Automatic coding and labeling system

Abstract

An automatic labeling system is disclosed. This system uses an automatic labeling machine to label material pallets. The automatic labeling machine has a product identification device on one side and a product re-inspection device on the other. A conveyor transports the pallet with stacked products forward. When the pallet reaches the product identification device, its internal vision camera identifies the production line code on the product through the packaging film. This production line code is transmitted to the automatic labeling machine, which prints a label based on the production line code and affixes it to the packaging film of the pallet. The pallet then proceeds to the product re-inspection device for re-inspection. The internal vision camera identifies the label and compares it with the production line code information to determine if there are any missing or incorrect labels. This system achieves fully automated labeling operations with high accuracy and efficiency, and effectively avoids the problems of missing or incorrect labels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic labeling, and more particularly to an automatic coding and labeling system. Background Technology

[0002] Neatly stacking products onto pallets is a common product packaging and transportation method. After stacking, products are usually wrapped with transparent packaging film to prevent moisture and damage. Each pallet is numbered, typically recorded on a label. Therefore, pallets must be labeled before being put into storage for registration. Currently, labeling pallets usually involves workers using scanning equipment to identify the production line code of each product in the pallet. A label printer then prints the corresponding label based on the production line code, and the label is manually affixed to the pallet. This labeling method is labor-intensive and inefficient; moreover, workers are prone to mislabeling or missing labels, causing significant inconvenience to product inbound and outbound operations. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes an automatic coding and labeling system.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is: an automatic coding and labeling system, including an automatic labeling machine, a product re-inspection device disposed on one side of the automatic labeling machine, and a product identification device disposed on the other side of the automatic labeling machine, and a conveying device is provided in front of the automatic labeling machine, the product re-inspection device and the product identification device;

[0005] The automatic labeling machine includes an automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism installed within the frame, a tension adjustment mechanism installed in the middle of the automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism, a label printing module installed on the outside of the automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism, and a labeling execution mechanism installed on one side of the label printer. The labeling execution mechanism comprises a single-belt machine, a telescopic support plate, and a labeling plate, all fixedly mounted on a support column within the frame. The telescopic support plate is vertically fixed to the outer end face of the transverse slide bar of the single-belt machine. The labeling plate and the telescopic support plate are arranged parallel to each other, and the labeling plate is slidably connected to the outside of the telescopic support plate via four sliding pillars at its four corners. The sliding pillars are fitted with... The labeling plate provides a spring for cushioning force. The labeling plate includes a support plate, an adsorption plate, and a fan. The outer surface of the support plate has a groove in the middle, and the groove has an air extraction hole that passes through the support plate. The fan is installed at the air extraction hole on the inner surface of the support plate. The adsorption plate is matched and fixedly installed on the outer surface of the support plate, and forms an air chamber with the groove of the support plate. The outer surface of the adsorption plate has several rows of adsorption hole groups along the length direction. The adsorption holes in the adsorption hole groups are connected to the air chamber. An airflow groove covering the adsorption hole groups is provided on the outer surface of the adsorption plate. The two ends of the airflow groove pass through the two end faces of the adsorption plate.

[0006] The label printing module is vertically equipped with a peeling plate and a baffle at its outlet. The peeling plate is located outside the baffle, and the self-adhesive label extends from the peeling plate and the baffle and corresponds to the adsorption plate of the labeling plate.

[0007] The product identification device is equipped with a visual camera facing the conveyor, and the product re-inspection device is equipped with a visual camera facing the conveyor.

[0008] Preferably, the visual camera in the product identification device is mounted on a vertically arranged linear module, and the visual camera in the product re-inspection device is mounted on a vertically arranged linear module.

[0009] Preferably, the groove covers the middle part of the outer surface of the support plate, and the outer surface of the support plate at both ends of the groove is provided with several diversion grooves, the positions of the diversion grooves corresponding to the positions of the adsorption hole groups.

[0010] Preferably, the labeling execution mechanism uses a laser rangefinder to determine the palletizing position for precise labeling.

[0011] The beneficial technical effects of this invention are:

[0012] (1) The system uses an automatic labeling machine to label material pallets. The automatic labeling machine has a product identification device on one side and a product re-inspection device on the other side. The pallet with stacked products is conveyed forward by a conveying device. When the pallet moves to the product identification device, the internal vision camera identifies the production line code on the product through the transparent packaging film and transmits the production line code to the automatic labeling machine. The automatic labeling machine prints a label according to the production line code and pastes the label on the packaging film of the material pallet. Then the material pallet moves to the front of the product re-inspection device for re-inspection. The internal vision camera identifies the label and compares the label with the production line code information to determine whether there are any missing or incorrect labels. The system realizes fully automatic labeling operation with high accuracy and efficiency, and can effectively avoid the problem of missing or incorrect labels.

[0013] (2) The labeling machine in this system transmits blank self-adhesive labels to the label printing module for label printing through an automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism. The printed self-adhesive labels are sent to the peeling plate to peel off the label paper. During the peeling process, the labeling plate adsorbs the peeled label paper. After the label is completely peeled off, the labeling plate with the adsorbed label paper is pushed outward by the horizontal slide bar of the single belt machine to stick the label paper onto the product. The sliding column and spring between the labeling plate and the telescopic support plate are used to buffer the impact force of the labeling plate when applying the label, which can prevent the product from being damaged by the impact force. In addition, the horizontal and vertical sliding functions of the single belt machine can flexibly adjust the position of the labeling plate, so that it can be used for labeling operations of different sizes and positions. The labeling quality is good and the applicability is strong.

[0014] (3) The labeling plate of the labeling machine in this system has a groove in the support plate, and the adsorption plate and the groove form an air chamber. A fan is provided on the support plate to draw air from the air chamber. The suction force generated by the fan on the air chamber is weak. Therefore, a slight negative pressure will be formed at the adsorption holes of the adsorption plate. The label paper can be adsorbed onto the adsorption plate with a small suction force. The airflow groove will draw air from both ends of the adsorption plate, which will also relieve some of the adsorption force of the adsorption holes. Therefore, it can ensure that the label paper is peeled off while adsorbed on the labeling plate and moves forward without the label paper wrinkling or curling, thus ensuring the labeling quality. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the system's three-dimensional structure;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a top view of the system's structure.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a 3D structural diagram of an automatic labeling machine;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a top view of the automatic labeling machine.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a product identification device or a product re-inspection device (both have the same mechanical structure).

[0020] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram illustrating the relationship between the telescopic support plate and the labeling plate;

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Front view structural diagram;

[0022] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Sectional view along axis AA;

[0023] Figure 9 yes Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure after the adsorption plate is removed;

[0024] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of the system;

[0025] Figure 11 This is one of the software interface diagrams of the labeling system;

[0026] Figure 12 This is the second screenshot of the software interface of the labeling system.

[0027] In the diagram, 001. Automatic labeling machine, 01. Automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism, 02. Label printing module, 03. Labeling execution mechanism, 31. Single belt machine, 32. Horizontal slide bar, 41. Telescopic support plate, 411. Sliding column, 412. Spring, 413. Sliding sleeve, 414. Limiting block, 51. Labeling plate, 511. Support plate body, 512. Groove, 513. Air extraction hole, 514. Fan, 515. Adsorption. 517. Adsorption holes, 518. Airflow channels, 519. Air chambers, 520. Diversion channels, 521. Laser distance sensors, 61. Frames, 611. Support columns, 71. Label peeling plates, 72. Baffles, 08. Tension adjustment mechanisms, 002. Product identification devices, 021. Vision cameras, 022. Linear modules, 003. Product re-inspection devices, 004. Conveying devices, 005. Products. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Example 1, see appendix to the instruction manual. Figure 1-12An automatic coding and labeling system includes an automatic labeling machine, a product re-inspection device located on one side of the automatic labeling machine, and a product identification device located on the other side of the automatic labeling machine. A conveying device is provided in front of the automatic labeling machine, the product re-inspection device, and the product identification device. The conveying device is a roller conveyor. The system also includes a production line docking system and a cost warehousing docking system.

[0029] The automatic labeling machine includes an automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism installed within a frame, a label printing module installed on one side of the automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism, and a labeling execution mechanism installed on one side of the label printer. The labeling execution mechanism includes a single-belt machine fixedly installed on a support column within the frame, a telescopic support plate, and a labeling plate. The telescopic support plate is vertically fixedly connected to the outer end face of the horizontal slide bar of the single-belt machine. The specific structure of the single-belt machine can be found in utility model patent application number 2021204250834. In that patent, the vertical support plate is equivalent to the horizontal slide bar in this embodiment. The difference between the horizontal slide bar and the vertical support plate is only their arrangement direction. The labeling plate and the telescopic support plate are arranged in parallel. The labeling plate is slidably connected to the outside of the telescopic support plate via four sliding pillars at its four corners. Springs are fitted on the sliding pillars to provide cushioning force to the labeling plate. The sliding pillars and springs buffer the impact force of the labeling plate when the label is applied, preventing damage to the product. The automatic labeling machine is controlled by an automatic coding and labeling system, which includes a customer production line docking system, a finished product warehousing docking system, and a production line docking system. This system primarily uses a special algorithm and is a network-based software control system. The automatic coding and labeling control system receives SAP production order information, completes palletizing of each pallet, and sends production information to the WMS system; it then automatically generates label data based on the production order information.

[0030] The labeling plate includes a support plate, an adsorption plate, and a fan. The outer surface of the support plate has a groove in the middle, with an air extraction hole penetrating the support plate. The fan is installed at the air extraction hole on the inner surface of the support plate. The adsorption plate is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the support plate using countersunk screws, forming an air chamber with the groove. The fan draws air into the air chamber. Since the fan's suction force is limited, a slight negative pressure is created at the adsorption holes of the adsorption plate. Several rows of adsorption holes are arranged along the length of the outer surface of the adsorption plate. The adsorption holes in these groups communicate with the air chamber. An airflow groove covering the adsorption holes is also provided on the outer surface of the adsorption plate. The two ends of the airflow groove penetrate the two end faces of the adsorption plate. The airflow groove is used to introduce airflow from both ends of the adsorption plate to relieve some of the adsorption force at the adsorption holes.

[0031] The label printing module has a vertically arranged peeling plate and baffle at the outlet. The peeling plate is located outside the baffle, and the self-adhesive label extends from the peeling plate and the baffle and corresponds to the adsorption plate of the labeling plate.

[0032] The product identification device is equipped with a vision camera facing the conveyor, and the product re-inspection device is equipped with a vision camera facing the conveyor. The vision camera in the product identification device is installed on a vertically arranged linear module, and the vision camera in the product re-inspection device is installed on a vertically arranged linear module. Therefore, the height of the vision camera can be adjusted to accommodate products of different specifications.

[0033] The groove covers the middle of the outer surface of the support plate. Several diversion grooves are provided on the outer surface of the support plate at both ends of the groove. The position of the diversion grooves corresponds to the position of the adsorption hole group. The fan is located in the middle of the groove. Therefore, the suction force in the middle of the groove is greater. The diversion grooves at both ends are used to accelerate the gas flow speed at both ends of the groove, which can reduce the negative pressure difference between the middle and both ends, and make the adsorption force generated by several adsorption holes as equal as possible to ensure the adsorption effect.

[0034] The sliding column is vertically fixed to the support plate. The sliding column passes through the through hole on the telescopic support plate laterally, and a sliding sleeve matching the size of the sliding column is fixedly fitted inside the through hole. A limiting block is provided at the outer end of the sliding column to provide sliding limit for the sliding column and prevent it from slipping off the sliding sleeve.

[0035] The automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism is equipped with a tension adjustment mechanism on one side, which adjusts the tension of the self-adhesive labels.

[0036] The labeling execution mechanism determines the palletizing position through a laser distance sensor for precise labeling. The laser distance sensor is installed in a groove in the support plate, and a measuring hole corresponding to the position of the laser distance sensor is provided on the adsorption plate. The distance between the labeling plate and the label is measured by the laser distance sensor, so that the label can be accurately peeled onto the labeling plate.

[0037] The automatic labeling and coding system consists of two parts: software and hardware. The software comprises a self-developed palletizing information management system, production information communication interfaces, and finished product warehousing communication interfaces. The hardware has been described in detail above. The production information communication system receives production order information such as customer codes, customer descriptions, sales quantities, delivery dates, production order numbers, and production quantities. The label design module of the palletizing information management system mainly consists of the following editing modules: single text, text boxes, horizontal lines, vertical lines, images, barcodes, and QR codes. Operators create label templates for the products to be produced according to production requirements. The SAP order in the palletizing information management system connects with the production information. After the visual recognition device identifies the product, the system automatically generates the corresponding label and sends it to the label printer for printing. The automatic labeling machine calculates the material position based on the visual recognition position and running speed, as well as feedback from the laser distance sensor, and then applies the label. While printing the label, the palletizing information management system simultaneously connects the product information to the customer's WMS warehousing system. After labeling, the product is transported to a re-inspection device for label re-inspection, identifying missing or incorrect labels, and finally completing the finished product warehousing.

[0038] The system operates as follows:

[0039] Products stacked on a pallet enter the conveyor system from the production line. When the pallet reaches the product identification device, the internal vision camera identifies the production line code on the product through the transparent packaging film and transmits the production line code to the automatic labeling machine. The automatic labeling machine prints a label based on the production line code and affixes it to the packaging film on the pallet. Then, the pallet moves to the product re-inspection device for re-inspection. The internal vision camera identifies the label and compares it with the production line code information to determine if there are any missing or incorrect labels.

[0040] The working process of an automatic labeling machine is as follows:

[0041] After receiving the product code information, the automatic labeling machine starts operating. Blank self-adhesive labels are automatically fed and received by the label feeding and receiving mechanism and then sent to the label printing module for printing. The printed labels are then sent to the peeling plate to peel off the label paper. During peeling, the labeling plate adheres to the peeled label paper. The fan inside the labeling plate generates a weak suction force on the air chamber, creating a slight negative pressure at the suction holes. This allows for a small suction force to hold the label paper on the suction plate. Simultaneously, airflow channels draw in air from both ends of the suction plate, further reducing the suction force at the suction holes. This ensures that the label paper moves forward on the labeling plate while being peeled off, preventing wrinkles or curling. Once the label is completely peeled off, the horizontal slide bar of the single-belt machine pushes the labeling plate, which holds the label paper, outwards, affixing the label to the product. The sliding pillars and springs between the labeling plate and the telescopic support plate buffer the impact force during labeling, preventing damage to the product.

Claims

1. An automatic coding and labeling system, characterized in that: It includes an automatic labeling machine, a product re-inspection device located on one side of the automatic labeling machine, and a product identification device located on the other side of the automatic labeling machine. A conveying device is provided in front of the automatic labeling machine, the product re-inspection device, and the product identification device. The automatic labeling machine includes an automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism installed within the frame, a tension adjustment mechanism installed in the middle of the automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism, a label printing module installed on the outside of the automatic label feeding and receiving mechanism, and a labeling execution mechanism installed on one side of the label printer. The labeling execution mechanism comprises a single-belt motor, a telescopic support plate, and a labeling plate, all fixedly mounted on a support column within the frame. The telescopic support plate is vertically fixed to the outer end face of the transverse slide bar of the single-belt motor. The labeling plate and the telescopic support plate are arranged parallel to each other, and the labeling plate is slidably connected to the outside of the telescopic support plate via four sliding pillars at its four corners. Springs are fitted on the sliding pillars to provide cushioning force to the labeling plate. The labeling plate includes a support plate body, an adsorption plate body, and a wind... The fan and the support plate have a groove in the middle of their outer surface, and an air extraction hole that runs through the support plate in the middle of the groove. The fan is installed at the air extraction hole on the inner surface of the support plate. The adsorption plate is fixedly installed on the outer surface of the support plate and forms an air chamber with the groove of the support plate. Several rows of adsorption holes are provided along the length of the outer surface of the adsorption plate. The adsorption holes in the adsorption holes are connected to the air chamber. An airflow groove is provided on the outer surface of the adsorption plate to cover the adsorption holes. The two ends of the airflow groove run through the two end faces of the adsorption plate. The groove covers the middle of the outer surface of the support plate. Several diversion grooves are provided on the outer surface of the support plate at both ends of the groove. The positions of the diversion grooves correspond to the positions of the adsorption holes. The label printing module is vertically equipped with a peeling plate and a baffle at its outlet. The peeling plate is located outside the baffle, and the self-adhesive label extends from the peeling plate and the baffle and corresponds to the adsorption plate of the labeling plate. The product identification device is equipped with a visual camera facing the conveyor, and the product re-inspection device is equipped with a visual camera facing the conveyor.

2. The automatic coding and labeling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The visual camera in the product identification device is mounted on a vertically arranged linear module, and the visual camera in the product re-inspection device is mounted on a vertically arranged linear module.

3. The automatic coding and labeling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The labeling execution mechanism uses a laser rangefinder to determine the palletizing position and perform precise labeling.

Images