JPS59134138A - Method of discriminating label - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Technical Field The present invention relates to a label identification method for a label tape in which individual labels are releasably attached to a tape-like backing, and in particular, it relates to a method for automatically identifying different types of workpieces. The present invention relates to a label identification method that can be applied to a label sticking device that sticks a corresponding label.

Prior Art In general, in the mass production process of products such as machines and appliances, labeling equipment is used to indicate the quality content and usage of the product. For example, a tape roll-shaped label tape is used to quickly attach a label to an object to be attached, that is, a workpiece.

This label tape has individual labels attached to at least one side of a tape-shaped mount in a continuous and releasable manner,
Each label is separable from each other and displays predetermined content or form.

Conventionally, this label tape has one type of label attached to one roll, but if there are multiple types of workpieces, a roll with different types of labels attached to one tape-like mount is used. will be used. Particularly in recent years, various products have become increasingly diverse, and even if the products are the same, specifications have to be changed (variations) for each product in order to meet the individual selection demands of consumers. It is often added. For this reason, the types of labels tend to become more diverse.

Under such circumstances, in order to quickly affix different types of labels to each workpiece, it is necessary to quickly and appropriately identify the type of label. As this means, for example, means for directly identifying all types of labels by detecting all the patterns displayed on each label with one or a plurality of phototubes and recognizing the patterns can be considered.

However, with this method, there is a risk of erroneous recognition due to variations in the shading of the pattern that occur from label to label, and the adhesion of dust or dirt, and it is difficult to adjust the sensor in the phototube. It takes a lot of effort and time, and what's more, it requires a lot of effort and time to position the label properly.
It is necessary to consider controls to prevent slippage, adjustment of tension, etc.

Purpose The present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a label identification method suitable for a label pasting device that can quickly and accurately identify different types of labels for various workpieces. Then, let it be the purpose.

Configuration The configuration of the present invention will be described below based on one embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a label tape used for this purpose. In this figure, a plurality of labels 12, 14, and 16 are attached to a label mount 10 at appropriate intervals in its longitudinal direction. Label 12.14
．． 16 is attached to one side of the label mount 10 and can be easily peeled off from the label mount 10. The adhesive used to attach all the labels 12, 14, and 16 to the label mount 10 is
When labels 12, 14, and 16 are peeled off from 0, the labels 1
It is saved on the back of 2.14.16.
This adhesive allows the label 12, 14, 16 to be adhered to the workpiece. Although the label mount 10 is a tape-like elongated member in this example, a sheet-like member may also be used. The labels 12, 14, 16 are also separate or separable individual labels.

Labels 12.14. shown as examples in this example.
Reference numeral 16 is attached to a paper feed cassette used in a copying machine, and is used to display all sizes of sheets set in the paper feed cassette. The label 12 is
Japanese Industrial Standards Column A 4 indicates so-called A4 size paper, and label 14 is B4 size paper? The label 16 represents a B5 size paper.

In this way, a plurality of types of labels 12, 14, and 16 with different display contents are pasted on the label mount 10, respectively.

Appropriate spacing is provided between the labels 12, 14, 16, and through holes 18, 20, 22, 24 are provided in the label mount 10 between the labels 12, 14, 16. The positions of these through holes 18, 20, 22, and 24 with respect to the width direction of the label mount 10 are specified in advance.For example, the positions of the through holes 18.20 with respect to the width direction of the label mount 10 match. . Of these through holes 18, 20, 22, 24, the through hole 18 represents the label 12 with the indication "A4"), and the through hole 20.22 represents the label 12 with the indication "B4".
" label 14 is displayed, and a label 16 with the display "B5" is displayed through the through hole 24. That is, the display content of the label 12, 14, 16 can be easily recognized depending on the position of the through hole 18, 20, 22, 24.

Note that the labels 12, 14, and 16 may differ in thickness and shape from each other! It is also possible to use a form in which the display contents are not filled in. In short, it is sufficient that labels with different '4M classes are attached to one mount.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a label tape for use in the present invention. In this figure, label mount 30
Above is a label 32.34.3 similar to the above example.
6 is attached. In this example, label 3
There is no through hole between 2.34.36 and through hole 38.40.42.44 for label 32.34.36.
is provided directly. In addition, through holes 38, 40, 42.
The position of the label mount 44 in the width direction is the same as in the embodiment described in FIG.

As described above, the label tape used in the present invention has a plurality of types of labels with different display contents attached to a single roll mount, and the display contents of each label are different from each other. It is configured so that it can be identified by position or number. As shown in FIG. 3(A) and B), conventionally, labels 50, 52, and
Although roll mounts 56, 58, and 60 were provided for every 4 rolls, according to the above-mentioned label tape, a single roll mount is sufficient, and roll materials can be saved. I cut it,
As shown in FIG. 4, if the display contents of the label 66 are directly identified by pattern recognition 2 of the label 66 by a sensor consisting of a light emitting means 62 and a light receiving means 64, the display contents of the label 66 can be directly identified. Although there is a risk of erroneous detection due to dirt on the surface, adhesion of dust, etc., the above-mentioned label tape makes it possible to improve the reliability of such detection by knowing the position or number of passages.

Note that the tape-shaped mount 10 does not necessarily have to be in the form of a roll, and may be folded as a whole unit of a predetermined length, for example.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9, a label sticking apparatus used in the label identification method according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 5 shows an overview of the labeling device 100 and the conveyor device 200 for transporting workpieces. In FIG. 5, the conveyor device 200 has lifts 204 and 206 for raising and lowering the work 202 at the left and right ends of the figure, and a conveyor 208 is provided between these lifts 204 and 206. The conveyor 208 is provided with a belt 212 that is rotated by a row 2 means 210, and the workpiece 202 is placed on this belt 212 to be transferred in the direction of arrow F1 in the figure.

The label sticking device 100 is arranged near the approximate center of the container 208. This label pasting device 10
A positioning unit 214 is provided within the conveyor 208 corresponding to the position where the number 0 is placed, and stoppers 216 and 218 are provided at appropriate positions nearby. These positioning units 214 and stoppers 216 and 218 allow the workpiece 20 to be
The positional force q of 2 is identified and is to be identified.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of the label sticking device 10o. In this figure, a roll material holding plate 104 is provided on one side of the main body 102 at the upper right side of the figure. A label tape 106 is loaded. On the left side of the lower end of this label tape 106 is a feeding guide 10.
8 is provided, and a pressure roll 110 is provided to sandwich the label tape 106.

Label tape 10 guided by this feeding guide 108
6 is hung on a guide roller 112 and further on a label separation claw 114. A label tape 106 is placed between the feed guide 108 and the guide roller 112. A pattern identification sensor 120 consisting of a light emitting means 116 such as a light emitting diode and a light receiving means 118 such as a phototube or photodiode is provided in between, and a timing detection sensor 120 consisting of a light emitting means 122 and a light receiving means 124 is provided close to this. A sensor 126 is provided.

Among these sensors, the pattern recognition sensor 120 detects the through hole 18.22 shown in FIG.
．． The positions of 20.24, etc. are determined and the labels 12.14.
Display contents such as 16 are identified. Next, the timing detection sensor 126 detects the feeding state of the label 12, etc., and synchronizes the feeding timing of the work 202 with the feeding timing of the label 12, etc.

The label separating claw 114 has an acute-angled tip, and when the direction of transport of the label mount 10 etc. is reversed at this tip, the label 12 etc. are separated from the label mount 10.
It is designed to be peeled off from etc. The label mount 10 and the like are moved by a drive roller 128 and a presser roller 1 that comes into contact with the tray.
30 in an S-shape and is wound around a take-up roller 132.

That is, the label tape 106 is pulled out from the roll material and transported by the drive roller 128 and the press roller 130.

Next, a label adsorbent 134 is provided near the tip of the label separating claw 114. A suitable hole or slit is provided in the front surface of the label absorber 134, and an exhaust system (not shown) is connected to the outside through a bellows-shaped conduit 136. That is, by exhausting the air through this exhaust system, air is sucked from the front surface of the label adsorption body 134, and furthermore, the label 12, etc., peeled off from the label mount 10, etc. by the label separation claw 114 is removed from the surface on which the display is displayed. is label adsorbent 1
It is designed to be attracted so as to come into contact with 34.

A rod arm 138 is connected to the label adsorbent 134 . This rod arm 138 is inserted into a drive air cylinder 142 through a guide body 140 provided on the main body 102 . A bellows-shaped conduit 144 is connected to the driving air cylinder 142, and a compressor (not shown) is connected to the outside to the bent conduit 144, whereby the rod arm 138 is guided to the guide body 140. and is configured to be driven.

FIG. 7 shows a label sticking device 100 and a conveyor device 2.
The main electrical components of 00 are shown. In this figure, a workpiece type reading unit 300 provided at an appropriate position on the conveyor 208 is connected to an interface 304 by a connecting line 302, and this interface 304 and the pattern identification sensor 120 are connected to a connecting line 306.
．． 308 , each is connected to a comparison circuit 310 . From the workpiece type reading section 300, a signal representing 2020 types of workpieces, for example, a 4-bit digital signal, is manually inputted to the comparison circuit 310 via the interface 304, and from the pattern identification sensor 120, a signal representing the display contents of the label 12, etc. A signal, for example a 4-bit digital signal, is input to the comparator circuit 310. The comparison circuit 310 compares the workpiece 202 and the label 12 based on the input signal.
A determination is made as to whether or not the contents match.

This comparator circuit 310 is connected to a control circuit 316 by connecting lines 312, 314, and further connected to a control circuit 316.
are connected to the driving equipment of each of the above-mentioned components by connecting lines 318 and 320. The control circuit 316 outputs all signals instructing the comparison operation timing to the comparison circuit 310 via the connection line 312, and also compares the workpiece 202 and the label 12 based on the signal output from the comparison circuit 310 via the connection line 314. If the contents match, the full signal is output to each part drive device 322 to drive it, and if they do not match or if a failure occurs in the drive device 322, it is activated. It has the function of stopping the signal output and fully activating an alarm (not shown).

Next, in addition to the above-mentioned drawings, FIGS. 8 and 9 406
The overall operation of the above device will now be explained. Note that FIG. 8 shows the main parts of the label sticking device 100 and the conveyor device 200, and FIG. 9 shows an outline of the operation as a flowchart.

First, based on an appropriate start signal, the workpiece 202 is moved by the lift 204 in the direction of arrow F2 shown in FIG. 5 and placed on the conveyor 208. This work 2
As shown in FIG.
are arranged in the order of. In the example shown in Figure 8, the display contents of labels 12.14.16 are "B4", "A
4", .

Since the order is "B5", "B4", "A4", "1B5", the order of the work 202 is also "B4".
Work 202BJ, corresponding to A4 [Work 202AJ
, "Work 202CJ", "Work 202" corresponding to B5
The order is 13J,...

The work 202 placed on the conveyor 208 moves in the direction of arrow F1 in FIG. 5 and reaches the work type reading section 300 as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the label tape 106 is also transported by the drive roller 128 (see 400 in FIG. 9): These operations are performed based on signals output from the control circuit 316 to the respective drive devices 322.

Next, the type of workpiece 202 is read by the workpiece type reading section 300 shown in FIG. 7 or 8. In the example of FIG. 8, it is read that the work 202B corresponds to "B4" (see 402 in FIG. 9).

Next, the display contents of the mark 14 are read by the pattern identification sensor 120 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8 (see 404 in FIG. 9). That is, the light emitting means 116A
Among the light emitting means 116B, 116D,
The light emitted from the light receiving means 118A to 11
8D, light receiving means 118B, through hole 2o in 118D
, 22 and are each manually operated.

As a result, it is read that the display content of the label 14 is "B4".

Work type reading section 300 and pattern identification sensor 120
The output of the comparator circuit 310 as shown in FIG.
are input and compared (see 406 and 408 in Figure 9).

As a result of this judgment, if the types of the workpiece 202 and the label 12 etc. do not match, the control circuit 316 outputs an alarm and the operation is temporarily terminated (see 410 in FIG. 9). In this state, the worker replaces the work 202 with a suitable type, and the pasting work is started again. ``If the four categories of the workpiece 202 and the label 12 etc. match, the transfer of the workpiece 202 and the label 12 etc. continues (see 412 in FIG. 9), and both are set at the label pasting position (the 9th (See FIG. 414). In this state, the transfer of the workpiece 202 is stopped. This timing is synchronized with the feeding of the label 12, etc., and is based on the detection output by the timing detection sensor 126 shown in FIG. will be established.

In this state, the label 12 and the like are further transported, separated from the label mount 10 by the label separating claw 114, and adsorbed onto the label adsorbent B4. Next, the labeler/adsorbent B4 moves in the direction of the workpiece 202 by feeding air into the drive air cylinder 142. Then, the adsorbed label 12 and the like are attached to the workpiece 202, and a suction circuit (not shown) operates to
The adsorption of the second grade is released, and the label 1 for the work 202 is removed.
The pasting work of the second grade is completed (see 406 in FIG. 9).

Next, the label adsorbent 134 is returned to its initial state (see 418 in FIG. 9), and the same operation is repeated for the next workpiece 202 (see 420 in FIG. 9).

In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the workpiece 202
and the arrangement of labels 12, etc. match. As shown in this figure, since the types of the workpiece 202 and the label 12, etc. are checked several steps before the pasting operation is performed, even if an alarm is output, the label 12, etc. There is no waste, and the entire work can be continued by simply replacing the workpiece 202 with a suitable one.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, by using only a single label pasting device, it is possible to apply labels to different types of workpieces.
Corresponding labels can be applied continuously and satisfactorily.

In the above example, all of the through holes were used as marks for identifying the type of label.

In addition to optical detection, mechanical detection using a pin or the like is also possible, but the present invention is not limited to this in any way. For example, even if it is not physically completely oversized, it only needs to be optically transparent.Also, for example, a mark may be attached to the entire mount or label and detected using a light-reflecting 7-pin. Alternatively, magnetic ink or the like may be used for magnetic detection. Furthermore, by increasing the positions and numbers of landmarks, it is possible to fully grasp the display contents of even more types of labels. In addition, when all such light-reflecting marks and magnetic ink are used, labels may be attached to both sides of the mount instead of only one side. Even in the case of a light-transmissive mark, if the mark detection sensor is arranged to detect only the mark at a specific position on the mount,
Labels may be attached to both sides of the mount. Further, such a mark need not be provided for each label, but when labels of the same type are consecutive, one mark gold film may be applied to one group of labels.

Effects As explained above, according to the label identification method according to the present invention, a plurality of types of labels with different display contents are mixed on a single roll material, and the display contents are changed depending on the type of each label. Since a corresponding mark is attached and the displayed content of each label, that is, the pattern is identified based on this mark, it is possible to quickly and accurately pattern different types of labels, and as a result, the labeling for the work can be done quickly and accurately. This has an excellent effect in that the adhesion work can be carried out efficiently.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the label tape applied to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the label tape applied to the invention. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of means for recognizing display contents of a label; FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway schematic front view showing an example of a label sticking device and a conveyor device; 6 is a perspective view showing an example of the label pasting device, FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical components of the device shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the electrical components of the device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a flowchart outlining the operation of the device shown in FIG. 5. Explanation of symbols of main parts 10.30...Label mount 12.14.16.32.34.36...Label 18
．． 20.22.24.38.40.42.44... Pass 106... Label tape patent applicant Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) A label identification method for identifying the label of a label tape in which multiple different types of labels are attached to at least one side of a tape-shaped label mount in a state where the adhesive is preserved on the back side of the label when it is peeled off. In this case, the label tape is provided with a mark indicating the type of label corresponding to the label, and when the entire label is peeled off from the label mount and affixed to an object, the mark indicates that the label is A label identification method characterized in that the entire feature is to identify the type. (2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the mark is a pass mark provided on a label mount of a label tattoo.