Flexible labeling machine

Abstract

A flexible labeling machine comprises a rack assembly, an electric control assembly, a suction head mechanism and a label mechanism are installed on the rack assembly, the electric control assembly is used for providing electric control, the label mechanism is used for conveying labels, the suction head mechanism comprises a suction head shell, a rubber suction head and a telescopic rod, the rubber suction head and the telescopic rod are arranged at the two ends of the suction head shell respectively, and the rubber suction head is used for making contact with the labels. The end, away from the suction head shell, of the telescopic rod is in threaded connection with a screw, the telescopic rod is further sequentially sleeved with a telescopic spring and a buffering sleeve, one end of the telescopic spring abuts against the suction head shell, the other end of the telescopic spring abuts against the buffering sleeve, and the screw is used for limiting the buffering sleeve which slides towards the screw through the telescopic spring. The machine frame assembly is further provided with a mechanical arm mechanism used for moving the suction head mechanism, the mechanical arm mechanism is connected with the buffering sleeve through a coupling piece, labels are pasted through the telescopic suction head mechanism, the labeling strength is increased, the contact time of suction heads and products to be labeled is prolonged, and the labeling stability and reliability are guaranteed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of labeling equipment technology, and in particular to a flexible labeling machine. Background Technology

[0002] Labeling machines are important pieces of machinery in modern automated production lines, and there are many types of fully automatic labeling machines on the market.

[0003] Existing labeling machines typically use rigid suction heads, which make rigid contact with the label. This results in poor labeling force and a short contact time between the suction head and the product to be labeled, making it impossible to guarantee that the label will be completely adhered to the product every time.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to propose corresponding solutions to the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the existing technology and to provide a flexible labeling machine. This invention uses a retractable suction head mechanism to apply labels, increasing the labeling force and extending the contact time between the suction head and the labeled product, thus ensuring labeling stability and reliability.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows: A flexible labeling machine includes a frame assembly, on which an electrical control assembly, a suction head mechanism, and a label mechanism are installed. The electrical control assembly is used to provide power control, the label mechanism is used to convey labels, and the suction head mechanism includes a suction head shell and rubber suction heads and telescopic rods respectively disposed at both ends of the suction head shell. The rubber suction heads are used to contact the labels. A screw is threaded to one end of the telescopic rod away from the suction head shell. The telescopic rod is also fitted with a telescopic spring and a buffer sleeve in sequence. One end of the telescopic spring abuts against the suction head shell and the other end abuts against the buffer sleeve. The screw is used to limit the buffer sleeve. The buffer sleeve slides towards the screw via the telescopic spring. The frame assembly is also provided with a robotic arm mechanism for moving the suction head mechanism. The robotic arm mechanism is connected to the buffer sleeve via a coupling.

[0007] The outer wall of the telescopic rod is recessed with a first groove, which extends along the axis of the telescopic rod. The inner wall of the buffer sleeve is raised with a first protrusion that matches the first groove.

[0008] The suction head housing is also provided with a negative pressure air tube connector and a positive pressure air tube connector. An air cavity is provided between the suction head housing and the rubber suction head. Both the negative pressure air tube connector and the positive pressure air tube connector are connected to the air cavity. The rubber suction head has several air holes that are connected to the air cavity. When the air cavity generates negative pressure through the negative pressure air tube connector, the rubber suction head adsorbs the label through the air holes. When the air cavity generates positive pressure through the positive pressure air tube connector, the rubber suction head releases the label through the air holes.

[0009] The robotic arm mechanism includes a static platform and a moving platform. The static platform is fixedly mounted on the frame assembly. The moving platform is connected to a buffer sleeve via a coupling. A telescopic assembly and at least three robotic arm assemblies are also provided between the static platform and the moving platform. Both ends of the telescopic assembly are connected to universal couplings. The telescopic assembly includes a telescopic sleeve and a telescopic shaft that is inserted into the telescopic sleeve. The robotic arm assembly includes a rotating arm and a connecting rod that is rotatably connected to the rotating arm.

[0010] The outer wall of the telescopic shaft is recessed with a second groove, which extends along the axis of the telescopic shaft. The inner wall of the telescopic sleeve is raised with a second protrusion that matches the second groove.

[0011] The rotating arm has several process holes on its side wall, and a reinforcing rib is also provided on the side of the rotating arm near the connecting rod.

[0012] The frame assembly is also equipped with a vision inspection mechanism, which includes a light box and an industrial camera installed inside the light box. The inner walls of the light box are equipped with light strips, and the inner walls of the light box are also coated with reflective material.

[0013] The frame assembly is also equipped with a conveyor belt and an encoder. The conveyor belt is used to transport products to be labeled, and the encoder is used to detect the conveying stroke of the conveyor belt.

[0014] A crossbeam that passes through the optical box is fixedly connected between the industrial camera and the robotic arm mechanism.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model uses a telescopic suction head mechanism to apply labels. Specifically, the telescopic rod drives the suction head shell and the rubber suction head to dynamically buffer when pressing down to apply the label. The buffer sleeve is fixedly connected to the robotic arm mechanism through a coupling. When the suction head shell is pressed down during labeling, the end of the telescopic rod with the screw extends out of the buffer sleeve, and the telescopic spring between the buffer sleeve and the suction head shell is compressed, thereby providing elastic force in the same direction as the downward pressure. This helps the suction head shell to further press down on the rubber suction head, increasing the labeling force and extending the contact time between the suction head and the product to be labeled. This ensures that the label is fully compressed and evenly applied. The flexible characteristics of the rubber suction head can adapt to the curvature changes of the surface of the product to be labeled, further increasing the adhesion between the label and the product and ensuring the stability and reliability of the labeling process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, obtaining other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort still falls within the scope of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flexible labeling machine according to the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the suction head mechanism in this utility model;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the suction head mechanism from another perspective in this utility model;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the suction head mechanism in this utility model;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a reference diagram showing the usage state of the suction head mechanism in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the robotic arm mechanism in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the visual inspection mechanism in this utility model;

[0024] In the diagram, 1-frame assembly, 2-electrical control assembly, 3-suction head mechanism, 4-label mechanism, 5-suction head housing, 6-rubber suction head, 7-telescopic rod, 8-screw, 9-telescopic spring, 10-buffer sleeve, 11-robotic arm mechanism, 12-coupling, 13-first groove, 14-first protrusion, 15-negative pressure air pipe connector, 16-positive pressure air pipe connector, 17-air chamber, 18-air hole, 19-static platform, 20-moving platform, 21-universal coupling, 22-telescopic sleeve, 23-telescopic shaft, 24-rotating arm, 25-connecting rod, 26-second groove, 27-second protrusion, 28-process hole, 29-reinforcing rib, 30-optical box, 31-industrial camera, 32-light strip, 33-conveyor belt, 34-encoder, 35-crossbeam. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this utility model clearer, the utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] It should be noted that all uses of "first" and "second" in the embodiments of this utility model are for the purpose of distinguishing two entities or parameters with the same name but different names. It is clear that "first" and "second" are only for the convenience of expression and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this utility model. Subsequent embodiments will not explain this in detail.

[0027] The directional and positional terms used in this utility model, such as "up," "down," "front," "back," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional and positional terms used are for the purpose of explaining and understanding this utility model, and not for limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this is an embodiment of the present invention: a flexible labeling machine, including a frame assembly 1. An electrical control assembly 2, a suction head mechanism 3, and a label mechanism 4 are mounted on the frame assembly 1. The electrical control assembly 2 provides power control. The label mechanism 4 conveys labels. The suction head mechanism 3 includes a suction head housing 5 and rubber suction heads 6 and a telescopic rod 7 respectively disposed at both ends of the suction head housing 5. The rubber suction heads 6 are used to contact the labels. A screw 8 is threaded to one end of the telescopic rod 7 away from the suction head housing 5. A telescopic spring 9 and a buffer sleeve 10 are sequentially sleeved on the telescopic rod 7. One end of the telescopic spring 9 abuts against the suction head housing 5, and the other end abuts against the buffer sleeve 10. The screw 8 limits the buffer sleeve 10, which slides towards the screw 8 via the telescopic spring 9. The frame assembly 1 also includes a robotic arm mechanism 11 for moving the suction head mechanism 3, which is connected to the buffer sleeve 10 via a coupling 12.

[0029] The beneficial effects of this design are as follows: This utility model uses a retractable suction head mechanism to apply labels. Specifically, the telescopic rod drives the suction head shell and rubber suction head to dynamically buffer each other when pressing down to apply the label. The buffer sleeve is fixedly connected to the robotic arm mechanism through a coupling. When the suction head shell is pressed down during labeling, the end of the telescopic rod with the screw extends out of the buffer sleeve, and the telescopic spring between the buffer sleeve and the suction head shell is compressed, thereby providing elastic force in the same direction as the downward pressure. This helps the suction head shell to further press down on the rubber suction head, increasing the labeling force and extending the contact time between the suction head and the product to be labeled. This ensures that the label is fully compressed and evenly adhered. The flexible characteristics of the rubber suction head can adapt to the curvature changes of the surface of the product to be labeled, further increasing the adhesion between the label and the product and ensuring the stability and reliability of the labeling process.

[0030] Furthermore, the outer wall of the telescopic rod 7 is recessed with a first groove 13, which extends along the axial direction of the telescopic rod 7, and the inner wall of the buffer sleeve 10 is raised with a first protrusion 14 that matches the first groove 13.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this design are as follows: the interlocking action between the first groove and the first protrusion prevents the telescopic rod and the buffer sleeve from rotating relative to each other, ensuring the accuracy of the labeling direction and position and preventing misalignment.

[0032] Furthermore, the suction head housing 5 is also provided with a negative pressure air pipe connector 15 and a positive pressure air pipe connector 16. An air chamber 17 is provided between the suction head housing 5 and the rubber suction head 6. Both the negative pressure air pipe connector 15 and the positive pressure air pipe connector 16 are connected to the air chamber 17. The rubber suction head 6 has several air holes 18 that are connected to the air chamber 17. When the air chamber 17 generates negative pressure through the negative pressure air pipe connector 15, the rubber suction head 6 adsorbs the label through the air holes 18. When the air chamber 17 generates positive pressure through the positive pressure air pipe connector 16, the rubber suction head 6 releases the label through the air holes 18.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this setup are as follows: the negative pressure air pipe connector and the positive pressure air pipe connector form a dual air path switching system, which realizes precise control of label adsorption and release. When the negative pressure air pipe connector stops generating negative pressure, it will stop adsorbing the label. At this time, positive pressure can be introduced into the air chamber through the positive pressure air pipe connector to further help release the label. In addition, the pneumatic control principle and the simplified air path layout have the advantages of rapid response and shorten the cycle of a single labeling.

[0034] Further configuration: the robotic arm mechanism 11 includes a static platform 19 and a moving platform 20. The static platform 19 is fixedly mounted on the frame assembly 1. The moving platform 20 is connected to the buffer sleeve 10 via a coupling 12. A telescopic assembly and at least three robotic arm assemblies are also provided between the static platform 19 and the moving platform 20. Both ends of the telescopic assembly are connected to universal couplings 21. The telescopic assembly includes a telescopic sleeve 22 and a telescopic shaft 23 inserted into the telescopic sleeve 22. The robotic arm assembly includes a rotating arm 24 and a connecting rod 25 rotatably connected to the rotating arm 24.

[0035] The beneficial effects of this setup are as follows: the structure, composed of a telescopic component and at least three robotic arm components linked together, is driven by motors, enabling the suction head mechanism to move smoothly and freely. The three robotic arm components are evenly distributed around the circumference of the stationary platform, with the telescopic component positioned at the center of the three robotic arm components, allowing the suction head mechanism to move in any direction. The plug-in structure of the telescopic sleeve and telescopic shaft, combined with a universal coupling, allows for both telescopic extension and rotation, accommodating the smooth and free movement of the moving platform without mechanical interference. It also allows for dynamic control of the movement precision. All components employ flexible connections to ensure the flexible movement of the suction head mechanism.

[0036] Furthermore, the outer wall of the telescopic shaft 23 is recessed with a second groove 26, which extends along the axial direction of the telescopic shaft 23, and the inner wall of the telescopic sleeve 22 is raised with a second protrusion 27 that matches the second groove 26.

[0037] The beneficial effects of this design are as follows: the snap-fit ​​between the second groove and the second protrusion enables the telescopic shaft to drive the telescopic sleeve to rotate synchronously, ensuring the normal connection of the universal coupling.

[0038] Furthermore, the rotating arm 24 has several process holes 28 on its side wall, and a reinforcing rib 29 is also provided on the side of the rotating arm 24 near the connecting rod 25.

[0039] The beneficial effects of this design are as follows: the weight of the rotating arm is reduced by the process holes, and the rigidity of the rotating arm is improved by the reinforcing ribs, thus ensuring good rigidity of the rotating arm while reducing its weight.

[0040] Furthermore, the frame assembly 1 is also equipped with a vision inspection mechanism, which includes a light box 30 and an industrial camera 31 installed inside the light box 30. The inner walls of the light box 30 are equipped with light strips 32, and the inner walls of the light box 30 are also coated with reflective material.

[0041] The beneficial effects of this setup are as follows: the position coordinates and status of the product to be labeled are collected by an industrial camera, and the information is then transmitted to the robotic arm mechanism to help the robotic arm and suction head mechanism to accurately apply the label. The light box is enclosed outside the industrial camera, and light strips are installed around the inside of the light box to provide a light source. Combined with reflective material, the diffuse reflection of light allows the light to be evenly projected onto the product to be labeled, blocking external light and preventing the formation of halos or light spots, resulting in better image quality.

[0042] Furthermore, the frame assembly 1 is also equipped with a conveyor belt 33 and an encoder 34. The conveyor belt 33 is used to transport products to be labeled, and the encoder 34 is used to detect the conveying stroke of the conveyor belt 33.

[0043] The beneficial effects of this setup are as follows: the products to be labeled are conveyed by a conveyor belt, and the products are first inspected by a vision inspection mechanism, and then labeled by a suction head mechanism, forming an automated production line working mode.

[0044] In a further configuration, a crossbeam 35 passing through the light box 30 is fixedly connected between the industrial camera 31 and the robotic arm mechanism 11.

[0045] The beneficial effects of this setup are as follows: the crossbeam fixes the industrial camera to the robotic arm mechanism, securing the camera's installation position and preventing changes in the coordinate information collected by the camera. This allows for accurate transmission of the information to the robotic arm mechanism for analysis and subsequent labeling.

[0046] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Therefore, any equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present utility model shall still fall within the scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A flexible labelling machine comprising a machine frame assembly (1) on which are mounted an electrical control assembly (2) for providing electrical control, a suction head mechanism (3) and a label mechanism (4) for feeding labels, characterised in that: The suction head mechanism (3) includes a suction head housing (5) and rubber suction heads (6) and telescopic rods (7) respectively disposed at both ends of the suction head housing (5). The rubber suction heads (6) are used to contact the label. The telescopic rod (7) has a screw (8) threadedly connected to one end away from the suction head housing (5). The telescopic rod (7) is also fitted with a telescopic spring (9) and a buffer sleeve (10) in sequence. One end of the telescopic spring (9) abuts against the suction head housing (5) and the other end abuts against the buffer sleeve (10). The screw (8) is used to limit the buffer sleeve (10). The buffer sleeve (10) slides towards the screw (8) through the telescopic spring (9). The frame assembly (1) is also provided with a robotic arm mechanism (11) for moving the suction head mechanism (3). The robotic arm mechanism (11) is connected to the buffer sleeve (10) through a coupling (12).

2. A flexible labelling machine according to claim 1, characterised in that: The outer wall of the telescopic rod (7) is recessed with a first groove (13), which extends along the axis of the telescopic rod (7). The inner wall of the buffer sleeve (10) is raised with a first protrusion (14) that matches the first groove (13).

3. A flexible labelling machine according to claim 1, characterised in that: The suction head housing (5) is also provided with a negative pressure air pipe connector (15) and a positive pressure air pipe connector (16). An air chamber (17) is provided between the suction head housing (5) and the rubber suction head (6). Both the negative pressure air pipe connector (15) and the positive pressure air pipe connector (16) are connected to the air chamber (17). The rubber suction head (6) is provided with several air holes (18) that are connected to the air chamber (17). When the air chamber (17) generates negative pressure through the negative pressure air pipe connector (15), the rubber suction head (6) adsorbs the label through the air holes (18). When the air chamber (17) generates positive pressure through the positive pressure air pipe connector (16), the rubber suction head (6) releases the label through the air holes (18).

4. A flexible labelling machine according to claim 1, characterised in that: The robotic arm mechanism (11) includes a static platform (19) and a moving platform (20). The static platform (19) is fixedly installed on the frame assembly (1). The moving platform (20) is connected to the buffer sleeve (10) through a coupling (12). A telescopic assembly and at least three robotic arm assemblies are also provided between the static platform (19) and the moving platform (20). Both ends of the telescopic assembly are connected to universal couplings (21). The telescopic assembly includes a telescopic sleeve (22) and a telescopic shaft (23) inserted into the telescopic sleeve (22). The robotic arm assembly includes a rotating arm (24) and a connecting rod (25) rotatably connected to the rotating arm (24).

5. A flexible labeling machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer wall of the telescopic shaft (23) is recessed with a second groove (26), which extends along the axial direction of the telescopic shaft (23). The inner wall of the telescopic sleeve (22) is raised with a second protrusion (27) that matches the second groove (26).

6. A flexible labeling machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The rotating arm (24) has several process holes (28) on its side wall, and the rotating arm (24) is also provided with reinforcing ribs (29) on the side near the connecting rod (25).

7. A flexible labeling machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The frame assembly (1) is also provided with a vision inspection mechanism, which includes a light box (30) and an industrial camera (31) installed inside the light box (30). The inner walls of the light box (30) are provided with light strips (32), and the inner walls of the light box (30) are also coated with reflective material.

8. A flexible labeling machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rack assembly (1) is also provided with a conveyor belt (33) and an encoder (34). The conveyor belt (33) is used to transport products to be labeled, and the encoder (34) is used to detect the conveying stroke of the conveyor belt (33).

9. A flexible labeling machine according to claim 7, characterized in that: A crossbeam (35) that passes through the optical box (30) is fixedly connected between the industrial camera (31) and the robotic arm mechanism (11).

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