JPH1024911A - Label-affixing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the operation wait time of a carrying mechanism and label-affixing device as much as possible just by the addition of a simple structure and maximize ability to process. SOLUTION: A buffer hole 28 is made near an insertion hole 26, and a container is transferred from the insertion hole 26 to the buffer hole 28 by means of a subhandler 30. In a storing section 20, a label-affixing device 36 is provided and a label is affixed to the container. The labelled container is once stored in the buffer hole 28 by the subhandler 30. Right after that, the following container is inserted into the insertion hole 26 by a main handler, and then the main handler returns and carries the labelled container existing in the buffer hole 28. The label-affixing device may be provided below the storing section 20, in which case the insertion hole 26 and buffer hole 28 are through-holes.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically attaching a bar code label or the like to a container such as a test tube.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a system for testing a sample such as a blood sample, it is desired to test each sample at high speed. In addition, it is necessary to completely prevent mixing of samples. From such a request, in a conventional sample test system, a label such as a barcode label is attached to a container (a test tube, a blood collection tube, or the like) of each sample, and management using such a label is performed.

Conventionally, such labeling has been performed manually. However, since it is complicated to apply a label to an extremely large number of specimens artificially, and much labor is required. A label sticking device for automatically sticking a label has been put to practical use. For example, the sample test system includes a label sticking device in addition to a centrifugal separator, an opening device, a dispensing device, an analyzer, and the like, and a label is stuck to each sample at a predetermined stage. By the way, in the case of taking out a part of the sample subdivided by the automatic dispensing device from a series of lines and setting it in another analyzer, or in the case of outsourcing the examination of such a part to a subcontractor, etc. In particular, label management is important. Labeling time affects the efficiency of the entire sample test,
There is a demand for an improvement in the attaching speed.

In a conventional label sticking apparatus disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-97133, a container is picked up from a first rack by a transport mechanism such as a handler, and the container is sent to a label sticking machine. ing. Then, after labeling, the container is transferred from the labeling machine to the second rack by the transport mechanism.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional labeling apparatus, it is difficult to improve the number of labels to be bonded per unit time. The reason is,
It is considered that the labeling machine is not functioning while the conveyance by the conveyance mechanism is being performed, while the conveyance mechanism is not substantially functioning while the labeling machine is operating. .

[0006] When the processing time of an existing label pasting apparatus currently in widespread use is measured, it takes about 3 seconds to transport the container between the rack and the label pasting apparatus in both the forward path and the return path. In addition, it takes about 4 seconds from the setting of the container to the completion of labeling. That is, a total of at least about 10 seconds is required for one sample, and only about 360 samples can be processed per hour. Actually, since there is some waiting time, it is considered that only about 300 lines can be processed per hour during normal operation.

As described above, the sample test system is required to increase the processing capacity of the entire system to the utmost, and the label attaching process becomes a bottleneck, and the processing capacity of the entire system is greatly reduced. It is necessary to prevent that.

In order to speed up the label processing, a plurality of labeling machines may be used, or a plurality of handlers driven three-dimensionally independently of each other may be used to improve the transport efficiency. Can be However, in this case, there is a problem that the system cost is remarkably increased and a problem of an installation space arises. In the latter case, there is also a problem that collision control between handlers is separately required.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of label attachment without requiring a complicated and sophisticated mechanism.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the time during which the transport mechanism and the labeling machine are in an operation waiting state as much as possible by simply adding a simple structure, and to maximize the processing capacity of one labeling apparatus. To raise the limit.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a main position for accommodating a container for applying a label, and a buffer position adjacent to the main position for accommodating the container after the application of the label. , Is set, a sub-transport mechanism that shifts the n-th container after labeling from the main position to the buffer position, and conveys the (n + 1) th container before labeling from the rack to the main position. And a main transport mechanism for transporting the n-th container after labeling from the buffer position to the rack on the return route.

According to the above configuration, a buffer position is set as a retreat place in which the container after the label is temporarily stored is located adjacent to the main position in which the container before the label is mounted is temporarily stored. Further, since a sub-transport mechanism for shifting the container from the main position to the buffer position is provided, an efficient label attaching process can be realized as follows.

That is, when the (n + 1) th container is transported to the main position (forward transport) by the main transport mechanism,
At the same time, the n-th container can be temporarily retracted from the main position to the buffer position by the sub-transport mechanism, and after the n + 1-th container is transported to the main position by the main transport mechanism, subsequently, the n-th container on the buffer position The container can be transported to the rack (return transport). Since the main position and the buffer position are adjacent to each other, the container can be shifted quickly between them, and the time for the main transport mechanism to move between them is very short. Then, while the main transport mechanism is transporting the container (from the backward transport to the forward transport), the label attaching operation can be performed simultaneously.

That is, according to the present invention, the label attaching operation and the container transport can be performed in parallel, and the idle time of the main transport mechanism and the label applying machine can be reduced as much as possible. Needless to say, such control can be realized only by adding a simple mechanism, and can simultaneously satisfy the demand for simplification of the device configuration and the demand for rapid label processing.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the accommodation section includes a label attaching machine for attaching a label to a container accommodated in the main position, and the sub-transport mechanism includes a buffer from the main position to the buffer. It is a mechanism for picking up and transporting a container to a position. According to this configuration, the label is attached to the container positioned at the main position, and the transfer of the container from the main position to the buffer position is performed using the space above the storage section.

Here, the sub-transporting mechanism is desirably installed in an arch shape between the main position and the buffer position, and a finger mechanism for holding the container.
A travel path on which the finger mechanism travels.

Further, in a preferred aspect of the present invention, a label applicator provided below the storage section and configured to apply a label to a container dropped from the main position to a work position; A mechanism for switching a relative position between the label pasting machine,
A relative position switching mechanism for coaxially positioning the main position and the working position when receiving the container, and for coaxially positioning the buffer position and the working position when discharging the container, and the relative position switching mechanism when receiving the container from the main position. An elevator mechanism for dropping the container to the working position and for lifting the container from the working position to the buffer position when discharging the container is provided.

According to the above configuration, since the label pasting machine can be installed below the storage section, a sufficient installation space can be ensured even when the label pasting machine is relatively large. That is,
The space of the device can be effectively used hierarchically, and the size of the entire device can be reduced. In the above configuration, the switching of the relative position is realized by moving one of the storage section and the labeling machine. Here, when considering the weight and size of a normal labeling machine,
It may be desirable to move the storage section side.

In the above configuration, the relative position switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching a relative position by sliding.
Alternatively, it is a mechanism for switching the relative position by rotation.

In the above configuration, the buffer position is used as a retreat area for the container after the label is attached. On the contrary, the buffer position may be used as a waiting area for the container before the label is attached.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a label sticking apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is an external view showing a first embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a rack 16 holding a plurality of containers 14 is arranged on a table 12A which forms the upper surface of the apparatus main body 10. Of course, although a single rack 16 is shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of racks 16 may be arranged on the table 12A and used depending on the application. A liquid sample is contained in the container 14,
For example, the liquid sample is a blood sample. The container 14 is, for example, a test tube or a blood collection tube. This labeling apparatus can be configured, for example, as a part of a sample test system. In this case, control for automatically transporting the rack 16 or the container 14 to another apparatus is performed.

The main handler 18 transports the containers 14, and transports the containers 14 between the rack 16 and a storage section 20, which will be described later. The main handler 18 is provided with a pair of fingers 22, and the fingers 22 hold the upper portion of the container 14. The main handler 18 is a handler transport mechanism 24
, Can be freely moved in the X, Y, and Z directions. The operation and transport of the main handler 18 are controlled by a controller (not shown).

The accommodation section 20 has an insertion hole 26 and a buffer hole 28 formed therein. The container 14 to which the label is applied is inserted into the insertion hole 26, and the container 14 after the label is applied is transferred from the insertion hole 26 to the buffer hole 28. That is, the buffer hole 28 forms an evacuation area in which the container after the label is affixed temporarily. The transfer of the container 14 from the insertion hole 26 to the buffer hole 28 is performed by a sub-handler 30, which also has a pair of fingers 32, and the container 32 is picked up by the fingers 32.
As will be described later, the sub-handler 30 moves on a rail 34 forming a traveling path, and in FIG. 1, only extremely restricted movements in the Z direction and the Y direction are allowed. The operation of the sub-handler 30 and its transport are controlled by a control unit (not shown). Of course, the control unit also controls the operation of the labeling machine 36 housed in the housing section 20.

FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of the storage section 20 and the sub-handler 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the container before label attachment (# in FIG. 2)
A buffer hole 28 into which the container (# 2 in FIG. 2) after the label is attached is formed adjacent to the insertion hole 26 into which 1) is inserted. Insertion hole 26 and buffer hole 28
Has a predetermined depth, and only the upper part thereof is exposed to the outside when the container is inserted. As shown in FIG. 2, a label pasting machine 36 is embedded in the accommodation section 20 so as to surround the insertion hole 26. The label pasting machine 36 is a device for pasting a label such as a barcode label to a container, and has at least a label pasting function among a label forming function, a label printing function, a label pasting function, and the like. For other functions, a configuration for realizing the functions may be provided outside the accommodation section 20. In addition, as shown in FIG.
The buffer hole 28 is a non-through hole here.

As described above, the sub-handler 30 is provided with a pair of fingers 32. Specifically, the fingers 32 are supported by the finger base 38 so as to be freely opened and closed. The finger base is fixed to a base 40, and the base 40 can move on the rail 34 by a driving mechanism (not shown). As shown in FIG. 2, the rail 34 has an arch shape, and can freely move above the insertion hole 26 and above the buffer hole 28. Specifically, the container is lifted upward by the upward movement of the sub-handler 30, the container is transported rightward by the horizontal movement of the sub-handler 30, and the downward movement of the sub-handler 30 The insertion of the container into the buffer hole 28 is performed. In addition, FIG. 2 shows a state where the label 42 is attached to the container # 2.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 100 denotes the transfer of the container to the insertion hole 26 by the main handler 18, and reference numeral 102 denotes the insertion hole 26 by the sub-handler 30.
The transfer of the container from the buffer hole 28 to the buffer hole 28 is shown, and reference numeral 104 indicates the removal of the container from the buffer hole 28 by the main handler 18.

Next, the label attaching operation will be described with reference to FIG. 3 while referring to FIG.

First, the first container is inserted into the insertion hole 26 by the main handler 18, and then a label is attached to the first container by the label attaching machine 36. After the label is attached, the first container is transferred from the insertion hole 26 to the buffer hole 28 by the sub-handler 30. The main handler 18 operates in parallel or slightly before this, and the second container is transported to the empty insertion hole 26. Immediately after the transfer,
The main handler 18 is retracted into the buffer hole 28
The transport is carried out by picking up the first container and returning it to the rack 16. While such return transport is being performed, the labeling machine 36 applies the label to the second container, and after applying the label, the sub-handler 30 inserts the second container into the buffer hole 28 from the insertion hole 26. The container is transferred. At the same time as or slightly ahead of this transfer, the third container is inserted into the insertion hole 2 by the main handler 18.
6 and immediately after the transfer, the second container retreated to the buffer hole 28 is returned and transferred to the rack 16. That is, in the present embodiment, the (n + 1) th container can be transported in the forward operation of the main handler, and subsequently the nth container can be transported in the return operation of the main handler 18, ie, the main handler 18 can be operated continuously without play, and efficient conveyance can be performed. Also, in the label pasting machine 36, after the label pasting to the n-th container is completed, the n + 1-th vessel can be successively inserted and the label pasting can be performed without much time. 36 can also be improved.

FIG. 4 shows Comparative Examples 1 and 2 which are compared with the label sticking operation according to the present invention. Comparative Example 1 is an operation example in which the label is affixed by one handler, that is, without using the sub-handler, and Comparative Example 2 is the main handler 18 shown in FIG.
This is an operation example in the case where a label is attached by making the same two handlers function. As is clear from the comparison between FIGS. 3 and 4, according to the present invention, when compared with Comparative Example 1, the number of label sticking processes per unit time can be significantly improved, and the same efficiency as Comparative Example 2 can be obtained. realizable. In Comparative Example 2, since two main handlers are used,
According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the buffer hole 28 and the sub-handler for transferring the container from the insertion hole 26 to the buffer hole 28 are required. Thus, the same efficiency as that of the comparative example 2 can be realized with a very simple configuration. Also,
In Comparative Example 2, special control for avoiding collision between the main handlers is required. However, in this embodiment, if the main handler and the sub-handler are operated in synchronization, such a collision problem does not occur. .

Next, FIGS. 5 and 6 show another embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the appearance of the labeling apparatus is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 1, but in this embodiment, the sub-handler 30 and the rail 34 shown in FIG. Instead, the accommodation section 20 itself has a function of sliding left and right. Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described in detail.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the receiving section 20 is provided with an insertion hole 50 and a buffer hole 52 adjacent thereto. The insertion hole 50 and the buffer hole 52 are through holes through which the container is inserted vertically.

As shown in FIG. 5, an accommodation section 20 is provided slidably in the left-right direction above the table 12A, and a label pasting machine 54 is fixedly arranged below the table 12A. In addition, accommodation section 2
A drive mechanism for driving 0 in the left-right direction is not shown. The driving mechanism is controlled by the above-mentioned control unit.

Since the label pasting machine 54 is usually relatively large and heavy, according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the label pasting machine 54 can be stored inside the apparatus by effectively utilizing the dead space of the apparatus. Thus, more efficient member arrangement can be performed. As a result, there is an advantage that the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

The label pasting machine 54 has various functions such as a label forming function, a label printing function, and a label pasting function. The label pasting machine 54 is formed with a work hole 56 penetrating in the vertical direction, and the container inserted into the insertion hole 50 is inserted into the work hole 56 from above. The vertical movement of the container is controlled by an elevator mechanism 58, which is specifically constituted by a push rod. When the storage section 20 is moved to the right end, the insertion hole 50 and the work hole 56 are aligned on the same axis, while when the storage section 20 is moved to the left end, the buffer hole 52 and the work hole 56 are coaxial. Will be lined up.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 100 indicates the operation of the main handler 18, that is, the container is inserted into the insertion hole 5.
The operation at the time of insertion into 0 is shown. Reference numeral 102 denotes a sliding movement of the storage section 20 in the left-right direction, and reference numeral 104 denotes an operation when the container after the label is pasted from the buffer hole 52 by the main handler 18 and conveyed.

FIG. 6 schematically shows the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and the respective steps (A) to (E) shown in FIG. 6 are cyclically executed. (A) shows a state in which the accommodation section 20 has moved to the right end, and the container after the label is pasted temporarily in the buffer hole 52. (B) shows a state where the next container is inserted into the insertion hole 50 by the main handler 18 in the state shown in (A). In such a time phase, the elevator mechanism 58 is pushed upward. (C), the container before labeling is inserted into the insertion hole 5 by the elevator mechanism 58.
A state in which it is pulled down from 0 and housed in the work hole 56 is shown. Also, FIG. 3C shows a state in which the container after the label is attached is returned and conveyed by the main handler 18.

FIG. 4D shows a state in which the storage section 20 has been slid to the left end, and a label has been attached to the container stored in the work hole 56.
(E), the container is pushed upward by the elevator mechanism 58, that is, the working hole 56 is
The state where the container after the label is attached is inserted. After the step shown in (E), each step from the step (A) is repeatedly executed.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the insertion hole 50 is an inlet-side hole, the buffer hole 52 is an outlet-side hole, and the working hole 56 is used as a hole connecting the two. Of course, in a state where the container is stored in the work hole 56, the label attaching process is executed.

In this embodiment, the label attaching process can be realized by the same operation as the timing chart shown in FIG.
Can be operated continuously, and the operating efficiency of the labeling machine 54 can be improved.

Incidentally, according to each of the above embodiments, 1
The time required for sticking the label to the container can be about 6 seconds, and the number of treatments per hour can be increased to about 600. This is about 1.7 times that of the conventional device.
The speed is twice as high, and there is an advantage that the processing efficiency can be improved while having an extremely simple configuration.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the accommodation section 20 is slid in the left-right direction. However, it is needless to say that the accommodation section 20 is rotated by using the central axis of the accommodation section 20 as a rotation axis. Alternatively, a hole on the same axis as the working hole 56 may be switched. With such a configuration, the same operation as described above can be obtained.

[0044]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The efficiency of label application can be improved without requiring complicated and advanced functions. In other words, according to the present invention, the time required for the transport mechanism or the label application machine to wait for operation can be reduced as much as possible by simply adding a simple configuration. Thus, the processing capacity of one labeling device can be maximized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a label sticking apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing a label attaching operation according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a label attaching operation of a comparative example.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an operation of the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 apparatus main body, 18 main handler, 20 accommodation section, 26 insertion hole, 28 buffer hole, 30
Subhandler, 36 labeling machine.

Claims (6)

[Claims] An accommodation section in which a main position for accommodating a container for applying a label, a buffer position adjacent to the container for accommodating the container after the application of the label is set, and an nth position after the application of the label. A sub-transport mechanism for shifting the container from the main position to the buffer position; conveying the (n + 1) th container before labeling from the rack to the main position, and returning the nth container after labeling to the buffer on the return path. And a main transport mechanism for transporting the label from the position to the rack. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage section has a built-in label application machine for applying a label to a container accommodated in the main position, and the sub-transport mechanism is configured to operate from the main position. A label sticking device, which is a mechanism for picking up and transporting a container to the buffer position. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sub-transport mechanism is arranged in an arched manner between the main position and the buffer position, and a finger mechanism for gripping a container, and the finger mechanism travels. A labeling device, comprising: a road; 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a label applicator provided below the storage section for applying a label to a container dropped from the main position to a working position. A mechanism for switching a relative position between the label pasting machine and, when receiving a container, the main position and the working position are positioned coaxially, and when discharging the container, the buffer position and the working position are coaxially positioned. A relative position switching mechanism for positioning, an elevator mechanism for dropping the container from the main position to the working position when receiving the container, and for pushing up the container from the working position to the buffer position when discharging the container. A label sticking device, comprising: 5. The label sticking apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the relative position switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching a relative position by sliding. 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said relative position switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching a relative position by rotation.