Packaging and labeling all-in-one machine, packaging and labeling all-in-one machine control method of automatic production line and automatic production line control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a packaging and labeling all-in-one machine, a packaging and labeling all-in-one machine control method of an automatic production line and an automatic production line control method. A cover opening and closing module of the packaging and labeling all-in-one machine can automatically open and close a barrel cover of a medicine storage barrel, a medicine liquid heating module can heat liquid in the medicine storage barrel, a cleaning module can clean the medicine storage barrel, a packaging module can conduct bag filling and packaging on medicine liquid, and a printing and labeling module can conduct label printing and pasting on packaged medicine bags. The display control module can set and control parameters of other modules, the communication module can achieve data receiving and transmitting between the packaging and labeling all-in-one machine and external equipment, and the packaging and labeling all-in-one machine is automatic equipment integrating the packaging and labeling functions of traditional Chinese medicine liquid. The packaging and labeling all-in-one machine is used for implementing a packaging and labeling all-in-one machine control method of an automatic production line and an automatic production line control method, the automation degree can be further improved, the labor intensity of workers is reduced, and the maximization, optimization and rationalization of the operation benefits of the production line and equipment are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of packaging equipment and control methods for traditional Chinese medicine liquids. Specifically, it relates to an integrated packaging and labeling machine, a control method for the integrated packaging and labeling machine of an automated production line, and a control method for the automated production line. Background Technology

[0002] Existing integrated packaging and labeling machines for traditional Chinese medicine on the market are mainly designed for semi-automation, requiring manual intervention in their operation. For example, the liquid pouring mechanism used on the production line requires pouring the decocted medicine from other decoction machines into the storage tank of the integrated packaging and labeling machine before packaging and labeling. Sometimes, a patient's dosage is relatively large, so the patient's traditional Chinese medicine needs to be decocted in multiple pots, such as two pots. When pouring the decocted medicine into the storage tank of the integrated packaging and labeling machine, both pots of medicine need to be poured separately. At this point, a human is needed to determine whether all the medicine for the patient has been poured, i.e., whether one pot of medicine has been poured or both pots of medicine have been poured into the storage tank of the integrated packaging and labeling machine. After confirming that all the medicine for the patient has been poured, the packaging button on the interface is manually clicked to proceed with packaging and labeling, thus increasing the manual labor required for each machine.

[0003] Secondly, during the process of pouring the medicine into the storage tank, the existing packaging and labeling machines on the market require manual opening of the tank lid, or the tank is left uncovered with the medicine exposed, which can cause problems in terms of labor costs and medicine quality.

[0004] Secondly, after a patient's medication is packaged, the existing integrated packaging and labeling machine does not have an automatic cleaning device, and can only be cleaned manually with water. This can lead to problems such as missed cleaning, incomplete cleaning, and non-standard processes.

[0005] Furthermore, existing packaging labeling machines on the market lack error detection mechanisms to check whether the labels are intact, properly applied, or incorrectly applied after application.

[0006] Secondly, in a production environment with multiple production lines, the real-time power of each production line's equipment varies. If all production lines are turned on at the same time, it may cause the overall power load to be too high. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the power of the production line equipment and the overall power in real time, and then rationally plan the start-up and shutdown of different equipment on different production lines.

[0007] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a line control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line. This method enables intelligent communication, automatic opening and closing of medicine storage barrels, automatic cleaning, automatic packaging and labeling, and detection of labeling and reporting of real-time power, thereby improving the degree of automation in production.

[0009] The second objective of this invention is to provide an integrated packaging and labeling machine.

[0010] The third objective of this invention is to propose an automated production line control method.

[0011] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0012] A control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line includes the following steps:

[0013] S1. Pour the decocted medicine into the medicine storage tank of the packaging and labeling machine, and automatically open and close the lid of the medicine storage tank before and after pouring the medicine.

[0014] S2. Check whether the integrated packaging and labeling machine meets the packaging and labeling requirements.

[0015] If so, the integrated packaging and labeling machine will start packaging the liquid medicine and labeling the packaged medicine bags until the set number of packaged and labeled medicine bags is reached, at which point the packaging and labeling will stop.

[0016] If not, remove the obstacle and test again;

[0017] S3. The integrated packaging and labeling machine checks whether the labels on the medicine bags are up to standard after labeling.

[0018] If all medicine bags are correctly labeled, proceed to step S4; otherwise, issue an alarm and continue testing after processing.

[0019] S4. The medicine storage tank and medicine injection pipeline of the automatic cleaning, packaging and labeling integrated machine.

[0020] Furthermore, in step S1, the control system and the integrated packaging and labeling machine interact with each other via intelligent communication commands. When the medicine is about to be poured into the storage tank of the integrated packaging and labeling machine, the control system instructs the integrated packaging and labeling machine to automatically open the lid of the storage tank and receive feedback information that the lid has been opened after opening. After the medicine is poured out, the control system instructs the integrated packaging and labeling machine to automatically close the lid of the storage tank.

[0021] Furthermore, in step S2, the packaging labeling conditions include the machine head temperature of the integrated packaging and labeling machine reaching the set temperature, the liquid medicine temperature reaching the set temperature, and the packaging roll being normal.

[0022] Furthermore, in step S2, during the packaging process, after discarding the set number of pre-packaged medicine bags, the control system notifies the packaging and labeling machine to print labels through its printer via intelligent communication instructions, and then affixes the labels to the remaining pre-packaged medicine bags through the labeling equipment.

[0023] Furthermore, in step S3, the packaging and labeling machine takes a picture of the labeled medicine bag using a camera recognition module and performs image and text recognition to determine whether the information on the label on the medicine bag is consistent with the set information and whether the label is affixed to the medicine bag. If the information on the label is consistent with the set information and the label is affixed to the medicine bag, the labeling is detected as correct; if either of the above two judgments is incorrect, the labeling is detected as incorrect.

[0024] Furthermore, step S3 is performed during the execution of step S2, or after step S2 has been completed.

[0025] Furthermore, in step S4, after the packaging and labeling machine empties the residual medicine from the medicine storage tank and the medicine injection pipeline, it automatically performs cleaning. The packaging and labeling machine automatically cleans according to the set number of cleaning cycles and cleaning time, and detects the cleanliness level after each cleaning.

[0026] Furthermore, in step S2, when the power is restored after a power outage, it is checked whether the packaging and labeling integrated machine meets the packaging and labeling conditions. If it does, or after adjustment, it will automatically continue to package the medicine that was not finished before the power outage.

[0027] Furthermore, wired or wireless information exchange can be achieved using USB interfaces, Ethernet ports, and Wi-Fi.

[0028] This invention also proposes an integrated packaging and labeling machine, comprising a medicine storage tank, a lid opening / closing module, a medicine liquid heating module, a cleaning module, a packaging module, a printing and labeling module, a camera recognition module, a display control module, and a communication module, and capable of the aforementioned control methods. The lid opening / closing module connects to the lid of the medicine storage tank and drives the lid to open or close. The medicine liquid heating module heats the liquid inside the medicine storage tank. The cleaning module includes a cleaning nozzle located below the lid. The packaging module fills and seals the medicine liquid flowing from the storage tank. The printing and labeling module prints and affixes labels to the packaged medicine bags. The camera recognition module scans, recognizes, and corrects errors on the labeled medicine bags. The display control module sets parameters for other modules and controls the actuators of other modules. The communication module connects to the display control module and enables data transmission and reception between the integrated packaging and labeling machine and external devices.

[0029] The present invention also proposes an automated production line control method. The control system acquires the real-time power and total power of the packaging and labeling machines of multiple automated production lines, plans the working time of the packaging and labeling machines of each automated production line according to predetermined requirements, and instructs the packaging and labeling machines of each automated production line to work using the above-mentioned automated production line packaging and labeling machine control method.

[0030] Furthermore, the automated production line control method is implemented using the aforementioned integrated packaging and labeling machine.

[0031] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0032] This invention relates to an integrated packaging and labeling machine, an automated device that combines the functions of packaging and labeling traditional Chinese medicine liquids. It addresses common problems encountered in the packaging and labeling process, such as the high labor intensity, low efficiency, and error-prone nature of manual labeling, as well as mechanisms for handling issues like missed labels, stains, and misaligned labels. The machine incorporates automatic cleaning control, automatic lid opening and closing control, and real-time power data upload. It also expands the communication interface for future expansion. Utilizing this integrated packaging and labeling machine to implement automated production line control methods further enhances automation, reduces manual labor intensity, and allows for more rational planning of the start-up and shutdown of different equipment on different production lines based on their individual real-time power and overall power. This maximizes and optimizes the operational efficiency of the production line and equipment.

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0034] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the integrated packaging and labeling machine of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is an installation diagram of the medicine storage tank lid, the switch cover module, and the cleaning nozzle of the integrated packaging and labeling machine of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method of the integrated packaging and labeling machine for the automated production line of the present invention.

[0038] In the diagram: 1. Electric push rod; 2. Cover switch sensor; 3. Cleaning nozzle; 4. Bucket lid; 5. Medicine storage tank; 6. Packaging module; 7. Outlet.

[0039] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only to facilitate the description of this invention and to simplify the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0043] The automated production line in this invention is a production line that can automatically perform the decoction of traditional Chinese medicine, packaging and labeling of the medicine liquid, and cleaning of the equipment after packaging.

[0044] A traditional Chinese medicine decoction and packaging production site may have multiple automated production lines or only one. In the case of multiple automated production lines, a central control system controls all of them. In the case of only one automated production line, a single control system controls that single production line.

[0045] The control method for automated production lines is illustrated using a multi-line automated production line as an example. Each automated production line includes a decoction machine, a packaging and labeling machine, and a dispensing robot. The dispensing robot is used to remove the decocted medicine from the decoction machine, transport it, and pour it into the storage tank of the packaging and labeling machine. To better meet the needs of decoction, there may be more than one decoction machine.

[0046] Combination Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the integrated packaging and labeling machine includes a medicine storage tank 5, a lid opening and closing module, a medicine heating module, a cleaning module, a packaging module 6, a printing and labeling module, a camera recognition module, a display control module, and a communication module, and can implement the integrated packaging and labeling machine control method for automated production lines described below.

[0047] The opening and closing module is connected to the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5. The lid is opened when the medicine is about to be poured into the medicine storage tank 5, and closed after pouring to prevent secondary contamination of the medicine. The lid is also closed during cleaning to prevent water from splashing. The cover switch module includes an electric push rod 1 and a cover switch sensor 2. One end of the electric push rod 1 is fixed, and the other end is connected to the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5. The lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5 is mounted on the medicine storage tank 5 via a rotating shaft. The electric push rod 1 can drive the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5 to rotate around the rotating shaft, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the lid. The cover switch sensor 2 is installed on the medicine storage tank 5 and located near the rotating shaft. When the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5 is opened, the baffle installed on the outer periphery of the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5 is raised with the rotation of the lid 4 and does not block or touch the cover switch sensor 2. When the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5 is closed, the baffle is lowered with the rotation of the lid 4 and blocks or touches the cover switch sensor 2, thereby putting the cover switch sensor 2 in different states and sensing the opening and closing of the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5.

[0048] The liquid heating module includes a heating tube that can heat the liquid in the storage tank 5. When the liquid temperature is too low or needs to be concentrated, the liquid heating module can be used for secondary heating to ensure that the liquid is fully sterilized and extend its shelf life.

[0049] The cleaning module includes an inlet water pipe, a solenoid valve installed on the inlet water pipe, a cleaning nozzle 3 located below the lid 4, and a collection device that can move to the outlet of the liquid filling pipeline. After the liquid is packaged, the packaging and labeling machine automatically discharges the residual liquid in the storage tank 5 and the liquid filling pipeline. After the liquid is discharged, the cleaning solenoid valve is opened, and the cleaning process is automatically completed according to the set cleaning time and number of times.

[0050] The packaging module 6 includes a packaging head that can inject the liquid medicine flowing from the medicine storage tank 5 into the packaging film and seal the edges and the opening. The finished product is a four-sided sealed medicine bag, realizing the filling and sealing of the liquid medicine.

[0051] The label printing and labeling module can print and affix labels to packaged medicine bags. The module includes a printer and labeling equipment, which includes an air pump, a label-absorbing shaft, and a driven roller. In this embodiment, a small vacuum pump is used. The label-absorbing shaft has an air suction channel. One end of the air suction channel is located at one axial end of the shaft and is connected to the air pump. The other end of the air suction channel is located on the circumferential surface of the shaft. Specifically, multiple air holes are provided on the circumferential surface of the shaft, and these air holes are located at the other end of the air suction channel. After the medicine bags are packaged in packaging module 6, the label suction shaft starts to rotate, orienting the air hole toward or near the printer's label outlet. The printer prints relevant information on the label paper. The printed label paper is pushed out of the printer's label outlet and near the air hole on the circumferential surface of the label suction shaft. The suction pump starts to create a vacuum. Due to the suction pump, a negative pressure is created, which adsorbs the label paper onto a certain part of the circumferential surface of the label suction shaft. The labeling equipment uses the suction pump to adsorb the label paper onto the label suction shaft. After the packaged medicine bag is disconnected from the packaging roll, it falls. The label suction shaft and the driven roller are set in parallel and rotate relative to each other. The medicine bag falls between the label suction shaft and the driven roller and is clamped by the label suction shaft and the driven roller. The label suction shaft drives the label paper to continue to rotate, and through the driven roller, it drives the falling medicine bag to rotate, firmly sticking the label on the label suction shaft onto the medicine bag and pressing it tightly. In one embodiment, to ensure the label is pressed firmly onto the medicine bag when the label-absorbing shaft and driven roller roll against each other, the circumferential surfaces of the portions of the label-absorbing shaft and driven roller that press the medicine bag are cylindrical. Furthermore, multiple air holes on the label-absorbing shaft are arranged in an array along its circumference and axial direction. This air hole array is only located in a specific area of ​​the label-absorbing shaft, not along its entire circumference and axial direction, thus ensuring the label is firmly adhered. For example, a 4x4 array of air holes is formed on the circumferential surface of the label-absorbing shaft, i.e., a 4x4 array of air holes is formed in a specific area of ​​the circumferential surface of the label-absorbing shaft. The area of ​​the air hole array is adapted to match the area of ​​the label. The information on the label includes patient-related information to identify the medication. Next, the camera recognition module performs image capture and recognition of the medicine bag and the label attached to it, i.e., the error correction system is activated to perform label detection and error correction. In this embodiment, the camera recognition module includes a camera and a recognition unit, capable of capturing images and recognizing and judging the image content, thereby improving processing efficiency. In other embodiments, the camera recognition module includes only a camera. The packaging and labeling machine sends the captured images to the control system via the communication module described below. The control system identifies and judges the images and returns the judgment results to the packaging and labeling machine via the communication module, thus saving and simplifying the overall hardware configuration. The camera can receive and transmit signals by connecting to the USB expansion interface of the packaging and labeling machine, enabling convenient upgrades, replacements, and maintenance of the camera. In other embodiments, the printer can also print relevant information on the label paper when the packaging module 6 packages the medicine bags. After the medicine bags are packaged, the labeling equipment labels the medicine bags.

[0052] The display control module can set parameters for other modules, control the actuators of other modules, display the number of packages, package quantity, number of packages discarded at the front end, control temperature and real-time temperature of the heating tube, set temperature and real-time temperature of the liquid medicine, query and display the status of each sensor, and also include alarm prompts when displaying error alarms.

[0053] The communication module connects to the display control module and enables data transmission and reception between the packaging and labeling machine and external devices such as the control system. This gives the packaging and labeling machine the ability to connect to both wireless and wired networks, allowing for data reception and transmission, and providing interfaces and hardware support for building a networked decoction center. In one embodiment, the communication module expands to include three USB ports, two Ethernet ports, and one Wi-Fi port, facilitating subsequent networking and expansion. In standalone mode, the display control module controls the packaging and labeling machine. In networked mode, the packaging and labeling machine accepts control from an external control system, which transmits commands to the display control module via the communication module to control the packaging and labeling machine.

[0054] The control method for the integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line is illustrated using the example of decocting and packaging medicine for a specific patient. This method utilizes the aforementioned integrated packaging and labeling machine and control system. When the medicine for a specific patient needs to be decocted and packaged, a specific decoction machine is bound to a specific integrated packaging and labeling machine via barcode scanning. The control system then associates the bound decoction machine and the bound integrated packaging and labeling machine. The following explanation uses an already bound decoction machine and integrated packaging and labeling machine as examples.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, after the decoction machine has prepared the medicine, it sends information to the control system. The control system then sends instructions to the medicine-retrieving robot to retrieve the decoction container from the decoction machine and sends an instruction containing patient information to the packaging and labeling machine. This instruction tells the packaging and labeling machine to open the lid 4 of the medicine storage container 5 to prepare for receiving the medicine. When multiple decoction machines are preparing the patient's medicine, the control system sends instructions to one medicine-retrieving robot to retrieve decoction containers from different decoction machines in sequence for pouring, or the control system sends instructions to multiple medicine-retrieving robots to retrieve decoction containers from different decoction machines for pouring. This embodiment uses one medicine-retrieving robot as an example for explanation.

[0056] After the lid opening module of the packaging and labeling integrated machine opens the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5, the lid opening sensor 2 of the lid opening module sends a signal to the display control module. The display control module then sends a feedback signal to the control system via the communication module, indicating that the lid opening is complete. The control system then instructs the medicine-dispensing robot to pour the medicine. If the control system does not receive the lid opening feedback within a certain period, it is considered that the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5 has not been opened, and the lid opening module is then controlled to re-execute the lid opening command. When multiple decoction machines are decocting medicine, the control system sends a command to the medicine-dispensing robot to retrieve decoction tanks from different decoction machines in sequence for pouring. Here, the control system needs to determine whether all the medicine decoctions decocted in different decoction machines have been poured out. If it determines that the medicine pouring has not been completed, it continues to execute the medicine pouring command. Since multiple decoction machines are used to decoct the patient's medicine, and these machines are all linked to the integrated packaging and labeling machine, each machine sends feedback to the control system to confirm whether its decoction container has been removed. The medicine-retrieving robot also sends feedback to the control system to confirm whether the dispensing is complete. Therefore, by combining this feedback information, the control system can determine whether all the patient's medicine decoctions from different machines have been dispensed. This process achieves automatic dispensing of the medicine. In traditional work scenarios, operators manually move the decoction container to dispense the medicine, and they need to wait for the dispensing to complete. In this invention, the decoction container is automatically retrieved, the lid is automatically opened, and the medicine is automatically dispensed. Therefore, operators do not need to wait for the dispensing to complete and can handle other tasks during this time, reducing manpower consumption and improving work efficiency. After all the patient's medicine has been dispensed, the control system sends a command to the integrated packaging and labeling machine to close the lid. The lid-opening module of the integrated packaging and labeling machine closes the lid 4 of the medicine storage container 5 and sends a feedback signal to the control system confirming that the lid has been closed, similar to the aforementioned feedback procedure. The process requires no human intervention and no manual opening or closing of the lid to avoid collisions with the medicine dispensing robot. At the same time, the closed medicine storage tank 5 can prevent secondary contamination of the medicine liquid.

[0057] After the lid switch module of the packaging and labeling machine closes the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5, the packaging and labeling machine sends a feedback signal to the control system indicating that the lid has been closed. If the control system does not receive the lid closure feedback information within a certain period of time, it is considered that the lid 4 of the medicine storage tank 5 has not been closed, and the control lid switch module will re-execute the lid closing command. The control system sends a command to the packaging and labeling machine to self-check whether the packaging and labeling conditions are met at this moment. If the packaging head temperature of the packaging module 6 of the packaging and labeling machine reaches the set temperature, the medicine liquid temperature reaches the set temperature, and the packaging roll is normal, then the packaging and labeling machine meets the packaging and labeling conditions at this moment. If the packaging head temperature or the medicine liquid temperature does not reach the set temperature, or the packaging roll is abnormal, then the packaging and labeling machine is considered not to meet the packaging and labeling conditions at this moment, and the reason for the inability to package is uploaded, and the machine waits for the temperature to meet the set requirements and then prompts the user, or prompts the user to reposition the packaging roll. The above situations that do not meet the packaging labeling conditions are collectively referred to as obstacles. After these obstacles are eliminated, the packaging labeling machine will re-check that it meets the packaging labeling conditions and feed back to the control system. The control system will then send a command to start the packaging labeling process.

[0058] Because the liquid medicine in the first few medicine bags used for flushing the pipelines during the packaging process needs to be discarded, in step S2, after discarding the set number of pre-discarded bags, the packaging and labeling machine begins filling the remaining medicine bags with liquid medicine. The control system instructs the packaging and labeling machine via intelligent communication commands to have its printing and labeling module print labels according to the aforementioned printing and labeling process. The labeling device of the printing and labeling module then affixes the labels one by one to each remaining packaged medicine bag. Labeling eliminates the need for manual pressing of the packaging, and in automated applications, it also provides a certain degree of protection for personal safety.

[0059] Once the set quantity of medicine bags to be retained has been filled, packaged, and labeled, packaging and labeling will stop, and the packaging and labeling process will be complete. The labeled medicine bags will then slide out from outlet 7 and be transported forward onto other equipment such as a conveyor belt.

[0060] After the packaging and labeling are completed, step S3 is executed. The camera recognition module of the integrated packaging and labeling machine takes a picture of the labeled medicine bag on the conveyor belt using its camera. The camera recognition module then performs image and text recognition to determine whether the information on the label on the medicine bag matches the set information and whether the label is affixed to the medicine bag. This is a labeling detection operation. If the label information matches the set information and the label is affixed to the medicine bag, the labeling is detected as correct; if either of the above two judgments is incorrect, the labeling is detected as incorrect. Here, the determination of whether the information on the label on the medicine bag matches the set information refers to the dispensing order information.

[0061] The integrated packaging and labeling machine performs the labeling detection operation described above. If no labeling errors are detected, it proceeds to the next step. If labeling errors are detected, including missing labels, misaligned labels, incorrect labels, or labels that are damaged and illegible, an audible and visual alarm is triggered to remind the operator to check and take remedial measures, such as reprinting and reapplying the labels. This minimizes the possibility of missing, incorrect, or garbled labels. After manual intervention by the operator, the detection process continues. The automatic label error detection mechanism automatically checks the label application quality, preventing issues such as missing, incorrect, garbled, or damaged labels.

[0062] Regarding the labeling detection, one approach is to perform step S3 during the execution of step S2, that is, to detect the labeling of a medicine bag immediately after the label is affixed, and to immediately alert if a labeling error is found; or, another approach is to perform step S3 after step S2 is completed, that is, to perform the labeling detection after all medicine bags are labeled; this embodiment adopts the latter approach.

[0063] If a power outage occurs during the packaging process of the integrated packaging and labeling machine, and the machine is powered on again, it will check whether the packaging and labeling conditions are met. If the temperature of the packaging head and the liquid medicine meet the set temperature, the machine will continue packaging the liquid medicine that was not finished before the power outage, i.e., it can automatically continue packaging after the power is restored. If the conditions are not met, the machine will automatically adjust the heating and continue packaging when the temperature of the packaging head and the liquid medicine reach the corresponding set temperature.

[0064] In the event of a prolonged power outage, operators should manually drain the liquid medicine after a certain period of time to prevent it from deteriorating.

[0065] After packaging and labeling are completed and all checks are correct, step S4 is executed to initiate the cleaning mode. The integrated packaging and labeling machine first drains the residual medicine from the medicine storage tank 5 and the medicine injection pipeline, then opens the cleaning solenoid valve and automatically cleans the medicine storage tank 5 and the medicine injection pipeline according to the cleaning number and cleaning time sent by the control system. In other embodiments, the cleanliness after each cleaning is detected, i.e., the turbidity of the water after cleaning is detected. If, after setting the number of cleaning times and cleaning time, the turbidity of the water after the last cleaning does not meet the requirements, it is determined that the cleaning is not complete, and the number of cleaning times and / or cleaning time are increased. The setting of the cleaning module and automatic cleaning steps prevents medicine contamination caused by problems such as missed cleaning, incomplete cleaning, and non-standard processes.

[0066] After the integrated packaging and labeling machine finishes cleaning, it sends a message to the control system to indicate that cleaning is complete and the machine is now in standby mode, ready to proceed with the next packaging and labeling task.

[0067] When implementing automated production line control methods, especially when multiple automated production lines are in operation, it's necessary to consider the high power consumption of all lines operating simultaneously. Therefore, the control system needs to acquire and display the real-time power and total power of the packaging and labeling machines and decoction machines on each of the multiple operating automated production lines. The control system then assesses the feasibility of adding other production lines. If feasible, these additional production lines are started. If not, the control system rationally plans the start-up and operation times of the packaging and labeling machines and decoction machines on each automated production line according to the predetermined maximum load capacity of the traditional Chinese medicine decoction and packaging production site. It also instructs the packaging and labeling machines on each automated production line to operate using the aforementioned control methods. Monitoring the real-time and total power of each piece of equipment on each production line provides a basis for rationally planning the start-up and shutdown times of each piece of equipment. This also provides fundamental data support for enterprises to practice energy conservation and emission reduction, and facilitates the statistical analysis of energy consumption and costs of the packaging and labeling machines.

[0068] This invention relates to an integrated packaging and labeling machine, an automated device that combines the functions of packaging and labeling traditional Chinese medicine liquids. It addresses common problems encountered in the packaging and labeling process, such as the high labor intensity, low efficiency, and error-prone nature of manual labeling, as well as mechanisms for handling issues like missed labels, stains, and misaligned labels. The machine incorporates automatic cleaning control, automatic lid opening and closing control, and real-time power data upload. It also expands the communication interface for future expansion. Utilizing this integrated packaging and labeling machine to implement automated production line control methods further enhances automation, reduces manual labor intensity, and allows for more rational planning of the start-up and shutdown of different equipment on different production lines based on their individual real-time power and overall power. This maximizes and optimizes the operational efficiency of the production line and equipment.

[0069] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Pour the decocted medicine into the medicine storage tank of the packaging and labeling machine, and automatically open and close the lid of the medicine storage tank before and after pouring the medicine. S2. Check whether the integrated packaging and labeling machine meets the packaging and labeling requirements. If so, the integrated packaging and labeling machine will start packaging the liquid medicine and labeling the packaged medicine bags until the set number of packaged and labeled medicine bags is reached, at which point the packaging and labeling will stop. If not, remove the obstacle and test again; S3. The integrated packaging and labeling machine checks whether the labels on the medicine bags are correctly applied. If all medicine bags are correctly labeled, proceed to step S4; otherwise, issue an alarm and continue testing after processing. S4. The medicine storage tank and medicine injection pipeline of the automatic cleaning, packaging and labeling integrated machine.

2. The control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1, the control system and the integrated packaging and labeling machine interact with each other through intelligent communication commands. When the medicine is about to be poured into the storage tank of the integrated packaging and labeling machine, the control system instructs the integrated packaging and labeling machine to automatically open the lid of the storage tank and receive feedback information that the lid has been opened after opening. After the medicine is poured out, the control system instructs the integrated packaging and labeling machine to automatically close the lid of the storage tank.

3. The control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step S2, the packaging labeling conditions include the head temperature of the integrated packaging and labeling machine reaching the set temperature, the liquid medicine temperature reaching the set temperature, and the packaging roll being normal.

4. The control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line according to claim 3, characterized in that: In step S2, during the packaging process, after discarding the set number of packaged medicine bags according to the pre-set number of front-end discard bags, the control system notifies the integrated packaging and labeling machine to print labels through its printing and labeling module via intelligent communication instructions, and affixes the labels to the remaining packaged medicine bags.

5. A control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: In step S3, the integrated packaging and labeling machine takes a picture of the labeled medicine bag using a camera recognition module and performs image and text recognition to determine whether the information on the label on the medicine bag is consistent with the set information and whether the label is affixed to the medicine bag. If the information on the label is consistent with the set information and the label is affixed to the medicine bag, the labeling is detected as correct; if either of the above two judgments is incorrect, the labeling is detected as incorrect.

6. The control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line according to claim 5, characterized in that: Step S3 is performed during the execution of step S2, or after step S2 has been completed.

7. The control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line according to claim 6, characterized in that: In step S4, after the packaging and labeling machine drains the residual medicine from the medicine storage tank and the medicine injection pipeline, it automatically cleans itself. The packaging and labeling machine automatically cleans itself according to the set number of cleaning times and cleaning time, and detects the cleanliness after each cleaning.

8. The control method for an integrated packaging and labeling machine in an automated production line according to claim 7, characterized in that: In step S2, when the power is restored after a power outage, it is checked whether the packaging and labeling machine meets the packaging and labeling conditions. If it does, or after adjustment, it will automatically continue to package the medicine that was not finished before the power outage.

9. A packaging and labeling integrated machine, characterized in that: It includes a medicine storage tank, a lid opening and closing module, a medicine liquid heating module, a cleaning module, a packaging module, a printing and labeling module, a camera recognition module, a display control module, and a communication module, and is capable of executing the control method described in any one of claims 1-8; The opening and closing module connects to the lid of the medicine storage tank and drives the lid to open or close. The liquid heating module can heat the liquid inside the medicine storage tank. The cleaning module includes a cleaning nozzle located below the lid. The packaging module can fill and seal the liquid flowing out of the medicine storage tank into bags. The printing and labeling module can print and affix labels to the packaged medicine bags. The camera recognition module scans, recognizes, and corrects errors on the medicine bags after the labels are affixed. The display control module can set parameters for other modules and control the actuators of other modules. The communication module connects to the display control module and enables data transmission and reception between the packaging and labeling machine and external devices.

10. An automated production line control method, characterized in that: Implemented using the packaging and labeling integrated machine as described in claim 9, the control system acquires the real-time power and total power of the packaging and labeling integrated machines on multiple automated production lines, plans the working time of the packaging and labeling integrated machines on each automated production line according to predetermined requirements, and instructs the packaging and labeling integrated machines on each automated production line to work using the control method described in any one of claims 1-8.

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