EP0597470B1 - Automatic labelling system and its utilisation in stock management - Google Patents

Automatic labelling system and its utilisation in stock management Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0597470B1
EP0597470B1 EP19930118258 EP93118258A EP0597470B1 EP 0597470 B1 EP0597470 B1 EP 0597470B1 EP 19930118258 EP19930118258 EP 19930118258 EP 93118258 A EP93118258 A EP 93118258A EP 0597470 B1 EP0597470 B1 EP 0597470B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
reader
monitoring unit
label
products
labelling
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP19930118258
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0597470A1 (en
Inventor
Jean Pierre Segaud
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FNAC S.A.
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FNAC SA
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65C—LABELLING OR TAGGING MACHINES, APPARATUS, OR PROCESSES
    • B65C9/00—Details of labelling machines or apparatus
    • B65C9/46—Applying date marks, code marks, or the like, to the label during labelling

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an automatic labeling system which is particularly suitable for distribution networks.
  • Products received by a distributor are generally provided with an identification code affixed to their packaging by the manufacturer.
  • the coding system used called “barcode” is suitable for automatic reading by optical means which increasingly allow to replace a clear marking, in particular of the price.
  • barcode is suitable for automatic reading by optical means which increasingly allow to replace a clear marking, in particular of the price.
  • this trend has the disadvantage of making it more difficult for the customer to know the price of the item.
  • product labeling is a commercial constraint. Labeling is then carried out manually in the points of sale before placing the products on the shelves.
  • the labeling system is characterized in that said first device for applying labels includes an inhibition mechanism controlled by the control unit making it possible to prevent the application of labels. and in that in the event of detection of a non-conforming identification code, the control unit activates said inhibition mechanism at the moment when the product bearing said non-conforming code should have received a label.
  • the invention also relates to a labeling system using a particular embodiment of the inhibition mechanism mentioned above.
  • the labeling system is characterized in that it comprises a second reader connected to the control unit and placed downstream of the first device for applying labels and a second device ejection device located downstream of said second reader and controlled by the control unit, in that the control unit comprises means for detecting the conformity of the data read by said second reader with the data transmitted to the printing device and means for activate said second ejection device in the event of non-compliance.
  • the system is characterized in that said second reader has a level of performance at most equivalent to that of the readers normally used in the sales outlets of products labeled by said system.
  • the invention also relates to the use of the labeling system defined above to contribute to the management of the distributor's stocks.
  • the labeling system shown in FIG. 1 is made up of a mechanical part forming a labeling chain 1 and a control unit 6 controlling the labeling chain 1.
  • the control unit 6 communicates with a management system SG of a database BD containing in particular the catalog file BD1 and the stock file BD2 of the products managed by the system.
  • the labeling chain 1 is organized around a drive belt 3 provided with regularly spaced tabs and used to push the products CD0 to CD5 during processing on the machine.
  • the belt 3 is supplied by a loading device 2 which is itself supplied by a charger 12 in which the products to be labeled are stacked.
  • an unloading device 5 which receives labeled products from the belt 3 and feeds a second charger 13 similar to the charger 12.
  • the loading device 2, the drive belt 3 and the unloading device 5 are respectively driven by stepping motors M1, M2 and M3.
  • the motors M1, M2, M3 are controlled and synchronized by the control unit 6 thanks to various sensors P1-P5 arranged along the chain 1.
  • Downstream of the loading device 2 is arranged a first reader L1 used to read the identification code (barcode) affixed to the product passing nearby. Downstream of the reader L1, an ejection device E1 and a device 10 for placing anti-theft protection labels are provided. Downstream is disposed a second device 4 for applying labels supplied by a printing device 7.
  • the devices 4 and 7 are used for applying labels in which appear in particular the price in clear, a reference code for the specific product of the distributor, barcode type and possibly other data chosen by the distributor such as the product label, department number or seller's number.
  • the product code is particularly useful for inventory management and for displaying prices at checkouts at points of sale.
  • a second reader L2 is provided, provided for reading the distributor code affixed in the previous step.
  • the last station in the chain is made up of a second ejection device E2 possibly adjacent to a third device 11 for applying labels, which may for example be promotion labels.
  • the device 11 is placed above the belt 3 so as to place the labels on the upper face of the product, that is to say on a face opposite to that receiving the other labels. This arrangement simplifies the implementation, in particular by avoiding the constraints of positioning the additional labels relative to the labels already stuck on the product.
  • control unit 6 advantageously consists of a programmable controller 8 connected to a microcomputer 9.
  • the main role of the controller 8 is to manage the actuators and the sensors of the chain d labeling 1 while the microcomputer is intended mainly for the transmission of data for printing the labels as a function of the data supplied by the sensor L1 and of the data supplied by the management system SG.
  • the microcomputer 9 is on the other hand directly connected to the second reader L2 in order to verify the conformity of the code affixed on the product to that transmitted to the printing device 7 in the previous step.
  • connection between the microcomputer 9 and the automaton 8 in particular enables the latter to receive the instructions for causing the actuation of the ejection devices E1 and E2.
  • the configuration of the microcomputer 9 is of conventional type, that is to say comprises an operating system, a file management system, a communication module as well as a real-time processing module used for the sending the data to be printed and detecting the conformity of the data received by the readers L1 and L2.
  • the automaton 8 can be a conventional automaton as proposed by various manufacturers.
  • the loading 2, transport 3, unloading 5 and ejection devices E1, E2 can also be of the type classic and therefore do not require further explanation.
  • the complete operation of the system of FIG. 1 will now be described with reference to the functional diagram represented in FIG. 2.
  • the first step 2 corresponding to the loading of the products is followed by the reading of the identification code (barcode) of the product.
  • the code read is transmitted to the microcomputer 9 which checks the conformity of the code. If the code does not comply, the microcomputer informs the automaton 8 which causes the product E1 to be ejected. If, on the other hand, the code is correct, the product receives the protection label in the next step 10. During this time, the microcomputer 9 transmits to the printing device 7 the data to be printed on the label.
  • the product receives the label supplied by the printing device 7.
  • the second reader L2 reads the code (reference, price) and transmits it to the microcomputer 9. This the latter verifies that the code read conforms to the code previously transmitted to the printing device. If the code does not comply, the product is ejected in step E2. If, on the other hand, the code is compliant, the product may receive an additional label (promotion label). The product is then discharged during step 5.
  • FIG 3 shows the first two labeling devices used in the chain.
  • the first labeling device 10 relates to the labels of protection.
  • this device essentially consists of a first mandrel 20 on which is wound a ribbon supporting the pre-glued protective labels.
  • the ribbon is driven by a capstan and is guided towards a finger 21, the part of which normally in contact with the ribbon has the form of a dihedral having an acute angle.
  • the shape of the finger 21 causes the label to come off from the ribbon, which allows the label to adhere to the CD4 product.
  • a pressure roller 22 applied to the surface of the product strengthens the adhesion of the label.
  • the part of the ribbon devoid of labels is wound around a second mandrel 23.
  • the second labeling device 4 comprises a first mandrel 12 on which is wound a ribbon 26 supporting blank labels.
  • the ribbon 26 is driven by a capstan 15 to a print head via a guide 13.
  • the print head 7 is provided with a sensor 14 for detecting the label allowing it to properly frame the 'impression.
  • the ribbon is directed towards a finger 16 of shape similar to finger 21.
  • a pressure roller 17 contributes to the adhesion of the label to the product CD3.
  • the ribbon without labels is then wound on the mandrel 19.
  • FIG. 3 also represents the second reader L2 which is of the same type as those used at the cash desks of the points of sale.
  • Figure 4 shows in more detail the mechanism 4 for applying labels mentioned above.
  • the mandrel 12 on which is rolled up the ribbon 26 provided with the blank labels 25.
  • the ribbon 26 is driven via the reader 7 towards the finger 16 then towards the mandrel 19 via a guide 24.
  • the particular shape of the finger 16 has for effect of causing the labels to peel off from the ribbon 26.
  • the finger 16 can pivot around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the figure so as to move away from the products entrained by the belt 3 and no longer present an acute angle on the surface of the ribbon.
  • the guide 24 serves as a stop for the finger 16 when the latter is rotated.
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged and detailed representation of the previous mechanism showing more precisely the shape of the finger 16.
  • the finger 16 in its normal position applies to the tape 26 an acute angle which suddenly changes the trajectory of the ribbon causing the label 25 to peel off
  • the finger when the finger is in the retracted position as a result of a rotation about its axis (in solid lines in the figure), the finger has, opposite the ribbon, a cylindrical surface which prevents labels from peeling off.
  • FIG. 6 represents the same device seen from the right where the drive mechanism 27 of the finger 16 appears.
  • the mechanism 27 essentially consists of a rotary electromagnet 28 coupled to a transmission 29 connected to the axis of rotation of the finger 16.
  • FIG. 7 represents an example of a concrete embodiment of the machine.
  • the main elements accessible to users are visible: the magazines 12 and 13, the rolls of protective labels and blank labels and the additional label roll of the device 11.
  • the machine has a length of about 2 meters, a depth of 60 centimeters and a height of 55 centimeters, its weight being about 200 kilograms.

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  • Labeling Devices (AREA)

Description

L'invention concerne un système d'étiquetage automatique particulièrement adapté aux réseaux de distribution.The invention relates to an automatic labeling system which is particularly suitable for distribution networks.

Les produits reçus par un distributeur sont généralement munis d'un code d'identification apposé sur leur emballage par le fabricant. Le système de codage utilisé, appelé "code-barres" est adapté à la lecture automatique par des moyens optiques qui permettent de plus en plus de remplacer un marquage en clair, notamment du prix. Cette tendance a cependant pour inconvénient de rendre plus difficile la connaissance du prix de l'article par le client. Pour certains produits tels que les disques compacts, les cassettes audio ou vidéo et les livres, l'étiquetage des produits est une contrainte commerciale. L'étiquetage est alors effectué manuellement dans les points de vente avant de placer les produits en rayon.Products received by a distributor are generally provided with an identification code affixed to their packaging by the manufacturer. The coding system used, called "barcode" is suitable for automatic reading by optical means which increasingly allow to replace a clear marking, in particular of the price. However, this trend has the disadvantage of making it more difficult for the customer to know the price of the item. For certain products such as compact discs, audio or video cassettes and books, product labeling is a commercial constraint. Labeling is then carried out manually in the points of sale before placing the products on the shelves.

Cette solution présente cependant les inconvénients d'augmenter les risques d'erreurs de marquage et d'allonger le délai entre la réception des produits et leur mise à disposition du public dans les surfaces commerciales. Cela a aussi pour conséquence d'augmenter les stocks et/ou de rendre indisponibles certains produits en rayon.However, this solution has the drawbacks of increasing the risk of marking errors and lengthening the time between the reception of the products and their availability to the public in commercial areas. This also has the consequence of increasing stocks and / or making certain products available on the shelf.

La demande internationale WO-A-92/13769 décrit un dispositif d'étiquetage de produits qui comprend notamment d'une part, une unité de contrôle reliée à un lecteur placé en amont du dispositif de pose d'étiquettes et disposé de façon à pouvoir lire le code d'identification ; d'autre part, un dispositif d'impression d'étiquettes commandé par une unité de contrôle et alimentant le dispositif de pose d'étiquettes, et enfin, une unité de contrôle comportant des moyens pour rechercher dans une base de données, les données à transmettre au dispositif d'impression en fonction des codes d'identification lus par le lecteur.International application WO-A-92/13769 describes a product labeling device which comprises in particular on the one hand, a control unit connected to a reader placed upstream of the laying device labels and arranged so that the identification code can be read; secondly, a label printing device controlled by a control unit and supplying the labeling device, and finally, a control unit comprising means for searching in a database, the data to be transmit to the printing device according to the identification codes read by the reader.

Le brevet américain US-A-4 529 871 décrit un système similaire comportant, en cas de non reconnaissance d'un produit, la possibilité pour un opérateur d'intervenir pour introduire manuellement des données et ainsi obtenir l'étiquette adéquate.American patent US-A-4,529,871 describes a similar system comprising, in the event of non-recognition of a product, the possibility for an operator to intervene to manually enter data and thus obtain the appropriate label.

Malheureusement, toute intervention manuelle est à exclure dans le cas d'une machine automatisée.Unfortunately, any manual intervention is to be excluded in the case of an automated machine.

L'invention a pour but de remédier aux inconvénients précédents et a pour objet un système d'étiquetage automatique de produits sur lesquels sont apposés des codes d'identification desdits produits, ledit système comportant une chaîne d'étiquetage qui comprend:

  • un dispositif de chargement des produits,
  • un dispositif de transport,
  • au moins un premier dispositif de pose d'étiquettes,
  • un dispositif de déchargement des produits,
ledit système comportant en outre une unité de contrôle reliée à un premier lecteur placé en amont du premier dispositif de pose d'étiquettes et disposé de façon a pouvoir lire ledit code d'identification et un dispositif d'impression d'étiquettes commandé par l'unité de contrôle et alimentant le premier dispositif de pose d'étiquettes, l'unité de contrôle comportant des moyens pour rechercher dans une base de données les données à transmettre au dispositif d'impression en fonction des codes d'identification lus par le premier lecteur, ledit système étant caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un premier dispositif d'éjection placé en aval du premier lecteur et commandé par l'unité de contrôle et en ce que l'unité de contrôle actionne ledit premier dispositif d'éjection en cas de non-conformité des codes d'identification lus par le premier lecteur aux codes d'identification référencés dans la base de données.The object of the invention is to remedy the above drawbacks and relates to an automatic labeling system for products on which identification codes for said products are affixed, said system comprising a labeling chain which comprises:
  • a product loading device,
  • a transport device,
  • at least a first device for applying labels,
  • a product unloading device,
said system further comprising a control unit connected to a first reader placed upstream of the first labeling device and arranged so as to be able to read said identification code and a label printing device controlled by the control unit and supplying the first labeling device, the control unit comprising means for searching in a database for the data to be transmitted to the printing device as a function of the identification codes read by the first reader, said system being characterized in that it comprises a first ejection device placed downstream of the first reader and controlled by the control unit and in that the control unit actuates said first ejection device in the event of non-conformity of the identification codes read by the first reader with the identification codes referenced in the database.

L'éjection des produits munis de codes non conformes avant la pose de l'étiquette impose cependant des contraintes au niveau de l'impression. En effet, pour pouvoir utiliser un système d'impression et d'étiquetage peu onéreux, il est nécessaire que l'impression de l'étiquette soit effectuée avant l'opération de pose sur l'emballage du produit. Aussi, le processus d'impression doit tenir compte du fait que certains produits peuvent être éjectés de la chaîne d'étiquetage avant l'opération de pose d'étiquette.The ejection of products with non-compliant codes before applying the label, however, imposes constraints on printing. Indeed, to be able to use a printing and labeling system inexpensive, it is necessary that the printing of the label is carried out before the installation operation on the product packaging. Also, the printing process must take into account the fact that certain products can be ejected from the labeling chain before the labeling operation.

Dans ce but et selon un aspect particulier de réalisation, le système d'étiquetage est caractérisé en ce que ledit premier dispositif de pose d'étiquettes comporte un mécanisme d'inhibition commandé par l'unité de contrôle permettant d'empêcher la pose des étiquettes et en ce qu'en cas de détection d'un code d'identification non conforme, l'unité de contrôle active ledit mécanisme d'inhibition au moment où le produit portant ledit code non conforme aurait dû recevoir une étiquette.For this purpose and according to a particular aspect of production, the labeling system is characterized in that said first device for applying labels includes an inhibition mechanism controlled by the control unit making it possible to prevent the application of labels. and in that in the event of detection of a non-conforming identification code, the control unit activates said inhibition mechanism at the moment when the product bearing said non-conforming code should have received a label.

L'invention a également pour objet un système d'étiquetage utilisant un mode de réalisation particulier du mécanisme d'inhibition mentionné ci-dessus.The invention also relates to a labeling system using a particular embodiment of the inhibition mechanism mentioned above.

Il est d'autre part important que l'étiquetage ainsi effectué présente une grande fiabilité. Aussi, selon un autre aspect de l'invention, le système d'étiquetage est caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un second lecteur relié à l'unité de contrôle et placé en aval du premier dispositif de pose d'étiquettes et un second dispositif d'éjection placé en aval dudit second lecteur et commandé par l'unité de contrôle, en ce que l'unité de contrôle comporte des moyens pour détecter la conformité des données lues par ledit second lecteur aux données transmises au dispositif d'impression et des moyens pour actionner ledit second dispositif d'éjection en cas de non-conformité.It is also important that the labeling thus carried out has high reliability. Also, according to another aspect of the invention, the labeling system is characterized in that it comprises a second reader connected to the control unit and placed downstream of the first device for applying labels and a second device ejection device located downstream of said second reader and controlled by the control unit, in that the control unit comprises means for detecting the conformity of the data read by said second reader with the data transmitted to the printing device and means for activate said second ejection device in the event of non-compliance.

Selon encore un autre aspect de l'invention, le système est caractérisé en ce que ledit second lecteur possède un niveau de performance au plus équivalent à ceux des lecteurs normalement utilisés dans les points de vente des produits étiquetés par ledit système.According to yet another aspect of the invention, the system is characterized in that said second reader has a level of performance at most equivalent to that of the readers normally used in the sales outlets of products labeled by said system.

Cette dernière disposition assure que la lisibilité de l'étiquette sera toujours suffisante pour être lue correctement dans les points de vente.This last provision ensures that the legibility of the label will always be sufficient to be read correctly at points of sale.

L'invention a également pour objet l'utilisation du système d'étiquetage défini ci-dessus pour contribuer à la gestion des stocks du distributeur.The invention also relates to the use of the labeling system defined above to contribute to the management of the distributor's stocks.

D'autres aspects de l'invention et détails de réalisation seront exposés dans la suite de la description en référence aux figures.

  • La figure 1 représente l'ensemble du système d'étiquetage selon l'invention.
  • La figure 2 est une représentation fonctionnelle du système de la figure 1.
  • La figure 3 est une représentation schématique des dispositifs d'impression et d'étiquetage utilisés dans la chaîne d'étiquetage.
  • La figure 4 représente le mécanisme de pose d'étiquettes.
  • Les figures 5 et 6 sont des représentations détaillées du mécanisme de pose d'étiquettes et d'inhibition de la pose.
  • La figure 7 est une vue d'ensemble de la machine.
Other aspects of the invention and details of embodiment will be explained in the following description with reference to the figures.
  • FIG. 1 represents the entire labeling system according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a functional representation of the system of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the printing and labeling devices used in the labeling chain.
  • FIG. 4 represents the mechanism for applying labels.
  • Figures 5 and 6 are detailed representations of the mechanism for applying labels and inhibiting the application.
  • Figure 7 is an overview of the machine.

Le système d'étiquetage représenté à la figure 1 est composé d'une partie mécanique formant une chaîne d'étiquetage 1 et d'une unité de contrôle 6 commandant la chaîne d'étiquetage 1. Selon la réalisation représentée, l'unité de contrôle 6 communique avec un système de gestion SG d'une base de données BD contenant notamment le fichier catalogue BD1 et le fichier stock BD2 des produits gérés par le système.The labeling system shown in FIG. 1 is made up of a mechanical part forming a labeling chain 1 and a control unit 6 controlling the labeling chain 1. According to the embodiment shown, the control unit 6 communicates with a management system SG of a database BD containing in particular the catalog file BD1 and the stock file BD2 of the products managed by the system.

La chaîne d'étiquetage 1 est organisée autour d'une courroie d'entraînement 3 munie de taquets régulièrement espacés et servant à pousser les produits CD0 à CD5 en cours de traitement sur la machine. La courroie 3 est alimentée par un dispositif de chargement 2 lui-même alimenté par un chargeur 12 dans lequel sont empilés les produits à étiqueter. A l'autre extrémité de la chaîne est disposé un dispositif de déchargement 5 qui reçoit de la courroie 3 des produits étiquetés et alimente un second chargeur 13 analogue au chargeur 12.The labeling chain 1 is organized around a drive belt 3 provided with regularly spaced tabs and used to push the products CD0 to CD5 during processing on the machine. The belt 3 is supplied by a loading device 2 which is itself supplied by a charger 12 in which the products to be labeled are stacked. At the other end of the chain is disposed an unloading device 5 which receives labeled products from the belt 3 and feeds a second charger 13 similar to the charger 12.

Le dispositif de chargement 2, la courroie d'entraînement 3 et le dispositif de déchargement 5 sont respectivement entraînés par des moteurs pas à pas M1, M2 et M3. Les moteurs M1, M2, M3 sont commandés et synchronisés par l'unité de contrôle 6 grâce à divers capteurs P1-P5 disposés au long de la chaîne 1.The loading device 2, the drive belt 3 and the unloading device 5 are respectively driven by stepping motors M1, M2 and M3. The motors M1, M2, M3 are controlled and synchronized by the control unit 6 thanks to various sensors P1-P5 arranged along the chain 1.

En aval du dispositif de chargement 2 est disposé un premier lecteur L1 servant à lire le code d'identification (code-barres) apposé sur le produit passant à proximité. En aval du lecteur L1 sont prévus un dispositif d'éjection E1 et un dispositif 10 de pose d'étiquettes de protection antivol. En aval est disposé un second dispositif 4 de pose d'étiquettes alimenté par un dispositif d'impression 7. Les dispositifs 4 et 7 servent à la pose d'étiquettes où apparaissent notamment le prix en clair, un code de référence du produit spécifique du distributeur, de type code-barres et éventuellement d'autres données choisies par le distributeur tels que le libellé du produit, le numéro de rayon ou le numéro du vendeur. Le code du produit est particulièrement utile pour la gestion des stocks et pour l'affichage des prix aux caisses des points de vente.Downstream of the loading device 2 is arranged a first reader L1 used to read the identification code (barcode) affixed to the product passing nearby. Downstream of the reader L1, an ejection device E1 and a device 10 for placing anti-theft protection labels are provided. Downstream is disposed a second device 4 for applying labels supplied by a printing device 7. The devices 4 and 7 are used for applying labels in which appear in particular the price in clear, a reference code for the specific product of the distributor, barcode type and possibly other data chosen by the distributor such as the product label, department number or seller's number. The product code is particularly useful for inventory management and for displaying prices at checkouts at points of sale.

En aval du dispositif de pose 4 est prévu un second lecteur L2 prévu pour relire le code du distributeur apposé à l'étape précédente.Downstream of the fitting device 4, a second reader L2 is provided, provided for reading the distributor code affixed in the previous step.

Le dernier poste de la chaîne est constitué d'un second dispositif d'éjection E2 avoisinant éventuellement un troisième dispositif 11 de pose d'étiquettes pouvant être par exemple des étiquettes de promotion. Le dispositif 11 est placé au-dessus de la courroie 3 de façon à placer les étiquettes sur la face supérieure du produit, c'est-à-dire sur une face opposée à celle recevant les autres étiquettes. Cette disposition simplifie la réalisation, notamment en évitant des contraintes de positionnement des étiquettes supplémentaires par rapport aux étiquettes déjà collées sur le produit.The last station in the chain is made up of a second ejection device E2 possibly adjacent to a third device 11 for applying labels, which may for example be promotion labels. The device 11 is placed above the belt 3 so as to place the labels on the upper face of the product, that is to say on a face opposite to that receiving the other labels. This arrangement simplifies the implementation, in particular by avoiding the constraints of positioning the additional labels relative to the labels already stuck on the product.

Pour commander la chaîne d'étiquetage, l'unité de contrôle 6 est avantageusement constituée d'un automate programmable 8 relié à un micro-ordinateur 9. L'automate 8 a pour rôle essentiellement de gérer les actionneurs et les capteurs de la chaîne d'étiquetage 1 tandis que le micro-ordinateur est destiné principalement à la transmission des données pour l'impression des étiquettes en fonction des données fournies par le capteur L1 et des données fournies par le système de gestion SG. Le micro-ordinateur 9 est d'autre part relié directement au second lecteur L2 en vue de vérifier la conformité du code apposé sur le produit à celui transmis au dispositif d'impression 7 à l'étape précédente.To control the labeling chain, the control unit 6 advantageously consists of a programmable controller 8 connected to a microcomputer 9. The main role of the controller 8 is to manage the actuators and the sensors of the chain d labeling 1 while the microcomputer is intended mainly for the transmission of data for printing the labels as a function of the data supplied by the sensor L1 and of the data supplied by the management system SG. The microcomputer 9 is on the other hand directly connected to the second reader L2 in order to verify the conformity of the code affixed on the product to that transmitted to the printing device 7 in the previous step.

La liaison entre le micro-ordinateur 9 et l'automate 8 permet notamment à ce dernier de recevoir les instructions pour provoquer l'actionnement des dispositifs d'éjection E1 et E2.The connection between the microcomputer 9 and the automaton 8 in particular enables the latter to receive the instructions for causing the actuation of the ejection devices E1 and E2.

La configuration du micro-ordinateur 9 est de type classique, c'est-à-dire comporte un système d'exploitation, un système de gestion des fichiers, un module de communication ainsi qu'un module de traitement en temps réel servant à l'envoi des données à imprimer et à la détection de conformité des données reçues par les lecteurs L1 et L2.The configuration of the microcomputer 9 is of conventional type, that is to say comprises an operating system, a file management system, a communication module as well as a real-time processing module used for the sending the data to be printed and detecting the conformity of the data received by the readers L1 and L2.

De même, l'automate 8 peut être un automate classique tel que proposé par divers constructeurs.Likewise, the automaton 8 can be a conventional automaton as proposed by various manufacturers.

Concernant la chaîne d'étiquetage 1, les dispositifs de chargement 2, de transport 3, de déchargement 5 et d'éjection E1, E2 peuvent également être de type classique et ne nécessitent donc pas d'explications supplémentaires.Regarding the labeling chain 1, the loading 2, transport 3, unloading 5 and ejection devices E1, E2 can also be of the type classic and therefore do not require further explanation.

Le fonctionnement complet du système de la figure 1 va maintenant être décrit en référence au schéma fonctionnel représenté à la figure 2. Sur cette figure, les différentes étapes du processus sont référencées par les mêmes chiffres ou lettres que les postes correspondants de la chaîne d'étiquetage. La première étape 2 correspondant au chargement des produits est suivie de la lecture du code d'identification (code-barres) du produit. Le code lu est transmis au micro-ordinateur 9 qui vérifie la conformité du code. Si le code n'est pas conforme, le micro-ordinateur en informe l'automate 8 qui provoque l'éjection E1 du produit. Si par contre le code est conforme, le produit reçoit l'étiquette de protection à l'étape 10 suivante. Pendant ce temps, le micro-ordinateur 9 transmet au dispositif d'impression 7 les données à imprimer sur l'étiquette. A l'étape suivante 4, le produit reçoit l'étiquette fournit par le dispositif d'impression 7. A l'étape suivante, le second lecteur L2 relit le code (référence, prix) et le transmet au micro-ordinateur 9. Ce dernier vérifie la conformité du code lu au code précédemment transmis au dispositif d'impression. Si le code n'est pas conforme, le produit est éjecté à l'étape E2. Si par contre le code est conforme, le produit reçoit éventuellement une étiquette supplémentaire (étiquette de promotion). Le produit est ensuite déchargé au cours de l'étape 5.The complete operation of the system of FIG. 1 will now be described with reference to the functional diagram represented in FIG. 2. In this figure, the different stages of the process are referenced by the same numbers or letters as the corresponding positions in the chain. labeling. The first step 2 corresponding to the loading of the products is followed by the reading of the identification code (barcode) of the product. The code read is transmitted to the microcomputer 9 which checks the conformity of the code. If the code does not comply, the microcomputer informs the automaton 8 which causes the product E1 to be ejected. If, on the other hand, the code is correct, the product receives the protection label in the next step 10. During this time, the microcomputer 9 transmits to the printing device 7 the data to be printed on the label. In the next step 4, the product receives the label supplied by the printing device 7. In the next step, the second reader L2 reads the code (reference, price) and transmits it to the microcomputer 9. This the latter verifies that the code read conforms to the code previously transmitted to the printing device. If the code does not comply, the product is ejected in step E2. If, on the other hand, the code is compliant, the product may receive an additional label (promotion label). The product is then discharged during step 5.

La figure 3 représente les deux premiers dispositifs d'étiquetage utilisés dans la chaîne. Le premier dispositif d'étiquetage 10 concerne les étiquettes de protection. De façon classique, ce dispositif est essentiellement constitué d'un premier mandrin 20 sur lequel est enroulé un ruban supportant les étiquettes de protection préencollées. Le ruban est entraîné par un cabestan et est guidé vers un doigt 21 dont la partie normalement en contact avec le ruban a la forme d'un dièdre présentant un angle aigu. La forme du doigt 21 provoque le décollement de l'étiquette du ruban, ce qui permet l'adhérence de l'étiquette sur le produit CD4. Un galet presseur 22 appliqué sur la surface du produit renforce l'adhérence de l'étiquette. La partie du ruban démunie d'étiquettes est enroulée autour d'un second mandrin 23.Figure 3 shows the first two labeling devices used in the chain. The first labeling device 10 relates to the labels of protection. Conventionally, this device essentially consists of a first mandrel 20 on which is wound a ribbon supporting the pre-glued protective labels. The ribbon is driven by a capstan and is guided towards a finger 21, the part of which normally in contact with the ribbon has the form of a dihedral having an acute angle. The shape of the finger 21 causes the label to come off from the ribbon, which allows the label to adhere to the CD4 product. A pressure roller 22 applied to the surface of the product strengthens the adhesion of the label. The part of the ribbon devoid of labels is wound around a second mandrel 23.

De façon analogue, le second dispositif d'étiquetage 4 comprend un premier mandrin 12 sur lequel est enroulé un ruban 26 supportant des étiquettes vierges. Le ruban 26 est entraîné par un cabestan 15 vers une tête d'impression par l'intermédiaire d'un guide 13. La tête d'impression 7 est munie d'un capteur 14 de détection de l'étiquette lui permettant de bien cadrer l'impression. En sortie de la tête d'impression, le ruban est dirigé vers un doigt 16 de forme analogue au doigt 21. Un galet presseur 17 contribue à l'adhérence de l'étiquette sur le produit CD3. Le ruban démuni d'étiquettes est ensuite enroulé sur le mandrin 19.Similarly, the second labeling device 4 comprises a first mandrel 12 on which is wound a ribbon 26 supporting blank labels. The ribbon 26 is driven by a capstan 15 to a print head via a guide 13. The print head 7 is provided with a sensor 14 for detecting the label allowing it to properly frame the 'impression. At the outlet of the print head, the ribbon is directed towards a finger 16 of shape similar to finger 21. A pressure roller 17 contributes to the adhesion of the label to the product CD3. The ribbon without labels is then wound on the mandrel 19.

La figure 3 représente aussi le second lecteur L2 qui est du même type que ceux utilisés aux caisses des points de vente.FIG. 3 also represents the second reader L2 which is of the same type as those used at the cash desks of the points of sale.

La figure 4 représente de façon plus détaillée le mécanisme 4 de pose d'étiquettes évoqué ci-dessus. Sur la figure 4, nous retrouvons le mandrin 12 sur lequel est enroulé le ruban 26 muni des étiquettes vierges 25. Le ruban 26 est entraîné par l'intermédiaire du lecteur 7 vers le doigt 16 puis vers le mandrin 19 par l'intermédiaire d'un guide 24. La forme particulière du doigt 16 a pour effet de provoquer le décollement des étiquettes du ruban 26. Pour réaliser la fonction d'inhibition mentionnée précédemment, le doigt 16 peut pivoter autour d'un axe de rotation perpendiculaire à la figure de façon à s'éloigner des produits entraînés par la courroie 3 et à ne plus présenter un angle aigu à la surface du ruban. Selon une disposition particulière de réalisation, le guide 24 sert de butée pour le doigt 16 lorsque celui-ci est entraîné en rotation.Figure 4 shows in more detail the mechanism 4 for applying labels mentioned above. In Figure 4, we find the mandrel 12 on which is rolled up the ribbon 26 provided with the blank labels 25. The ribbon 26 is driven via the reader 7 towards the finger 16 then towards the mandrel 19 via a guide 24. The particular shape of the finger 16 has for effect of causing the labels to peel off from the ribbon 26. To carry out the previously mentioned inhibition function, the finger 16 can pivot around an axis of rotation perpendicular to the figure so as to move away from the products entrained by the belt 3 and no longer present an acute angle on the surface of the ribbon. According to a particular embodiment, the guide 24 serves as a stop for the finger 16 when the latter is rotated.

La figure 5 est une représentation agrandie et détaillée du mécanisme précédent montrant plus précisément la forme du doigt 16. Comme représenté en pointillés sur la figure, le doigt 16 dans sa position normale applique sur le ruban 26 un angle aigu qui modifie brutalement la trajectoire du ruban provoquant le décollement de l'étiquette 25. Par contre, lorsque le doigt est en position rétractée par suite d'une rotation autour de son axe (en traits pleins sur la figure), le doigt présente vis-à-vis du ruban une surface cylindrique qui évite le décollement des étiquettes.Figure 5 is an enlarged and detailed representation of the previous mechanism showing more precisely the shape of the finger 16. As shown in dotted lines in the figure, the finger 16 in its normal position applies to the tape 26 an acute angle which suddenly changes the trajectory of the ribbon causing the label 25 to peel off On the other hand, when the finger is in the retracted position as a result of a rotation about its axis (in solid lines in the figure), the finger has, opposite the ribbon, a cylindrical surface which prevents labels from peeling off.

La figure 6 représente le même dispositif vu de droite où apparaît le mécanisme d'entraînement 27 du doigt 16. Le mécanisme 27 est essentiellement constitué d'un électro-aimant rotatif 28 accouplé à une transmission 29 reliée à l'axe de rotation du doigt 16.FIG. 6 represents the same device seen from the right where the drive mechanism 27 of the finger 16 appears. The mechanism 27 essentially consists of a rotary electromagnet 28 coupled to a transmission 29 connected to the axis of rotation of the finger 16.

A titre d'illustration, la figure 7 représente un exemple de réalisation concret de la machine. Sur cette figure, sont visibles les principaux éléments accessibles aux utilisateurs: les chargeurs 12 et 13, les rouleaux d'étiquettes de protection et d'étiquettes vierges et le rouleau d'étiquettes supplémentaire du dispositif 11. Pour des produits ayant des dimensions voisines de celles des disques compacts, la machine a une longueur d'environ 2 mètres, une profondeur de 60 centimètres et une hauteur de 55 centimètres, son poids étant d'environ 200 kilogrammes.By way of illustration, FIG. 7 represents an example of a concrete embodiment of the machine. On this The main elements accessible to users are visible: the magazines 12 and 13, the rolls of protective labels and blank labels and the additional label roll of the device 11. For products having dimensions close to those of compact discs, the machine has a length of about 2 meters, a depth of 60 centimeters and a height of 55 centimeters, its weight being about 200 kilograms.

Claims (9)

  1. System for the automatic labelling of products (CD0-CD5) on which there are affixed codes for identification of said products, said system comprising a labelling line (1) including:
    - a product loading device (2),
    - a conveying device (3),
    - at least one first label positioning device (4),
    - a product unloading device (5),
    said system also comprising a monitoring unit (6) connected to a first reader (L1) placed upstream of the first label positioning device (4) and arranged so as to be able to read said identification code and a label printing device (7) controlled by the monitoring unit (6) and supplying the first label positioning device (4), the monitoring unit (6) comprising means for seeking, in a database (BD), data to be transmitted to the printing device (7) as a function of the identification codes read by the first reader (L1), said system being characterized in that it comprises a first discharge device (E1) placed downstream of the first reader (L1) and controlled by the monitoring unit (6) and in that the monitoring unit actuates said first discharge device (E1) if the identification codes read by the first reader (L1) do not conform with the reference identification codes in the database (BD).
  2. Labelling system according to Claim 1, characterized in that said first label positioning device (4) comprises an inhibiting mechanism (16, 27) controlled by the monitoring unit (6) allowing the positioning of labels to be prevented and in that if a non-conforming identification code is detected, the monitoring unit (6) activates said inhibiting mechanism (16, 27) at the moment when the product carrying said non-forming code should have received a label.
  3. Labelling system according to Claim 2, characterized in that the labels to be printed (25) by said printing device (7) are pre-glued and are supported by a tape (26) wound round a mandrel (12), said tape being driven toward a printing head of the printing device (7) then over a finger (16) arranged in the region of passage of the products onto the line (1) and of which an acute-angled portion is normally in contact with said tape so as to unstick the labels (25) from said tape (26) and in that said inhibiting mechanism (16, 27) comprises a device (27) allowing said finger (16) to be displaced so as to eliminate contact between the tape (26) and said acute-angled portion.
  4. Labelling system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises a second reader (L2) connected to the monitoring unit (6) and placed downstream of the first label-positioning device (4) and a second discharge device (E2) placed downstream of said second reader (L2) and controlled by the monitoring unit (6), in that the monitoring unit (6) comprises means for detecting the conformity between the data read by said second reader (L2) and the data transmitted to the printing device (7) and means for actuating said second discharge device (E2) in the case of non-conformity.
  5. Labelling system according to Claim 4, characterized in that said second reader (L2) has a performance level at most equivalent to those of readers normally used in the points of sale of products labelled by said system.
  6. Labelling system according to one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that said monitoring unit (6) consists of a programmable automaton (8) and of a micro-computer (9) connected to one another, said micro-computer communicating directly with said reader or readers (L1, L2) and said printing device (7), said automaton (8) being connected to position sensors (P1-P5) for the products (CD1-CD5) present on the line (1) and to actuators for said discharge device or devices (E1, E2) and for the inhibiting mechanism (16, 27).
  7. Labelling system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a second protective label positioning device (10) arranged on the line (1) between the first reader (L1) and the label positioning device (4).
  8. Labelling system according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a third additional label positioning device (11) arranged on the line (1) downstream of the second reader (L2), said first and third positioning devices (4, 11) being placed on either side of the conveying device (3).
  9. Use of the labelling system according to one of Claims 4 to 8 for the management of stock, the input into stock of products labelled by said system being validated by detection of the conformity of the data read by the second reader (L2).
EP19930118258 1992-11-13 1993-11-11 Automatic labelling system and its utilisation in stock management Expired - Lifetime EP0597470B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9213710A FR2698071B1 (en) 1992-11-13 1992-11-13 Automatic labeling system and use of said system for inventory management.
FR9213710 1992-11-13

Publications (2)

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EP0597470A1 EP0597470A1 (en) 1994-05-18
EP0597470B1 true EP0597470B1 (en) 1996-05-08

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EP19930118258 Expired - Lifetime EP0597470B1 (en) 1992-11-13 1993-11-11 Automatic labelling system and its utilisation in stock management

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EP (1) EP0597470B1 (en)
DE (1) DE69302560D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2090822T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2698071B1 (en)

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FR2725694B1 (en) * 1994-10-17 1997-01-31 Gascan Thierry DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC PRODUCTION OF SELF-ADHESIVE LABELS
US5619416A (en) * 1995-09-14 1997-04-08 Ncr Corporation Labeling system and method for an electronic price label
IT1299982B1 (en) * 1998-04-22 2000-04-04 Gd Spa METHOD FOR THE CREATION OF CIGARETTE PACKAGES AND PLANT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS METHOD.
CA2333343A1 (en) * 2000-02-01 2001-08-01 Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc. Customized prescription product packaging and method and system for producing customized prescription product packaging
US20050139323A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2005-06-30 Syde Gary V. Linerless label application assembly
US7987141B2 (en) 2005-01-28 2011-07-26 Bowe Bell & Howell Company Dynamically changing label size during mail processing

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US4321103A (en) * 1980-09-25 1982-03-23 Hi-Speed Checkweigher Co., Inc. Mechanism for applying merchandising labels to packages/objects of different weights and dimensions
AU529285B2 (en) * 1980-11-21 1983-06-02 Tokyo Electric Co. Ltd. Label issuing apparatus
US4529871A (en) * 1982-09-29 1985-07-16 Loblaw Companies Limited Price marking system
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DE102004063348A1 (en) * 2004-12-23 2006-07-06 Ribbeck Gmbh Personalizing process for drink crates involves supplying crate to be personalized, and applying personalized foil to at least one outer wall of crate

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2090822T3 (en) 1996-10-16
FR2698071A1 (en) 1994-05-20
DE69302560D1 (en) 1996-06-13
EP0597470A1 (en) 1994-05-18
FR2698071B1 (en) 1995-01-20

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