High temperature label suspension transfer apparatus, system and method

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automatic high-temperature label pasting technology for hot-rolled steel coil production lines, and in particular to a high-temperature label suspension and transfer device, system, and method. The device includes a label forming mechanism comprising a mounting plate, a printer mounted on the mounting plate, and an intelligent camera mounted above the printer; a carrying mechanism comprising a mounting assembly mounted on the mounting plate and a lifting plate mounted on the mounting assembly; and a pneumatic control mechanism comprising a pneumatic generating assembly mounted on the mounting plate and a transfer assembly mounted on the lifting plate. Through the establishment of a process control system, label printing control, suspension and transfer control, intelligent camera recognition control, and label transfer control to the labeling device are integrated, achieving stable and accurate transfer of ultra-high-temperature labels. Without operator intervention, the device automatically judges the validity of label printing and intelligently determines the shape and position of the labels, enabling fully automated operation of the labeling device throughout the entire process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic high-temperature label pasting technology for hot-rolled steel coil production lines, and in particular to a high-temperature label suspension and transfer device, system and method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, finished steel coils from hot-rolled strip production lines need to be cooled to room temperature in a warehouse before being manually affixed to the inner or outer ring of the coil using self-adhesive labels to record information such as the production number, standard, and weight. This label is crucial as a unique identifier for material tracking and production traceability in the next process. Due to temperature limitations for label application, finished steel coils are stored in the warehouse for extended periods, resulting in high-level stacking of inventory. This not only puts significant pressure on logistics but also leads to high error rates and safety issues associated with manual labeling. A fully automated high-temperature steel coil inner ring labeling device to address this issue requires a high-temperature label transfer device capable of operating in harsh environments with high temperatures and dust. This is because ordinary label transfer devices on the market have complex structures and are difficult to operate continuously for extended periods in harsh environments with high temperatures and dust. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of the problems in the above or existing technologies, such as the limitation of label pasting temperature, the long storage time of finished steel coils in the warehouse, resulting in high-level stacking of inventory, not only puts great pressure on logistics, but also leads to high error rate and safety issues due to manual pasting, and the complex structure of ordinary label transfer devices on the market makes it difficult to work continuously for a long time in harsh environments such as high temperature and dust, this invention is proposed.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a high-temperature label levitation and transfer device.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: including a label forming mechanism, comprising a mounting plate, a printer mounted on the mounting plate, and a smart camera mounted above the printer; a carrying mechanism, comprising a mounting component mounted on the mounting plate, and a lifting plate mounted on the mounting component; and a pneumatic control mechanism, comprising a pneumatic forming component mounted on the mounting plate, and a transfer component mounted on the lifting plate.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature label levitation and transfer device of the present invention, the printer is provided with a label dispensing port, and the label dispensing port is also provided with a printing cutter.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature label levitation and transfer device of the present invention, the mounting assembly includes a set of corner braces disposed on the mounting plate and a connecting plate disposed on the corner braces; the number of corner braces is set to two, and the lifting plate can be adjusted in angle during installation via the connecting plate.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature label levitation and transfer device of the present invention, the gas generation component includes: a levitation gas control valve disposed on the mounting plate, a purge gas control valve disposed on the mounting plate, a levitation gas pipe disposed at the output end of the levitation gas control valve, and a purge gas pipe disposed at the output end of the purge gas control valve.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature label levitation transfer device of the present invention, the transfer component includes: a transfer frame disposed at the printing cutter, multiple sets of levitation slides disposed at the bottom of the transfer frame, and an upper levitation air outlet hole disposed at the end of the transfer frame; wherein the multiple sets of levitation slides form a lower levitation air outlet groove between each other.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature label suspension and transfer device of the present invention, it further includes: a label retrieval mechanism, comprising a label retrieval platform disposed at the end of the transfer frame, label retrieval baffles disposed on both sides of the label retrieval platform, a pressure-bearing spring disposed on the label retrieval platform, and a neat baffle disposed on the label retrieval platform.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature tag levitation and transfer system of the present invention, it includes: the above-mentioned high-temperature tag levitation and transfer device, and a master PLC controller, including a control terminal and a network terminal; and an identification module, including a smart camera and an identification terminal.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature label levitation and transfer method of the present invention, the method includes: the above-mentioned high-temperature label levitation and transfer system; the master PLC receives the labeling start information and determines whether the printing is successful; if the printing fails, it prompts the operator; if the printing is successful, it opens the levitation air control valve of the transfer device; after successful printing, it takes a picture and performs a comparison process; after determining the position, it transfers the label and picks it up.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature label suspension and transfer method of the present invention, the comparison process includes: the intelligent camera taking pictures at 0.3-second intervals to continuously capture images of the label affixing position; after each acquisition of a label image, the intelligent camera immediately compares it with a standard label feature comparison image; if the comparison result has a compliance rate of more than 60%, it is determined that the label image has been successfully acquired, and the intelligent camera stops taking pictures at intervals.

[0014] As a preferred embodiment of the high-temperature label levitation and transfer method of the present invention, the position determination includes: after the label image is successfully acquired, the intelligent camera determines whether the label angle exceeds 5 degrees based on the angle value in the comparison result. If it is normal, it continues to identify and read the content information of the QR code at a specific position on the label. If the label angle is incorrect or the QR code information is inconsistent with the printed information, the master PLC controller automatically opens the slip-off purging air control valve to remove the incorrect label and issues an alarm to the system operator to prompt manual handling.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the high-temperature label suspension and transfer method of the present invention are as follows: By establishing a process control system, label printing control, suspension and transfer control, intelligent camera recognition control, and label transfer control to the labeling device are integrated, achieving stable and correct transfer of ultra-high temperature labels. In a state where no operator intervention is required, automatic judgment of label printing validity and intelligent judgment of label shape and position are achieved, enabling the labeling device to achieve fully automatic operation throughout the entire process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a high-temperature label suspension and transfer device system.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the process for a high-temperature label levitation and transfer device.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the transfer process of the high-temperature label levitation transfer device.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the high-temperature label suspension and transfer device.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the pneumatic control mechanism of a high-temperature tag levitation and transfer method.

[0022] Figure 6 The intelligent camera of the high-temperature label levitation and transfer device identifies and compares the label features.

[0023] Figure 7 Image of a smart camera reading QR code information for a high-temperature label levitation and transfer device.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a high-temperature label suspension and transfer device for transferring and picking up labels. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] Many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a full understanding of the invention. However, the invention may also be practiced in other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar extensions without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0027] Secondly, the term "one embodiment" or "embodiment" as used herein refers to a specific feature, structure, or characteristic that may be included in at least one implementation of the present invention. The phrase "in one embodiment" appearing in different places in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a single or selective embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments.

[0028] Example 1, referring to Figures 1 to 5 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides a high-temperature label suspension and transfer device, which includes a label forming mechanism 100, including a mounting plate 101, a printer 102 disposed on the mounting plate 101, and a smart camera 103 disposed above the printer 102; a carrying mechanism 200, including a mounting component 201 disposed on the mounting plate 101, and a lifting plate 202 disposed on the mounting component 201; and a pneumatic control mechanism 300, including a pneumatic forming component 301 disposed on the mounting plate 101, and a transfer component 302 disposed on the lifting plate 202.

[0029] Specifically, the printer 102 is equipped with a label dispensing port 102a, and a printing cutter is also provided at the label dispensing port 102a.

[0030] Furthermore, the mounting assembly 201 includes a set of gusset plates 201a disposed on the mounting plate 101, and a connecting plate 201b disposed on the gusset plates 201a; the number of gusset plates 201a is set to two, and the lifting plate 202 can adjust its angle during installation via the connecting plate 201b.

[0031] The gasification assembly 301 includes a suspension gas control valve 301a disposed on the mounting plate 101, a purge gas control valve 301b disposed on the mounting plate 101, a suspension gas pipe 301c disposed at the output end of the suspension gas control valve 301a, and a purge gas pipe 301d disposed at the output end of the purge gas control valve 301b, wherein the outlet of the purge gas pipe 301d is located in front of and above the outlet 102a.

[0032] Preferably, the transfer assembly 302 includes a transfer frame 302a disposed at the printing cutter, a plurality of suspension slides 302b disposed at the bottom of the transfer frame 302a, and an upper suspension air outlet hole 302c disposed at the end of the transfer frame 302a; wherein the plurality of suspension slides 302b form a lower suspension air outlet groove between each other.

[0033] It should be noted that the system also includes a label-taking mechanism 400, comprising a label-taking platform 401 located at the end of the transfer frame 302a, label-taking baffles 402 located on both sides of the label-taking platform 401, a pressure-bearing spring 403 located on the label-taking platform 401, and a tidying baffle 404 located on the label-taking platform 401. The suspended air pipe 301c is connected to the side wall of the transfer frame 302a. The tidying baffle 404 has the function of adjusting the labels to make them neat. The side wall of the transfer frame 302a has a guiding function.

[0034] In use, this device is installed inside a fully automatic labeling machine and is an important component of the fully automatic labeling system. It is also equipped with a label transfer detection sensor. The hot-rolled steel coils use high-temperature labels that can withstand temperatures above 600℃. Because these high-temperature labels use a solid adhesive coating and a thin aluminum alloy substrate, their overall weight is very light. After being printed by the industrial printer's thermal transfer ribbon, the labels are difficult to fall freely. Since the production line uses labels with a height of only 50mm, the labels cannot automatically fall into the printing standard collection hopper after printing and cutting. To address this, upward compressed air is added at the label cut position to keep the label suspended at the printing cutter exit position. Furthermore, the design of this invention positions the label's center point behind the upper suspension air outlet hole. After the label is cut, it will tilt slightly towards the printing exit. At this time, the label is guided by the compressed air from the lower suspension air outlet groove, which will accelerate its movement towards the label pick-up station of the label transfer device, thereby realizing the suspension and transfer of high-temperature labels. The label suspension air is generated by compressed air through a pneumatic dryer and a precision pressure reducing valve. Its pressure control range is 0.01MPa to 0.08MPa. The pressure-reduced suspension air is controlled by a pneumatic flow controller at 0.2m3 / h to 1.2m3 / h, so that the high-temperature labels can achieve the best suspension and transportation effect. The mechanical structure and the pressure-rebound device designed in this invention are developed based on the high-temperature environment on site and can effectively adapt to continuous production operation.

[0035] Example 2, refer to Figures 1-7 This is the second embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the previous embodiment, this embodiment provides a high-temperature tag levitation and transfer system, which includes a high-temperature tag levitation and transfer device, a master PLC controller including a control terminal and a network terminal, and an identification module including a smart camera 103 and an identification terminal.

[0036] Specifically, while analyzing the geometric position of the label, the QR code information inside the label is scanned and returned to the control system for comparison. This ensures that the printed label information is consistent with the information of the steel coil to be labeled on the transport line, guaranteeing the correctness and effectiveness of labeling. Without the need for operator intervention, the labeling device can automatically judge the validity of label printing and intelligently judge the shape and position of the label, enabling the labeling device to operate fully automatically throughout the entire process.

[0037] The rest of the structure is the same as in Example 1.

[0038] In use, the establishment of a process control system enables stable and accurate transfer of ultra-high temperature labels by controlling label printing, levitation transfer, intelligent camera recognition, and label transfer to the labeling device.

[0039] Example 3, referring to Figures 1-8 This is the third embodiment of the present invention. Unlike the previous embodiment, this embodiment provides a high-temperature label levitation and transfer method, including the high-temperature label levitation and transfer system in the previous embodiment. The system includes a master PLC receiving labeling start information and determining whether printing is successful. If printing fails, the operator is prompted. If printing is successful, the levitation air control valve 301a of the transfer device is opened. After successful printing, an image is taken and compared. After position determination, the label is transferred and the label is picked up.

[0040] Specifically, the comparison process includes the smart camera 103 taking pictures at 0.3-second intervals, continuously capturing images of the label affixing location; after each acquisition of a label image, the smart camera immediately compares it with a standard label feature comparison image. If the comparison result shows a matching rate of over 60%, the label image is considered successfully acquired, and the smart camera stops taking pictures at intervals.

[0041] Furthermore, the position determination includes the following: after the label image is successfully acquired, the smart camera 103 determines whether the label angle exceeds 5 degrees based on the angle value in the comparison result. If it is normal, it continues to identify and read the content information of the QR code at a specific position on the label. If the label angle is incorrect or the QR code information is inconsistent with the printed information, the master PLC controller automatically opens the floating slide 302b to make the purge air valve remove the incorrect label and sends an alarm to the system operator to prompt manual handling.

[0042] The rest of the structure is the same as in Example 2.

[0043] During operation, the master PLC receives the labeling start information and sends label printing information to the printing computer, waiting for the printing computer to return a label printing success status. After receiving the start printing command, the printing software uses the steel coil number information sent by the master PLC to query the strip steel production line database system for the label content information to be printed. The printing information includes product name, number, grade, specifications, weight, production standards, etc. After the label data query is successful, the software automatically sends the printing information and printer start command to the industrial printer. After successful sending, it sends a trigger printing status information to the master PLC. After receiving the printing status, if the trigger printing is successful, the master PLC opens the suspending air control valve 301a of the transfer device to prepare for the device to transfer the label; if the trigger printing fails, a printing failure alarm is issued to prompt the operator. After the label printer completes the label printing, the label slides downward along the two side plates of the transfer frame 302a, which has a guiding function, to the suspension slide 302b. Driven by the suspension air, the label moves towards the position picked up by the labeling equipment. The status diagram during the movement is shown in the figure. Figure 3 As shown, when the label transfer detection sensor detects that the label has reached the end of the suspended transport trough, it closes the suspension air control valve 301a of the transfer device and triggers the smart camera to take pictures at 0.3-second intervals, continuously capturing images of the labeling and picking up position. After each image is acquired, the smart camera 103 immediately compares it with the standard label features, as shown in the standard label feature comparison diagram. If the comparison result has a matching rate of more than 60%, it is determined that the label image has been successfully acquired, and the smart camera 103 stops taking pictures at intervals. After the label image is successfully acquired, the camera determines whether the label angle exceeds 5 degrees based on the angle value in the comparison result. If it is normal, it continues to identify and read the QR code at a specific position on the label, based on the content information of the QR code position in the established identification label center coordinate system and the standard label center coordinate system; if... If the label angle is incorrect or the QR code information is inconsistent with the printed information, the control system will automatically open the sliding purge valve 301b to remove the incorrect label and issue an alarm to the system operator to prompt manual handling. After the label position and content are successfully judged, the smart camera 103 returns the recognition information to the master PLC. The master PLC sends the label printing information to the background data recording server and sends a label picking command. At this time, the label pasting device will press down on the label picking platform 401 and move downward along the pressure spring 403, pressing down the label picking platform 401, the aligning baffle 404 and the label picking baffle 402 together, so that the high-temperature label comes into contact with the label pasting device. After the label pasting device sucks up the label through vacuum pressure, it moves upward along the pressure spring 403 to reset the position of the label sucking station component.

[0044] It is important to note that the constructions and arrangements of this application shown in several different exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative. Although only a few embodiments are described in detail in this disclosure, those who consult this disclosure will readily understand that many modifications are possible (e.g., changes in the size, dimensions, structure, shape, and proportions of various elements, as well as parameter values ​​(e.g., temperature, pressure, etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, color, orientation, etc.) without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described in this application). For example, an element shown as integrally formed may be composed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be inverted or otherwise altered, and the nature or number or position of discrete elements may be changed or altered. Therefore, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be changed or rearranged according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any "device plus function" clause is intended to cover the structure described herein that performs the function, and not only structurally equivalent but also equivalent in structure. Other substitutions, modifications, alterations, and omissions may be made in the design, operation, and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments, but extends to various modifications that still fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0045] Furthermore, in order to provide a concise description of exemplary embodiments, not all features of actual embodiments (i.e., those features that are not relevant to the best mode of carrying out the invention as currently considered, or those features that are not relevant to implementing the invention) may be omitted.

[0046] It should be understood that numerous specific implementation decisions can be made during the development of any practical implementation, such as in any engineering or design project. Such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, but for those skilled in the art who benefit from this disclosure, the development effort will be a routine work of design, manufacturing, and production without requiring much experimentation.

[0047] It should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention, and all such modifications or substitutions should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-temperature label levitation and transfer device, characterized in that: include, The signing mechanism (100) includes a mounting plate (101), a printer (102) mounted on the mounting plate (101), and a smart camera (103) mounted above the printer (102). The support mechanism (200) includes a mounting assembly (201) disposed on the mounting plate (101) and a support plate (202) disposed on the mounting assembly (201); and, The pneumatic control mechanism (300) includes a pneumatic assembly (301) disposed on the mounting plate (101) and a transfer assembly (302) disposed on the lifting plate (202). The gas-forming assembly (301) includes a suspension gas control valve (301a) disposed on the mounting plate (101), a purge gas control valve (301b) disposed on the mounting plate (101), a suspension gas pipe (301c) disposed at the output end of the suspension gas control valve (301a), and a purge gas pipe (301d) disposed at the output end of the purge gas control valve (301b). The transfer assembly (302) includes a transfer frame (302a) disposed at the printing cutter, multiple sets of suspension slides (302b) disposed at the bottom of the transfer frame (302a), and an upper suspension air outlet hole (302c) disposed at the end of the transfer frame (302a). Among them, the multiple sets of suspension slides (302b) form a lower suspension air outlet groove with each other.

2. The high-temperature tag levitation and transfer device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The printer (102) is provided with a label dispensing port (102a), and a printing cutter is also provided at the label dispensing port (102a).

3. The high-temperature tag levitation and transfer device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting assembly (201) includes a set of corner braces (201a) disposed on the mounting plate (101) and a connecting plate (201b) disposed on the corner braces (201a). The number of the gusset plates (201a) is set to two, and the lifting plate (202) can be adjusted in angle during installation via the connecting plate (201b).

4. The high-temperature tag levitation and transfer device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes, The signature taking mechanism (400) includes a signature taking platform (401) disposed at the end of the transfer frame (302a), signature taking baffles (402) disposed on both sides of the signature taking platform (401), a pressure bearing spring (403) disposed on the signature taking platform (401), and a neat baffle (404) disposed on the signature taking platform (401).

5. A high-temperature tag levitation and transfer system, characterized in that: Including the high-temperature tag levitation and transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and, The master PLC controller includes the control terminal and the network terminal; The recognition module includes a smart camera (103) and a recognition terminal.

6. A method for suspending and transferring high-temperature tags, characterized in that: Including the high-temperature tag levitation and transfer system as described in claim 5, and, Once the master PLC receives the labeling start information, it determines whether the printing was successful. If printing fails, the operator will be prompted; if printing succeeds, the suspending air control valve (301a) of the transfer device will be opened. Once printing is successful, take a photo and compare it with the original image. After determining the location, the tag is transferred and then picked up.

7. The high-temperature tag levitation and transfer method as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The comparison process includes, The smart camera (103) takes pictures at 0.3-second intervals, continuously capturing images of the label-attaching and picking up positions; After acquiring a label image each time, the smart camera (103) immediately compares it with the standard label feature comparison map. If the comparison result matches more than 60%, the label image is judged to have been successfully acquired, and the smart camera (103) stops taking photos at intervals.

8. The high-temperature tag levitation and transfer method as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The position determination includes the following steps: after the label image is successfully acquired, the smart camera (103) determines whether the label angle exceeds 5 degrees based on the angle value in the comparison result. If it is normal, it continues to identify and read the content information of the QR code at a specific position on the label. If the label angle is incorrect or the QR code information is inconsistent with the printed information, the master PLC controller automatically opens the floating slide (302b) to make the purge air control valve (301b) clear the incorrect label and sends an alarm to the system operator to prompt manual handling.

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