Label pasting device

Abstract

To provide a label pasting device capable of neatly and efficiently pasting labels onto containers regardless of the number of labels and their length.SOLUTION: A label pasting device comprises a mechanism that has a plurality of contact members that contacts a container so that the container can rotate around a central axis, and transports the container in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central axis while the container is in contact with each contact member. The label pasting device is further provided with a mechanism for conveying labels in the predetermined direction. The label pasting device is equipped with a belt whose outer circumference is pressed against the container with the container in contact with each contact member, and a suction device that sucks the label from the inner circumference side of the belt. The label pasting device drives the belt while the labels are sucked onto the belt, moves the labels in a predetermined direction, and rotates the container around a central axis to paste the labels sucked onto the belt onto the container.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a labeling device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a label application device that applies a label fed from a label feeding device to a cylindrical container is known. Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-150752 (Patent Document 1), Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-93582 (Patent Document 2), and Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-18897 (Patent Document 3) disclose an apparatus including such a label feeding device and a label application device.

[0003] The device in Patent Document 1 comprises: (i) a moving abutment portion that can move at a first speed in a moving direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the cylindrical container while the cylindrical container is in contact with a plurality of roller members; (ii) a pair of guide members that regulate the axial movement of the cylindrical container; (iii) a receiving member that receives an attachment portion, which is the portion on the peripheral surface of the cylindrical container to which an adhesive sticker is affixed; (iv) a moving belt that is disposed on the opposite side of the receiving member with respect to the cylindrical container, extends in the moving direction, and moves at a second speed faster than the first speed while pressing the attachment portion towards the receiving member; and (v) an adhesive sticker dispensing device that dispenses an adhesive sticker towards the attachment portion (see [Summary]).

[0004] The devices in Patent Documents 2 and 3 transport the label to the position of the cylindrical container while the label is attached to the belt. More specifically, in the device in Patent Document 2, the cylindrical container is rotated by the speed difference between the two belts while supporting the sides of the cylindrical container with two opposing belts. In the device in Patent Document 3, the label is attached to the cylindrical container while the cylindrical container is stopped. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-150752 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-93582 A [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2022-18897 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the device of Patent Document 1, the label is clamped between the belt and the side of the cylindrical container. Therefore, when a long label is attached to a cylindrical container, the rear end of the label may not be fixed. Therefore, in the device of Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the long label may not be attached neatly to the cylindrical container. In detail, there is a risk that the label may be wrinkled or displaced after attachment. In the device of Patent Document 1, the label is attached to the cylindrical container while moving the moving contact part. Therefore, in the device of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to attach multiple labels to a certain position in the circumferential direction of one cylindrical container.

[0007] In the device of Patent Document 2, slippage is likely to occur between the cylindrical container and at least one of the two belts. Therefore, in the device of Patent Document 2, if the setting exceeds a certain production capacity, there is a risk that the label cannot be neatly attached to the cylindrical container. Therefore, in the device of Patent Document 2, productivity cannot be improved from the viewpoint of ensuring label attachment accuracy. In the device of Patent Document 3, the conveyance of the cylindrical container must be temporarily stopped when attaching the label. Therefore, the device of Patent Document 3 is inferior in productivity.

[0008] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above problems, and its object is to provide a label application device that can neatly and efficiently apply labels to containers regardless of the number and length of the labels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a labeling device that applies a supplied label to a container includes a container conveying mechanism that conveys the container in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central axis with the side of the container in contact with the first and second contact members, and a label conveying mechanism that is disposed on the opposite side of the container from the container conveying mechanism and conveys the label in the first direction. The label conveying mechanism includes an endless belt that has an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface and whose outer circumferential surface is in pressure contact with the side of the container when the side of the container is in contact with the first and second contact members, and a suction device that sucks the belt from the inner circumferential surface side. The belt has a plurality of through holes that extend from the outer circumferential surface to the inner circumferential surface along the circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface. The suction device sucks air through the plurality of through holes to adsorb the label to the belt from the label surface side. The label application device drives the belt with the label adhered to it, moving the label in a first direction and rotating the container around an axis, thereby applying the label adhered to the belt to the side of the container. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to neatly and efficiently attach labels to containers regardless of the shape and number of labels. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a moving body of the container transport mechanism. [Diagram 3] 4A and 4B are diagrams for explaining the internal structure of a label conveying mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing further internal structure of the label transport mechanism. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the state in which a label is attached to a container. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of a labeler. [Figure 7]This is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the label.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, the label according to the embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] <A. Overall Configuration of the Label> FIG. 1 is a top view of the label. Referring to FIG. 1, the label 100 sequentially attaches the label S to the side surfaces 902 of each of the plurality of containers 900. In this example, the label 100 attaches the label S to the body (specifically, the outer peripheral surface) of the container 900 having the cap 901. However, it is not necessarily required to have the cap 901.

[0014] The container 900 is a cylindrical container in this example. However, the shape of the container 900 is not limited thereto. The container 900 may have, for example, a shape in which the cross-section is not circular but polygonal. Alternatively, the container 900 may be a substantially cylindrical shape with a part being flat. The container 900 has a central axis extending from the bottom to the top, and the shape is not particularly limited as long as it can rotate about the central axis by an external force applied to the container 900.

[0015] In this example, the label S is a label with a tacky (adhesive) adhesive previously applied to the back surface. The label S is also referred to as a "pressure-sensitive label" because pressure is applied to the label to adhere it to the container. The label S is also referred to as a "seal" or a "tack label".

[0016] The labeler 100 includes a label application device 1, a label feeding device 2, and a conveyor 3. The label application device 1, the label feeding device 2, and the conveyor 3 are controlled by a control device 5 (see FIG. 6) described later. The label feeding device 2 and the label application device 1 will be described in detail below in this order. The positive direction of the Z axis in the drawing is the vertical upward direction.

[0017] The conveyor 3 may be any device capable of linearly moving and transporting the containers 900, and various conveyors such as a roller conveyor, a mesh conveyor, a belt conveyor, a top chain conveyor, etc. may be used as the conveyor 3. For example, when a top chain conveyor is used, it is possible to transport the containers at a higher speed than when a belt conveyor is used.

[0018] (Label dispensing device) The label dispensing device 2 includes a frame 21. The frame 21 is provided with a peel plate 22, a support roller 23, guide rollers 24 and 25, a drive roller 26, a pinch roller 27, and a collection roller 28.

[0019] The peel plate 22 extends from the frame 21 towards the label application device 1. The support roller 23 supports the original web R wound in a roll shape. On the original web R, the labels S are arranged at predetermined intervals on a release sheet L (seal mount, liner). The guide rollers 24 and 25 guide the release sheet L and the labels S. The drive roller 26 is driven by a motor (not shown) housed inside the frame 21. The pinch roller 27 pinches the release sheet L between itself and the drive roller 26. The recovery roller 28 recovers the release sheet L by being driven by the motor.

[0020] The peel plate 22 has a tip 22a. The tip 22a is disposed near a belt 204, which will be described later. The peel plate 22 folds back the release sheet L, which is wrapped around a guide roller 25, toward the drive roller 26 at the tip 22a. This causes the label payout device 2 to peel the label S from the release sheet L and pay out the label S toward the label application device 1. More specifically, the label payout device 2 pays out the label S at the same speed as a drive speed V1 (FIG. 5) of the belt 204, which will be described later. In this manner, the label payout device 2 supplies (conveys) the label S to the label application device 1. The label payout device 2 is an example of a label supply device that supplies the label S to the label application device 1.

[0021] In this example, the label dispensing device 2 alternately dispenses different types of labels S. However, this is not limited thereto, and the label dispensing device 2 may be configured to dispense the same type of labels S. There is no particular limit to the length of the labels dispensed.

[0022] (Labeling device) The labeling device 1 applies a label S fed from a label feeding device 2 to a container 900. The labeling device 1 has a container transport mechanism 11 and a label transport mechanism 12. The labeling device 1 is a pressure-sensitive device that applies pressure to the label S (pressure-sensitive label) to apply the label S to the container 900.

[0023] The container transport mechanism 11 includes a main body 101, a movable part 102, and a plurality of moving bodies 103. In this example, each of the plurality of moving bodies 103 is attached to the movable part 102. More specifically, each of the plurality of moving bodies 103 is fixed to the movable part 102 at equal intervals. The movable part 102 is rotatable around the main body 101 in the direction of an arrow 951 (clockwise when viewed from above). This causes the moving body 103 to move around the main body 101 in the clockwise direction.

[0024] Each moving body 103 extends in a Z-axis direction (second direction) parallel to the extension direction of the central axis 900Z of the container 900, and has a plurality of roller members 131, 132 that each abut against the container 900 so that the container 900 can rotate around the central axis 900Z. In this example, the moving body 103 has two roller members 131. Each of the roller members 131, 132 is an example of a member (hereinafter referred to as an "abutment member") that abuts against a side surface 902 of the container 900 so that the container 900 can rotate around the central axis 900Z. The number of roller members may be two or more.

[0025] The container conveying mechanism 11 conveys the container 900 in the positive X-axis direction (first direction) perpendicular to the Z-axis direction with the container 900 in contact with the two roller members 131, 132. More specifically, the container 900 is conveyed by the conveyor 3 with the bottom surface of the container 900 in contact with the conveyor 3 on the upstream side of the container conveying mechanism 11. Note that the illustrated belt portion of the conveyor 3 moves in the direction of the arrow 953 (positive X-axis direction).

[0026] When the container 900 is sent from the upstream side to the position of the container transport mechanism 11 by the conveyor 3, it is held by the moving body 103. The container 900 is moved in the positive direction of the X-axis at the movement speed of the moving body 103 by the two roller members 131, 132 of the moving body 103, regardless of the speed of the conveyor 3.

[0027] Although details will be described later, the labeling device 1 sticks the label S to the container 900 by rotating the container 900. For this reason, it is preferable to make the speed of the conveyor 3 and the moving speed of the moving body 103 the same from the viewpoints of sticking the label S neatly to the container 900 and preventing the container 900 from falling over downstream of the labeling device 1.

[0028] The label conveying mechanism 12 is disposed on the opposite side of the container conveying mechanism 11 with respect to the container 900, and conveys the label S in the positive direction of the X-axis (first direction). The label conveying mechanism 12 includes a belt driving device 201, a driving roller 202, a driven roller 203, a belt 204, a suction device 205, an upper cover 206, and a frame 207. The driving roller 202 has a rotation shaft 202Z. The driven roller 203 has a rotation shaft 203Z. The belt driving device 201 includes a belt driving motor 211 (FIG. 3) therein.

[0029] The frame 207 is a portion for fixing the label conveying mechanism 12 to a base portion (not shown) of the label application device 1. In this example, the suction device 205 is installed on the frame 207. However, the installation position of the suction device 205 is not limited thereto.

[0030] The belt 204 is endless. The belt 204 is stretched in a state in which tension is applied between the drive roller 202 and the driven roller 203. The belt 204 is in mesh with the drive roller 202 and the driven roller 203.

[0031] The belt driving device 201 rotates the driving roller 202 in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above. This causes the belt 204 to rotate in the direction of the arrow 952 (counterclockwise direction when viewed from above). As the belt 204 rotates, the driven roller 203 also rotates in the same direction as the driving roller 202. The driven roller 203 is provided upstream of the driving roller 202 in the conveying direction of the container 900.

[0032] The suction device 205 includes a main body 251 and ducts 252 and 253. The main body 251 has a fan (not shown) and a motor (not shown) that rotates the fan. One end of the duct 252 and one end of the duct 253 are connected to the main body 251. The other ends of the ducts 252 and 253 are connected to the same which will be described later. The suction device 205 sucks the belt 204 from the inner peripheral surface side of the belt 204. The suction device 205 sucks in air inside the label conveying mechanism 12 and expels it to the outside.

[0033] Specifically, the container 900 is clamped by three members, namely the belt 204 and the two roller members 131 and 132. The container 900 is held in a state where a force is applied at least in the Y-axis direction by the belt 204 and the two roller members 131 and 132.

[0034] The roller member 131 abuts against the side surface 902 of the container 900 on the positive X-axis side and the negative Y-axis side with respect to the central axis 900Z of the container 900 in the top view of the label affixing device 1 (FIG. 1). The roller member 132 abuts against the side surface 902 of the container 900 on the negative X-axis side and the negative Y-axis side with respect to the central axis 900Z in the top view of the label affixing device 1. More specifically, when viewed from the side of the moving body 103 facing the belt 204 toward the belt 204 side, a part of each of the roller members 131 and 132 overlaps with the container 900.

[0035] <B. Detailed Configuration of Label Affixing Device> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the moving body 103 of the container conveyance mechanism 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the moving body 103 includes, in addition to the two roller members 131 and 132 described above, a mounting member 133, a back member 134, and roller support members 135 and 136.

[0036] The mounting member 133 is a member for attaching the moving body 103 to the movable part 102 (FIG. 1). The back member 134 is a member for fixing the roller support members 135 and 136. The roller support members 135 and 136 are members for rotatably supporting the two roller members 131 and 132. The roller support member 135 supports the upper ends of the two roller members 131 and 132. The roller support member 136 supports the lower ends of the two roller members 131 and 132.

[0037] The container 900 is conveyed while abutting against the outer peripheral surfaces of the two roller members 131 and 132. Although details will be described later, the container 900 is conveyed while the two roller members 131 and 132 rotate in the same direction. Note that the roller member 131 rotates about the axis 131Z. The roller member 132 rotates about the axis 132Z.

[0038] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the label conveying mechanism 12. As shown in Fig. 3, the label conveying mechanism 12 adsorbs the label S to the belt 204. In addition to the drive roller 202, the driven roller 203, and the belt 204, the label conveying mechanism 12 further includes a belt driving motor 211, connecting members 254 and 255, an air chamber 256, and side plates 257 and 258.

[0039] The driving roller 202 has a gear portion 223 on the upper end side of the driving roller 202. The driven roller 203 has a gear portion 233 on the upper end side of the driven roller 203. Furthermore, the driving roller 202 and the driven roller 203 each have gear portions 223, 233 on the lower end side (FIG. 4).

[0040] The belt 204 functions as an adsorption belt that adsorbs the label S. The belt 204 is a toothed belt. The belt 204 has an outer peripheral surface 241 and an inner peripheral surface 242. A gear portion 243 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 242 along the circumferential direction. When the container 900 is in contact with the roller members 131 and 132, the outer peripheral surface 241 of the belt 204 is in pressure contact with the side surface 902 of the container 900. The belt 204 has a plurality of through holes 244 formed along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface 241, which communicate with the inner peripheral surface 242 from the outer peripheral surface 241.

[0041] The gear portion 243 is composed of a plurality of ribs. The gear portion 243 is formed on the upper end side and the lower end side of the belt 204 along the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral surface 242. The gear portion 243 meshes with the gear portion 223 of the driving roller 202 and the gear portion 233 of the driven roller 203.

[0042] The connecting member 254 connects the duct 252 (FIG. 1) to the air chamber 256. The connecting member 255 connects the duct 253 to the rotating shaft 203Z of the driven roller 203. The rotating shaft 203Z is tubular. The rotating shaft 203Z has an opening formed on the outer circumferential surface side thereof, which is in communication with the inner circumferential surface. The connecting member 254 may be configured as a part of the rotating shaft 203Z.

[0043] Air within air chamber 256 is sucked in the direction of arrow 954. Air within driven roller 203 is sucked in the direction of arrow 955. The configuration of driven roller 203 will be described later.

[0044] The belt drive motor 211 rotates the drive roller 202 in the direction of the arrow 956. When the drive roller 202 rotates, the gear portion 223 and the gear portion 243 mesh with each other, causing the belt 204 to rotate in the directions of the arrows 958 and 959. Accordingly, the driven roller 203 also rotates in the direction of the arrow 957. As a result, the label conveying mechanism 12 conveys the label S in the positive direction of the X-axis while adsorbing the label S to the belt 204.

[0045] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing further internal structure of the label conveying mechanism 12. As shown in Fig. 4, the drive roller 202 has an outer circumferential surface 221 and an inner circumferential surface 222. The drive roller 202 has the above-mentioned gear parts 223 formed on the upper end side and the lower end side of the outer circumferential surface 221. The inner circumferential surface 222 engages with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 202Z.

[0046] The driven roller 203 has an outer peripheral surface 231 and an inner peripheral surface 232. The driven roller 203 has the above-mentioned gear portions 233 formed on the upper end side and the lower end side of the outer peripheral surface 231. The driven roller 203 has a plurality of through holes 2313 formed along the outer peripheral surface 231, which communicate with the inner peripheral surface 232. The plurality of through holes 2313 are formed between the gear portion 233 on the upper end side and the gear portion 233 on the lower end side.

[0047] The inner circumferential surface 232 engages with the outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft 203Z at the upper end side and the lower end side. The inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 232 at the center side where the through hole 2313 communicates is wider than the inner diameter at the upper end and the lower end side. The inner circumferential surface 232 is separated from the rotating shaft 203Z at the center side. At the center side, an air flow path (cylindrical gap) is formed between the inner circumferential surface 232 and the rotating shaft 203Z. With this configuration, air sucked from the through hole 2313 can be sent in the direction of the arrow 955 in FIG. 3 through the inside of the driven roller 203 including the rotating shaft 203Z.

[0048] When the suction device 205 is operated, air outside the label conveying mechanism 12 is sucked into the internal space of the rotating shaft 203Z (FIG. 3) through the through hole 244 of the belt 204 and the through hole 2313 of the driven roller 203, in this order. The air is then sent to the main body 251 through the duct 253 (FIG. 1). The air is then exhausted from the main body 251 to the outside.

[0049] Air chamber 256 is sandwiched between side plates 257 and 258. Side plate 258 is located on the opposite side of air chamber 256 to side plate 257. Air chamber 256 is formed with a through hole 2561 that is connected to connecting member 254. In this example, air chamber 256 is fully open on the side plate 257 side.

[0050] The side plate 257 has a plurality of through holes 2571 formed in the horizontal direction (Z-axis direction) and the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) that communicate with the air chamber 256. In this example, the side plate 258 does not have a plurality of through holes that communicate with the air chamber 256. The side plate 258 at least functions as a guide for the belt 204. The side plate 258 also improves the rigidity of the label conveying mechanism 12.

[0051] When the suction device 205 is operated, air outside the label conveying mechanism 12 is sucked into the air chamber 256 through the through hole 244 of the belt 204 and the through hole 2571 of the side plate 257, in this order. The air is then sent to the main body 251 through the through hole 2561 and the duct 252 (FIG. 1). The air is then exhausted from the main body 251 to the outside.

[0052] As described above, the label conveying mechanism 12 can suck external air toward the main body 251 of the suction device 205 at the portion of the belt 204 that is in contact with the driven roller 203 and the portion that is in contact with the side plate 257.

[0053] In particular, according to the label conveying mechanism 12, since suction is also performed from the driven roller 203, the label S fed from the label feeding device 2 can be reliably attracted to the belt 204.

[0054] Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a state in which the label S is attached to the container 900. As shown in Fig. 5, in a state in which the label S is attracted to the outer peripheral surface 241 of the belt 204 by the suction device 205, the belt 204 moves in the direction of the arrow 961 by the rotational drive of the drive roller 202.

[0055] More specifically, the label S has a non-adhesive label surface Sa and an adhesive surface Sb. The suction device 205 sucks air through a plurality of through holes 244 (FIG. 3) formed in the belt 204, thereby adsorbing the label S from the label surface Sa side to the belt 204. The label S is transported in the direction of the arrow 961 with the label surface Sa of the label S adsorbed to the outer peripheral surface 241.

[0056] The movable body 103 transports the container 900 in the direction of the arrow 962 with the container 900 in contact with the two roller members of the movable body 103 and the outer circumferential surface 241 (part of which is the label S) of the belt 204. Note that the arrows 962 and 961 are in the same direction.

[0057] In this example, the belt 204 is driven at a driving speed V1 by the control device 5 (FIG. 6) described later, and the movable body 103 of the container conveying mechanism 11 is moved at a conveying speed V2 (V2>0) slower than the driving speed V1. The conveying speed V2 is typically half the speed of the driving speed V1.

[0058] Due to such a speed difference between the driving speed V1 and the conveying speed V2, the container 900 rotates about the central axis 900Z in the direction of the arrow 963. When the container 900 rotates in the direction of the arrow 963, the roller members 131, 132 are driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow 964. That is, in the movable body 103, the rotation of the roller members 131, 132 does not impede the rotation of the container 900 in the direction of the arrow 963.

[0059] Therefore, in the container transport mechanism 11, while the moving body 103 transports the container 900 in the direction of the arrow 962, the belt 204 in pressure contact with the container 900 can easily rotate the container 900 in the direction of the arrow 963.

[0060] In particular, the movable body 103 is sent to a position facing the outer circumferential surface 241 of the belt 204. Therefore, the container 900 can be supported by the two roller members 131, 132 of the movable body 103 and the outer circumferential surface 241 of the belt 204. In this manner, the labeling device 1 can support the container 900 at three locations. Therefore, the container conveying mechanism 11 can convey the container 900 downstream while rotating it in a stable state.

[0061] In such a stable container transport state, the above-mentioned speed difference (V1-V2) causes the labels S to be attached to the belt 204 in sequence to the side surface 902 of the container 900. In this example, two different types of labels S are attached to different positions in the circumferential direction (waist direction) of the container 900.

[0062] As described above, the label application device 1 drives the belt 204 while the label S is adsorbed to the belt 204, moving the label S in the direction of the arrow 961 (positive direction of the X-axis) and rotating the container 900 around the central axis 900Z, thereby adhering the label S adsorbed to the belt 204 to the side surface 902 of the container 900.

[0063] With the labeling device 1 having such a configuration, the label S can be kept adsorbed to the belt 204 until the attachment of the label S to the container 900 is completed. Therefore, with the labeling device 1, a plurality of labels S can be attached to different positions in the circumferential direction of the container 900. Even if a label having a length equal to or greater than half the circumferential length of the container 900 is used instead of the label S, the label can be attached neatly to the container 900.

[0064] Furthermore, according to the labeling device 1, the label S can be attached to the container 900 while the container 900 is being transported by the container transport mechanism 11. Therefore, according to the labeling device 1, the label S can be attached to the container 900 more efficiently than in a configuration in which the container is stopped and a label is attached to the container.

[0065] In particular, by increasing the driving speed V1 of belt 204 and the conveying speed V2 of container 900 by container conveying mechanism 11 (movement speed of movable body 103), labels S can be attached to containers 900 more efficiently.

[0066] In this way, the label application device 1 can neatly and efficiently apply the labels S to the containers 900 regardless of the number and length of the labels S. More specifically, the labels S can be applied to the containers 900 without causing wrinkles.

[0067] More specifically, a user of the labeler 100 can rotate the container 900 at a desired speed by adjusting the driving speed V1 of the belt 204 and the conveying speed V2 of the container 900. This makes it possible to attach the label S to the container 900 neatly and without wrinkles.

[0068] Fig. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the labeler 100. As shown in Fig. 6, the labeler 100 includes a label application device 1, a label feeding device 2, a conveyor 3, a sensor 4, a control device 5, and an input receiving device 6.

[0069] As described above, the label application device 1 includes the container transport mechanism 11 and the label transport mechanism 12. As described above, the container transport mechanism 11 includes the movable part 102. The movable part 102 is composed of an actuator that moves the movable body 103. The actuator may be configured to operate the movable body 103 electrically, or may be configured to operate the movable body 103 air-wise.

[0070] As described above, the label conveying mechanism 12 includes the belt driving device 201 and the suction device 205. The belt driving device 201 includes a belt driving motor 211 and a motor driver 212.

[0071] The control device 5 sends commands to each of the label application device 1, the label feeding device 2, and the conveyor 3. The label application device 1, the label feeding device 2, and the conveyor 3 are operated in response to commands from the control device 5. More specifically, for the label application device 1, the control device 5 sends commands to each of the movable part 102, the suction device 205, and the motor driver 212. Upon receiving a command from the control device 5, the motor driver 212 drives the belt drive motor 211.

[0072] Specifically, the control device 5 feeds the label S from the label feeding device 2 based on the output from the sensor 4. In this example, the sensor 4 is a recursive reflection type sensor having a light projector and a reflector. When the container 900 reaches a predetermined position (position P in FIG. 1), the light is blocked by the container 900 and the sensor 4 turns on.

[0073] When the sensor 4 is turned on, it sends an on signal to the control device 5. When the control device 5 receives the on signal, it feeds the label S from the leading end of the label feeding device 2 onto the belt 204. The label feeding device 2 feeds the label S intermittently. In this way, the label S is adsorbed to the belt 204 when the container 900 reaches a predetermined position.

[0074] The sensor 4 may be a transmission type sensor having a light projector and a light receiver. The sensor is not limited to this, and may be any sensor capable of detecting that the container 900 has reached a predetermined position.

[0075] The input receiving device 6 receives inputs for setting the driving speed V1 of the belt 204 and the conveying speed V2 of the container 900 (i.e., the moving speed of the moving body 103). The input receiving device 6 sends the received information on the driving speed V1 and the conveying speed V2 to the control device 5. The control device 5 sends a command to the motor driver 212 of the label conveying mechanism 12 to drive the belt 204 at the received driving speed V1. The control device 5 sends a command to the container conveying mechanism 11 to move the moving body 103 at the received conveying speed V2.

[0076] The drive speed V1 and the conveying speed V2 may be manually input by a user to the input reception device 6 (user input using operation keys or the like). In this case, the input reception device 6 may be configured as an operation panel including operation keys. For example, the input reception device 6 may be configured as a touch screen having a touch panel and a display.

[0077] Alternatively, the input receiving device 6 may be configured to obtain the driving speed V1 and the conveying speed V2 from an information processing device (not shown) communicably connected to the labeler 100. In this case, the input receiving device 6 can be configured as a communication interface. The information processing device is typically an external PC (Personal Computer). An application program is pre-stored in the information processing device, and the information processing device provides a predetermined user interface by executing the program. The user inputs the driving speed V1 and the conveying speed V2 using the user interface. Thereby, the driving speed V1 and the conveying speed V2 are transmitted from the information processing device to the labeler 100.

[0078] With such a configuration, the user can set the driving speed V1 of the belt 204 and the conveying speed V2 of the container 900 to desired values by manual input or prior manual input to the information processing device.

[0079] <C. Modification Example> (First Modification Example) FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a modification example of the labeler 100. As shown in FIG. 7, the labeler 100A includes a label affixing device 1A, a label feeding device 2, and a conveyor 3. The label affixing device 1A includes a container conveying mechanism 11A and a label conveying mechanism 12. Thus, the labeler 100A is different from the labeler 100 including the container conveying mechanism 11 in that it includes the container conveying mechanism 11A.

[0080] The container conveying mechanism 11A has a plurality of roller members 131A arranged at predetermined intervals. Each roller member 131A is rotatably supported by a roller support member 135A. The roller support member 135A is attached to the movable part 102.

[0081] Each roller member 131A is moved in the direction of arrow 964 by the movable part 102. One container 900 is conveyed in the positive X-axis direction by two adjacent roller members 131A. In this modification as well, the container 900 rotates by the belt 204 of the label conveying mechanism 12.

[0082] Even with this configuration, similar to the label sticking device 1, the labels S can be neatly and efficiently stuck to the containers 900 regardless of the length and number of the labels S.

[0083] (Second Modification) In the above, a configuration has been described in which the label S is attached to the container 900 while the moving body 103 of the container transport mechanism 11 is moving. However, this is not limited to this. The label S may be attached to the container 900 while the movement of the moving body 103 of the container transport mechanism 11 is temporarily stopped. In this case, the label S can be attached to the container 900 more neatly than in a configuration in which the moving body 103 is not temporarily stopped.

[0084] (Third Modification) In the above description, the multiple moving bodies 103 are fixed to the movable part 102 at equal intervals, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0085] The container transport mechanism 11 may be configured as a linear motor type transport system. In this case, a track device that configures the transport path of each moving body 103 is used instead of the movable part 102. The track device functions as a stator of the linear motor. Each moving body 103 is moved along the transport path as a mover of the linear motor.

[0086] The track device may be made up of segments that form straight transport paths, segments that form straight and curved transport paths, and segments that form curved (non-straight) transport paths.

[0087] More specifically, a coil is built into each segment that constitutes the track device. By passing a current through each coil, the coil functions as an electromagnet. A permanent magnet with a north pole and a south pole formed along the conveying direction is built into the moving body 103. By controlling the current passed through each coil of the track device, a repulsive force and an attractive force against the electromagnet are generated in the permanent magnet. As a result, each moving body 103 moves along the conveying path.

[0088] The control device 5 individually controls the position of each moving body 103 based on a previously prepared program. Even with this configuration, the labels S can be neatly and efficiently attached to the containers 900 regardless of the length and number of the labels S.

[0089] (Fourth Modification) In the above, the label S is attached to the container 900 in an upright position, but the present invention is not limited to this. The label S may be attached to the container 900 in a lying position.

[0090] Specifically, the X-axis and Z-axis (vertical axis) of the XYZ coordinate system shown in Fig. 1 may be interchanged. In this case, the conveyor 3 is not necessary. However, the labeler needs a conveyor for transporting the container 900 from the upstream side to the position of the label transport mechanism 12, and a conveyor for transporting the container 900 to the next process downstream of the label transport mechanism 12.

[0091] (Fifth Modification) In the above, cylindrical roller members 131, 132 extending parallel to the central axis 900Z direction of the container 900 are used as the contact members, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the roller members 131, 132, a sphere rotating at least in the same direction as the roller members 131, 132 may be used as the contact members. In other words, the member that contacts the container 900 may be a sphere. When a sphere is used as the contact member, it is preferable to dispose a member that holds down the sphere so that the container 900 does not shift in the central axis 900Z direction.

[0092] The abutting member is not limited to a member that rotates around an axis. The abutting member is not particularly limited as long as it is a member that rotatably supports the container 900 while abutting against the side surface 902 of the container 900. That is, the abutting member is not limited to a rotating member such as a roller or a sphere. In this case, the abutting member is preferably a member with a smooth surface (a member with a small static friction coefficient and dynamic friction coefficient). However, it is easier to rotate the container 900 around the central axis 900Z when the abutting member is a member that rotates around an axis, such as the roller members 131 and 132.

[0093] (Sixth Modification) In the above, an example has been described in which the labeler 100 includes a label feeding device 2 that sequentially feeds out the labels S spaced apart from one another on the release sheet L, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the label feeding device 2, the labeler 100 may include a label supply device having a mechanism for cutting out each label from a roll of connected labels and supplying (transporting) each of the cut labels to the label application device 1 in sequence.

[0094] In this manner, in the case of a configuration in which each label is cut out from a roll of connected labels, the labels and the labeler 100 may be configured as follows (i) or (ii).

[0095] (i) The label attached to the container 900 may be non-adhesive or low-adhesive when transported, and may become (or become more) adhesive during transport (at least immediately before attachment). In particular, the label may be one that develops an adhesive layer when exposed to external energy.

[0096] Specifically, a so-called "linerless label" not including a release sheet (liner) L may be used instead of the label S. In this case, the labeler further includes an activation mechanism for activating the adhesive layer included in the linerless label. The adhesive layer may be activated before the linerless label contacts the container 900. Typically, the adhesive layer may be activated before the linerless label is adsorbed to the belt 204. The activation mechanism may be one that applies energy such as light energy or heat energy to the adhesive layer. Typically, the activation mechanism is a mechanism that irradiates ultraviolet or infrared light.

[0097] (ii) A label not having an adhesive layer may be used instead of the label S. In this case, the labeler further includes an adhesive application mechanism. The adhesive application mechanism applies an adhesive (such as hot melt) to the back surface of the label or the surface of the container 900. After applying the adhesive to the label or the container 900, the labeler abuts the label against the container 900. This allows the label not having an adhesive layer to be attached to the container 900.

[0098] <Additional Notes> (1) A label application device that applies the label to the side of the container while driving the belt at a first speed and moving the container conveying mechanism in the first direction at a second speed slower than the first speed.

[0099] (2) A label application device that drives the belt at a predetermined speed and applies the label to the side of the container while temporarily stopping the movement of the container conveying mechanism in the first direction.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein are merely examples and are not limited to the above. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1,1A label application device, 2 label feeding device, 3 conveyor, 4 sensor, 5 control device, 6 input reception device, 11,11A container transport mechanism, 12 label transport mechanism, 21,207 frame, 22 peel plate, 23 support roller, 24,25 guide roller, 26,202 drive roller, 27 pinch roller, 28 recovery roller, 100,100A labeler, 101 main body, 102 movable part, 103 moving body, 131,131A,132 roller member, 133 mounting member, 134 back member, 135,135A,136 roller support member, 201 belt drive device, 202Z,203Z rotating shaft, 203 driven roller, 204 belt, 205 suction device, 206 upper cover body, 211 Belt drive motor, 212 motor driver, 221, 231, 241 outer peripheral surface, 222, 232, 242 inner peripheral surface, 223, 233, 243, 2311 gear portion, 244, 2313, 2561, 2571 through hole, 251 main body, 252, 253 duct, 254, 255 connecting member, 256 air chamber, 257, 258 side plate, 900 container, 131Z, 132Z, 900Z central shaft, 901 cap, 902 side, L release sheet, P position, S label, Sa label surface, Sb adhesive surface.

Claims

1. A labeling device that applies supplied labels to containers, comprising: a container transport mechanism having first and second abutment members each abutting against a side surface of the container so that the container can rotate around a central axis extending from the bottom to the top of the container, and transporting the container in a first direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the central axis with the side surface of the container abutting against the first and second abutment members; a label conveying mechanism disposed on an opposite side of the container conveying mechanism with respect to the container and configured to convey the label in the first direction; The label conveying mechanism includes: an endless belt having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, the outer circumferential surface being in pressure contact with the side surface of the container when the side surface of the container is in contact with the first and second contact members; a suction device that sucks the belt from the inner circumferential surface side, The belt has a plurality of through holes formed along a circumferential direction of the outer circumferential surface, the through holes communicating from the outer circumferential surface to the inner circumferential surface, the suction device sucks air through the plurality of through holes to cause the label to adhere to the belt from the label surface side; The label application device drives the belt while the label is adsorbed to the belt, moving the label in the first direction and rotating the container around the central axis, thereby applying the label adsorbed to the belt to the side of the container.

2. each of the first and second contact members is a roller extending in a second direction parallel to the axial direction of the central shaft; 2. The label application device of claim 1, wherein, when viewed from above, the first abutment member abuts against the container on the first direction side of the central axis, and the second abutment member abuts against the container on the opposite side of the central axis to the first direction.

3. an input receiving device that receives a first input for setting a drive speed of the belt and a second input for setting a transport speed of the container by the container transport mechanism; 3. The labeling apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a controller for driving the belt at a drive speed of the first input and for moving the container transport mechanism at a conveying speed of the second input.

4. The label application device according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of different types of labels are applied to different positions in a circumference direction of the container.

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