An automatic marking machine

Abstract

The present application relates to printing equipment technical field, specifically disclose a kind of automatic printing identification machine with low operation difficulty, low cost and overall volume is smaller, including the printing device with the conveyor belt of output end and the external actuator for the product of conveyor belt transmission is labeled or the movement of printing device position, logic control interface is integrated in the control system of printing device;The logic control interface is controlled by the controller of control system, including the transmission execution element control pin for controlling the action of transmission execution element of external actuator, warning light control pin for controlling the warning signal of printing device to issue, and product in place sensor pin is connected with product in place sensor to indicate whether product is in place.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of printing equipment technology, and in particular to an automatic label printing machine. Background Technology

[0002] As a computer output device, a printing device is used to print text and images onto relevant media for people to read or recognize. Besides its applications in traditional offices, schools, and printing facilities, printing devices are also used in industrial automation. For example, automatic labeling systems are used to simultaneously print and label products transported on conveyor belts; automatic inkjet printing systems are used to automatically print on products transported on conveyor belts (or packaging materials on packaging lines). Currently, automatic labeling systems mainly connect the printing device and the labeling actuator through a PLC controller for logic control. The control process includes: upon receiving a data readiness signal from the printing device, detecting whether the labeling head has returned to the label-taking position; outputting a start-print signal to the printing device to print and peel off the label; outputting a label-taking signal to the labeling head vacuum valve, causing the labeling head to pick up the label; after label taking, detecting whether the product to be labeled is in place, and if so, sending a control signal to the air valve to activate the cylinder to move the labeling head and press the label onto the product; labeling completed, the labeling head returns to the label-taking position; if an error occurs during this process, such as the printing device running out of paper or the labeling head failing to return to its original position, a warning light will be activated.

[0003] For automated inkjet printing systems, piezoelectric inkjet technology is often used to improve inkjet printing effect and performance. Piezoelectric inkjet printers require a very close distance between the nozzle and the surface of the product to be printed, typically only 1-3 mm. To prevent products transported by the conveyor belt from touching the inkjet printer, the printer needs to be moved back to maintain a safe distance. Once the product is in position, the printer's position is adjusted to be close enough for printing. Because inkjet printing requires very high precision in the distance between the nozzle and the surface, the relative position between the printer and the product must be readjusted every time a product arrives. This adjustment is achieved by using a PLC to collect information from distance sensors and simultaneously control the transmission actuators, using a closed-loop method to finely adjust the relative position.

[0004] Because PLC controllers are relatively complex to operate, automatic labeling and printing systems using PLC devices have a high technical threshold for general users. When malfunctions occur or timing or logic adjustments are needed, it is usually necessary to seek help from professional technicians, which increases the difficulty of use for users. In addition, the purchase, development, installation and maintenance costs of PLC controllers are high, and installation space needs to be reserved in the system, which increases the overall size of the printing device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to address the above-mentioned shortcomings by providing an automatic label printing machine that is easy to operate, low in cost, and small in overall size.

[0006] An automatic label printing machine includes a printing device with a conveyor belt at its output end and an external actuator for labeling products conveyed by the conveyor belt or moving the position of the printing device. The control system of the printing device integrates a logic control interface.

[0007] The logic control interface is controlled by the controller of the control system, including a transmission actuator control pin for controlling the movement of the transmission actuator of the external actuator, a warning light control pin for controlling the printing device to issue a warning signal, and a product position sensor pin connected to the product position sensor to indicate whether the product is in position.

[0008] In one embodiment, the transmission actuator includes a cylinder, and the controller controls the cylinder to move via a transmission actuator control pin to complete the labeling operation of affixing the printed label to the product transported by the conveyor belt; or controls the cylinder to move via a transmission actuator control pin to adjust the relative position between the printing device and the product transported by the conveyor belt to achieve the printing operation of the product.

[0009] In one embodiment, the transmission actuator includes a servo motor and a first transmission mechanism driven by the servo motor. The controller controls the servo motor to move through the transmission actuator control pin, and the first transmission mechanism completes the labeling operation of attaching the printed label to the product transported by the conveyor belt; or the controller controls the servo motor to move through the transmission actuator control pin, and the first transmission mechanism adjusts the relative position between the printing device and the product transported by the conveyor belt to realize the printing operation of the product.

[0010] In one embodiment, the transmission actuator includes a stepper motor and a second transmission mechanism driven by the stepper motor. The controller controls the stepper motor to move via a control pin of the transmission actuator, and the second transmission mechanism completes the labeling operation of attaching the printed label to the product transported by the conveyor belt; or the controller controls the stepper motor to move via a control pin of the transmission actuator, and the second transmission mechanism adjusts the relative position between the printing device and the product transported by the conveyor belt to achieve the printing operation of the product.

[0011] In one embodiment, the logic control interface further includes a conveyor belt start / stop control pin for controlling the start and stop of the conveyor belt.

[0012] In one embodiment, the transmission actuator further includes a labeling head and a labeling head position sensor for detecting whether the labeling head has reached a defined position, and the logic control interface further includes a limit sensor pin connected to the limit sensor.

[0013] In one embodiment, the external actuator further includes a label-absorbing gas valve for controlling the label-applying head to absorb labels, and the logic control interface further includes a label-absorbing gas valve control pin connected to the label-absorbing gas valve.

[0014] In one embodiment, the external actuator further includes a label-adsorption sensor for detecting whether the labeling head has successfully adsorbed the label, and the logic control interface further includes a label-adsorption sensor pin connected to the label-adsorption sensor.

[0015] In one embodiment, the external actuator further includes a rotary encoder for detecting the speed of the product conveyor belt, and the logic control interface further includes a rotary encoder pin connected to the rotary encoder. The controller acquires rotary encoder signals to detect the speed of the product conveyor belt in real time and controls the printing speed of the printing device to keep the movement speed of the product synchronized.

[0016] In one embodiment, the printing device further includes a touch screen for displaying a user interface, the touch screen being connected to the logic control interface to set the functions of the logic control interface, including adjusting the activation mode of logic signals, the activation level of logic signals, and logic timing parameters.

[0017] The automatic label printing machine of this invention incorporates a logic control interface controlled by the printer's controller within a traditional printing device. Relevant electronic components on the printing device are connected to different pins of the logic control interface. During labeling or repositioning of the printing device, the controller outputs logic commands to these pins, enabling labeling or repositioning of the printing device for printing. This built-in logic control interface replaces the PLC controller, resulting in a smaller interface that requires no dedicated installation space; it can be placed within the printer's housing, thus reducing the overall size of the automatic label printing machine. Furthermore, since the printer's built-in logic control replaces the PLC controller, only the input of commands is needed to control operation, eliminating the need for complex debugging or logic adjustments and simplifying user operation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the module structure of an automatic label printing machine in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 The control interface of the automatic label printing machine in one embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of an automatic label printing machine with a single-cylinder pressing function in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic label printing machine from one perspective in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the automatic label printing machine from another perspective in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the logic control interface in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 The control interface of the automatic label printing machine in one embodiment of the present invention Figure 2 ;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a logic diagram of an automatic label printing machine in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] This invention discloses an automatic label printing machine that is easy to operate, low in cost, and compact in overall size. Based on a traditional printing device, this automatic label printing machine integrates a logic control interface into the printing device's control system. The logic controller sends logic commands to this interface to control the external actuators of the printing device, replacing the traditional PLC controller method. This reduces the difficulty of operation and maintenance, and eliminates the need for complex debugging. Users can interact with the controller through the printing device's display interface to complete the necessary settings, allowing for quick mastery of the printing device's operation. Furthermore, due to the small size of the logic control interface, there is no need to reserve a dedicated installation location within the printing device; it can be fixed in the space inside the printing device's chassis without increasing the device's size, thus contributing to miniaturization and reducing the overall size of the printing device.

[0028] For specific details, please refer to... Figure 1 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6The automatic label printing machine of this embodiment includes a printing device 100 with a conveyor belt at the output end and an external actuator 200 for labeling products conveyed by the conveyor belt or moving the position of the printing device. The control system of the printing device 100 integrates a logic control interface 300. The logic control interface 300 is controlled by the controller 400 of the control system and includes a transmission actuator control pin for controlling the operation of the transmission actuator of the external actuator 200, a warning light control pin for controlling the printing device 100 to issue a warning signal, and a product position sensor pin connected to the product position sensor of the external actuator 200 to indicate whether the product is in position.

[0029] The external actuator 200 includes various alternative drive schemes for its transmission actuator. In one embodiment, the transmission actuator includes a cylinder, and the controller 400 controls the cylinder's movement via a transmission actuator control pin to complete the labeling operation of affixing printed labels to products transported on a conveyor belt; or, by controlling the cylinder's movement via the transmission actuator control pin, the controller adjusts the relative position between the printing device 100 and the products transported on the conveyor belt to achieve the printing operation of the products. In another embodiment, the transmission actuator includes a servo motor and a first transmission mechanism driven by the servo motor, and the controller 400 controls the servo motor's operation via a transmission actuator control pin, with the first transmission mechanism completing the labeling operation of affixing printed labels to products transported on a conveyor belt; or, by controlling the servo motor's operation via the transmission actuator control pin, the controller adjusts the relative position between the printing device 100 and the products transported on the conveyor belt to achieve the printing operation of the products. In another embodiment, the transmission actuator includes a stepper motor and a second transmission mechanism driven by the stepper motor. The controller 400 controls the stepper motor to operate via the transmission actuator control pin, and the second transmission mechanism completes the labeling operation of attaching the printed label to the product transported by the conveyor belt; or the controller controls the stepper motor to operate via the transmission actuator control pin, and the second transmission mechanism adjusts the relative position between the printing device 100 and the product transported by the conveyor belt to achieve the printing operation of the product.

[0030] In one embodiment, the transmission actuator further includes a labeling head 500 and a labeling head position sensor for detecting whether the labeling head has reached a predetermined position. The logic control interface 300 also includes a limit sensor pin connected to the limit sensor. It should be noted that the automatic label printing machine of the present invention can also use an inkjet printing device. When an inkjet printing device is used, the inkjet printing device does not need to be equipped with a labeling head, but directly prints on the product. The printing device 100 is used for graphic printing. For example, when the printing device 100 is used for label printing, the printing device 100 prints graphic content on label paper to obtain a label to be affixed; when the printing device 100 is used for inkjet printing, the printing device 100 provides inkjet printing and controls the inkjet range and path.

[0031] Additionally, it should be noted that the external actuator 200 also includes a pneumatic control unit that supplies pressurized gas to the labeling head 500 and creates positive pressure at the end of the labeling head 500, a solenoid valve unit, a sensor unit, and a power supply, all of which are connected to preset pins on the logic control interface 300. Specifically, the external actuator also includes a label-absorbing gas valve (solenoid valve unit) for controlling the labeling head 500 to absorb labels, and a label-absorbing sensor (sensor unit) for detecting whether the labeling head has successfully absorbed a label. The logic control interface 300 also includes a label-absorbing gas valve control pin connected to the label-absorbing gas valve, and a label-absorbing sensor pin connected to the label-absorbing sensor.

[0032] In addition, the printing device 100 also includes a touch screen 700 for displaying a user interface. The touch screen 700 is electrically connected to the logic control interface and the controller and is used to input control commands and set the functions of the logic control interface. Of course, the touch screen 700 can also be replaced by a control panel with a display screen and buttons.

[0033] The solenoid valve unit includes a labeling cylinder solenoid valve for controlling the operation of the cylinder to drive the labeling head to press the label to be applied onto the surface of the item, an air blowing solenoid valve for controlling the positive pressure device to blow air onto the label to lift the label, and a label suction valve for controlling the labeling head to pick up the label. In this embodiment, the label suction valve for controlling the labeling head to pick up the label is a vacuum solenoid valve. The sensor unit includes two labeling head position sensors respectively connected to the logic control interface, a label suction sensor for detecting whether the labeling head has successfully picked up the label, and a product detection sensor for detecting whether the item to be applied is in place. In this embodiment, the label suction sensor is a fiber optic sensor.

[0034] Furthermore, the automatic label printing machine includes various labeling modes such as single-cylinder pressing, single-cylinder blowing, double-cylinder pressing, double-cylinder blowing, and label application. Among them, single-cylinder pressing and single-cylinder blowing refer to labeling modes in which the labeling head moves only in one-dimensional space during the labeling process; double-cylinder pressing and double-cylinder blowing refer to labeling modes in which the labeling head moves in two-dimensional space during the labeling process. Pressing is a labeling mode in which the controller 400 controls the action of the labeling cylinder solenoid valve to press the label at the end of the labeling head onto the surface of the item; blowing is a labeling mode in which the controller 400 controls the action of the blowing solenoid valve to blow the label at the end of the labeling head onto the surface of the item and adhere it firmly with the air pressure output by the positive pressure device.

[0035] In either the pressure or blow mode, the vacuum solenoid valve opens under the control of a signal transmitted by the controller 400 via the logic control interface 300, causing the labeling head to pick up the label. The controller 400 then controls the labeling cylinder solenoid valve to open via the logic control interface 300, causing the labeling head to press the label onto the surface of the item, or controls the solenoid valve to open and use positive pressure to blow the label onto the surface of the item. A labeling head position sensor detects whether the label is properly attached under the control of the controller 400.

[0036] In labeling mode, the external actuator also includes a rotary encoder 600 for detecting the speed of the product conveyor belt. The logic control interface also includes rotary encoder pins connected to the rotary encoder 600. The controller 400 collects signals from the rotary encoder 600 to detect the speed of the product conveyor belt in real time and controls the printing speed of the printing device 100 to keep it synchronized with the movement speed of the product. After the label is output from the printing device 100, it is affixed to the surface of the item by the labeling device through friction and pressure.

[0037] When using the automatic label printer, users can select the appropriate working mode and configure the corresponding labeling actuator parameters on the touchscreen 700 according to their job requirements. Specifically, users can access the labeling settings by clicking on the labeling settings on the main interface of the touchscreen 700. Figure 2 The labeling settings interface shown allows you to select the labeling mode and adjust the logic control parameters via this menu.

[0038] During the development, production, and debugging of automatic label printing machines, the logic for commonly used labeling modes, such as single-cylinder pressing mode, single-cylinder blowing mode, double-cylinder pressing mode, double-cylinder blowing mode, and label application mode, is provided to users as a standard configuration with fixed logic for each function. Users connect the solenoid valves and sensors of the automatic label printing machine to the preset terminals or pins on the logic control interface 300 via connecting cables according to the interface manual. If necessary, the timing, level mode or pulse mode, and effective level can be adjusted as settable items, and the machine can be used directly.

[0039] By adopting the above technical solution, the logic control interface provided by the automatic label printing machine can not only replace the external programmable logic controller (PLC) of the automatic labeling or automatic inkjet printing system, but also eliminate the need for software development.

[0040] The following section uses a specific example to illustrate the structure of an automatic label printing machine with a logic control interface for single-cylinder pressing function.

[0041] Please combine Figures 3 to 5The automatic label printing machine's printing unit 100 and labeling head 500 are arranged adjacent to each other. The labeling head 500 supports label application operations with a minimum size of 10mm*10mm and a maximum size of 150mm*105mm. A cylinder and a cylinder protection cover 501 are located above the labeling head 500. A labeling machine outer cover 502 is located behind the labeling head 500 to protect the other components of the external actuator. Furthermore, the automatic label printing machine also includes an audible and visual alarm 503 connected to the logic control interface 300. The audible and visual alarm 503 includes a status indicator light (with red, green, and yellow LEDs) and an alarm bell (such as a buzzer). The status indicator light is connected to the warning light control pin of the logic control interface 300 to indicate the operating status of the automatic label printing machine. The alarm bell is used to sound when the automatic label printing machine malfunctions or the program malfunctions, prompting the user to respond promptly. In addition, an input power switch 110 connected to the power supply is provided between the printing device and the external actuator, and a transparent viewing window 120 is provided on the side of the printing device to allow operators to observe the labeling or printing operation.

[0042] The controller 400 is located in the printing device 100, while the labeling head 500, air pressure control unit, solenoid valve unit, sensor unit, and rotary encoder 600 are located within the external actuator 200. The various components of the printing device 100 and the external actuator 200 are connected via a logic control interface. The touchscreen 700 includes a screen 710 located on the side of the external actuator 200, and below the screen 710 are a FEED / Calibration button 720, a PAUSE / Self Test button 730, a CANCEL / Reset button 740, and a power button 750. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the touchscreen 700 is part of the printing device 100 and provides an interface for interaction between the printing device 100 and the external environment. The logic control interface 300 of the automatic label printer also includes a conveyor belt start / stop control pin for controlling the start and stop of the conveyor belt, which is used to transport items to be labeled from the outside to achieve continuous and uninterrupted labeling operation. The logic control interface 300 is located in the printing device 100 and is electrically connected to the controller 400. The side of the printing device 100 is also provided with a network port 130 for connecting network cables, a USB HOST interface 140 and a USBDEVICE interface 150 for connecting USB devices, a serial port 160 for connecting data cables, a general I / O signal interface 170 and a power interface 180.

[0043] Furthermore, the label printing and labeling device also includes status indicator lights and an alarm bell connected to the logic control interface 300. The status indicator lights are connected to the warning light control pin of the logic control interface 300 to indicate the operating status of the label printing and labeling device. The alarm bell is used to sound when the label printing and labeling device malfunctions or the program malfunctions, to prompt the user to respond promptly. In addition, the logic control interface 300 also provides connection points for external devices; that is, some terminals on the logic control interface 300 are connected to external devices to provide power to them.

[0044] It should be emphasized that in this embodiment, the logic control interface 300 is a logic-based I / O signal terminal block, which includes multiple terminals (i.e., pins) that are independently spaced and connected to the controller 400 respectively. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 6 The logic control interface in this embodiment is a 24-bit terminal block, which includes terminals 1-24, as further described in the table below:

[0045]

[0046]

[0047] As shown in the table above, the status indicator lights in this embodiment include red, green, and yellow indicator lights. Terminals 1-3 of the logic control interface are connected to the red, green, and yellow indicator lights respectively, controlling these three lights. In case of an error, the red indicator light flashes; when the automatic label printer is working normally, the green indicator light remains on; and when a warning is needed, the yellow indicator light flashes. Terminal 4 of the logic control interface is connected to the alarm bell, controlling it to ring intermittently when the automatic label printer malfunctions or requires a warning. Terminal 5 of the logic control interface is connected to the air-blowing solenoid valve, controlling the positive pressure output of the positive pressure device to blow the label to be applied, thus assisting the label-applying head in label suction. Terminal 6 of the logic control interface is connected to the spare solenoid valve, and terminal 7 is connected to the motor that controls the start and stop of the conveyor belt, enabling the movement of the items to be labeled and ensuring continuous labeling operations. Terminal 8 connects to the vacuum solenoid valve to control the on / off state of the air pressure device and the labeling head, i.e., to control whether the labeling head picks up the label or blows it onto the surface of the item. Terminals 9-12 connect to a DC 24V power supply to provide 24V voltage to external devices.

[0048] In this embodiment, both labeling head position sensors are magnetic switches: a labeling head return sensor (or magnetic switch 1) and a labeling head positioning sensor (or magnetic switch 2). The labeling head return sensor detects whether the labeling head has returned to its initial position, while the labeling head positioning sensor detects whether the labeling head has properly affixed the label. The labeling head return sensor is connected to terminal 13, and the labeling head positioning sensor is connected to terminal 14. This embodiment also includes a negative pressure gauge connected to terminal 15 to detect the air pressure at the end of the labeling head, used to monitor whether the labeling head has successfully absorbed the label. A product detection sensor is connected to terminal 18 to detect whether the product to be labeled is in place, i.e., whether it has moved to the preset position.

[0049] In addition, the automatic label printer also includes a time module electrically connected to the controller 400. This time module is used for label head return timing, label suction waiting time, pressure holding time, and product arrival waiting time. Specifically, the label head return timing refers to the time from when the label head affixes the label to the surface of the item until the label head returns to its initial position; the label suction waiting time refers to the time it takes for the label to be suctioned after the printing device finishes printing; the pressure holding time refers to the time it takes for the label head to maintain pressure after successful pressing; and the product arrival waiting time refers to the time it takes for the item to be labeled to arrive after the label is suctioned by the label head. It should be noted that for labeling peripherals connected to the logic control interface, the effective level of each sensor input also needs to be set.

[0050] The settings for the logic control interface of the touch screen 700 include adjusting the activation mode of logic signals, such as pulse or level; the activation level of logic signals, such as low or high level; and setting logic timing parameters.

[0051] Before using the automatic label printer, you need to initialize its control interface via the touchscreen. For details, please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 7When setting the labeling head position sensor, you can select "single-ended" or "double-ended" as needed. When selecting "single-ended," the sensor connects to terminal 13; when selecting "double-ended," the two sensors connect to terminals 13 and 14 respectively. When setting the labeling head return timeout, this sets the maximum time for the labeling head to return, with a range of 0–99999 ms. If the labeling head fails to return within this time, the printing device will report an error. When setting the label suction timeout, this sets the maximum time for label suction waiting, with a range of 0–99999 ms. If no label is detected within this time, the printing device will report an error. When setting the pressure holding time, the range is 0–3000 ms. When setting the product arrival timeout, this sets the maximum time for product arrival waiting, with the printing device alarming if the item to be labeled has not arrived within this time. When setting the signal activation level, 1 indicates high level active, and 0 indicates low level active.

[0052] The present invention also discloses a labeling method using the above-mentioned automatic label printing machine, comprising the following steps:

[0053] S1. Detect the number and status of the labeling head position sensors.

[0054] S2. Check the printed content of the label and the position of the labeling head, and let the labeling head pick up the label.

[0055] In step S2, the step of checking the printed content of the label and the position of the labeling head, and having the labeling head adsorb the label, includes:

[0056] S21. Determine whether the controller's storage module stores print data;

[0057] S22. Determine the labeling head position, print and attach the label.

[0058] S3. Inspect the item to be labeled and affix the label to the surface of the item.

[0059] In step S3, inspecting the item to be labeled and affixing the label to the surface of the item includes:

[0060] S31. Check the position of the items to be labeled and pause the conveyor belt;

[0061] S32. Detect whether the labeling head position sensor is in place within a preset time and maintain the preset pressing or blowing time.

[0062] After step S3, the following is also included:

[0063] Check if there is a label at the end of the labeling head and reset the labeling head.

[0064] The following combination Figure 8This paper provides a detailed explanation of the working process of an automatic label printing machine in single-cylinder pressing mode.

[0065] After initializing the automatic label printer as described above, the controller, via the logic control interface, closes the air blowing solenoid valve, the vacuum generator solenoid valve (i.e., the vacuum solenoid valve), and the labeling cylinder solenoid valve, and illuminates the green indicator light to indicate that the automatic label printer is in normal operation. The controller, via the logic control interface, opens the labeling cylinder solenoid valve and moves the labeling head to the preset label suction position, corresponding to the output end of the printing device. It then determines whether it is a double-ended labeling head position sensor (i.e., including magnetic switch 1 and magnetic switch 2). If it is a double-ended labeling head position sensor, it uses magnetic switch 1 to determine if the labeling head is in the label suction position, i.e., whether magnetic switch 1 is at a high level and magnetic switch 2 is at a low level. If the labeling head is in the label suction position, it checks if the controller stores printing data and proceeds to the next step; if not, and the labeling head return time is less than 3 seconds, it is determined that the labeling head has not returned, and the position of the labeling head continues to be monitored until the labeling head returns to the label suction position or the set labeling head return timeout period is exceeded. If the label head takes more than 3 seconds to return to its original position, the touch screen will display "Label head not returned to its original position".

[0066] If it is not a double-ended labeling head position sensor, but a single-ended labeling head position sensor, the position of the labeling head is still determined. Specifically, the controller checks if the level of magnetic switch 1 is high. If the labeling head is in the labeling position, it checks if the controller has stored printing data and proceeds to the next step. If not, and the labeling head return time is less than 3 seconds, it is determined that the labeling head has not returned to its original position, and the position of the labeling head continues to be monitored until it returns to the label suction position or the set labeling head return timeout period is exceeded. If the labeling head return time exceeds 3 seconds, the controller controls the labeling cylinder solenoid valve to close (i.e., stop the machine) and illuminates a red indicator light to report an error. The ERROR output is high, indicating fault 1.

[0067] If the labeling head is in the label-collecting position, the air-blowing solenoid valve is opened, causing the positive pressure device to blow air onto the label, thus creating a gap between the label and the receiving surface of the printing device, i.e., blowing the label up, providing conditions for the label-collecting operation. Then, the vacuum solenoid valve is opened to provide negative pressure to the end of the labeling head to collect the label and print the data onto the label.

[0068] After the label is printed, the labeling head's labeling success is determined by judging the duration of the negative pressure on the negative pressure gauge, i.e., whether the label suction waiting time exceeds the labeling head's timeout. If unsuccessful, the touch screen displays "Label suction failed," and the controller controls the labeling cylinder solenoid valve to close (i.e., stop the machine) and illuminates the red indicator light to report an error. ERROR outputs a high level, indicating fault 2. If successful, the blowing solenoid valve is disconnected, and the machine waits for the product to be labeled. During this process, the product detection sensor detects whether the product to be labeled is in place. If the product is not in place, and the product arrival waiting time has not exceeded the set product arrival timeout, the machine continues to wait for the product to be labeled. If the product arrival timeout is exceeded, the touch screen displays "Item to be labeled not in place," and the controller controls the labeling cylinder solenoid valve to close (i.e., stop the machine) and illuminates the red indicator light to report an error. ERROR outputs a high level, indicating fault 3. If the product is detected, the controller controls the motor to pause the conveyor belt and controls the labeling cylinder solenoid valve to open and move the labeling head to the labeling position. When labeling products, the system checks if the labeling head is in position (if it's double-ended, magnetic switch 1 is low and magnetic switch 2 is high; if it's single-ended, magnetic switch 1 is low). If it's not in position, the touchscreen displays "Labeling Failed," and the controller closes the labeling cylinder solenoid valve (stops the machine) and illuminates a red indicator light to report an error. ERROR outputs a high level, indicating fault 4. If it's in position, after a preset pressing and holding time, the labeling head is moved to the label suction position. Simultaneously, the system checks if the negative pressure gauge is high, indicating whether there's a label at the end of the labeling head. If there is, the label failed to adhere to the product surface, and the controller closes the labeling cylinder solenoid valve (stops the machine) and illuminates a red indicator light to report an error. ERROR outputs a high level, indicating fault 5. If not, the labeling is considered successful, and the controller controls the motor to move the conveyor belt while returning to the starting position. The system then checks again to determine if it's a double-ended labeling head sensor before proceeding to the next label application.

[0069] It should be noted that faults 1-5 mentioned above can be resolved by pressing the CANCEL / Reset button on the side of the external actuator 200. Specifically, when fault 1 occurs, pressing the CANCEL / Reset button will restore the device to ready state; for fault 2, pressing the CANCEL / Reset button will prompt the menu to select "Reprint", "Continue Printing", or "Invalid"; for fault 3, pressing the CANCEL / Reset button will prompt the screen to select "Continue Waiting" or "Abandon Labeling"; for faults 4 and 5, pressing the CANCEL / Reset button will restore the device to ready state.

[0070] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0071] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic label printing machine, characterized in that, The device includes a printing device with a conveyor belt at its output end and an external actuator for labeling products conveyed by the conveyor belt or moving the position of the printing device. The control system of the printing device integrates a logic control interface, and the various components of the printing device and the external actuator are connected through the logic control interface. The logic control interface is a terminal block, controlled by the controller of the control system to replace the external PLC controller. The logic control interface includes a transmission actuator control pin for controlling the movement of the transmission actuator of the external actuator, a warning light control pin for controlling the printing device to issue a warning signal, and a product position sensor pin connected to the product position sensor to indicate whether the product is in position. The printing device also includes a touch screen for displaying a user interface. The touch screen is connected to the logic control interface to set the functions of the logic control interface, including adjusting the activation mode of the logic signal, the activation level of the logic signal, and the logic timing parameters. During the process of labeling or moving the printing device in the automatic labeling machine, the controller outputs logic commands to different pins of the logic control interface to label the product or adjust the position of the printing device to complete the printing of graphics and text.

2. The automatic label printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission actuator includes a cylinder. The controller controls the cylinder to move via the transmission actuator control pin to complete the labeling operation of attaching the printed label to the product transported by the conveyor belt; or controls the cylinder to move via the transmission actuator control pin to adjust the relative position between the printing device and the product transported by the conveyor belt to achieve the printing operation of the product.

3. The automatic label printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission actuator includes a servo motor and a first transmission mechanism driven by the servo motor. The controller controls the servo motor to move through the transmission actuator control pin, and the first transmission mechanism completes the labeling operation of affixing the printed label to the product transported by the conveyor belt; or controls the servo motor to move through the transmission actuator control pin, and the first transmission mechanism adjusts the relative position between the printing device and the product transported by the conveyor belt to achieve the printing operation of the product.

4. The automatic label printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission actuator includes a stepper motor and a second transmission mechanism driven by the stepper motor. The controller controls the stepper motor to move through the transmission actuator control pin, and the second transmission mechanism completes the labeling operation of attaching the printed label to the product transported by the conveyor belt; or controls the stepper motor to move through the transmission actuator control pin, and the second transmission mechanism adjusts the relative position between the printing device and the product transported by the conveyor belt to realize the printing operation of the product.

5. The automatic label printing machine according to any one of claims 2-4, characterized in that, The logic control interface also includes conveyor belt start / stop control pins for controlling the start and stop of the conveyor belt.

6. The automatic label printing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transmission actuator also includes a labeling head and a labeling head position sensor for detecting whether the labeling head has reached a defined position. The logic control interface also includes a labeling head position sensor pin connected to the labeling head position sensor.

7. The automatic label printing machine according to claim 6, characterized in that, The external actuator also includes a label suction valve for controlling the labeling head to absorb labels, and the logic control interface also includes a label suction valve control pin connected to the label suction valve.

8. The automatic label printing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that, The external actuator also includes a label-adsorption sensor for detecting whether the labeling head has successfully adsorbed the label, and the logic control interface also includes a label-adsorption sensor pin connected to the label-adsorption sensor.

9. The automatic label printing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The external actuator also includes a rotary encoder for detecting the speed of the product conveyor belt, and the logic control interface also includes a rotary encoder pin connected to the rotary encoder. The controller acquires the rotary encoder signal to detect the speed of the product conveyor belt in real time and controls the printing speed of the printing device to keep the movement speed of the product synchronized.

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