Machine for labelling an object

Abstract

Machine (1) for labeling an object (O), comprising a station (2) for feeding objects (O) to be labeled; a labeling station (3); a handling robot (5) configured for vertically picking up an object (O) to be labeled from said feeding station (2)and placing it onto said labeling station (3) in such a way as to allow the adhesion of a label (E) on said object (O) to be labeled; qualitative discrimination means for discriminating between correctly labeled objects and incorrectly labeled objects.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine for labeling an object.

[0002] An object is defined as any body that has a gripping point and conformation such that a label can be applied to it.

[0003] A label is any flexible element such as a sheet of paper or a plastic film containing the necessary identifying information of the object on which it is applied.

[0004] Correct application of labels is important for various sectors.

[0005] For example, for the medical and pharmaceutical industry sector, the application of identification labels on test tubes or syringes is of paramount importance.

[0006] In some cases, for example, test tubes intended for the medical or pharmaceutical industry contain reagent substances intended for the analysis of various biological liquids.

[0007] In order for these analyses to be carried out correctly, it is essential that the test tubes are perfectly identifiable, and with them the reagent contained therein.

[0008] As in the medical and pharmaceutical industry, labeling machines play an important role in various other areas; just think of the labeling of bottles, cosmetics and so on.

[0009] Today, the labeling of these products is done manually, or by means of machines based for example on conveyor belts.

[0010] However, these known machines based on the transport of objects by means of conveyor belts have important drawbacks.

[0011] A first drawback of such known machines is due to the fact that often, obtaining proper labeling is overly dependent on the conformation of the object itself.

[0012] In fact, to ensure that an object can be transported in an upright position, it must have a flat base and a dimensional structure such that it has a stable center of gravity when moving at a given speed.

[0013] Sometimes, to overcome this problem, some known machines provide for the transport of objects in a horizontal position, in some cases more stable. However, one drawback of this type of transport is that, should the aforementioned objects contain a liquid inside them (such as in the case of the aforementioned test tubes), this liquid is likely to end up, for example, between the intersections obtained between an object cap and the object itself, thus leading to possible complications for the following production steps.

[0014] Another drawback of known labeling machines is given by the fact that they do not always allow fast and effective operations.

[0015] Another drawback of known labeling machines is given by the fact that they do not always turn out to be simple and inexpensive to use.

[0016] Another drawback of known labeling machines is given by the fact that they do not always guarantee an adequate degree of accuracy and reliability.

[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to make available a labeling machine for an object designed to solve the drawbacks of the state of the art.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to make available a machine for labeling an object that can provide quick and fast operations, regardless of the conformation of the object.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to make available a machine for labeling an object that can ensure precise and accurate operations.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to make available a machine for labeling an object that can ensure safe and reliable identification of that object. Another object of the present invention is to make available a machine for labeling an object designed to optimally perform labeling operations for any type of object having a gripping point, regardless of its conformation.

[0021] According to the invention, these objects and others are achieved by a machine for labeling an object having the technical characteristics described in the attached claims.

[0022] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the objects set out above, are clearly described in the attached claims and its advantages are evident from the detailed description that follows, with reference to the attached drawings that illustrate purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments thereof, wherein: figure 1 illustrates a schematic lateral view in perspective from above of a machine for labeling an objectaccording to the present invention, figure 2 illustrates a zoomed-in view of a detail of the machine, and figure 3 illustrates a perspective view from above of a portion of a machine for labeling an object according to the present invention.

[0023] With reference to the attached figure 1, the numeral 1 indicates a machine for labeling an object O according to the present invention, hereinafter also referred to simply as machine 1.

[0024] The machine 1 according to the present invention comprises a station 2 for feeding objects to be labeled.

[0025] Objects to be labeled include, for example, test tubes, syringes, vials or even bottles, cosmetics or any type of body with a gripping point.

[0026] Specifically, objects to be labeled are defined as objects that have liquid matter inside them.

[0027] For this reason, it is necessary to treat such objects by keeping them essentially vertical, or at least not horizontal, so as to prevent such liquid from going into intersections, for example, obtained between the cap and the object's containing body.

[0028] Advantageously, such objects O are arranged on the feeding station 2 automatically.

[0029] Alternatively, such objects O are arranged on the feeding station 2 manually.

[0030] The machine 1 object of the present invention comprises a labeling station 3.

[0031] The machine 1 also comprises a train T of labels.

[0032] Such train T of labels comprises a base support S and a plurality of labels E glued onto the base support S itself.

[0033] In particular, the labeling station 3 defines a meeting point between the train T of labels and the object O to be labeled.

[0034] The machine 1 according to the present invention comprises a unit 4 for advancing the train T of labels towards the labeling station 3.

[0035] Advantageously, the advancing unit 4 comprises a plurality of return rollers, at least partly motorized. The machine 1 according to the present invention comprises a handling robot 5 configured to vertically pick up an object O to be labeled from the feeding station 2.

[0036] In detail, the feeding station 2 has a row of objects O and a gripping area.

[0037] The object O placed at the gripping area, is picked up vertically by the handling robot 5.

[0038] When the object O is picked up from the gripping area, this gripping area is occupied by the next object O, thus implying a sliding of the row of objects.

[0039] The handling robot 5 is therefore configured to place the object O to be labeled at the labeling station 3. The handling robot 5 is also configured to rotate the object O to be labeled around a vertical Z-axis so that an advancement of the train T of labels towards the handling robot 5 allows the adhesion of a label E on the object to be labeled.

[0040] Basically, an adhesive portion of the label E adheres onto the object O to be labeled, and by means of a rotation of the object O (generated by the robot 5 manipulator) around the aforementioned vertical Z axis, adhesion of the entire label E onto the object O to be labeled is allowed.

[0041] Advantageously, the handling robot 5 comprises a support body 51 extending along an axis Z1 parallel to the aforementioned vertical axis Z.

[0042] Said support body 51 is fixed to a base.

[0043] The handling robot 5 comprises a first arm 52 extending substantially transversely to the support body 51.

[0044] This arm 52 is designed to rotate around the axis Z1 of development of the support body 51.

[0045] The handling robot 5 advantageously comprises a gripping portion 54 connected to the first arm 52 and designed to translate along the vertical axis Z and rotating around it.

[0046] Advantageously, the handling robot 5 also comprises a second arm 53 extending substantially transversely to the support body 51.

[0047] The second arm 53 is interposed between the first arm 52 and the gripping portion 54.

[0048] In particular, the second arm 53 is configured to rotate around an axis Z2 parallel to the axis Z1 of development of the support body 51.

[0049] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the handling robot 5 is of the anthropomorphic type. Advantageously, the gripping portion 54 comprises a threaded worm screw 541.

[0050] Such threaded worm screw 541 is able to translate along the vertical Z-axis.

[0051] Such worm screw 541 is moved along the Z-axis via automatic movement means.

[0052] The gripping portion 54 also comprises a rotating body 542.

[0053] Such rotating body 542 has an internal channel counter-threaded to the worm screw 541.

[0054] The rotating 542 body is designed to translate jointly with the worm screw 541 along the vertical Z axis, and rotating in screwing / unscrewing with respect to the worm screw 541 around the vertical Z axis.

[0055] Furthermore, advantageously, the gripping portion 54 comprises a gripper 543 obtained on a lower end of the rotating body 542.

[0056] Such gripper 543 is designed to grasp the object O during its movement.

[0057] Basically, the gripping portion 54 is designed to maintain the object O in a vertical position during movement.

[0058] Advantageously, the gripper 543 comprises two fingers adapted to pass from a spaced passive position to an active gripping position by translating along a direction perpendicular to the vertical Z-axis.

[0059] When the fingers of the gripper 543 are gripped, such gripper stably grasps an object O.

[0060] The machine 1 according to the present invention comprises qualitative discrimination means to discriminate between correctly labeled objects and incorrectly labeled objects.

[0061] In particular, each of the aforementioned labels E has an identification code.

[0062] Therefore, it is of paramount importance that this identification code be clearly readable. Advantageously, the discrimination means comprise a first detection sensor 61 configured to verify the correctness of the identification code of each of the labels E.

[0063] This allows to understand whether the label that is applied to a given object O is readable or not.

[0064] As mentioned, sticking a poorly readable label E on an object O could lead to misunderstandings and subsequent misreading of the label E itself.

[0065] Errors in reading a label can lead, in sensitive areas such as the medical or pharmaceutical industry, to even quite serious consequences.

[0066] Therefore, the presence of such a first sensor 61 to detect the correctness and readability of the identification code assumes a role of paramount importance in the machine 1 object of the present invention.

[0067] Advantageously, the first sensor 61 is arranged close to the unit 4 for advancing the train T of labels. Advantageously also, the discrimination means include a second 62 detection sensor.

[0068] This second sensor 62 is arranged close to the labeling station 3.

[0069] The second sensor 62 is designed to verify the correct positioning of the label E on the object O. Advantageously, the sensor 62 is designed to verify the height at which the label E is applied to the object O, with respect to the base of the object O itself.

[0070] This allows to optimize the reading of the label E in subsequent phases for which such object O is intended. The machine 1 according to the present invention comprises a first chute 71 for the outfeed of the correctly labeled objects.

[0071] The machine 1 also comprises at least a second chute 72 for the outfeed of the incorrectly labeled objects. Advantageously, the machine 1 comprises two outfeed chutes 72 to discriminate objects incorrectly labeled due to an anomaly detected by the first sensor 61, and objects incorrectly labeled due to an anomaly detected by the second sensor 62.

[0072] The handling robot 5 is also able to direct and release the correctly labeled objects onto the first 71 outfeed chute, and the incorrectly labeled objects onto the second 72 outfeed chute.

[0073] Advantageously, the incorrectly labeled objects, after being directed towards the second 72 outfeed chute, are stripped of their label E, and recirculated in the system.

[0074] Advantageously, the machine 1 according to the present invention comprises a counter operationally connected to the qualitative discrimination means and configured to update the count of the incorrectly labeled objects, consecutively rejected.

[0075] Advantageously, the machine 1 also comprises alarm means configured to activate when the aforementioned counter marks a number of incorrectly labeled objects, consecutively rejected, equal to a set threshold value.

[0076] This allows an operator to carry out a check of the anomaly found and to take measures in order to avoid further labeling errors.

[0077] Thus, the counter allows the discrimination process to be made more reliable.

[0078] Advantageously, the labeling station 3 also comprises a pressing element 31 designed to press the label E onto the object to be labeled.

[0079] This allows for optimizing the application of the label E itself.

[0080] This pressing element 31 is designed to move along a direction perpendicular to the vertical Z-axis, and to approach the object to be labeled so that the label E, during application onto the object O, is interposed between the object O and the pressing element 31.

[0081] The machine for labeling an object according to the present invention allows for solving the drawbacks of the state of the art and achieves important advantages. A first advantage of the machine for labeling an objectaccording to the present invention is to ensure optimized labeling regardless of the conformation of the object to be labeled, as long as it has at least one gripping point.

[0082] In particular, such a machine makes it possible to label optimally even objects presenting an inadequate base to hold such an object in vertical support without supports, but also objects presenting a height significantly higher than the other dimensions, and which, when handled by means of traditional conveyor belts, would be constantly in precarious balance.

[0083] Another advantage of the machine for labeling an object according to the present invention is that it ensures quick and rapid labeling regardless of the object's conformation.

[0084] Basically, the machine according to the present invention enables the labeling speed to be released from the shape of the object to be labeled.

[0085] Another advantage of the machine for labeling an object according to the present invention is that it ensures practical and efficient use.

[0086] Another advantage of the machine for labeling an object according to the present invention is that it ensures accurate and reliable label application.

Claims

1. A machine (1) for labeling an object (O), comprising: - a station (2) for feeding objects (O) to be labeled; - a labeling station (3); - a train (T) of labels comprising a base support (S) and a plurality of labels (E) glued on said base support (S) each of said labels (E) presenting an identification code; - a feeding unit (4) for feeding said train (T) of labels towards said labeling station (3); - a handling robot (5) configured for vertically picking up an object (O) to be labeled from said feeding station (2), positioning it at said labeling station (3) and rotating it about a vertical axis (Z) in such a way that an advancement of said train (T) of labels towards said handling robot (5) allows the adhesion of a label (E) on said object (O) to be labeled; - qualitative discrimination means for distinguishing between objects correctly labeled and objects incorrectly labeled; - a first outfeed chute (71) for said objects correctly labeled and at least a second outfeed chute (72) for said objects incorrectly labeled, said handling robot (5) also being designed to direct and release said objects correctly labeled on said first outfeed chute (71), and said objects incorrectly labeled on said at least a second outfeed chute (72), said machine (1) being characterised in that said discrimination means comprise a first detection sensor (61) configured to verify the correctness of said identification code of each of said labels (E) and in that it comprises a counter operationally connected to said qualitative discrimination means and configured to update the count of said incorrectly labeled objects, discarded consecutively.

2. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said discrimination means comprise a second detection sensor (62), positioned close to said labeling station (3) and designed to check the correctness of the positioning of said label (E) on said object (O).

3. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said handling robot (5) comprises: - a supporting body (51) extending along an axis (Z1) parallel to said vertical axis (Z), said supporting body (51) being fixed to a base; - a first arm (52) with an extension substantially transversal to said supporting body (51), and configured to rotate about said axis (Z1) of extension of said supporting body (51); - a gripping portion (54) connected to said first arm (52) and configured to translate along said vertical axis (Z) and to rotate about it.

4. The machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a second arm (53) with an extension substantially transversal to said supporting body (51), said second arm (53) being interposed between said first arm (52) and said gripping portion (54) and configured to rotate about an axis (Z2) parallel to said axis (Z1) of extension of said supporting body (51).

5. The machine (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that said gripping portion (54) comprises a threaded worm screw (541) designed to translate along said vertical axis (Z), and a rotary body (542) having an inner channel counter-threaded to said worm screw (541), said rotary body (542) being designed to translate integrally with said worm screw (541) along said vertical axis (Z) and to rotate by screwing / unscrewing relative to said worm screw (541) about said vertical axis (Z).

6. The machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said gripping portion (54) comprises a gripper (543) made on a lower end of said rotary body (542) and designed to grip said object (O).

7. The machine (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that it comprises alarm means configured to be activated when said counter signals a number of objects labeled incorrectly rejected consecutively equal to a set threshold value.

8. The machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said labeling station comprises a pressing element (31) designed to press said label on said object to be labeled.

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