A blank label detection apparatus
By installing a detection mechanism and photoelectric sensors on the label printing machine, blank label paper can be detected in real time and the machine can be stopped automatically, thus solving the problem of label omission and improving production efficiency and applicability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NINGBO BROTHER PRINTING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
During the label production process, the removal of label strips can easily lead to the omission of blank labels. Existing technology requires full-page inspection and replacement, which is cumbersome and inefficient.
A detection mechanism is set up on the label printing machine. A photoelectric sensor is used to detect blank label paper. The label strip and blank label paper are separated by the take-up roller. The machine stops automatically and an alarm is issued. The staff then manually replenishes the missing labels.
It enables real-time detection and automatic shutdown during label production, avoiding the hassle of full-plate detection and improving production efficiency and applicability.
Smart Images
Figure CN224350069U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of label detection technology, and in particular to a blank label detection device. Background Technology
[0002] In the printing industry, labels are mostly printed materials used to indicate product information, and most have adhesive backing. However, some printing does not have adhesive backing, but these can also be called labels. Labels with adhesive backing are commonly known as "self-adhesive labels."
[0003] In the label production process, labels are often produced as a single sheet, with the label and label strip manufactured as a single unit. During subsequent sales, the label strip needs to be removed, and in doing so, the label is often torn off along with the strip, creating blank spaces that affect subsequent processes. Current technology typically involves inspecting the entire sheet of labels after all the label strips have been removed to ensure no labels are missing, and then replacing any missing labels, which is quite cumbersome. Utility Model Content
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a blank label detection device to address the problem of cumbersome label replacement during label production.
[0005] A blank label detection device, characterized in that it comprises: a label printing machine, wherein the label printing machine is provided with a detection mechanism for detecting blank label paper; a label, including a bottom substrate, blank label paper is disposed at intervals on the top of the substrate, and label strips are disposed between adjacent blank label papers; the label printing machine is provided with a winding roller for winding the label strips; wherein the detection mechanism includes a mounting frame mounted on the label printing machine, a bracket is disposed on the mounting frame, and a photoelectric sensor facing the label printing machine is mounted on the surface of the bracket, the photoelectric sensor being disposed corresponding to the blank label paper.
[0006] In one embodiment, the detection mechanism further includes a limiting groove formed on the top of the label printing machine, which is provided with a mounting block for mounting a mounting frame.
[0007] In one embodiment, the mounting frame is cylindrical, and the limiting groove and the mounting block are both corresponding to the limiting groove. The mounting block is fixedly connected to the top of the label printing machine by bolts.
[0008] In one embodiment, the mounting frame is provided with an adjustment frame, the adjustment frame is provided with a bracket, and limit plates are symmetrically provided at both ends of the adjustment frame.
[0009] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the adjustment frame has a through hole corresponding to the mounting frame, and a rubber ring is installed on the inner wall of the through hole. The bracket has a through hole corresponding to the adjustment frame, and a rubber ring is also provided in the through hole.
[0010] In one embodiment, the photoelectric sensor is positioned facing the blank label paper, and the photoelectric sensor is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the blank label paper.
[0011] In one embodiment, the photoelectric sensor is electrically connected to the control system of the label printing machine through a signal processing module. When the number of consecutively missing blank labels reaches a set threshold, the label printing machine automatically stops.
[0012] In one embodiment, the label printing machine is also equipped with an audible and visual alarm that is electrically connected to the signal processing module.
[0013] Beneficial effects
[0014] A detection mechanism is installed. When the label printing machine produces labels, the take-up roller drives the label strip to take up, realizing the separation of the label strip and the blank label paper. The substrate continues to move with the label strip. The blank label paper on the substrate is detected by photoelectric sensors. When the blank label paper is missing at the corresponding position, the photoelectric sensor sends a signal, and the label printing machine stops. The staff can then remove the blank label paper that is stuck to the label strip and stick it on the missing position on the corresponding substrate. There is no need to check for omissions and make up for them after the entire plate is produced, thus improving production efficiency.
[0015] An adjustment frame is provided, which can rotate and move on the mounting frame; a bracket is also provided, which can adjust the angle and position on the adjustment frame, making it easier to detect different labels and improving applicability. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in 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 some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the label strip separated from the substrate according to this utility model;
[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting groove of this utility model;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the testing mechanism of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket and adjustment frame of this utility model.
[0022] Figure label:
[0023] 100. Label printing machine; 110. Rewinding roller; 120. Substrate; 130. Label strip; 140. Blank label paper; 200. Detection mechanism; 210. Mounting frame; 220. Bracket; 230. Photoelectric sensor; 240. Adjusting frame; 250. Limiting plate; 260. Limiting groove; 270. Mounting block. Detailed Implementation
[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0025] The following is combined Figures 1-5 This invention describes a blank label detection device.
[0026] In one embodiment, a blank label detection device includes: a label printing machine 100, a detection mechanism 200 for detecting blank label paper 140 is provided on the label printing machine 100; a label, including a bottom substrate 120, blank label paper 140 is spaced apart on the top of the substrate 120, and label strips 130 are provided between adjacent blank label paper 140; a take-up roller 110 for taking up the label strips 130 is provided on the label printing machine 100; wherein, the detection mechanism 200 includes a mounting frame 210 mounted on the label printing machine 100, a bracket 220 is provided on the mounting frame 210, and a photoelectric sensor 230 facing the label printing machine 100 is mounted on the surface of the bracket 220, and the photoelectric sensor 230 is correspondingly arranged with the blank label paper 140.
[0027] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the detection mechanism 200 also includes a limiting groove 260 formed on the top of the label printing machine 100. The label printing machine 100 is provided with a mounting block 270 for mounting the mounting frame 210. The mounting frame 210 is cylindrical, and both the limiting groove 260 and the mounting block 270 are correspondingly set to the limiting groove 260. The mounting block 270 is fixedly connected to the top of the label printing machine 100 by bolts. An adjusting frame 240 is provided on the mounting frame 210, and a bracket 220 is provided on the adjusting frame 240. Limit plates 250 are symmetrically set at both ends of the adjusting frame 240. The inner wall of the adjusting frame 240 has a through hole corresponding to the mounting frame 210, and a rubber ring is installed on the inner wall of the through hole. The bracket 220 has a through hole corresponding to the adjusting frame 240, and a rubber ring is also installed in the through hole.
[0028] In this embodiment, when the label printing machine 100 produces labels, the substrate 120 moves, causing the blank label paper 140 and label strip 130 on the substrate 120 to move towards the detection mechanism 200. The label strip 130 is wound up by the take-up roller 110, so that the label strip 130 is separated from the blank label paper 140. The label strip 130 is wound up separately onto the take-up roller 110. The substrate 120 continues to move the blank label paper 140 towards the detection mechanism 200, thus completing the production. When the substrate 120 moves the blank label 140 to below the mounting frame 210, the photoelectric sensor 230 detects the blank label 140. When the corresponding blank label 140 on the substrate 120 adheres to the label strip 130, the photoelectric sensor 230 issues an alarm and controls the label printing machine 100 to stop. At this time, the operator can peel off the blank label 140 adhering to the label strip 130 and stick it to the corresponding position on the substrate 120, thus avoiding the problem of missing blank label 140 in the future, which requires detection and replacement, and is cumbersome to operate.
[0029] The rubber ring allows the bracket 220 to rotate and move on the adjusting frame 240, adjusting the position of the photoelectric sensor 230 on the adjusting frame 240. This facilitates the detection of labels of different sizes and improves applicability. The adjusting frame 240 can also rotate and move on the mounting frame 210, further facilitating the position adjustment of the photoelectric sensor 230, allowing it to be aligned with the desired detection location.
[0030] It should be noted that a label printing machine 100 typically consists of four main systems, which work together to complete the entire process from material supply to printing and processing. These include:
[0031] Printing Unit: Plate Cylinder: A cylindrical printing plate, such as a gravure, flexographic, or offset plate, that carries the graphic information and transfers ink onto the substrate through pressure.
[0032] Material supply and tension control system: Ink path system: including ink fountain, ink transfer roller, anilox roller flexographic press or ink roller group offset press, to ensure that ink is evenly transferred to the printing plate; Imprinting mechanism: rotary roller pressing or flat-plate pressing structure, which determines the continuity and accuracy of printing.
[0033] Material receiving and post-processing unit: Unwinding device: carries the roll material, equipped with guide rollers and tension sensors to ensure smooth material conveying; Tension control: dynamically adjusts the material tension through a magnetic powder brake or servo motor to prevent wrinkles or stretching deformation.
[0034] Auxiliary systems: Drying equipment: UV curing lamps or hot air boxes to ensure instantaneous drying of ink, especially during high-speed printing; Cleaning and dust removal: such as brushes or air jet mechanisms to pre-treat material surfaces to avoid printing defects; Exhaust gas treatment: activated carbon filters to purify volatile organic compounds generated during printing.
[0035] The core process of the label printing machine 100 is divided into four stages: material feeding, image transfer, drying and setting, and post-processing.
[0036] 1. Material conveying and positioning:
[0037] The roll material is unwound by the unwinding device and guided into the printing unit by guide rollers. The tension control system adjusts the material tension in real time, and the deviation correction device ensures stable lateral position.
[0038] 2. Printing process:
[0039] Flexographic printing: an anilox roller dispenses ink quantitatively → an ink transfer roller coats the printing plate → the printing plate and the substrate are pressed together for transfer printing;
[0040] Offset printing: Ink rollers supply ink evenly → the printing plate absorbs the ink → the rubber roller transfers the ink to the material.
[0041] 3. Drying and curing:
[0042] UV inks cure instantly when exposed to mercury lamps; solvent-based inks rely on hot air drying. Satellite-type equipment often has a UV lamp after each color group to prevent smudging.
[0043] 4. Post-processing after online connection:
[0044] After printing, the material goes directly into the die-cutting unit for flat or rotary die cutting, where waste edges are removed and the finished label is rewound. Optional processes such as hot stamping and lamination can be completed simultaneously.
[0045] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the photoelectric sensor 230 is positioned facing the blank label paper 140, with each photoelectric sensor 230 corresponding to a blank label paper 140. The photoelectric sensor 230 is electrically connected to the control system of the label printing machine 100 via a signal processing module. When the number of consecutively missing blank label papers 140 reaches a set threshold, the label printing machine 100 automatically stops. The label printing machine 100 is also equipped with an audible and visual alarm electrically connected to the signal processing module.
[0046] In this embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 230 is a reflective photoelectric sensor. The sensor emits a light beam onto the surface of the blank label paper 140 or the substrate 120, receives the intensity of the reflected light, and determines the presence or absence of the blank label paper 140 by the difference in reflectivity. The detection distance is adjusted to the optimal focal point. When the photoelectric sensor 230 detects a missing blank label paper 140, it sends a signal to the control system of the label printing machine 100, causing the label printing machine 100 to stop. The blank label paper 140 adhering to the label strip 130 is then removed and pasted at the corresponding position on the label strip 130. The label printing machine 100 can then be restarted to prevent the blank label paper 140 from being missing.
[0047] Working principle: The take-up roller 110 rotates actively, pulling the label strip 130 away from the substrate 120. This is designed to ensure that the blank label 140 remains on the substrate 120 for subsequent processes. When the substrate 120 moves below the mounting frame 210, the photoelectric sensor 230 aligns with the expected label position. If the blank label 140 is not missing, the light beam illuminates it, and the photoelectric sensor 230 reflects a strong signal, allowing the label printing machine 100 to continue operating. If the blank label 140 is missing, the photoelectric sensor 230 illuminates the substrate 120, resulting in a weak reflection signal. The label printing machine 100 stops, triggering an audible and visual alarm to prompt operator intervention. Based on the alarm signal, the operator checks for any abnormal blank label 140 adhering to the take-up roller 110, manually peels it off, and reattaches it to the corresponding position on the substrate 120. After resetting the system, production continues, avoiding the lag of traditional manual sampling.
[0048] It should be noted that the label printing machine 100 and photoelectric sensor 230 mentioned above are all devices with relatively mature existing technology. The specific model can be selected according to actual needs. At the same time, the label printing machine 100 and photoelectric sensor 230 are powered by AC mains power. The specific power supply method can be selected according to the situation, which will not be elaborated here.
[0049] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions will not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A blank label detection device, characterized in that, include: A label printing machine (100) is provided with a detection mechanism (200) for detecting blank label paper (140). The label includes a bottom substrate (120), blank label sheets (140) are spaced apart on the top of the substrate (120), and label strips (130) are provided between adjacent blank label sheets (140). The label printing machine (100) is provided with a take-up roller (110) for taking up the label strips (130). The detection mechanism (200) includes a mounting frame (210) installed on a label printing machine (100), a bracket (220) is provided on the mounting frame (210), and a photoelectric sensor (230) facing the label printing machine (100) is installed on the surface of the bracket (220), and the photoelectric sensor (230) is correspondingly arranged with a blank label paper (140).
2. The blank label detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (200) also includes a limiting groove (260) opened on the top of the label printing machine (100), and the label printing machine (100) is provided with a mounting block (270) for mounting the mounting frame (210).
3. The blank label detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (210) is cylindrical, and the limiting groove (260) and the mounting block (270) are both corresponding to the limiting groove (260). The mounting block (270) is fixedly connected to the top of the label printing machine (100) by bolts.
4. The blank label detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An adjustment frame (240) is provided on the mounting frame (210), a bracket (220) is provided on the adjustment frame (240), and limit plates (250) are symmetrically provided at both ends of the adjustment frame (240).
5. The blank label detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner wall of the adjusting frame (240) is provided with a through hole corresponding to the mounting frame (210), and a rubber ring is installed on the inner wall of the through hole. The bracket (220) is provided with a through hole corresponding to the adjusting frame (240), and a rubber ring is also provided in the through hole.
6. The blank label detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photoelectric sensor (230) is positioned facing the blank label paper (140), and the photoelectric sensor (230) and the blank label paper (140) are positioned in a one-to-one correspondence.
7. The blank label detection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The photoelectric sensor (230) is electrically connected to the control system of the label printing machine (100) through the signal processing module. When the number of consecutive missing blank label papers (140) reaches the set threshold, the label printing machine (100) automatically stops.
8. The blank label detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The label printing machine (100) is also equipped with an audible and visual alarm that is electrically connected to the signal processing module.