Size information reading means for reading the label size information,
The label sticking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the holding unit is rotated by a predetermined angle based on the label size information read by the size information reading means . The label according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the label attaching part is supported by a position adjusting mechanism that adjusts the position up and down so that lowering and raising by the elevating means are constant. Pasting device.

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