RU192889U1 - Cartridge for printing and labeling containers - Google Patents

Abstract

This technical solution relates to the field of laboratory technology, and more specifically to accessories for printing and gluing labels on containers. The cartridge for printing and gluing labels on containers includes a housing made of two parts interconnected to form a container for placing containers, the housing has an aperture configured to pass a container. In the area of the aforementioned opening, a rotary tray is installed which is capable of releasing the container from the cartridge container during rotation. The technical result is an increase in the universality of the cartridge of the printing device and labeling of containers.

Description

Technical field

This technical solution relates to the field of laboratory technology, and more particularly to the components of devices for printing and gluing labels on containers.

State of the art

Currently, there are many types of containers for chemicals, biomaterials, etc. that are used in laboratories for research. For example, various test tubes, containers with a cap, etc. Distinctive features of containers in addition to the purpose are material, overall dimensions, shape, type and color of the lid, bottom shape, presence / absence of vacuum, presence / absence of filler, in particular, reagent, etc. Thus, dozens of possible container options are possible, while the quality and ability to conduct research depends, among other things, on the correct choice of container.

In addition to the correct selection of the type of container for a specific study, an important task is the accurate labeling of the container for its unambiguous identification. Since the data on the containers is usually encrypted, for example, with a barcode, numeric / alphabetic and / or other code, this can make it difficult for the operator to visually identify errors. When manually marking containers by the operator, errors caused by the human factor are possible, in addition, this increases the time of sampling and registration of the sample.

To automate the process of selecting containers and labeling, there are devices for printing and gluing labels on containers. Such devices are widely used in laboratories of various organizations and institutions.

From the description of the patent for utility model of China No. CN 207917350 publ. 09/28/2018 a device for printing and gluing labels on containers is known, which includes a housing, a control unit, a container feeding unit, a printing unit, a labeling unit, and a dispensing compartment. The control unit is configured to receive and process a print job and issue a glued container. The container supply unit is configured to remove the container from removable cartridges with containers and transfer the container to the labeling unit. The containers, under the action of gravity, enter the rotary tray and, when the drive rotates the rotary tray, is activated, they enter the conveyor belt of the container feeding unit, directing the selected container to the labeling unit. Moreover, the rotary tray is located in the container feed unit.

Known from the description of CN 207917350, the removable cartridge for printing and gluing labels on containers includes a housing made of two parts interconnected to form a container for accommodating containers. The housing has an opening made with the possibility of passage of containers. A spring-loaded locking device is installed in the opening, preventing the containers from falling out of the cartridge during transportation. When the cartridge is installed in the container supply unit, the locking device is deactivated, and the containers, under the action of gravity, enter the rotary tray of the container supply unit. The presence of removable cartridges with containers simplifies the operation of the device, and allows you to quickly replace cartridges, track the exact number of remaining containers and timely replenish containers.

However, the design of the known cartridge device for printing and gluing labels on containers is not universal. In particular, due to the location of the pivoting tray in the printing and labeling device. Thus, when the cartridge is installed in the container supply unit, the first container enters the rotary tray and when the cartridge is removed, the container can no longer remain in it, but enters the container supply unit of the printing and labeling device on the containers. Therefore, if necessary, move the cartridge to another slot or other similar device, one of the containers will be absent in it. And for the device, it will not be possible to use a cartridge with a different type of container for this slot until the specified container that has got into the swivel tray is used. The presence of removable cartridges with containers is an advantage that just allows in the laboratory conditions to quickly replace one cartridge with another, including the use of cartridges with containers of a different type or size, but due to the non-universal design of the cartridge, it is not possible to take full advantage of this advantage . The known design is designed to remove all containers from the cartridge to the last, only after that it can be replaced with another for the correct operation of the device.

As it can be understood by a specialist in the conditions of the laboratory, the necessary types of containers may vary, in particular, some containers may be unclaimed or unclaimed, therefore, installing a cartridge with such containers will occupy the slot of the container supply unit, which could be used for cartridges with other more popular types containers. The indicated non-universality of the cartridge can lead to a simple or insufficient use of equipment, or the need to manually remove the dropped container from the device and place it back in the cartridge, which is time-consuming and may violate the sterility of the container.

The objective of this utility model is to create a universal cartridge device for printing and gluing labels on containers, providing the ability to quickly replace cartridges in the printing device and gluing labels on containers.

Disclosure

The object of this technical solution is a cartridge device for printing and gluing labels on containers, comprising a housing made of two parts interconnected to form a container for accommodating containers, the housing has an opening configured to pass the container. The technical result is achieved by the fact that in the region of the aforementioned opening, a rotary tray is installed, which is configured to release the container from the cartridge container during rotation.

Possible clarifying features of the claimed utility model are indicated below.

The rotary tray may be provided with a groove configured to transmit rotational motion to the rotary tray.

The pivoting tray may be configured to rotate around its axis by an angle of up to 90 ° or up to 180 ° or up to 360 °.

The cartridge may optionally be equipped with a swing tray return mechanism.

The cartridge may be further provided with a limiter for the rotation angle of the pivoting tray.

The cartridge may be further provided with a latch configured to block rotation of the pivoting tray.

The pivoting tray may be provided with a guide configured to position the container in the pivoting tray.

The cartridge in the area of the pivoting tray may be provided with guides configured to accurately position the cartridge in the device for printing and sticking labels to containers.

The pivoting tray may be installed in said opening of the cartridge or under said opening of the cartridge.

The pivoting tray may have a section in the form of a semicircle or a U-shape or a V-shape, or a U-shape.

The cartridge housing may be provided with an identifier for the contents of the cartridge.

The cartridge housing may be provided with an indicator of cartridge contents.

The technical result is to increase the versatility of the cartridge of the device for printing and gluing labels on containers.

In the context of the present description, the term container means any laboratory container. For example, vacuum tubes according to ISO6710, or other tubes made of plastic, glass, and other materials, biomaterial containers, etc. For use in a device for printing and gluing labels onto containers, the container must have a substantially circular or oval cross-sectional shape to enable label gluing by rolling the container between the shafts of the label gluing assembly. Other characteristics, in particular, such as the type, color and shape of the lid; container bottom shape; a material or combination of materials; overall dimensions are essentially unlimited. The presence or absence of a vacuum medium as well as the presence / absence of a filler in a container is not a limiting condition for the purposes of this utility model. The presence / absence of a factory label is also not a limiting condition, since labels can be glued on containers without containers or with a label, for example, on top of a factory label.

In the context of the present description, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the words "first", "second", "third", etc. used in the form of adjectives solely to distinguish the nouns to which they relate from each other, and not for the purpose of describing any specific relationship between these nouns. So, for example, it should be borne in mind that the use of the terms “first printer” and “third printer” does not imply any order, assignment to a certain type, chronology, hierarchy or ranking, nor does their use (in itself) suggests that a certain "second printer" must exist in a given situation.

A print job in the context of the present description is understood to mean either an identifier (for example, a barcode) that can be read by an input device and allowing to obtain data from a LIS (laboratory information system), and / or other databases, and / or systems over a network data transmission, or the data itself, which can be obtained at least partially from the operator and / or via the data transmission network from an external device and / or through one or more input devices.

Additional and / or alternative characteristics, aspects and advantages of the embodiments of the present technical solution will become apparent from the following description, the attached drawings and the attached formula.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows the General layout of the device for printing and gluing labels on containers

Figure 2 schematically shows a non-limiting embodiment of a cartridge of a printing device and labeling containers.

Description

In FIG. 1 shows a device 100 for printing and sticking labels to containers, according to a non-limiting embodiment. The device 100 includes a housing 102, a control unit (not shown), a container feeding unit 104, a printing unit 106, a labeling unit 108, a dispensing compartment 110. The control unit is configured to receive and process a print job and dispense a glued container from the compartment issuing 110. The control unit is configured to receive, process commands in such a way as to initiate operations by individual nodes of the device. The device 100 may be connected to a power supply and / or include an autonomous power source, for example, a battery. To receive the job, the device 100 may include a data interface (not shown) that allows you to receive at least part of the job over the data network. The device for printing and gluing labels may further include one or more input devices, as well as one or more output devices. In the illustrative example shown in FIG. 1, device 100 includes a touch screen 112, which is both an input device and an output device at the same time.

The list of possible output devices is not particularly limited, among other things, the device 100 may include one or more of: a screen, a light indicator, a printer, a speaker.

These output devices can be used in particular for one or more of the following: outputting data on the progress of the task, job details, task results, indicating the presence of malfunctions, providing instructions for working with the device, providing data on the state of the device as a whole or its individual nodes, settings, etc.

  The list of possible input devices is not specifically limited, among other things, the device 100 may include one or more of: a touch screen, a camera, a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, an RFID reader, and a reader for biometric data (fingerprints, retina eye, etc.), one or more buttons, touchpad, joystick, gesture recognition device, microphone.

These input devices can be used in particular for one or more of the following: receiving at least part of a print job, receiving confirmation of a print job, identifying an operator, identifying a sample, identifying cartridges and / or containers, setting device operating modes, and others settings, receiving other commands or feedback from the operator, controlling the device as a whole and / or its individual nodes.

 The container feed assembly 104 is configured to remove the container from the removable cartridges 200 with containers 202 (FIG. 2) and transfer the container 202 to the labeling assembly 108. For example, by means of a conveyor belt, guide rollers, under the influence of gravity, etc. Removing containers 202 from cartridges 200 can be accomplished by rotating the pivoting tray 204.

The pivoting tray 204 is installed in the cartridge itself, and the container 202 is released from the cartridge 200 by the container supply unit 104 by transmitting rotational movement from the drive.

It is worth noting that in the illustrative example, FIG. 1 shows only one cartridge 200 installed in the container supply unit 104. However, given the number of free slots 1041 of the container supply unit 104, it is obvious that in the container supply unit 104 of this illustrative example of the device 100 may be 11 more 200 cartridges were installed.

The number of cartridges in the device for printing and gluing labels on containers and the number of slots of the container feeding unit may differ or coincide. So, for example, the container supply unit can include one or more slots for installing cartridges, and the number of cartridges installed at once for the operation of the device can be 1 or more, but cannot exceed the number of slots for installing cartridges in the container supply unit .

For the case when the number of installed cartridges in the container supply unit is more than one, the control unit is configured to select a specific installed cartridge for removing the container from it. The selection is based on the received print job and information about the available cartridges with containers.

An embodiment is possible in which the device 100 further includes a manual feed device 122 configured to feed the container directly from the operator to the labeling unit 108 without passing through the container supply unit 104. The manual feed device may also comprise a pivoting tray similar to a pivoting tray 208 and through an additional drive to carry out the extraction of the container and its direction directly to the node gluing labels 108.

An embodiment is possible in which the manual feed device 122 is configured to feed various containers. Thus, in the absence of the required type of container in the cartridges, the device 100, through one or more output devices, can request the operator to manually supply the desired container.

Returning to the illustrative example of FIG. 1, it is important to note that in the container supply unit 104 one or more of one cartridges 200 can be installed at a time, but no more than 12, since in this illustrative example there are only 12 slots 1041 for installing cartridges 200.

As the specialist will understand, this design is scalable and similarly devices for printing and gluing labels on containers can be implemented, with almost any number of slots for installing cartridges 200, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, ... 10, ..., 100 , etc. The optimal number of slots of the container feeding unit for installing cartridges 200 can be determined on the basis of the required number of containers, the number of different types of containers, as well as the required dimensions of the device for printing and gluing labels.

The print unit 106 includes a first label feeder 114 and a first printer 116 associated with a first label feeder 114 at the input and an adhesive label 108 at the output. The first label feeder 114 may include a first sleeve and a take-up sleeve, the first sleeve is configured to mount a first roll of self-adhesive labels on the substrate, and after passing through the first printer 116, the first label feeder 114 is configured to direct the printed label to the labeling unit 108 , and winding the substrate without a label onto the take-up sleeve to form a roll of the substrate. Self-adhesive labels can be dispensed by rotating the take-up roller. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be provided, for example, with guides and drive rollers for feeding self-adhesive labels on a substrate to the first printer 116.

The first printer 116 may be a thermal printer, or an inkjet printer or other printing device.

Labeling unit 108 is configured to apply a label obtained from the first printer 116 to a container, and directing the pasted container to the dispensing compartment 110.

Labeling unit 108 includes three shafts, one of which is drive, that is, connected to the drive and the drive, and the other two driven, when the container is located between the three shafts, the drive shaft is configured to rotate the container and transmit the rotational movement of the driven shafts in such a way as to enable the application of a label obtained from the first printer 116 on the container.

One of the shafts is linearly movable relative to the other two shafts to provide a container before gluing and to release the glued container into the dispensing compartment 110 after gluing. The movement can be provided, for example, by means of an electromechanical drive, a mechanical system, and manually. The diameter of the shafts may be the same or different. For example, the diameter of the drive shaft may be larger than the diameter of one or two driven shafts. Or vice versa, the drive shaft may be smaller in diameter of one or two driven shafts. Other combinations are possible that will be understood by a person skilled in the art. The diameters of the shafts can be selected based on the possible overall dimensions of the containers to ensure uniform and accurate labeling.

Labeling assembly 108 may include at least one sensor coupled to a control unit for synchronizing printing assembly 106 and gluing assembly 108 and / or identifying the container and / or accurately positioning the label on the container. As a sensor, in particular, optical, magnetic, mechanical and other types of sensors can be used.

The printing unit 106 may further include a second label feeder 118 and a second printer 120 associated with the second input label feeder 118. The second printer 120 is configured to receive a print job from the control unit and direct the printed label to the dispensing compartment 110. The second printer 120 may have a design similar to the first printer 116 and may be a thermal printer, or an inkjet printer or other printing device.

The second label feeder 118 includes a second sleeve configured to mount a second roll of self-adhesive labels on the substrate and the direction of the tape with self-adhesive labels on the second printer 120.

The second printer 120 at the output can be equipped with a ribbon cutter and is configured to trim the printed label on the substrate and direct it to the dispensing compartment 110.

The second label feeder 118 may be configured to mount a second roll of self-adhesive labels on the perforated substrate and to direct the tape with self-adhesive labels to the second printer 120. In this case, the separation of the printed label on the substrate can be carried out in the dispensing compartment 110.

In FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting illustrative example of a cartridge 200

Cartridge 200 for a device for printing and gluing labels on containers 100, including a housing 204 made of two parts, a first part 2041 and a second housing part 2042, interconnected to form a container for accommodating containers 202. The first part 2041 and the second part 2042 of the housing 204 can be detachable and interconnected by a loop connection and latches as shown in Fig.2. This design provides the convenience of refilling cartridges 200 with containers 202. The first part 2041 and the second part 2042 of the housing 204 can be connected by other fasteners, for example, latches, screws, latches, etc. The type of connection can be selected based on the need to ensure the convenience of quick replenishment and / or replacement of containers 202 in the cartridge 200, or vice versa to limit the possibility of replenishment or replacement of containers 202 in the cartridge 200. The cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 2 can be additionally sealed to prevent unauthorized removing containers 202 or replenishing the cartridge 200 with containers 202.

As will be clear to the specialist, the first part 2041 and the second part 2042 of the housing 204 can, in turn, be made in the form of single or composite elements consisting of one or more elements. The material of the parts of the housing 204 is not specifically limited in any way, for example, the housing may contain elements made of the same and / or different materials, in particular plastic, metal, rubber, etc. Individual parts of the housing 204 or elements may be made of a transparent material.

The shape of the housing 204 is not particularly limited in any way, for example, it may have a substantially parallelepiped shape (not shown) or another geometric shape, or a complex shape, in particular, as shown in FIG. 2.

The shape and size of the housing 204 of the cartridge 200 is determined based on the characteristics of the possible sizes of the containers 202 and the characteristics of the container feed assembly 104 for use in which the cartridge 200 is intended.

In the housing 204 of the cartridge 200, there is an opening 206 configured to extend the container 200. The opening 206 is used to remove the containers 202 from the cartridge 200. For some non-limiting options, the opening 206 may also be designed to load containers 202 into the cartridge 200.

A rotary tray 208 (FIG. 2) is mounted in the region of the aperture 206, which is configured to release the container 202 from the container of the cartridge 200 when the said tray 208 is rotated. The containers 202 are placed on the cartridge 200 one above the other and when the device 100 is installed in the container feed unit 104 under the action of gravity and through the rotary tray 208 sequentially removed from the cartridge 200.

The rotary tray 208 may be provided with a groove configured to transmit rotational motion to the rotary tray from the drive of the container feed assembly 104.

The pivoting tray 208 may be configured to rotate about its axis by an angle of up to 90 °, or up to 180 ° or up to 360 °. The rotation angle can be selected based on the shape of the tray and the overall dimensions of the containers 202 located in the cartridge 200. The specified rotation angle should ensure the simultaneous removal of one container 202 from the cartridge 200 and its transfer to the feed unit of the container 104 of the device 100.

The cartridge 200 may further be provided with a return mechanism (not shown) of the pivoting tray 208. The returning mechanism may be implemented by means of a spring and provide for restoring the position of the pivoting tray 208 after its rotation by the drive of the container feed assembly 104. Alternatively, said return movement may be carried out by the feed assembly drive itself. container 104.

The cartridge 200 may be further provided with a rotation angle limiter of the pivoting tray 208. Thus, the cartridge 200 can be further configured to use containers 200 of different sizes and prevent more than one container from passing when the pivoting tray 208 is rotated. Alternatively or additionally, the pivoting angle restriction may not be specified only on the cartridge 200 itself, but also in the feed assembly of the container 104 of the device 100.

The cartridge 200 may be further provided with a latch 210 configured to block rotation of the pivoting tray 208. The pivot 210 serves, for example, to prevent the pivoting tray 208 from turning and containers 202 falling out during transportation of the cartridge 200. The pivot 210 may be made, for example, in the form of a groove lock, located on the axis of rotation of the rotary tray 208. When installing the cartridge 200 in the feed unit of the container 104, the latch 210 may, for example, automatically slide up and unlock the rotation of the rotary lot 208. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the latch 210 may also have a different design, for example, a lid inserted into the opening of the cartridge 200 and blocking the rotation of the pivoting tray 208.

The pivoting tray 208 of the cartridge 200 may be provided with a guide (not shown) configured to position the container in the pivoting tray. The guide may be, for example, a rib or ribs removable or non-removable, located on the inner surface of the rotary tray 208.

The cartridge 200 in the area of the opening 206 and / or the pivoting tray 208 may be provided with guides capable of accurately positioning the cartridge in the device 100 for printing and sticking labels to containers. The guides may prevent the cartridge 200 from being inserted incorrectly into the device 100.

The pivoting tray 208 may be installed directly in or under said opening 206 of the cartridge 200.

The cross-section pivoting tray 208 may be in the form of a semicircle, a U-shape, a V-shape, a U-shape. The shape of the cross section may be determined by the type and size of the containers 202, the angle of rotation of the pivoting chute 208 and the overall dimensions of the cartridge 200. Thus, for example, when turning 90 °, it may be preferable to use the pivoting chute 208 with a V-shaped cross-section and, for a given rotation, an angle of up to 180 ° or up to 360 ° can be used swivel tray 208 with a cross section of a U-shaped or U-shaped. As will be clear to the specialist, it is possible to use rotary trays and a different section shape, in particular, representing complex geometric shapes.

Cartridge 200 may be provided with a cartridge content identifier. The content identifier may be, for example, a barcode, a QR code, a color identifier, and another identifier that can be read by the operator or device 100 via input devices for entering data about the installed cartridges 200 into the device 100.

The cartridge 200 may be provided with an indicator of the contents of the cartridge 200. In particular, the indicator may be a transparent area on the body of the cartridge 200, a mechanical or light indicator that can determine the presence of containers in the cartridge 200, their number, type, size, etc.

Inside the cartridge housing 200, a first stopper 212 of the internal space of the container may be located. The limiter 212 makes it possible to use the cartridge 200 for containers of various sizes, which makes it universal, thus eliminating the displacement of containers in the cartridge, eliminating the jamming of containers in the cartridge 200 or in the container feed unit 104 of the device 100 for printing and labeling containers.

A second stopper (not shown) of the interior of the container may be located inside the cartridge housing 200.

The first stop 212 and the second stop (not shown) may be configured to limit the internal space of the capacity of the cartridge 200 in one plane. For example, the first stop 212 may be located to the right of the row of containers 202, as shown in FIG. 2, and a second stop (not shown) can be mounted parallel to the first, respectively, to the left of the row of containers 202 to limit the height of the containers 202. Or, the first stop 212 and the second stop can be installed in other planes, for example, with the possibility of restricting the containers 202 in diameter from one or two sides. The use of two stops allows the additional alignment of the containers 202 in the cartridge 200.

The first limiter 212 and the second limiter can be configured to limit the internal space of the vessel in various planes. So, for example, the first stop 212 can be installed, as shown in FIG. 2, and limit the containers 202 in height, and the second stop can be installed in a perpendicular plane and limit the mentioned containers 202 in diameter.

A groove 214 can be formed on the inner surface of the housing 204 on one or two of its parts 2041 and 2042, and the first stop 212 can be a wall configured to be installed in the groove 214, as shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 2. In this case, the first stop 212 may be removable. The second limiter (not shown) may have a similar design.

More than one groove 212 can be made on the inner surface of the housing 204 in one or two of its parts, and the first stop 212 and the second stop can then be installed in any of the grooves to provide a predetermined limit on the internal space of the cartridge 200. For example, 5 grooves in increments of 2 cm can be made, or 10 grooves in increments of 1.5 cm, etc. to limit the containers 202 in height, and the first stop 212 can be installed in any of the several grooves for a given restriction of the containers 202 in height. The number of grooves and the pitch between them is not specifically limited in any way and may depend, for example, on the possible height of the containers used, for example, the grooves can provide a given restriction of containers with a height of 60 mm, 75 mm, 100 mm, 120 mm, 200 mm, etc. Similarly, when installed in a perpendicular plane, the said grooves can provide a given restriction of containers with a diameter of 10 mm, 13 mm, 16 mm, 20 mm, 26 mm, 40 mm. etc. When filling this cartridge 200 with containers whose height exceeds the height of the containers 202, the stopper 212 can be removed from the groove 214 and removed or moved to another groove (not shown).

The first stopper and / or the second stopper can be a movable wall made with the possibility of fixing in several positions with a given restriction on the capacity of the cartridge for the overall dimensions of the containers. This can be realized, for example, by installing a limiter on the rail with the possibility of linear movement and fixing in a predetermined position.

The first limiter and / or the second limiter may be a movable spring-loaded wall configured to automatically limit the cartridge capacity to the overall dimensions of the containers. In this case, the stiffness of the spring mechanism should not impede the free movement of containers in the cartridge under the action of gravity.

The first stop and the second stop may be the same or different in design. For example, the first limiter 212 may be implemented as shown in FIG. 2 in the form of a wall installed in the groove 214, and the second stop may be made in the form of a movable spring-loaded wall. In another non-limiting embodiment, the first and second stopper can be made in the form of a movable wall made with the possibility of fixing in several positions with a given limit on the capacity of the cartridge. As will be clear to the specialist, other options and combinations of the execution of the first and second limiters are possible.

In the housing 204 of the cartridge 200, an additional aperture may be formed configured to extend the container. An additional opening (not shown) may be located opposite the opening 206 on the opposite side of the cartridge 200. When the cartridge 200 is installed in the device 100, it may be possible to replenish it with containers through the additional opening without having to remove the cartridge 200 from the device 100. The additional opening may be provided with a locking a device that prevents containers from falling out of the cartridge during transportation. When executing an additional opening similarly to the opening 206 with the installation of an additional rotary tray (not shown), the cartridge 200 can be inserted into the device 100 on either side with an opening, which further increases its versatility.

The claimed technical solution works as follows.

Cartridges 200 are pre-filled with containers 202, the type and size of containers 202 in one cartridge 200 must be the same, and the containers of one removable cartridge may be the same or different from containers in another similar cartridge 200.

Additionally, each or some of the cartridges may be provided with a content identifier. For example, a sticker with a barcode that encodes, in particular, the number of containers in this cartridge, their type and size.

Before installing the cartridges 200 in the feed unit of the container 104, the operator, through one or more input devices, sets information about the cartridges 200 and their contents. This can be accomplished, for example, by means of a touch screen 112 and / or by means of a barcode scanner (not shown) by reading \ identifiers on the container. Previously, the device 100 can carry out the identification of the operator, for example, by means of one or more input devices, in particular biometric data, for example, by recognizing the fingerprint, retina of the operator’s eye, his voice or face. As will be clear to the specialist, various options and combinations are possible depending on the available input devices and system settings. For the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1, the identification of the operator can be carried out through the touch screen 112 by entering the authentication data of the operator, for example, login and password.

After entering information about the cartridge 200 and its contents, the device 100, through one or more output devices, can inform the operator of a specific slot 1041 of the container feeding unit into which the cartridge 200 is to be installed. Alternatively or additionally, the operator can insert the cartridge 200 into any free slot 1041, and the device 100 will automatically determine in which slot 1041 the cartridge 200 was installed. The control unit is configured to receive, process and save data about installed cartridges izh 200 and containers placed in them through one or more input devices.

The control unit is configured to receive at least a portion of a print job via a data network and / or through one or more input devices. For example, an operator can initiate a task by means of input devices, in particular, by reading a barcode scanner, read information about a sample or manually enter a list and types of containers required for this study. Alternatively or additionally, device 100 may receive a print job via a data network.

These samples for application to the container can be encrypted and received from an external database in the form of an identifier, such as a bar code, alphanumeric code.

Based on the received task, the control unit of the device 100 checks for the presence of the required types and number of containers in the cartridges 200 installed in the container supply unit 104. If one of the required containers is missing, the control unit may request the installation of one or more output devices to install additional cartridge 200 with the required type of containers, or request the placement of the desired container through the manual feed unit 122.

In the presence of all or part of the required containers, the device 100 may proceed with the print job. At the same time, the control unit initiates the sequential extraction of the required containers by the container feed unit 104 from the removable cartridges 200 and / or the manual feed unit 122. The drive of the container supply unit 104 rotates the rotary tray 208 and removes the container 202 with the subsequent direction to the label sticking unit 108. The control unit initiates printing of the label in the printing unit 106, for example, the first printer 116, which receives the label from the first label feeder 114 and then directs the printed label to the glued unit I label 108.

At the labeling assembly 108, the selected container 202 is placed between the three shafts, where the drive shaft rotates the container, which is transmitted to the driven shafts. The control unit through one or more sensors installed in the labeling unit 108 determines the position of the container 202 and initiates the supply of the printed label from the first printer 116 and its exact positioning on the container 202. Then, the glued container is sent to the dispensing compartment 110.

The above steps are similarly repeated for each of the containers in the task.

For the embodiment, according to which the printing unit 106 includes a second printer 120, the control unit is configured to initiate separate label printing without sticking to the container 202 and issuing the printed label in the dispensing compartment 110. The presence of the second printer 120 makes it possible to use the device 100 for any containers, including those that are not in the cartridges 200, or which cannot be used in the device, for example, because of the dimensions, and for example, for the case when it has already been completed for a sample boron and a container must be labeled, and rotation and other manipulations with a filled container are undesirable. The universal design of the device 100, if necessary, allows you to apply a label to a container filled with biomaterial, for example, through the manual feed unit 122.

After the job is completed, the control unit can transmit data about the job to the data network and / or output to the operator through one or more available output devices, for example, a screen, an additional third printer, speakers, light indicators, etc.

The claimed design of a removable cartridge for printing and gluing labels is universal and allows the use of containers of various types and dimensions.

The presented illustrative embodiments, examples and description serve only to provide an understanding of the claimed technical solutions and are not limiting. Other possible embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the description provided. The scope of this utility model is limited only by the attached utility model formula.

Claims (18)

1. Cartridge of a device for printing and gluing labels on containers, comprising a housing made of two parts interconnected to form a container for accommodating containers, the housing has an opening configured to pass the container, characterized in that in the region of said opening is installed a pivoting tray configured to release the container from the cartridge container during rotation. 2. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray is provided with a groove configured to transmit rotational motion to the rotary tray. 3. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray is made to rotate around its axis by an angle of up to 90 °. 4. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray is made to rotate around its axis at an angle of up to 180 °. 5. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray is rotatable around its axis by an angle of up to 360 °. 6. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that it is further provided with a return mechanism of the rotary tray. 7. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that it is further provided with a limiter for the angle of rotation of the rotary tray. 8. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that it is further provided with a latch made with the possibility of blocking the rotation of the rotary tray. 9. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray is equipped with a guide made with the possibility of positioning the container in the rotary tray. 10. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that in the area of the rotary tray is equipped with guides made with the ability to accurately position the cartridge in the device for printing and gluing labels to containers. 11. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray is installed in the said opening of the cartridge. 12. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray is installed under said opening of the cartridge. 13. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray has a section in the form of a semicircle. 14. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray has a U-shaped section. 15. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the pivoting tray has a V-shaped section. 16. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary tray has a U-shaped section. 17. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing is provided with an identifier for the contents of the cartridge. 18. The cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing is equipped with an indicator of the contents of the cartridge.

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