JP6203037B2 - Label sticking device and label sticking method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a label affixing device that affixes a label to the lower surface of a product, and a label affixing detection method for detecting whether or not a label has been affixed normally by the label affixing device.

  Whether the label is normally attached to the downstream side of the application part in the product conveyance direction in the lower application type label application device that attaches the label sent obliquely upward from the label conveyor to the lower surface of the product conveyed by the product conveyor. A sticking detection mechanism for detecting whether or not may be provided.

  As disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, as a sticking detection mechanism, the label on the lower surface of the product is detected by various image sensors from below the gap formed by dividing the product conveyor in the transport direction. A configuration for detecting presence or absence is known. Specifically, for example, the fluorescent component of the label is detected by an ultraviolet sensor, the color of the label is determined by a color sensor, or information such as a barcode or QR code attached to the label is read by a dedicated reader. Thus, the presence or absence of a label is detected.

JP2013-133129A JP 2002-173119 A

  However, when the fluorescent component contained in the label is small, it is difficult to detect the label with the ultraviolet sensor. For example, when the white label is attached to the lower surface of the white tray, the color of the lower surface of the product is similar to the color of the label. In this case, it is difficult to determine the color of the label by the color sensor.

  In addition, for convenience of work at a cash register, labels with barcodes containing product information are often affixed to the upper surface of products, and information other than barcodes is attached to the labels attached to the lower surface of products. Since it is often described, it is sometimes necessary to add a barcode or QR code dedicated to label detection to the label attached to the lower surface of the product.

  Furthermore, when using the above various image sensors, there is a problem that if the shape of the lower surface of the product is not flat, the reading accuracy by the image sensor is deteriorated, and the cost is increased by using a high-performance image sensor.

  Therefore, the present invention relates to the color and component of the label and the color and shape of the article to which the label is attached, without attaching a special label detection mark to the label when the label is attached to the lower surface of the article. Therefore, it is an object to accurately detect a labeling abnormality.

The label affixing device according to the present invention is a label affixing device that affixes a label to the lower surface of an article conveyed so as to pass a predetermined passing point,
A label supply unit for supplying the label so as to be conveyed toward the passing point;
An article passage sensor that detects passage of the article at or near the passage point; and
A label passage sensor for detecting the passage of the label in the vicinity of the upstream side of the passage point in the conveyance direction of the label;
Supply control for controlling the label supply unit so that the predetermined label reference position on the label reaches the passing point at a first timing when the predetermined article reference position on the lower surface of the article passes the passing point. And
When the label reference position reaches the passing point at the first timing, the second timing at which the passing detection by the label passing sensor is predicted is the distance between the detected position by the label passing sensor and the passing point. Calculated based on the conveyance speed of the label and the first timing, and when the article reference position passes the passing point at the first timing, the passage detection by the article passage sensor is predicted third. A calculation unit that calculates the timing based on the distance between the detected position by the article passage sensor and the passing point, the conveyance speed of the article, and a first timing;
The passage of the label is not detected by the label passage sensor at the second timing calculated by the calculation unit, or the passage of the article is performed by the article passage sensor at the third timing calculated by the calculation unit. And a determination unit that determines that the label is affixed to the article abnormally when at least one of the conditions of not being detected is satisfied.

  In the present invention, “article” means an arbitrary object to be attached with a label, and specific examples of “article” include, for example, a tray-wrapped product, a pillow-wrapped product, Or the goods etc. which were accommodated in the container are mentioned. In the present invention, the “second timing” and the “third timing” are not necessarily limited to one point on the time axis, and may be configured in a predetermined time range on the time axis. Furthermore, in the present invention, the “article passing sensor” detects the passage of the article when a predetermined location of the article in the article transport direction passes a predetermined detected position, and the “label passing sensor” When a predetermined portion of the label in the label transport direction passes a predetermined detection position, the passage of the label is detected.

  According to the label affixing device according to the present invention, a deviation occurs between the timing at which the article reference position on the lower surface of the article passes a predetermined passing point and the timing at which the label reference position on the label reaches the passing point, Alternatively, when one or both of the article and the label does not reach the passing point, and the label cannot be normally attached to the lower surface of the article, the label passing sensor does not detect at the second timing calculated by the calculation unit. If at least one of the conditions that the detection by the article passage sensor is not performed at the third timing calculated by the calculation unit is satisfied, the label sticking abnormality can be accurately detected. Further, based on the deviation amount between the detection timing of the label passage sensor and the second timing, and the deviation amount between the detection timing of the article passage sensor and the third timing, the predetermined label attaching position on the lower surface of the article and the actual It is also possible to detect the amount of deviation from the pasting position.

  Furthermore, according to the label sticking apparatus according to the present invention, it is only necessary to detect the passage of the article and the passage of the label before sticking, and there is no need to read the label color, component or information attached to the label. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach a special mark such as a bar code or QR code for label detection to the label or use an expensive image sensor, and the label color and component, the color of the article, and the shape of the underside of the article Regardless, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormal label application. Also, according to the present invention, unlike the configuration in which the label attached to the lower surface of the article is detected from below by the image sensor as in the prior art, it is not necessary to detect the label after application, and therefore the article conveyance path In addition, it is not necessary to secure a gap for detection from below by the image sensor. Therefore, it is not necessary to divide the article transport conveyor in the transport direction in order to form such a gap.

In the label sticking device according to the present invention,
The calculation unit calculates a label passing time required for the label passing sensor to pass the leading end of the label after the leading end of the label passes, the transport speed of the label, the size of the label, and the like. Based on
The difference between the actual measurement time from when the label passage sensor detects the passage of the leading edge of the label until the passage of the trailing edge of the label is detected, and the label passage time calculated by the calculation unit is When the time is longer than the predetermined time, the determination unit may determine that the label is stuck on the article.

  As a result, when the passage of a foreign object is detected by the label passage sensor, a jam occurs that the passage of the label at the detection position by the label passage sensor is interrupted in the middle, or a defective label having a predetermined size is supplied. In addition, when an abnormality such as the above occurs, the label passage time is calculated by using the difference between the label passage time calculated based on the label size and the actual measurement time based on the detection of the label passage sensor. When the difference between the time and the actual measurement time exceeds a predetermined time, the abnormality is reliably determined.

  In the label affixing device according to the present invention, when the label passage sensor is a sensor that is turned on when a detectable object is present at the detected position and is turned off when there is no detectable object, When the on state of the label passage sensor is interrupted at least once, the determination unit may determine that the label is not properly attached to the article.

  By using the fact that the on state of the label passage sensor continues for a time corresponding to the dimension of the label if it is normal, there is a cause of foreign matter on the label transport path, or sensor deterioration or failure. When chattering occurs, the on-state of the label passage sensor is interrupted in the middle, so that an abnormality is reliably determined. In addition, by notifying the occurrence of such chattering, it is possible to prompt the operator to reset or replace the sensor or to clean the label transport unit.

  The label sticking device according to the present invention includes an upstream article passage sensor that detects passage of the article at a detected position that is separated from the detected position by the article passage sensor upstream by a predetermined distance in the conveyance direction of the article. In this case, the calculation unit may calculate the first timing based on the predetermined distance and the conveyance speed of the article.

  Accordingly, the first timing can be calculated in advance based on the determined distance and the conveyance speed, so that the label supply unit reliably reaches the passing point at the first timing. Labels can be supplied without delay. In addition, since the second and third timings can be calculated in advance before supplying the label based on the first timing, the label sticking abnormality described above can be calculated based on the second and third timings. Judgment can be executed reliably without delay.

The label sticking detection method according to the present invention detects whether or not the label transported toward the passing point is normally attached to the lower surface of the article transported so as to pass a predetermined passing point. A labeling detection method for
When a predetermined label reference position on the label reaches the passing point at a first timing, the passage of the label is detected by a label passing sensor provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the passing point in the transport direction of the label. A second timing predicted to be calculated based on the distance between the detected position by the label passing sensor and the passing point, the transport speed of the label, and the first timing;
When a predetermined article reference position on the lower surface of the article passes through the passing point at a first timing, the passage of the article is detected by an article passing sensor provided near the passing point or the passing point. A predicted third timing is calculated based on the distance between the detected position by the article passage sensor and the passing point, the article conveyance speed, and the first timing.
At least the label passage sensor does not detect the passage of the label at the calculated second timing, or the article passage sensor does not detect the passage of the article at the calculated third timing. When one of the conditions is satisfied, it is detected that the label sticking to the article is abnormal.

  According to the label sticking detection method of the present invention, a deviation occurs between the timing when the article reference position on the lower surface of the article passes a predetermined passing point and the timing when the label reference position on the label reaches the passing point. In other words, when one or both of the article and the label do not reach the passing point, the label passing sensor is not detected at the calculated second timing when the label cannot be properly attached to the lower surface of the article. If at least one of the conditions that the detection by the article passage sensor is not performed at the calculated third timing is satisfied, the label sticking abnormality can be accurately detected. Further, based on the deviation amount between the detection timing of the label passage sensor and the second timing, and the deviation amount between the detection timing of the article passage sensor and the third timing, the predetermined label attaching position on the lower surface of the article and the actual It is also possible to detect the amount of deviation from the pasting position.

  Furthermore, according to the label sticking detection method according to the present invention, it is only necessary to detect the passage of the article and the passage of the label before sticking, and there is no need to read the label color, component or information attached to the label. . Therefore, it is not necessary to attach a special mark such as a bar code or QR code for label detection to the label or use an expensive image sensor, and the label color and component, the color of the article, and the shape of the underside of the article Regardless, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormal label application. Also, according to the present invention, unlike the configuration in which the label attached to the lower surface of the article is detected from below by the image sensor as in the prior art, it is not necessary to detect the label after application, and therefore the article conveyance path In addition, it is not necessary to secure a gap for detection from below by the image sensor. Therefore, it is not necessary to divide the article transport conveyor in the transport direction in order to form such a gap.

  According to the present invention, the timing at which the article being transported passes the predetermined passing point or the vicinity thereof, and the timing at which the label being transported passes the vicinity of the passing point are calculated, and each calculated timing is calculated. The presence or absence of label sticking abnormality is detected depending on whether or not the article and the label have passed. Therefore, without attaching a special label detection mark to the label, regardless of the color and component of the label, and the color and shape of the article to which the label is attached, it is possible to accurately detect label sticking abnormalities on the lower surface of the article. can do.

It is a front view which shows the label sticking apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the top view which looked at the label conveyor from the label side. It is a block diagram which shows the control system of the label sticking apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the various distance of a goods conveyance direction and a label conveyance direction. It is a time chart which shows an example of operation | movement of a label sticking apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of each process of sticking abnormality detection control. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of each process of 1st sticking determination control. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of each process of 2nd sticking determination control.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Labeling device]
As shown in FIG. 1, the label sticking device 1 according to the present embodiment is a bottom sticking type label sticking device that sticks a label L on the lower surface of a product G from below.

  The label sticking device 1 includes a product transport mechanism 4 that transports the product G, and a label supply device 8 that supplies a label L that is attached to the lower surface of the product G.

[Product transport mechanism]
The product transport mechanism 4 includes an upstream product conveyor 5 and a downstream product conveyor 6 disposed on the downstream side of the upstream product conveyor 5 in the product transport direction (in the direction of arrow D in the figure). Each of the product conveyors 5 and 6 is constituted by an endless belt, for example. The product G mounting surfaces of the product conveyors 5 and 6 are arranged on the substantially horizontal same surface. In the product conveyance direction D, between the upstream product conveyor 5 and the downstream product conveyor 6, an affixing portion 7 to which the label L is attached to the lower surface of the product G is formed.

  The product G is transported by the product transport mechanism 4 so as to pass through the first passing point P1 and the second passing point P2 in the product transporting direction D. In the product conveyance direction D, the first passing point P1 is a predetermined position away from the sticking part 7 in the product conveyance direction D by a predetermined distance M1 (see FIG. 4), and the second passing point P2 is This is the position where the pasting part 7 is arranged in the product conveyance direction D.

  The product G transported by the product transport mechanism 4 is detected by the upstream product passage sensor 50 and the downstream product passage sensor 52. The upstream product passage sensor 50 is disposed in the vicinity of the upstream product conveyor 5. In the product conveyance direction D, the position detected by the upstream product passage sensor 50 coincides with the first passage point P1. The downstream-side product passage sensor 52 is disposed in the vicinity of the sticking portion 7. In the product conveyance direction D, the position detected by the downstream product passage sensor 52 coincides with the second passage point P2. However, the detected position by the downstream product passage sensor 52 may be arranged in the vicinity of the upstream side or the downstream side of the second passing point P2 in the product transport direction D.

  As these commodity passage sensors 50 and 52, for example, regression reflection type optical sensors having a light projecting part and a light receiving part are preferably used. However, the types of the commodity passage sensors 50 and 52 are not particularly limited, and for example, a diffuse reflection type or a transmission type optical sensor or various image sensors may be used as the commodity passage sensors 50 and 52. .

[Label supply device]
The label supply device 8 includes a label issuing machine 10 that issues a label L, and a label transport mechanism 40 that transports the label L issued by the label issuing machine 10. The label supply device 8 receives the label L issued by the label issuing machine 10 by the label transport mechanism 40 and transports the label L toward the sticking unit 7.

[Label issuing machine]
The label issuing machine 10 is disposed below the upstream commodity conveyor 5. In this embodiment, the label issuing machine 10 uses a mountless label roll LR formed by winding a strip-shaped continuous label LC. In this label roll LR, the inner surface of the label continuum LC is a glue surface, and the outer surface is a non-glue surface.

  The label issuing machine 10 includes a holder 11 for holding the label roll LR, a printing unit 12 for printing on the non-glue surface of the label continuous body LC portion fed out from the label roll LR held by the holder 11, and a label continuous body LC. Is provided with a label cutter 20 that cuts the label L, and a label operation mechanism 30 that feeds the label L cut out from the label continuum LC by the label cutter 20 to the label transport mechanism 40. In the label issuing direction (the direction of arrow E in the figure), the label cutter 20 is disposed on the downstream side of the printing unit 12, and the label steering mechanism 30 is disposed on the downstream side of the label cutter 20.

  The print unit 12 includes a print head 13 that prints on the non-glue surface of the label continuous body LC, and a print roller 14 that sandwiches the label continuous body LC together with the print head 13. The print roller 14 is disposed on the upper side of the print head 13. The label continuum LC fed out from the label roll LR is sandwiched between the print head 13 and the print roller 14 with the glue surface facing upward. The print unit 12 is driven by the print head 13 while the print roller 14 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing by a motor (not shown), for example, to feed the label continuous body LC in the label issuing direction E. Print on the bottom of the LC. Although the printing content by the printing unit 12 is not limited, for example, information related to the product G such as a product name, a raw material name, or an expiration date is printed.

  The label cutter 20 includes a fixed blade 21 and a movable blade 22. The movable blade 22 is disposed opposite to the lower side of the fixed blade 21. When the movable blade 22 is slid upwardly by, for example, a motor (not shown) in a state where the predetermined cut position of the label continuous body LC is disposed between the fixed blade 21 and the movable blade 22, the label continuous The body LC is sandwiched and cut by the fixed blade 21 and the movable blade 22 at the cutting position, and the label L is cut from the label continuous body LC. The cut position in the label continuum LC can be arbitrarily changed according to the length setting of the issued label L.

  The label steering mechanism 30 includes a drive roller 32 that feeds the label L cut by the label cutter 20 in the label issuing direction E, and a support roller 33 that sandwiches the label L together with the drive roller 32. The support roller 33 is arranged to face the lower side of the drive roller 32 in a state of being biased upward. Prior to cutting by the label cutter 20, the label steering mechanism 30 sandwiches and holds the leading end portion of the label continuum LC sent from the printing unit 12 between the drive roller 32 and the support roller 33. Thereby, the label continuum LC is cut by the label cutter 20 while being supported from both sides of the label cutter 20 by the printing unit 12 and the label steering mechanism 30. The label L cut by this cutting is sent out in the label issuing direction E by, for example, rotational driving of the driving roller 32 in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing by a motor (not shown). Thus, the label L is issued in such a posture that the glue surface is the upper surface and the print surface is the lower surface.

  The issuance of the label L by the label issuing machine 10 is executed in accordance with the conveyance timing of the product G. The label L issuance timing is controlled by controlling the rotational driving timing of the driving roller 32 for feeding out the label L cut out from the label continuum LC.

  The label issuing machine 10 is not limited to the type using the mountless label roll LR as described above, but may be a type using a so-called label roll with mount. A label roll with a mount is a strip-shaped mount on which a plurality of labels are attached so as to be peeled at intervals in the length direction. Therefore, when using a label roll with a mount, the label issuing machine 10 is provided with a peeling mechanism for peeling the label from the mount instead of the label cutter 20 and the label operation mechanism 30. In this case, the label L issuance timing is controlled by controlling the timing at which the label L is sent out by the rotational driving of the printing roller 14.

[Label transport mechanism]
The label transport mechanism 40 includes an endless belt 43 and a plurality of rollers 41 and 42 that support the belt 43 from the inner peripheral side. For example, a pair of upper and lower rollers 41 and 42 are provided. The lower roller 41 is disposed near the lower part of the label feeding portion by the label steering mechanism 30. The upper roller 42 is disposed obliquely above the downstream side of the product conveyance direction D with respect to the lower roller 41 and in the vicinity of the lower portion of the sticking portion 7. For example, the upper roller 42 is a drive roller that is driven to rotate in the clockwise direction in the drawing by, for example, a motor (not shown), and the belt 43 rotates as the drive roller 42 rotates.

  In the belt 43, the outer surface of the length portion that moves obliquely upward from the lower roller 41 toward the upper roller 42 receives the label L fed from the label feeding mechanism 30 and receives the label L. The support surface 43a is supported from the print surface (non-glue surface) side. As shown in FIG. 2, the belt 43 is divided into a plurality of parts in the axial direction of the rollers 41 and 42, and a gap is formed between the adjacent belts 43. Returning to FIG. 1, in the vicinity of the lower side of the belt 43, there is disposed a blower 44 that applies a suction force to the support surface 43 a of the belt 43 by forming an obliquely downward blowing air passing through the gap between the belts 43. Yes. By the suction force acting on the support surface 43 a by the blower 44, the label L placed on the support surface 43 a can move obliquely upward together with the belt 43 while being attracted to the support surface 43 a. Thereby, the label L is conveyed diagonally upward along the label conveyance direction (arrow F direction in the figure) parallel to the support surface 43a.

  The driving of the belt 43 is started in advance before the label L is received from the label issuing machine 10. Therefore, at the same time when the label L is placed on the support surface 43 a of the belt 43, the conveyance of the label L by the belt 43 is started. Further, the belt 43 is driven so as to move at a constant speed without stopping from the time when the label L is received until the belt 43 is conveyed to the sticking unit 7. Further, when the belt 43 is driven, the blower 44 is basically always driven.

  When the label L transported by the label transport mechanism 40 approaches the affixing portion 7, the label L portion supported by the belt 43 portion is separated from the belt 43 portion that is bent while being bent along the upper roller 42. It is sent out upward. In this way, the label L fed obliquely upward reaches the attaching part 7 in order from the tip, and is attached to the lower surface of the product G in order from the label part reaching the attaching part 7.

  In the vicinity of the upper end of the belt 43, a guide roller for smoothly feeding the label L from the belt 43 toward the sticking portion 7 may be provided. Further, a pressing member or an air blowing device for pressing the label L attached to the lower surface of the product G from below may be provided on the downstream side of the roller 42 in the product transport direction D.

  The label L transported by the label transport mechanism 40 is detected by the label passing sensor 54. The label passage sensor 54 is disposed in the vicinity of the support surface 43 a of the belt 43. As shown in FIG. 2, the detected position Q by the label passage sensor 54 is disposed in the vicinity of the most downstream portion of the belt 43 in the label conveyance direction F, that is, in the vicinity of the upstream side of the sticking portion 7. Therefore, the label passage sensor 54 can detect the passage of the label L immediately before reaching the attaching portion 7.

  As the label passage sensor 54, for example, a diffuse reflection type optical sensor having a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is used. In this case, the light that has exited the light projecting unit and reflected by the label L is detected by the light receiving unit, whereby the passage of the label L is detected. Therefore, in the case of using a diffuse reflection type optical sensor, the detected position Q is in a gap between a pair of adjacent belts 43 in order to prevent erroneous detection due to light emitted from the light projecting unit hitting the belt 43. Is set. However, the type of the label passage sensor 54 is not particularly limited. For example, a regressive reflection type or transmission type optical sensor may be used as the label passage sensor 54. Various image sensors may be used as the label passage sensor 54. However, since it is difficult to read the barcode or QR code on the printing surface of the label L in contact with the belt 43, examples of the image sensor include It is conceivable to use a sensor that detects the shape, fluorescent component, or color of the label L.

[Control system]
The control system of the label sticking apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Various operations of the label sticking apparatus 1 are controlled by the controller 100. The controller 100 controls the operation of the commodity transport mechanism 4, the label issuing machine 10, the label transport mechanism 40, and the notification device 120 that notifies the occurrence of various abnormalities by, for example, sound or display, And a storage unit 101 that stores various types of information necessary for control by the control unit 102. The controller 100 can be attached at an arbitrary position in the label sticking device 1.

  Each signal from the upstream product passage sensor 50, the downstream product passage sensor 52, and the label passage sensor 54 is input to the control unit 102. Further, the control unit 102 drives the product transport mechanism 4 (specifically, the upstream product conveyor 5 and the downstream product conveyor 6 based on information stored in the storage unit 101 and / or various input signals. A labeling machine 10 (specifically, the printing unit 12, the label cutter 20 and the label operating mechanism 30), a label conveying mechanism 40 (specifically, the blower 44 and the roller 42). A control signal is output to the notification device 120.

  The control unit 102 controls various operations of the product transport mechanism 4, the label issuing machine 10, and the label transport mechanism 40 so that the label L is attached to a predetermined position on the lower surface of the product G. The label L may not stick to the lower surface, or the label L sticking position may deviate from a predetermined position. In order to detect such a label L sticking abnormality, the control unit 102 executes a sticking abnormality detection control described later together with the label L sticking operation.

  In order to execute the sticking abnormality detection control, the control unit 102 controls the supply of the label L by the label supply device 8 in accordance with the timing at which the product G is conveyed, and the supply control unit The calculation part 106 which performs the following various calculations required for control by 104, and the determination part 108 which determines the presence or absence of the sticking abnormality of the label L with respect to the goods G are provided.

[Normal pasting operation]
Prior to the description of the sticking abnormality detection control, an example of normal sticking operation will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining various distances in the product conveyance direction D and the label conveyance direction F related to the pasting operation and the pasting abnormality detection control, and FIG. 5 shows various types related to the pasting operation and the pasting abnormality detection control. It is a figure for demonstrating the timing of an operation | movement.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the control example of the pasting operation described here, the leading end of the label L in the label transport direction F is set as the label reference position SL, and the label reference position on the lower surface of the product G with respect to the product transport direction D The position where SL is pasted is set as the product reference position SG.

  Also, in this control example of the pasting operation, the upstream product passage sensor 50, the downstream product passage sensor 52, and the label passage sensor 54 are turned on when there is a detectable object at the detected position, and there is a detectable object. A sensor that is turned off when not used is used. Therefore, the upstream product passage sensor 50 and the downstream product passage sensor 52 are turned on when the “tip” of the product G passes the detected position, and the “tip” of the product G passes through the detected position. Until the “rear end” passes, and the ON state continues, and turns off when the “rear end” of the product G passes the detected position. Similarly, the label passing sensor 54 is turned on when the “front end” of the label L passes the detected position, and the “rear end” passes after the “front end” of the label L passes the detected position. The ON state continues until the time until the “rear end” of the label L passes the detected position.

  With reference to FIG. 5, the timing of various operations when the label L is normally attached to a predetermined position on the lower surface of the product G will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, at the time t0, the upstream product passage sensor 50 indicates that the tip of the product G conveyed at the speed VG has passed the first passage point P1 (see FIGS. 1 and 4). As shown in FIG. 5B, at time t1 when a predetermined time Tx has elapsed from time t0, issuance of the label L by the label issuing machine 10, more specifically, by the label feeding mechanism 30. Delivery of the label L is started. The predetermined time Tx for determining the issuance timing of the label L is calculated by Equation 7 described later.

  Note that, as described above, the label L issuance is started after the printing unit 12 prints on the label L, after a standby state between the driving roller 32 and the driven roller 33. The timing at which printing is started is, for example, issued at time t1 according to a certain waiting time from when printing is finished until printing is started, and a printing time determined according to the dimension of the label L, etc. The timing is controlled so as to be started back. However, printing may always be started at the same timing regardless of the printing content. In this case, the timing for starting the label L is the waiting time from the end of printing to the start of printing. Is controlled by adjusting.

  As shown in FIG. 5C, when the label L issued by the label issuing machine 10 is conveyed by the label conveying mechanism 40 at the speed VL, the leading end of the label L is detected near the sticking portion 7 at time t2. Passing through the position Q (see FIGS. 2 and 4), as shown in FIG. 5 (d), the label L starts to be applied from the front end by reaching the attaching portion 7 at time t4. Then, the label L is affixed on the lower surface of the goods G over the full length because the rear end of the label L reaches the affixing part 7 at time t6.

  While the label L is issued and transported, the product G moves to the downstream side in the product transport direction D, and as shown in FIG. The passage of the tip of the product G is detected, and the product reference position SG passes through the sticking portion 7 at time t4, whereby the tip of the label L, that is, the label reference position SL is pressed against the product reference position SG.

  When various operations are normally executed at the above timing, the timing at which the product reference position SG passes through the pasting portion 7 and the label reference position SL at the first timing indicated by the symbol A in FIG. Since the timing at which the label reaches the pasting portion 7 is matched, the label reference position SL is pasted to the product reference position SG at the pasting portion 7 (time t4 shown in FIG. 5). Thereby, the label L is affixed on the predetermined sticking position in the lower surface of the goods G from the time t4 to the time t6.

  In the present embodiment, in the product conveyance direction D, the position detected by the downstream product passage sensor 52 coincides with the second passage point P2 (that is, the pasting portion 7), so the product as shown in FIG. The downstream product passage sensor 52 detects the passage of the tip of the product G at time t3 prior to the time t4 when the reference position SG passes through the pasting portion 7, but the detected position by the downstream product passage sensor 52 is the first detected position. In the case where it is located downstream of the second passing point P2, the downstream merchandise passing sensor 52 may detect the passage of the tip of the merchandise G after the timing when the merchandise reference position SG passes the pasting portion 7.

  FIG. 5 shows an example in which the downstream product passage sensor 52 detects the passage of the front end of the product G at a time t3 after the time t2 when the passage of the label L is detected by the label passage sensor 54. Are shown in the figure, but the detection timings of the detection timing are as follows: the label L sticking position on the lower surface of the product G, the label transport speed VL, the detected position Q by the label passage sensor 54, the product transport speed VG, and the downstream. The position varies depending on the setting of the detected position by the side commodity passage sensor 52.

[Attachment abnormality detection control]
Hereinafter, sticking abnormality detection control will be described.

  In the sticking abnormality detection control, the timing at which the product G passes the sticking portion 7 or the vicinity thereof and the label L passes through the vicinity of the sticking portion 7 without actually detecting the sticking state of the label L on the lower surface of the product G. Based on the timing, it is estimated whether or not the label L has been normally attached to a predetermined position on the lower surface of the product G, and based on the estimation, the presence or absence of a sticking abnormality is detected.

  For the above estimation, the calculation unit 106 pastes the label reference position SL at the first timing (time t4 indicated by the symbol A in FIG. 5D) when the label L is normally supplied. The product G is transported normally at the second timing (time t2 indicated by the symbol B in FIG. 5C) when the passage of the label reference position SL is predicted to be detected by the label passage sensor 54 when reaching the section 7. In other words, when the product reference position SG passes the pasting portion 7 (second passing point P2) at the first timing (time t4 indicated by the symbol A in FIG. 5D), the downstream product A third timing (time t3 indicated by reference C in FIG. 5E) at which the passage sensor 52 is predicted to detect the passage of the tip of the product G is calculated.

  Further, the determination unit 108 passes the label reference position SL by the label passage sensor 54 at the second timing (time t2 in FIG. 5) based on the second timing and the third timing calculated by the calculation unit 106. Is detected, or when at least one of the conditions that the downstream product passage sensor 52 does not detect the passage of the tip of the product G at the third timing (time t3 in FIG. 5) is satisfied for the product G. It is determined that the label L is stuck abnormally.

  According to such sticking abnormality detection control, one or both of the timing at which the label L is supplied to the sticking unit 7 or the timing at which the product G passes through the sticking unit 7 is shifted. When the sticking position is shifted or the label L is not stuck on the product G, these sticking abnormalities can be accurately detected. Further, according to this sticking abnormality detection control, the label L is not normally issued for some reason, the driving of the belt 43 is stopped, or the label L being transported is dropped from the belt 43 so that the sticking is detected. Even when the label L does not reach the part 7 or when the product G does not reach the affixing part 7 by, for example, taking the product G being conveyed from the upstream product conveyor 5 by the operator, these abnormalities are also detected. It can be detected as a sticking abnormality.

  An example of the first to third timing calculation methods will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the product conveyance direction D, the distance M1 between the first passing point P1 that is the position detected by the upstream product passing sensor 50 and the second passing point P2 where the pasting part 7 is arranged. Is always constant, and the distance M1 is stored in the storage unit 101 in advance. Further, since the label L application position on the lower surface of the product G is set in advance, the distance M2 between the tip of the product G and the product reference position SG in the product transport direction D is constant unless the setting of the application position is changed. It is. The distance M2 is stored in the storage unit 101 when the pasting position is set.

Therefore, at the first timing (time t4 in FIG. 5) when the commodity reference position SG passes the second passage point P2, the distance M3 between the first passage point P1 and the tip of the commodity G in the commodity conveyance direction D is Based on the distance M1 and the distance M2, the following formula 1 is used.

  The distance M3 is calculated when the label L sticking position is set, and is stored in the storage unit 101.

When the upstream product passage sensor 50 detects the passage of the front end of the product G based on the distance M3 calculated by the above formula 1 and the transport speed VG of the product G by the upstream product passage sensor 50 (FIG. The elapsed time T1 from the time 5 (time t0) to the first timing (time t4 in FIG. 5) is calculated by the following mathematical formula 2.

  The time T1 is calculated immediately after the distance M3 is calculated and stored in the storage unit 101. As described above, the time T1 calculated as the first timing is stored in the storage unit 101 in advance, so that the supply control unit 104 reliably reaches the sticking unit 7 at the first timing without delay. In this way, the label L issuance timing can be controlled.

On the other hand, in the label transport direction F, the distance N from the detected position Q to the sticking unit 7 by the label passage sensor 54 is always constant, and the distance N is stored in the storage unit 101 in advance. From the second timing (time t2 in FIG. 5) when the leading end of the label L, that is, the label reference position SL passes through the detected position Q, the first timing (time in FIG. 5) when the label reference position SL reaches the sticking portion 7. Until t4), the label L moves in the label transport direction F by a distance N. Therefore, the elapsed time Ta from the second timing (time t2 in FIG. 5) to the first timing (time t4 in FIG. 5) is based on the transport speed VL and distance N of the label L by the label transport mechanism 40. , Calculated by the following mathematical formula 3.

Therefore, the elapsed time T2 from the time when the upstream commodity passage sensor 50 detects the passage of the front end of the commodity G (time t0 in FIG. 5) to the second timing (time t2 in FIG. 5) is expressed by Equation 2 above. Based on the time T1 calculated in step 1 and the time Ta calculated in step 3, the following formula 4 is used.

In the present embodiment, the position detected by the downstream product passage sensor 52 coincides with the second passage point P2 (the pasting portion 7), and therefore, the passage of the tip of the product G at the second passage point P2 is the downstream product. Compared to the third timing (time t3 in FIG. 5) detected by the passage sensor 52, the first timing (time t4 in FIG. 5) at which the commodity reference position SG passes the second passage point P2 is delayed. . From the third timing (time t3 in FIG. 5) to the first timing (time t4 in FIG. 5), the product G moves in the product transport direction D by a distance M2. Therefore, the elapsed time Tb from the third timing (time t3 in FIG. 5) to the first timing (time t4 in FIG. 5) is equal to the conveyance speed VG of the product G and the distance M2 by the upstream product passage sensor 50. Based on this, the following formula 5 is calculated.

Therefore, the elapsed time T3 from the time when the upstream commodity passage sensor 50 detects the passage of the front end of the commodity G (time t0 in FIG. 5) to the third timing (time t3 in FIG. 5) is expressed by Equation 2 above. Based on the time T1 calculated in (5) and the time Tb calculated in (5), the following formula 6 is used.

  As described above, the first to third timings are calculated as elapsed times T1, T2, and T3 from time t0 in FIG.

  When the upstream commodity passage sensor 50 detects the passage of the leading end of the commodity G as described above, the first and third formulas 1, 2, 5, and 6 based on the leading end of the commodity G are used. In the case where a position (for example, the rear end) other than the front end of the product G is detected by the upstream product passage sensor 50, a mathematical expression based on the detected position (for example, the rear end) is used. In the same manner as described above, the first and third timings can be calculated.

  In addition, when the detected position by the downstream commodity passage sensor 52 matches the second passage point P2 as in the present embodiment, the third timing is calculated by Equations 5 and 6, but the downstream commodity passage is performed. When the detected position by the sensor 52 is shifted to the downstream side or the upstream side from the second passing point P2, the third position is considered in consideration of the distance between the detected position and the second passing point P2. By calculating the distance that the product G moves between the timing (time t3 in FIG. 5) and the first timing (time t4 in FIG. 5), the third timing can be calculated in the same manner as described above. .

[Control action of sticking abnormality detection control]
An example of the flow of each process in sticking abnormality detection control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S1, various information necessary for sticking abnormality detection control is read. Specifically, for example, various distances M1, M2, and M3 in the product transport direction D shown in FIG. 4, the distance N in the label transport direction F, the dimensions of the label L, the product transport speed VG, the label transport speed VL, and the above Thus, the time T1 calculated as the first timing, the time Tc described later, and the like are read.

  In subsequent step S2, various times are calculated based on the information read in step S1. Specifically, as the second and third timings, a time T2, which is predicted as a required time from when the upstream product passage sensor 50 detects the passage of the tip of the product G (time t0 in FIG. 5). T3 is calculated by the method described above.

Further, in step S2, from the time when the upstream product passage sensor 50 detects the passage of the tip of the product G (time t0 in FIG. 5) to the time when the label L issuance is started (time t1 in FIG. 5). The predetermined time Tx is the time T1 as the first timing, and when the label L starts, that is, the label reference position SL reaches the affixing portion 7 from when the label L issuance is started (time t1 in FIG. 5) ( Based on the time Tc required until time t4) in FIG. The time Tc is a time obtained by adding the time required for issuing the label L determined according to the size of the label L and the time required for transporting the label L determined according to the label transport speed VL. . This time Tc is calculated in advance by the calculation unit 106 and stored in the storage unit 101.

Further, in step S2, based on the dimension X of the label L in the label transport direction F and the label transport speed VL, the leading end of the label L passes through the detected position Q by the label passage sensor 54, and then the trailing end passes. The label passing time T4 required to do this is calculated by the following formula 8.

  In subsequent step S3, it is determined whether or not the upstream end of the commodity G is detected by the upstream commodity passage sensor 50, and if the end of the commodity G is detected as a result of the determination in step S3 (FIG. 5). At time t0), the process proceeds to step S4, and the timer count T is started.

  In step S5, it is determined whether or not the timer count T has passed the predetermined time Tx calculated in step S2. If the result of determination in step S5 is that the predetermined time Tx has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S6, where the label The issuing of the label L by the issuing machine 10, specifically, the delivery of the label L by the label operating mechanism 30 is started (see time t1 in FIG. 5).

  The label L issuance timing is determined by calculating backward from the first timing when the label reference position SL arrives at the pasting portion 7 according to Equation 7 (step S2). Therefore, the label L is issued at this timing. As long as the subsequent operation is normally executed, the label L is supplied so that the label reference position SL reaches the sticking portion 7 reliably at the first timing.

  Subsequently, in the first sticking determination control in step S7 (subroutine shown in FIG. 7), the presence or absence of sticking abnormality is detected based on the detection of the label passage sensor 54, and the second sticking judgment control in step S8 (FIG. 8). In the sub-routine shown in FIG. 4, the presence / absence of a sticking abnormality is detected based on the detection of the downstream product passage sensor 52.

[Control action of first sticking determination control]
An example of the flow of each process in the first sticking determination control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the label passage sensor 54 has detected the passage of the leading end of the label L.

  If the passage is not detected as a result of the determination in step S11, the timer count T is a time (T2 + α) obtained by adding a predetermined allowable time α to the time T2 calculated as the second timing in step S2 of FIG. As long as it has not elapsed, the determination in step S11 is repeated via step S16. As a result of the determination in step S16, when the timer count T has passed the time (T2 + α), the label reference position SL has not reached the detected position Q at the second timing, so that the label reference at the first timing. Since it is estimated that the position SL does not reach the pasting part 7 and that the label L is not pasted on the product G or the pasting position deviates from the set position due to a delay in supply of the label L. In step S <b> 17, the notification device 120 notifies the sticking abnormality.

  On the other hand, if passage is detected as a result of the determination in step S11, it is determined in step S12 whether or not the difference between the timer count T and the time T2 as the second timing is equal to or less than the allowable time α. .

  If the difference between the count T and the time T2 is greater than the allowable time α as a result of the determination in step S12, the label L supply timing is deviated. Since it is estimated that the position deviates from the set position, in step S17, the notification device 120 notifies the sticking abnormality.

  On the other hand, if the difference between the count T and the time T2 is within the allowable time α as a result of the determination in step S12, it is considered that the label reference position SL has passed the detected position Q at the second timing, and step S13. Proceed to

  In step S13, a time TP from when the passage of the leading end of the label L is detected by the label passage sensor 54 until the passage of the trailing end of the label L is detected is measured. In step S14, the time TP is measured in step S13. It is determined whether or not the difference between the measured time TP thus measured and the label passing time T4 calculated by Expression 8 in step S2 in FIG. 6 is within a predetermined allowable time β.

  If the difference between the actual measurement time TP and the label passage time T4 is greater than the allowable time β as a result of the determination in step S14, a defective label or foreign matter having a length different from the set dimension of the label L has passed the detected position Q. Or the occurrence of a jam that causes the passage of the label L at the detected position Q to be interrupted in the middle, it is presumed that the label L is not normally pasted. Is notified of a sticking abnormality.

  On the other hand, if the difference between the actual measurement time TP and the label passage time T4 is within the allowable time β as a result of the determination in step S14, it is considered that the label L having a predetermined dimension has completely passed the detected position Q, and the step Proceed to S15.

  In step S15, it is determined whether or not the on state of the label passage sensor 54 has continued without interruption during the actual measurement time TP measured in step S13.

  As a result of the determination in step S15, when the on state of the label passage sensor 54 is interrupted at least once, it is estimated that chattering has occurred due to the presence of foreign matter on the belt 43 or some cause including deterioration or failure of the sensor 54. Therefore, in step S <b> 17, the notification device 120 notifies the abnormal sticking. In this case, the occurrence of chattering of the label passage sensor 54 may be notified together with the notification of the sticking abnormality, whereby the operator can reset or replace the sensor 54 or clean the belt 43. Can be urged.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S15, if the on state of the label passage sensor 54 continues without interruption, it is considered that the label L having a predetermined dimension has completely passed the detected position Q at a predetermined timing. Depending on the first sticking determination control, the sticking abnormality is not detected, and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG.

[Control operation of second sticking determination control]
An example of the flow of each process in the second sticking determination control will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 21, it is determined whether or not the downstream side product passage sensor 52 has detected the passage of the front end of the product G.

  If the passage is not detected as a result of the determination in step S21, the timer count T is a time (T3 + γ) obtained by adding a predetermined allowable time γ to the time T3 calculated as the third timing in step S2 of FIG. As long as the time has not elapsed, the determination in step S21 is repeated via step S23. As a result of the determination in step S23, when the timer count T has passed the time (T3 + γ), the tip of the product G has not passed the position detected by the downstream product passage sensor 52 at the third timing. The product reference position SG does not pass the pasting part 7 at the timing of 1, and accordingly, the label L is not pasted on the product G or the pasting position is deviated from the set position due to the conveyance delay of the product G. Therefore, in step S24, the notification device 120 notifies the sticking abnormality.

  On the other hand, if the passage is detected as a result of the determination in step S21, it is determined in step S22 whether or not the difference between the timer count T and the time T3 as the third timing is equal to or less than the allowable time γ. .

  If the difference between the count T and the time T3 is larger than the allowable time γ as a result of the determination in step S22, the transport timing of the product G is shifted. Since it is estimated that the position deviates from the set position, in step S24, the notification device 120 notifies the sticking abnormality.

  On the other hand, if the difference between the count T and the time T3 is within the allowable time γ as a result of the determination in step S22, the product reference position SG is considered to have passed the pasting part 7 at the third timing, and the second pasting is performed. Depending on the determination control, the main routine shown in FIG.

  According to the above sticking abnormality detection control, it is possible to detect sticking abnormality only by detecting the passage of the commodity G and the passage of the label L before sticking. For this detection, the color, component or the label L There is no need to read the information attached to the label L. Therefore, it is not necessary to attach a special mark such as a barcode or QR code for label detection to the label L or use an expensive image sensor, and the color and component of the label L, the color of the product G, and the product G Regardless of the shape of the lower surface, it is possible to accurately detect an abnormal attachment of the label L. Further, since it is not necessary to detect the image on the printing surface of the label L and it is only necessary to detect the passage of the label L, a sensor can be disposed on the glue surface side of the label L.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, unlike the configuration in which the label attached to the lower surface of the product is detected from below by the image sensor as in the prior art, it is not necessary to detect the label L after being attached. There is no need to secure a space for detection from below by the image sensor on the downstream side of the sticking portion 7 in the transport direction D. Therefore, it is not necessary to divide the downstream product conveyor 6 in the product transport direction D in order to form such a space.

  While the present invention has been described with reference to the above-described embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, a description has been given of a configuration in which an abnormal sticking is notified by one or both of sounds and displays when an abnormal sticking is detected. Instead of or in addition to such notification, label sticking is performed. Part or all of the operation of the apparatus 1 may be stopped.

  In addition, in the first sticking determination control shown in FIG. 7, a step of calculating a deviation amount between the timing when the passage of the label reference position SL at the detected position Q is detected and the second timing is added. Based on the amount, a step of calculating an amount of deviation between the timing at which the label reference position SL reaches the attaching portion 7 and the first timing may be added. Similarly, in the second sticking determination control shown in FIG. 8, a step of calculating a deviation amount between the timing when the downstream product passage sensor 52 detects the passage of the product G and the third timing is added. Based on the amount of deviation, a step of calculating the amount of deviation between the timing at which the product reference position SG passes the pasting part 7 and the first timing may be added. By adding these steps, it is possible to detect the amount of deviation between the set position and the actual pasting position with respect to the pasting position of the label L on the lower surface of the product G.

  Furthermore, although the above-mentioned embodiment demonstrated the case where the front-end | tip of the label L was set to the label reference position SL, you may set positions (for example, rear end) other than the front-end | tip in the label L as a label reference position. When the rear end of the label L is set as the label reference position, the distance between the detected position Q by the label passing sensor 54 and the pasting portion 7 is set to be smaller than the assumed minimum dimension of the label L. It is preferable to set the detected position Q. Thereby, when the passage of the rear end of the label L at the detected position Q is detected, the leading end of the label L has already reached the pasting part 7 and the pasting of the label L has been started. It is possible to improve the detection accuracy of sticking abnormality based on detection of passage of the label reference position.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the label affixing device that does not have the function of weighing and packaging has been described. However, in addition to the function of affixing the label to the article, the present invention has at least one function of weighing or packaging the article. It can also be applied to an apparatus having both.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Label sticking apparatus 4: Product conveyance mechanism 5: Upstream goods conveyor 6: Downstream goods conveyor 7: Sticking part 8: Label supply apparatus (label supply part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Label issuing machine 40: Label conveyance mechanism 43: Belt 50: Upstream goods passage sensor 52: Downstream goods passage sensor 54: Label passage sensor 100: Controller 101: Storage part 102: Control part 104: Supply control part 106: Calculation unit 108: Determination unit 120: Notification device D: Product conveyance direction E: Label issue direction F: Label conveyance direction G: Product (article)
L: Label P1: First passing point P2: Second passing point Q: Detected position by label passing sensor SG: Product reference position SL: Label reference position

Claims (5)

A label affixing device that affixes a label to the lower surface of an article conveyed so as to pass a predetermined passing point,
A label supply unit for supplying the label so as to be conveyed toward the passing point;
An article passage sensor that detects passage of the article at or near the passage point; and
A label passage sensor for detecting the passage of the label in the vicinity of the upstream side of the passage point in the conveyance direction of the label;
Supply control for controlling the label supply unit so that the predetermined label reference position on the label reaches the passing point at a first timing when the predetermined article reference position on the lower surface of the article passes the passing point. And
When the label reference position reaches the passing point at the first timing, the second timing at which the passing detection by the label passing sensor is predicted is the distance between the detected position by the label passing sensor and the passing point. Calculated based on the conveyance speed of the label and the first timing, and when the article reference position passes the passing point at the first timing, the passage detection by the article passage sensor is predicted third. A calculation unit that calculates the timing based on the distance between the detected position by the article passage sensor and the passing point, the conveyance speed of the article, and a first timing;
The passage of the label is not detected by the label passage sensor at the second timing calculated by the calculation unit, or the passage of the article is performed by the article passage sensor at the third timing calculated by the calculation unit. A labeling device, comprising: a determination unit that determines that the label is stuck on the article when at least one of the conditions is not detected. The calculation unit calculates a label passing time required for the label passing sensor to pass the leading end of the label after the leading end of the label passes, the transport speed of the label, the size of the label, and the like. Based on
The difference between the actual measurement time from when the label passage sensor detects the passage of the leading edge of the label until the passage of the trailing edge of the label is detected, and the label passage time calculated by the calculation unit is The label sticking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the time is longer than a predetermined time, the determination unit determines that the label sticking to the article is abnormal. The label passing sensor is a sensor that is turned on when a detectable object is present at the detected position, and is turned off when there is no detectable object,
The said determination part determines with sticking of the said label with respect to the said article | item being abnormal when the ON state of the said label passage sensor interrupts at least once in the said actual measurement time, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. Labeling device. An upstream-side article passage sensor that detects the passage of the article at a detected position that is a predetermined distance away from the detected position by the article passage sensor upstream in the conveyance direction of the article;
The labeling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates a first timing based on the predetermined distance and a conveyance speed of the article. . A label sticking detection method for detecting whether or not the label transported toward the passing point is normally attached to the lower surface of the article transported so as to pass through a predetermined passing point,
When a predetermined label reference position on the label reaches the passing point at a first timing, the passage of the label is detected by a label passing sensor provided in the vicinity of the upstream side of the passing point in the transport direction of the label. A second timing predicted to be calculated based on the distance between the detected position by the label passing sensor and the passing point, the transport speed of the label, and the first timing;
When a predetermined article reference position on the lower surface of the article passes through the passing point at a first timing, the passage of the article is detected by an article passing sensor provided near the passing point or the passing point. A predicted third timing is calculated based on the distance between the detected position by the article passage sensor and the passing point, the article conveyance speed, and the first timing.
At least the label passage sensor does not detect the passage of the label at the calculated second timing, or the article passage sensor does not detect the passage of the article at the calculated third timing. A label sticking detection method, wherein when one of the conditions is satisfied, it is detected that the sticking of the label to the article is abnormal.

Images