A double-sided automatic labelling apparatus and method

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of double-sided automatic labeling equipment and method. Including: first conveyor belt, for conveying product to be labeled;First labeling device, for the first side of product labeling;Second conveyor belt, set in the output end of first conveyor belt, for receiving and conveying product;Second labeling device, for the second side of product labeling. First labeling device and second labeling device are located at the different side of two conveyor belts respectively, product can complete two end face label pasting in succession in continuous conveying process without turning over, especially suitable for the pasting of the two end planes of cylindrical product. The relative position of two conveyor belts can be adjusted by horizontal movement module, to ensure smooth handover of products of different lengths. The product is axially limited by the baffle in the adjusting mechanism, to ensure stable conveying posture. The position detection device triggers labeling accurately, and the label is compacted by the soft body beating device, to improve the labeling quality. Compact structure, strong versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated labeling technology, specifically to a double-sided automatic labeling device and method. Background Technology

[0002] In the product manufacturing and packaging process, it is often necessary to affix labels to both sides of a product, such as attaching different labels to opposite sides of a packaging box. This is especially true for cylindrical products, such as cylindrical tape rolls, bottles, and cans, which often require labels to be affixed to the flat surfaces at both ends. During transport, these products need to be kept perpendicular to their axis to facilitate labeling. Currently, traditional methods for labeling both sides of products involve manually flipping the product and labeling it separately, or using a complex robotic arm gripping and flipping mechanism in conjunction with a single-sided labeling machine. Manual operation is inefficient, labeling accuracy is difficult to guarantee, and labor costs are high. While robotic arm flipping mechanisms are used, they are not only complex in structure and occupy a large space, but also pose risks of product drop, displacement, or label scratching during product handover and flipping. They also have poor compatibility with products of different sizes and specifications, and adjustments are cumbersome when changing products. Especially for cylindrical products, the reliability of gripping and flipping is even lower, easily leading to positioning deviations and affecting labeling quality.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a solution that is compact, versatile, and can efficiently complete automatic labeling on both sides. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the problems of low efficiency, complex structure, easy product damage, and poor adaptability caused by the need for manual flipping or complex robotic arms for double-sided labeling of products in the prior art. In particular, it addresses the problem of unstable posture and difficulty in flipping cylindrical products during transportation and labeling. The invention provides a compact device and method that can automatically label both sides of the product without flipping it, and can adapt to products of different sizes.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A double-sided automatic labeling device includes a first conveyor belt, a first labeling device, a second conveyor belt, and a second labeling device. The first conveyor belt transports products to be labeled. The first labeling device affixes labels to the first side of the products on the first conveyor belt. The second conveyor belt is located at the output end of the first conveyor belt and receives and transports products from the first conveyor belt. The second labeling device affixes labels to the second side of the products on the second conveyor belt.

[0007] Furthermore, it also includes a first transverse movement module and a second transverse movement module. The first conveyor belt and the first labeling device are disposed on the first transverse movement module, and the second conveyor belt and the second labeling device are disposed on the second transverse movement module. The transverse movement direction of the first transverse movement module and the second transverse movement module is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt.

[0008] Furthermore, at least two adjusting mechanisms are respectively arranged at intervals along the conveying direction on the first and second conveyor belts. Each adjusting mechanism includes a vertical plate, a connecting rod, and a moving body. The vertical plate is arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt, the connecting rod is connected between the two vertical plates, and the moving body is slidably connected to the connecting rod. The two adjusting mechanisms are connected to baffles, and the baffles are connected together to the lower part of the moving body of the two adjusting mechanisms, and together with the sidewall of the conveyor belt, they form an adjustable conveying channel for product conveying.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a position detection device, which comprises a fixed plate and a position sensor. The fixed plate is mounted on the connecting rods of two spaced-apart adjustment mechanisms, and the position sensor is mounted on the fixed plate.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a slapping device, which includes a drive motor and a slapping reciprocating mechanism. One end of the slapping reciprocating mechanism is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor, and the other end is a free end. The free end is provided with a striking block, and the striking block is provided with soft colloid.

[0011] Furthermore, a tapping device is installed on one side of the first conveyor belt to tap the label on the first side of the product.

[0012] Furthermore, a tapping device is installed on one side of the second conveyor belt to tap the label on the second side of the product.

[0013] Furthermore, the first labeling device and the second labeling device are located on different sides of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt, respectively, to achieve labeling on both sides of the product.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for automatically affixing labels to both sides, comprising the following steps:

[0015] S1. The products to be labeled are conveyed via the first conveyor belt;

[0016] S2. Use the first labeling device to affix a label to the first side of the product on the first conveyor belt;

[0017] S3. The product with the first label affixed is conveyed from the first conveyor belt to the second conveyor belt;

[0018] S4. The product is conveyed by the second conveyor belt, and the second labeling device is used to label the second side of the product.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes adjusting the lateral position of the first lateral movement module and / or the second lateral movement module according to the product size to adjust the relative position of the first conveyor belt and the second conveyor belt; and / or, using the adjustment mechanism provided on the first conveyor belt and / or the second conveyor belt to adjust the width of the conveyor channel so that the distance between the baffle and the conveyor belt edge matches the product width.

[0020] Beneficial effects

[0021] This invention provides a double-sided automatic labeling device and method, which has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0022] 1. Using a first and second conveyor belt positioned at the front and rear, respectively equipped with a first and second labeling device on their sides, the product can be labeled sequentially on both ends during continuous transport without flipping. The entire labeling process is automated, greatly improving production efficiency and avoiding the structural complexity and product damage risks associated with flipping mechanisms. For cylindrical products, it completely eliminates the risks of rolling and falling caused by flipping, making the labeling process more stable and reliable.

[0023] 2. By introducing a first lateral movement module and a second lateral movement module, the first and second conveyor belts can be independently adjusted in lateral position. When the product length is close to the width of the conveyor channel, the two conveyor belts can be adjusted to be directly connected on the same straight line. When the product length is short, since the first and second labeling devices are located on different sides of the two conveyor belts, the conveyor channels on both sides are not collinear. In this case, one of the conveyor belts can be adjusted laterally to align the conveyor channels on the two conveyor belts, ensuring that products with shorter lengths can be smoothly transferred.

[0024] 3. The adjustment mechanism installed on the first and second conveyor belts allows for sliding adjustment of the baffle position according to the product length, thereby changing the width of the conveyor channel. The baffle contacts the end face of the product for axial limiting, ensuring that the product maintains the correct posture during conveying and improving the consistency and accuracy of labeling position.

[0025] 4. The position detection device detects the product's incoming position in real time, accurately triggering the labeling device to perform labeling operations in the preset area. This ensures the repeatability and accuracy of label placement, effectively preventing missed or misaligned labels.

[0026] 5. By setting up a tapping device with soft adhesive after the labeling process, the freshly applied label is gently tapped and pressed, which can effectively remove air bubbles and enhance the adhesion between the label and the product surface. At the same time, the soft adhesive design prevents scratches, indentations and other damage to the label or product surface during the tapping process, ensuring the appearance quality of the finished product. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional view of the overall structure of the double-sided automatic labeling device of the present invention from a first perspective.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the overall structure of the double-sided automatic labeling device of the present invention from a second perspective.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a top view of the automatic labeling device with two sides according to the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional view of the overall structure of the double-sided automatic labeling device of the present invention from a third-person perspective;

[0031] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the adjustment mechanism and position detection device in the diagram;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the tapping device of the present invention;

[0033] In the diagram: 1. First conveyor belt; 2. First labeling device; 3. Second conveyor belt; 4. Second labeling device; 5. First transverse module; 6. Second transverse module; 7. Adjustment mechanism; 71. Vertical plate; 72. Connecting rod; 73. Moving body; 8. Position detection device; 81. Fixed plate; 82. Position sensor; 9. Tapping device; 91. Drive motor; 92. Tapping reciprocating mechanism; 93. Impact block; 94. Soft colloid; 10. Edge guard; 11. Transmission chain; 12. Roller; 13. Servo motor; 14. Baffle; 100. Product to be labeled. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0035] See Figures 1 to 6 This embodiment provides a double-sided automatic labeling device, mainly including a first conveyor belt 1, a first labeling device 2, a second conveyor belt 3, a second labeling device 4, a first transverse shift module 5, a second transverse shift module 6, an adjustment mechanism 7, a position detection device 8, and a tapping device 9. The first transverse shift module 5 and the second transverse shift module 6 are mounted on the machine platform.

[0036] Both the first conveyor belt 1 and the second conveyor belt 3 include a drive chain 11, several parallel rollers 12, and a servo motor 13. Each roller 12 is arranged along the width of the conveyor belt 1, and both ends of each roller 12 are connected to two parallel drive chains 11. The servo motor 13 is mounted on one side of the frame of the conveyor belt 1, and its output end is poweredly connected to the drive chain 11 via a sprocket or pulley to drive the drive chain 11. Driven by the servo motor 13, the drive chain 11 circulates along a zigzag path, thereby driving each roller 12 connected to it to circulate along the zigzag path. It should be noted that during this process, each roller 12 translates along with the drive chain 11, and the roller 12 itself does not rotate around its own axis. The tape roll product A is placed on the roller 12, its cylindrical surface contacting the outer circumferential surface of the roller 12, and is smoothly conveyed with the movement of the roller 12. It is understood that in this embodiment, the transmission chain 11 can also be replaced by a transmission belt or other transmission components with equivalent functions, which can also achieve the function of driving the roller 12 to perform cyclic motion. Conventional mechanical connection methods are used to achieve the function of the transmission chain driving the roller to perform synchronous cyclic motion. Common implementation methods include, but are not limited to: setting extended lugs or mounting seats on the chain plate of the transmission chain, inserting and fixing the end of the roller; or using U-shaped buckles or connecting blocks, with one end fixed to the chain plate and the other end supporting the end of the roller.

[0037] The first conveyor belt 1 is used along its conveying direction (e.g., Figure 3 The product 100 to be labeled is conveyed (in the direction of the middle arrow). The first labeling device 2 is fixedly installed on one side of the first conveyor belt 1 and is used to automatically affix labels to the first side (e.g., side A) of the product passing through its labeling area. The second conveyor belt 3 is located at the output end of the first conveyor belt 1 and is used to continuously receive the products with one side already labeled from the first conveyor belt 1 and continue to convey them forward.

[0038] The first labeling device 2 and the second labeling device 4 can employ label peeling and bonding devices commonly used in the art. Their structure mainly includes an unwinding reel, a rewinding reel, a peeling plate, and a labeling cylinder. The label roll is mounted on the unwinding reel, and after passing over the peeling plate, it is wound onto the rewinding reel. The label is separated at the front end of the peeling plate. An adsorption plate is provided at the end of the piston rod of the labeling cylinder to pick up the peeled label and extend it when the product is in position, pressing the label onto the end face of the product. The specific structure of the labeling device is not the focus of this invention and will not be further described here. The second labeling device 4 is fixedly mounted on one side of the second conveyor belt 3 for automatically affixing labels to the second side (e.g., side B) of the product opposite to the first side. The first labeling device 2 and the second labeling device 4 are located on different sides of the two conveyor belts to ensure that labels can be applied to both different sides of the product.

[0039] To facilitate smooth product transfer between two conveyor belts, especially when the product length is short, the first labeling device 2 and the second labeling device 4 are located on different sides of the first conveyor belt 1 and the second conveyor belt 3, respectively. This results in the conveyor channel for attaching the first side of the product on the first conveyor belt 1 and the conveyor channel for attaching the second side of the product on the second conveyor belt 3 not being on the same straight line. Therefore, the first conveyor belt 1 and the first labeling device 2 are integrally mounted on a first transverse module 5, and the second conveyor belt 3 and the second labeling device 4 are integrally mounted on a second transverse module 6. The first transverse module 5 and the second transverse module 6 can be commonly used lead screw guide modules or synchronous belt modules in the art, and their transverse direction (e.g., ...) Figure 3 (As shown by the double-headed arrow) is perpendicular to the conveyor belt's conveying direction. When the product length and the conveyor channel width are nearly identical, the two conveyor belts can be coaxially and linearly connected via a lateral movement module. When the product length is shorter, one of the conveyor belts can be adjusted laterally to align the conveyor channels on both belts, thus enabling smooth handover of shorter products.

[0040] To accommodate products of different lengths and provide axial restraint while ensuring linear conveying, two identical adjustment mechanisms 7 are arranged at intervals along the conveying direction on the first conveyor belt 1 and the second conveyor belt 3. The adjustment mechanisms 7 support the baffle 14 and adjust its position. Figures 4 to 5 As shown, each adjustment mechanism 7 includes a vertical plate 71, a connecting rod 72, and a movable body 73. Two vertical plates 71 are vertically fixed to both sides of the conveyor belt. The connecting rod 72, which is a smooth rod or guide rod, is horizontally mounted between the two vertical plates 71, forming a support structure spanning above the conveyor belt. The movable body 73 is equipped with a sliding sleeve or linear bearing and is slidably fitted onto the connecting rod 72. It can move smoothly along the width direction of the conveyor belt on the connecting rod 72. To facilitate fixing the movable body 73 in the desired position after adjustment, a locking element is also provided on the movable body 73. For example, a threaded hole is opened on the side of the movable body 73, a locking bolt or set screw is screwed in, and by tightening the locking bolt, its end presses against the surface of the connecting rod 72, thus fixing the movable body 73 onto the connecting rod 72.

[0041] The baffle 14 is a long strip extending along the conveyor belt's transport direction, located above the conveyor belt's bearing surface, i.e., above the plane containing the roller 12, to ensure effective lateral restraint of the tape roll product A. The upper part of the baffle 14 is fixedly connected to the lower part of the moving parts 73 of all adjusting mechanisms 7, which can be fixed by welding, bolting, or integral molding. Thus, the baffle 14 is supported by at least two moving parts 73 spaced apart along the transport direction, forming a multi-point support structure that ensures the structural rigidity and straightness of the baffle 14. The baffle 14 is parallel to and spaced apart from the fixed edge 10 on the conveyor belt, forming a transport channel for the product.

[0042] To achieve accurate labeling, the equipment is also equipped with a position detection device 8. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the position detection device 8 includes a fixed plate 81 and a position sensor 82 mounted on it. The fixed plate 81 is a long, thin strip, with its two ends fixed to the connecting rods 72 of two adjacent adjusting mechanisms 7 on the same conveyor belt, thus spanning above the conveyor belt and providing stable support. The position sensor 82 (such as a photoelectric sensor) is mounted on the fixed plate 81, with its probe facing downwards towards the conveyor channel, to accurately sense the signal of the product arriving at the front end and transmit the signal to the control system to trigger the labeling device to operate in a timely manner.

[0043] To further improve labeling quality, a tapping device 9 is installed on the side of the first conveyor belt 1 and the second conveyor belt 3, downstream of the labeling device along the conveying direction. For example... Figures 4 to 5 As shown, the tapping device 9 includes a drive motor 91 and a tapping reciprocating mechanism 92. One end of the tapping reciprocating mechanism 92 is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 91, and the other end is a free end, on which a striking block 93 is provided. A layer of soft colloid 931, such as sponge, silicone, or rubber, is covered or fixed to the outer surface of the striking block 93. The drive motor 91 drives the tapping reciprocating mechanism 92 to move back and forth in a straight line, so that the soft colloid 931 of the striking block continuously taps the surface of the freshly applied label, compacting the label and expelling air bubbles. The soft colloid 931 ensures that the tapping process does not damage the label surface.

[0044] This embodiment also provides a method for automatically affixing labels to both sides, using the above-mentioned equipment, and the specific operation process is as follows:

[0045] S1. First, adjust the equipment according to the width and length dimensions of the product. In this embodiment, the product is a cylindrical roll of adhesive tape, which needs to be labeled on both ends. If the channel width needs to be adjusted, manually slide the movable body 73 on the adjustment mechanism 7 to adapt the distance between the baffle 14 and the conveyor belt edge 10 to the product, thereby axially limiting the product. If the docking position of the two conveyor belts needs to be adjusted, drive the first transverse module 5 and / or the second transverse module 6 to move laterally through the control system, so that the conveying channels on the first conveyor belt 1 and the second conveyor belt 3 are aligned in a straight line, ensuring that the product can be smoothly transferred.

[0046] S2. After the equipment is started, the first conveyor belt 1 runs at a constant speed, placing the product 100 to be labeled between the two rollers, which hold it and transport it forward along the adjusted conveyor channel. Due to the clamping of the rollers and the axial limitation of the baffle 14, the product posture remains stable and will not shift or rotate.

[0047] S3. When the product passes the position detection device 8 above the first conveyor belt 1, the position sensor 82 detects the product arrival signal, and the control system then controls the first labeling device 2 to complete the labeling when the first side of the product reaches the predetermined area.

[0048] S4. The product with the first label affixed continues to be conveyed forward by the first conveyor belt 1, passing the tapping device 9 on the side of the first conveyor belt 1. The drive motor 91 drives the tapping reciprocating mechanism 92 to move back and forth, and the soft colloid 94 of the striking block 93 repeatedly and gently taps the label surface, so that the label adheres tightly to the product and ensures that the label edges do not lift up.

[0049] S5. The product naturally transitions from the end of the first conveyor belt 1 to the second conveyor belt 3, and the second conveyor belt 3 continues to move the product forward.

[0050] S6. Similarly, after the position detection device 8 above the second conveyor belt 3 detects the product, it triggers the second labeling device 4 to complete the labeling of the second side of the product.

[0051] S7. After the double-sided label is affixed, the product passes through the tapping device 9 on the side of the second conveyor belt 3 to tap and reinforce the second label. Finally, the product is output from the end of the second conveyor belt 3, completing the entire labeling process.

[0052] It should be noted that although this embodiment uses a cylindrical product as an example, according to actual production needs, by adjusting the parameters of the adjustment mechanism and the transverse module, this equipment can also perform efficient and accurate double-sided automatic labeling operations on different sides of square, irregular, and other shaped products, and is not limited to cylindrical products.

Claims

1. A double-sided automatic labeling device, characterized in that, include: The first conveyor belt (1) is used to transport products to be labeled. The first labeling device (2) is used to apply a first label to the product on the first conveyor belt (1); The second conveyor belt (3) is located at the output end of the first conveyor belt (1) and is used to receive and transport the products transported by the first conveyor belt (1). The second labeling device (4) is used to apply a second label to the products on the second conveyor belt (3).

2. The double-sided automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The first transverse module (5) and the second transverse module (6) are provided. The first conveyor belt (1) and the first labeling device (2) are provided on the first transverse module (5). The second conveyor belt (3) and the second labeling device (4) are provided on the second transverse module (6). The transverse direction of the first transverse module (5) and the second transverse module (6) is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first conveyor belt (1) and the second conveyor belt (3).

3. The double-sided automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two adjustment mechanisms (7) are respectively arranged at intervals along the conveying direction on the first conveyor belt (1) and the second conveyor belt (3). Each adjustment mechanism (7) includes a vertical plate (71), a connecting rod (72), and a moving body (73). The vertical plate (71) is arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt. The connecting rod (72) is connected between the two vertical plates (71). The moving body (73) is slidably connected to the connecting rod (72). The two adjustment mechanisms (7) are connected to baffles (14). The baffles (14) are connected to the lower part of the moving body (73) of the two adjustment mechanisms (7) and together with the sidewall of the conveyor belt, they form an adjustable conveying channel for product conveying.

4. The double-sided automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a position detection device (8), which includes a fixed plate (81) and a position sensor (82). The fixed plate (81) is disposed on the connecting rod (72) of two spaced-apart adjustment mechanisms (7), and the position sensor (82) is disposed on the fixed plate (81).

5. Double-sided automatic labelling apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that It also includes a slapping device (9), which includes a drive motor (91) and a slapping reciprocating mechanism (92). One end of the slapping reciprocating mechanism (92) is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (91), and the other end is a free end. The free end is provided with a striking block (93), and the striking block (93) is provided with a soft colloid (94).

6. The double-sided automatic labelling apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The tapping device (9) is located on one side of the first conveyor belt (1) and is used to tap the label on the first side of the product.

7. The dual side automatic labeling apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The tapping device (9) is located on one side of the second conveyor belt (3) and is used to tap the label on the second side of the product.

8. The dual side automatic labeling apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The first labeling device (2) and the second labeling device (4) are located on different sides of the first conveyor belt (1) and the second conveyor belt (3) respectively, so as to apply labels to both sides of the product.

9. A double-sided automatic labelling method according to the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. The product to be labeled is conveyed through the first conveyor belt (1); S2. Use the first labeling device (2) to label the first side of the product on the first conveyor belt (1); S3. The product with the first label affixed is conveyed from the first conveyor belt (1) to the second conveyor belt (3); S4. The product is conveyed by the second conveyor belt (3) and the second labeling device (4) is used to label the second side of the product.

10. The automatic labeling method for both sides according to claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes adjusting the lateral position of the first lateral module (5) and / or the second lateral module (6) according to the product size to adjust the relative position of the first conveyor belt (1) and the second conveyor belt (3); and / or adjusting the width of the conveying channel by means of the adjustment mechanism (7) provided on the first conveyor belt (1) and / or the second conveyor belt (3) so that the distance between the baffle (14) and the conveyor belt sidewall matches the product width.

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