Labels and how to use them

Abstract

To provide a label which prevent itself from being lifted from a surface of an adherend.SOLUTION: A label having an adhesive layer provided on one surface of a base material is provided, the label having slits formed at least on portions of the base material, and a wavy portion formed on at least in portions of a periphery of the base material.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to labels and methods of using labels. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Labels that are attached to target locations have been known (see Patent Document 1). These labels include a substrate and an adhesive provided on the back surface of the substrate. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-89432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When such a label is affixed to, for example, a test tube, the edge of the label may not be able to follow the curved surface of the test tube and may lift up.

[0005] In this case, the label attached to the test tube is easily peeled off from the end portion that has risen from the test tube.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to prevent a label from lifting off the surface of an adherend. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label having a substrate on one side of which an adhesive layer is provided, the label having a slit formed in at least a part of the substrate and a corrugated portion formed on at least a part of the periphery of the substrate, the corrugated portion including a plurality of arc portions that bulge outwardly from the substrate in an arc shape, and curved portions that are recessed inwardly of the substrate between adjacent arc portions and form a chain preventing portion, the diameter of the arcs that form the curved portions being smaller than the diameter of the arcs that form the arc portions. The slit is a perforation. Labels are provided. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the label of the above aspect, a slit is formed in at least a part of the substrate, and a corrugated portion is formed in at least a part of the periphery of the substrate.

[0009] Therefore, the elasticity of the substrate can be reduced by the slits, making it easier for the substrate to conform to the surface of the cylindrical adherend.

[0010] This makes it possible to prevent the edge of the label from lifting up from the surface of the adherend, making the label less likely to peel off.

[0011] Furthermore, a corrugated portion is formed on at least a portion of the periphery of the substrate, which makes it easier for the periphery of the substrate to conform to the surface of the adherend compared to when the periphery of the substrate is formed in a straight line.

[0012] This makes it possible to prevent the edge of the label from lifting up from the surface of the adherend, making the label less likely to peel off. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the continuous label sheet according to the embodiment, viewed from the front side. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged plan view showing one of the labels arranged on a separator of the continuous label strip shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a label according to a first modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a label according to a second modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a label according to a third modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a label according to a fourth modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a label according to a fifth modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a label according to a sixth modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a label according to a seventh modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a label according to an eighth modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a label according to a ninth modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a label according to a tenth modified example, viewed from the front side. [Figure 15] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a test tube to which a label according to the present embodiment is attached, and how the label is attached to the test tube. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an Erlenmeyer flask as an adherend to which the label shown in FIG. 14 is attached. [Figure 17] 1 is a diagram showing a bag as an adherend to which a label according to the present embodiment is attached. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing a label according to an eleventh modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] [Label Continuum] The label web 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0015] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a continuous label strip 10 according to this embodiment, seen from the front side. Fig. 2 is an enlarged plan view of one of the labels 12 arranged on a separator S of the continuous label strip 10 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 2.

[0016] 1 and 2, the continuous label strip 10 has a plurality of labels 12 arranged on a long strip-shaped separator S. Each label 12 is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the separator S (the Y direction shown in FIG. 1).

[0017] As shown in Fig. 3, the label 12 has a base material 14 and an adhesive layer 16 made of an adhesive and provided on one surface of the base material 14. Also, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the label 12 has slits 50 formed in at least a part of a pair of opposing edge portions 46, 48 of the base material 14.

[0018] The label 12 has non-parallel portions 24, 26 formed on at least a portion of a pair of opposing edges 20, 22 of the substrate 14 and non-parallel to the edges 20, 22, and straight portions 20A, 22A. Note that the slit 50 in the edge portion 46 is omitted in Figure 2.

[0019] The label 12 according to this embodiment is rectangular, and the non-parallel portions 24, 26 and the straight portions 20A, 22A described above are formed on each of the edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the label 12. In addition, the edges 60, 62 that constitute the edges extending in the lateral direction of the label 12 are formed by straight lines.

[0020] For example, each label 12 is formed in a rectangular shape. The labels 12 are arranged at intervals in the short side direction, which is the width direction of each label 12.

[0021] In this embodiment, the label 12 is formed in a rectangular shape, but the shape is not limited to this. The label 12 may have other shapes such as a circle, an oval, or a trapezoid.

[0022] 2 and 3, each label 12 includes a rectangular substrate 14 and an adhesive layer 16 laminated on one surface of the substrate 14. The adhesive layer 16 is composed of an adhesive uniformly applied to the back surface of the substrate 14. The adhesive layer 16 of each label 12 is temporarily and releasably attached to the separator S.

[0023] <Base material> The substrate 14 may be, for example, a single resin film such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene naphthalate, or a multilayer film formed by laminating a plurality of these resin films.

[0024] In this embodiment, the substrate 14 may be the above-mentioned resin film substrate, or a paper substrate such as high-quality paper, medium-quality paper, or coated paper formed using these.

[0025] In this embodiment, the substrate 14 may have a thickness of 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

[0026] (Non-parallel part (wave part)) 2, the substrate 14 has non-parallel portions 24, 26 formed on at least a portion of a pair of opposing edges 20, 22, which are non-parallel to the edges 20, 22. Specifically, the substrate 14 of this embodiment has the non-parallel portions 24, 26 formed on a portion of a pair of opposing edges 20, 22 in the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the separator S.

[0027] As a result, non-parallel portions 24, 26 are formed on the long sides (20, 22) of the substrate 14 that are provided in the short direction. Note that these non-parallel portions 24, 26 can also be said to be non-parallel portions 24, 26 that are non-parallel to the width direction (hereinafter referred to as the X direction) of the separator S.

[0028] The non-parallel portions 24, 26 that form part of the outline (periphery) of the substrate 14 have recesses 30, 32 that are recessed inward of the substrate 14 beyond the edges 20, 22 on the same plane as the rectangular substrate 14.

[0029] That is, the non-parallel portions 24, 26 are corrugated portions formed in a corrugated shape. The corrugated portions constituting the non-parallel portions 24, 26 are composed of a plurality of recesses 30, 32 recessed inward of the substrate 14 from the edges 20, 22.

[0030] 4 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 2, showing a main portion of the non-parallel portion 24 formed on one edge 20 of the substrate 14. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the non-parallel portion 24 has a structure in which a plurality of recesses 30 formed in the Y direction and recessed inward of the substrate 14 from the edge 20 are continuous in the X direction.

[0031] The non-parallel portion 26 of the other edge 22 has a structure similar to that of the non-parallel portion 24 described above, and therefore, the following description will be given taking one of the non-parallel portions 24 as an example.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the edges of the recesses 30 that make up the non-parallel portions 24 are formed in a curve that bulges outward from the substrate 14 on the same plane as the substrate 14 (ie, in the Y direction).

[0033] That is, the waveform portion constituting the non-parallel portion 24 includes at least one arc shape. Also, the waveform portion constituting the non-parallel portion 24 is configured to include a plurality of arc shapes that bulge outward from the substrate 14.

[0034] In this embodiment, the edge of the recess 30 includes an arc 40 of a perfect circle M centered at point Om, and an arc 42 of a perfect circle N centered at point On. A vertex Tm of one arc 40 protrudes outward from the substrate 14. A vertex Tn of the other arc 42 protrudes outward from the substrate 14.

[0035] One point Om and the other point Om are adjacent to each other, and one perfect circle M and the other perfect circle N overlap each other. An arc 40 of the perfect circle M centered at one point Om and an arc 42 of the perfect circle N centered at the other point On are connected by a curved portion 44 that is recessed in an arc shape toward the inside of the base material 14 (i.e., in the Y direction).

[0036] Here, the curved portion 44 can be rephrased as a chain-reducing portion that prevents the chain of peeling of the horizontally aligned arcs 40, 42 (details will be described later). Also, the arcs 40, 42 formed continuously on both sides of the curved portion 44 that constitutes the chain-reducing portion can be rephrased as wave-shaped portions that constitute the non-parallel portions 24, 26.

[0037] As a result, the edge of the recess 30 in this embodiment is composed of one arc 40, the other arc 42, and a curved portion 44. Furthermore, each of the arcs 40, 42 constitutes a convex portion. Part or all of the edge of the recess 30 and the edge of the convex portion are formed by curves.

[0038] In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of removing water droplets, it is preferable that the recesses 30, 32 constituting the non-parallel portions 24, 26 do not include straight line portions, and are preferably formed by overlapping circular arc shapes. In this embodiment, as an example, the diameters of the perfect circles M, N, ... are each 5 mm, and they are designed to overlap each other by 1 mm.

[0039] Each of the non-parallel portions 24, 26 is formed by a plurality of such recesses 30, 32 continuing in the X direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the non-parallel portions 24, 26 allow the edge of the label 12 to easily conform to the surface of the adherend, thereby preventing the edge of the label 12 from lifting up from the surface of the adherend and making it less likely to peel off.

[0041] Furthermore, when applying the label 12, water droplets and the like between the label 12 and the surface of the adherend can be easily expelled from the recesses 30, 32 of the non-parallel portions 24, 26. This makes it possible to prevent water droplets and the like from remaining between the label 12 and the adherend, compared to conventional labels in which the edges 20, 22 of the label 12 are formed only in straight lines. This improves the adhesion between the label 12 and the adherend.

[0042] From the viewpoint of the effectiveness of discharging water droplets, it is preferable that the non-parallel portions 24, 26 are formed along the entire edge of the label 12. On the other hand, when printing with a printer that determines the position of the label 12 by reading the gap between the label 12 and the separator S, it is preferable to leave straight portions 20A, 22A on the edges 20, 22 in the Y direction, which is the paper feed direction.

[0043] (slit) 1 and 2, the label 12 has a slit 50 formed in at least a part of a pair of opposing edges 46, 48. As mentioned above, the slit 50 formed in one edge 46 is omitted from the label 12 in FIG. 2 to make it easier to understand the description of the one non-parallel portion 24.

[0044] As a result, the label 12 of this embodiment has a slit 50 formed in at least a portion of a pair of opposing edges 46, 48 of the substrate 14, and non-parallel portions 24, 26 formed in at least a portion of a pair of opposing edges 20, 22 of the substrate 14.

[0045] Specifically, the label 12 has a plurality of slits 50 formed in edge portions 46, 48 along a pair of opposing edges 20, 22 of the substrate 14. Three adjacent, generally parallel slits 50 are formed in each edge portion 46, 48. Each slit 50 extends along the corresponding edge 20, 22.

[0046] 3, in this embodiment, each slit 50 penetrates the base material 14 and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 16. As a result, one pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 16 and the other pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 16 are separated by the slit 50.

[0047] In this embodiment, the slits 50 are perforations that alternate between cut portions 50A, which are cut portions of a predetermined length, and uncut portions 50B, which are portions without cuts. In each slit 50, the cut portions 50A and uncut portions 50B that make up the slit 50 are arranged in a straight line.

[0048] The ends of each slit 50 are positioned so as not to reach the edges 60, 62 of the substrate 14, and an area without a notch is formed between each slit 50 and the edges 60, 62 of the substrate 14. This reduces unexpected cutting along the slit 50 or curling of the ends of the slit 50 compared to when the cut portions 50A at the ends of the slits 50 reach the edges 60, 62 of the substrate 14, and prevents problems caused by contact with the printer during printing.

[0049] In the label 12 of this embodiment, the edges 46, 48 of the substrate 14 are easily bent by forming slits 50 in the edges 46, 48. This makes it easier to bend the label 12 around a surface that curves with the Y direction in FIG. 1 being the circumferential direction.

[0050] Therefore, when the label 12 of this embodiment is attached such that the longitudinal direction of the label 12 is along the axial direction of the cylindrical body to be adhered, the edges 46, 48 of the substrate 14 are more likely to conform to the surface of the cylindrical body.

[0051] In the label 12 according to the present embodiment, the slit 50 extends in the length direction of the label 12, but this is not limiting. The extension direction of the slit 50 may be either the longitudinal direction or the lateral direction of the label 12.

[0052] Furthermore, when printing on the label 12 using a printer, the extension direction of the slit 50 may be parallel to the label advance direction in which the label 12 moves, or may be in the width direction of the label 12, which is perpendicular to the label advance direction.

[0053] In addition, the label 12 according to this embodiment may have information printed thereon to specify the direction of attachment to the cylindrical body so that the longitudinal direction of the label 12 is attached along the axial direction of the cylindrical body to be attached.

[0054] <Adhesive layer> The adhesive used in the adhesive layer 16 may be an emulsion-based adhesive, a solvent-based adhesive, a hot-melt-based adhesive, or the like.

[0055] The adhesive constituting the adhesive layer 16 has a gel fraction of 38% or more and 42% or less. The gel fraction is a value measured as follows.

[0056] (Method for measuring gel fraction) The adhesive is immersed in ethyl acetate and left at 50°C for 12 hours (overnight), after which the insoluble portion is measured. The measured value is expressed as % by weight.

[0057] More specifically, if 100 g of pressure-sensitive adhesive is dissolved in ethyl acetate and the weight of the insoluble portion is 100 g, the gel fraction is 100%.

[0058] The adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 is applied to the substrate 14 in an amount of 25 g / m 2 More than 28g / m 2 The following is the result.

[0059] The peel strength (adhesive strength) of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 16 is set to 500 gf / 25 mm or more when measured under the following conditions.

[0060] (Peel strength measurement conditions) The label 12 and the adherend to which the label 12 is attached are each left in an environment at -83°C for 15 hours. The label 12 and the adherend are then removed to room temperature, and the label 12 is attached to the adherend and left for 20 minutes. The label attached to the adherend is then measured in accordance with JIS Z 0237:2009 (Adhesive Sheet Peel Strength Test).

[0061] In this embodiment, the method of pulling the label 12 attached to the adherend (180-degree peeling) and the crosshead speed for pulling the label 12 (300 mm / min) comply with JIS Z 0237:2009.

[0062] Here, it has been found from experience that if the peel strength is less than 500 gf / 25 mm, a satisfactory adhesion state cannot be obtained.

[0063] <Effects> The label 12 has an adhesive layer 16 provided on one side of a substrate 14. The label 12 has a slit 50 formed in at least a part of the substrate 14, and non-parallel portions (wave portions) 24, 26 formed in at least a part of the periphery of the substrate 14.

[0064] The effect of the slits 50 formed in the substrate 14 will now be described. The slits 50 formed in the edges 46, 48 of the label 12 can reduce its elasticity. This makes it easier for the substrate 14 to conform to the surface of a cylindrical object.

[0065] This makes it possible to prevent the label 12 from lifting off the surface of the adherend, making the label 12 less likely to peel off.

[0066] Next, we will explain the effect of the non-parallel portions 24, 26 formed on the substrate 14. The label 12 has non-parallel portions (wave portions) 24, 26 formed on at least a portion of the edges 20, 22 of the substrate 14. This makes it easier for the edge portions 46, 48 of the substrate 14 to conform to the surface of the adherend, compared to when the edges 20, 22 of the substrate 14 are formed in a straight line.

[0067] This makes it possible to prevent the edges 46, 48 of the label 12 from lifting up from the surface of the adherend, making the label 12 less likely to peel off.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the label 12 of this embodiment, even if water droplets exist between the label 12 and the surface of the adherend, when the label 12 is attached to the surface of the adherend, the water droplets present between the label 12 and the adherend are easily expelled to the outside from each non-parallel portion 24, 26.

[0069] Therefore, with the label 12 of this embodiment, even if the surface of the substrate is wet, it can be attached to the surface of the substrate while preventing it from lifting up from the surface of the substrate, compared to a label in which each edge 20, 22 of the label 12 is formed in a straight line.

[0070] Specifically, the case where label 12 is attached to a test tube will be described as an example. Materials such as polymethylpentene (trade name: TPX) that are highly transparent and have the second lowest surface tension after fluororesin are often used as the material for the test tube to which label 12 is attached. Such polymethylpentene test tubes have the characteristic that adhesive layer 16 is difficult to adhere to. Furthermore, they are exposed to a wide range of temperature environments, from low to high temperatures, and to high humidity environments.

[0071] In contrast, with the label 12 according to this embodiment, the slits 50 formed in the edges 46, 48 of the substrate 14 make it easier for the edges 46, 48 of the substrate 14 to conform to the surface of the test tube when the label 12 is attached such that the X direction of the label 12 is aligned with the axial direction of the test tube to be adhered.

[0072] Furthermore, even if the surface of the test tube is wet, the label 12 can be stuck to the surface of the test tube while preventing the edges 20, 22 of the label 12 from lifting up from the surface of the test tube, as compared to a label 12 in which the edges 20, 22 of the label 12 are formed linearly.

[0073] Therefore, even if the cylindrical body is one to which adhesive is difficult to adhere, such as a TPX test tube, the edges 46, 48 of the label 12 can be attached along the surface of the cylindrical body, and the edges 46, 48 can be prevented from lifting off the surface of the cylindrical body.

[0074] In this embodiment, the slits 50 are perforations.

[0075] Therefore, compared to when long linear slits are formed in the edges 46, 48 of the label 12, cutting along the slits 50 in the label 12 can be suppressed.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the non-parallel portions 24 and 26 have at least one of recesses 30 and 32 recessed inwardly of the substrate 14 and protrusions protruding outwardly from the substrate 14 .

[0077] With this configuration, even if water droplets adhere to the adherend, the water droplets between the label 12 and the adherend can be pushed out from the recesses 30, 32 when the label 12 is attached to the adherend.

[0078] Furthermore, the edges of the substrate 14 are uneven due to the recesses 30, 32 or protrusions that form the non-parallel portions 24, 26.

[0079] In this embodiment, since the non-parallel portions 24, 26 are partially constituted by the recesses 30, 32, arcs 40, 42 that bulge outward from the label 12 are formed on both sides of the recesses 30, 32.

[0080] This makes it possible to disperse the peeling stress from the edge of the base material 14. Furthermore, the unevenness increases the distance of the bonded portion at the edge of the base material 14. This makes it possible to suppress peeling from the edge.

[0081] In this embodiment, the recesses 30, 32 and some or all of the protrusions are formed in curved lines.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the wave portions (non-parallel portions 24, 26) include at least one arc shape.

[0083] This configuration improves the effect of discharging water droplets adhering to the surface of the adherend, compared to when the recesses 30, 32 and the protrusions are formed in a rectangular shape.

[0084] Furthermore, the label 12 according to this embodiment has a gel fraction of the adhesive of 38% or more and 42% or less.

[0085] In this configuration, if the gel fraction of the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 is less than 38%, the adhesive layer 16 becomes too soft, and the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 tends to bleed out. Also, the strength of the adhesive layer 16 decreases, and the holding power and the like tend to be reduced.

[0086] Furthermore, if the gel fraction of the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 exceeds 42%, the adhesive layer 16 becomes hard. In this case, there is a concern that the adhesiveness of the label 12 to the uneven surface may be reduced.

[0087] In contrast to this, in the present embodiment, the gel fraction of the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 is set to 38% or more and 42% or less, thereby preventing the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 from bleeding out and maintaining the holding power of the label 12. In addition, the adhesiveness of the label 12 to uneven surfaces is improved.

[0088] In addition, the label 12 according to this embodiment has a coating amount of the adhesive layer 16 of 25 g / m 2 More than 28g / m 2 The following is the result.

[0089] According to this configuration, the coating amount of the adhesive layer 16 is 25 g / m 2 If it is less than this, there is a concern that the adhesion may deteriorate.

[0090] In addition, the coating amount of the adhesive layer 16 is 28 g / m 2 If the temperature exceeds this range, although improvement in adhesion can be expected, there is a concern that the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 may bleed out.

[0091] In contrast, in this embodiment, the coating amount of the adhesive layer 16 is set to 25 g / m 2 More than 28g / m 2 By setting the following, it is possible to improve the adhesion and prevent the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 from seeping out.

[0092] Furthermore, the label 12 according to this embodiment has non-parallel portions 24, 26 provided continuously.

[0093] Furthermore, in the label 12 according to this embodiment, the corrugated portions (non-parallel portions 24, 26) are configured to include a plurality of arcuate shapes that bulge outward from the substrate 14.

[0094] Furthermore, the label 12 according to this embodiment has a curved portion 44 (chain prevention portion) between the adjacent non-parallel portions 24, 26.

[0095] According to this configuration, as an example, when the non-parallel portions 24, 26 are composed of outwardly protruding arcs 40, 42, a curved portion 44 is arranged between adjacent arcs 40, 42, and this curved portion 44 functions as a chain prevention portion.

[0096] To explain the chain-reducing portion in more detail, even if one of the consecutive arcs 40, 42 lifts up from the adherend, the curved portion 44 between the arcs 40, 42 functions as a chain-reducing portion, thereby preventing the adjacent arcs 40, 42 from lifting up in a chain reaction.

[0097] Furthermore, in the label 12 according to this embodiment, the peel strength of the adhesive layer 16 is 500 gf / 25 mm or more when measured under the following conditions.

[0098] The label 12 and the adherend to which the label 12 is attached are each left in an environment at -83°C for 15 hours. The label 12 and the adherend are then removed to room temperature, the label 12 is attached to the adherend, and left to stand for 20 minutes. The label attached to the adherend is then measured in accordance with JIS Z 0237:2009.

[0099] According to this configuration, a sufficient adhesion state can be obtained compared to when the peel strength is less than 500 gf / 25 mm.

[0100] If the entire peripheral edge of the label 12 were formed as the corrugated non-parallel portions 24, 26, the label would be easily peeled off from the separator S. In contrast, by forming the linear portions 20A, 22A on the peripheral edge of the label 12, the label 12 can be prevented from being easily peeled off from the separator S.

[0101] Furthermore, when printing on the label 12 using a printer equipped with a configuration for reading the gap in the label 12, the straight sections 20A and 22A enable the gap to be read more accurately than when detecting the gap in the label 12 at the non-parallel sections 24 and 26.

[0102] Furthermore, by printing so-called eye marks, which are used as markers for printing the label 12, on the straight sections 20A and 22A in advance, the printer can perform more accurate alignment compared to when aligning the printer for printing based on the eye marks printed on the non-parallel sections 24 and 26.

[0103] Furthermore, by using the straight sections 20A and 22A, even when inspecting whether the label 12 is attached to the substrate in the correct position and in the correct condition after the label 12 has been attached to the substrate, this can be done more accurately than when detection is based on the non-parallel sections 24 and 26.

[0104] [Label Variations] Next, modified examples of the labels arranged on the continuous label strip 10 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0105] <First Modification> 5 is a plan view of a label 80 according to a first modification, viewed from the front side. In the label 80, of the multiple slits 50 formed in the substrate 14, the cut portions 50A of the slits 50 adjacent to each other along the edges 46, 48 are staggered in the direction along the edges 20, 22.

[0106] The label 80 has slits 50 formed on a first imaginary line L1 along the edges 20, 22, a second imaginary line L2 substantially parallel to the first imaginary line L1, and a third imaginary line L3 substantially parallel to the second imaginary line L2. The cut portions 50A of adjacent slits 50 are arranged so that they do not overlap in the Y direction, and the cut portions 50A of each slit 50 are formed at intervals of a predetermined number of stitches.

[0107] Specifically, the slits 50 are arranged on a first imaginary line L1, a second imaginary line L2, and a third imaginary line L3 along the edges 20 and 22. The lines L1, L2, and L3 extend substantially parallel to one another. The cut portions 50A of the slits 50 on the first imaginary line L1 are arranged so as not to be adjacent to the cut portions 50A of the slits 50 on the second imaginary line L2 and the third imaginary line L3 in the Y direction.

[0108] As a result, in the label 80 of the first variant, in the Y direction, there are portions where the cut portion 50A is formed on the first virtual line L1 and the third virtual line L3, and portions where the cut portion 50A is formed only on the second virtual line L2 located in the center.

[0109] In the label 12 described above, the cut portions 50A of the slits 50 are formed continuously at equal intervals along the edges 20, 22. This makes the edges 46, 48 of the base material 14 more likely to bend, but also makes the base material 14 more likely to tear and split in the Y direction starting from the slits 50.

[0110] In contrast, in the label 80 according to the first modification, the cut portions 50A of some of the slits 50 adjacent to each other along the edges 20, 22 are not continuously spaced at equal intervals. The cut portions 50A of each slit 50 are formed alternately in the direction along the edges 20, 22 on different imaginary lines L1, L2, L3 for each predetermined number of stitches.

[0111] This not only allows the edges 46, 48 of the substrate 14 to easily conform to the surface of the cylindrical body to be adhered, but also has the following effect: Even if a force is applied to tear the substrate 14 in the Y direction starting from the slit 50, adjacent slits 50 will not be connected along the edges 20, 22. Therefore, compared to the label 12 described above, separation of parts of the substrate 14 can be suppressed.

[0112] <Second Modification> 6 is a plan view of a label 90 according to a second modification, viewed from the front side. In this label 90, the slit 50 is formed over the entire surface of the substrate 14.

[0113] In this label 90, compared to the label 12 described above, the entire substrate 14 is more likely to conform to the surface of the cylindrical body to be adhered.

[0114] <Third Modification> 7 is a cross-sectional view of a label 100 according to a third modified example. This label 100 further has a surface substrate 102 laminated on the other surface of the base material 14. The surface substrate 102 is fixed to the base material 14 by an adhesive layer 104 laminated on the other surface of the base material 14. The surface substrate 102 does not have a slit 50.

[0115] In this label 100, the slits 50 formed in the substrate 14 are covered by the surface substrate 102. As a result, the slits 50 are not exposed on the surface of the label 100.

[0116] Therefore, the information printed on the surface base material 102 does not overlap with the slit 50, making it easier for the user to read the information printed on the surface base material 102.

[0117] This effect is particularly noticeable in the label 90 of the second modified example in which the slits 50 are formed over the entire surface of the substrate 14.

[0118] Furthermore, since the slit 50 is covered by the surface base material 102, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of printing irregularities and interference with label transport that may occur if the slit 50 is exposed.

[0119] <Fourth Modification> 8 is a plan view of a label 110 according to a fourth modification, viewed from the front side. This label 110 has a slit 50 in the substrate 14, and non-parallel portions 112, 114 formed on the edges 20, 22 are formed as convex portions that protrude outward from the edges 20, 22 of the label 110.

[0120] <Fifth Modification> 9 is a plan view of a label 120 according to a fifth modified example, viewed from the front side. This label 120 has a slit 50 in the substrate 14, and non-parallel portions 122, 124 formed on the edges 20, 22 are formed by combining elliptical arcs.

[0121] <Sixth Modification> 10 is a plan view of a label 130 according to a sixth modified example, viewed from the front side. This label 130 has a slit 50 in the substrate 14, and sinusoidal non-parallel portions 132, 134 formed on the edges 20, 22.

[0122] <Seventh Modification> 11 is a plan view of a label 140 according to a seventh modification, viewed from the front side. This label 140 has a slit 50 in the substrate 14, and triangular wave-shaped non-parallel portions 142, 144 formed on the edges 20, 22.

[0123] <Eighth Modification> 12 is a plan view of a label 150 according to an eighth modification, viewed from the front side. This label 150 has a slit 50 in the substrate 14, and rectangular wave-shaped non-parallel portions 152, 154 formed on the edges 20, 22.

[0124] <Ninth Variation> 13 is a plan view of a label 160 according to a ninth modification, viewed from the front side. This label 160 has a slit 50 in the substrate 14, and trapezoidally wavy non-parallel portions 162, 164 formed on the edges 20, 22.

[0125] <Tenth Variation> 14 is a plan view of a label 170 according to a tenth modification, viewed from the front side. The label 170 has a slit 50 in the substrate 14, and non-parallel portions 172, 174 formed on the edges 20, 22.

[0126] In this label 170, the edge 20 and the non-parallel portion 172 form a predetermined angle with respect to the X direction, and the edge 22 and the non-parallel portion 174 opposite the edge 20 and the non-parallel portion 172 are formed so as to be symmetrical with the edge 20 and the non-parallel portion 172 with respect to an axis along the X direction.

[0127] The edges 60, 62 facing each other in the X direction are formed in a curve such that the area between the one edge 20 and the other edge 22 facing each other is convex in the tapered direction.

[0128] As with the label 12 described above, each of the labels 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 170 shown in Figures 5 to 14 can easily conform to the surface of the adherend, making them less likely to peel off from the surface of the adherend.

[0129] Furthermore, water droplets between the label and the surface of the adherend can be pushed out from between the label and the surface of the adherend, resulting in a good adhesion state.

[0130] [Adherend] Next, an adherend according to an embodiment will be described. Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a test tube P1 to which a label 12 according to an embodiment is attached, and how the label 12 is attached to the test tube P1.

[0131] In this embodiment, the adherend is a cylindrical or tubular body having a curved surface to which the label 12 is attached. As an example, a case where the adherend is a test tube P1 will be described.

[0132] The material used for the test tube P1 is, for example, polymethylpentene, which has high transparency and the second lowest surface tension after fluororesin. Polymethylpentene test tubes have the characteristic that it is difficult to attach a standard label to them.

[0133] Furthermore, since the test tube P1 is used for blood collection and specimen testing, it is exposed to a wide range of temperature environments, from extremely low to high temperatures, and high humidity environments. In such applications, it may be necessary to attach the label 12 even if there are water droplets or the like on the surface of the test tube P1.

[0134] When using the label 12 on the curved test tube P1, the following method can be given as an example: The following method can be realized by using a labeling device or the like.

[0135] First, while the continuous label strip 10 shown in FIG. 1 is being conveyed in the Y direction, necessary information is printed on each of the labels 12 using a printer (not shown).

[0136] Next, the label 12 having corrugated portions (non-parallel portions 24, 26) on each of the opposing edges is attached to the curved test tube P1 so that the corrugated portions, i.e., the non-parallel portions 24 and 26, face each other.

[0137] As an example, the label 12 is peeled off from the separator S, and the edge 20 and non-parallel portion 24 of the label 12 are brought into contact with the surface of the test tube P1 as shown in Figure 15. Then, the label 12 is conveyed and the test tube P1 is rotated in the rotation direction R at the same speed as the conveyance speed of the label 12, while the label 12 is wrapped around and attached to the surface of the test tube P1.

[0138] According to the label 12 of this embodiment, even if water droplets or the like are attached to the surface of the test tube P1, when the non-parallel portion 24 comes into contact with the surface of the test tube P1, the water droplets or the like are radially pushed away by the recesses 30 included in the non-parallel portion 24. This prevents water droplets or the like from getting between the label 12 and the surface of the test tube P1.

[0139] After the non-parallel portion 24 comes into contact, the test tube P1 is rotated in the rotation direction R at the same speed as the conveying speed of the label 12 to attach the label 12 to the test tube P1. Then, water droplets adhering to the surface of the test tube P1 are sandwiched between the label 12 and the test tube P1 and pushed out backward in the direction of label rotation (upstream in the conveying direction).

[0140] The recesses 32 formed in the non-parallel portions 26 make it easier for water droplets between the label 12 and the adherend to be discharged in the radial direction toward the arc shape of the recesses 32.

[0141] Therefore, water droplets pushed out between the label 12 and the surface of the adherend are discharged to the outside from between the label 12 and the adherend through the edge 22 and non-parallel portion 26 located upstream in the conveying direction.

[0142] The label 12 according to this embodiment promotes the discharge of water droplets between the label 12 and the test tube P1, thereby achieving a good attachment state.

[0143] The label 12 according to this embodiment can be easily attached to the surface of the test tube P1 and can be attached in a good condition, even when applied to the test tube P1 used under the above-mentioned harsh conditions, and therefore, the label 12 can be prevented from lifting off the surface of the test tube P1.

[0144] In this way, a test tube P1 can be obtained to which the label 12 is attached without lifting off.

[0145] When applying the label 12 to a cylindrical substrate such as a test tube P1, the label 12 according to this embodiment may be printed with information specifying the direction of attachment to the test tube P1 so that the X direction of the label 12 is aligned with the axial direction of the test tube P1.

[0146] Next, another form of the adherend will be described.

[0147] FIG. 16 shows a tenth modified example of an Erlenmeyer flask P2 as an adherend to which the label 170 shown in FIG. 14 is attached.

[0148] This label 170 is formed so that each edge 20, 22 forms a predetermined angle with respect to the X direction, and one edge 22 opposite one edge 20 is symmetrical with respect to an axis along the X direction. Furthermore, the edges 60, 62 opposing each other in the X direction are formed into a curve such that the region between the opposing edges 20, 22 is convex in the tapering direction. For this reason, this label 170 is difficult to peel off even from an adherend having a tapered shape, such as an Erlenmeyer flask P2.

[0149] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a bag P3 as an adherend to which a label 12 according to this embodiment is attached. As shown in Fig. 17, the adherend may be a bag P3 in which a liquid or an amorphous object is enclosed.

[0150] The adherend may be, in addition to the adherends shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, an object having a three-dimensional curved surface such as a sphere or a rugby ball, or a box.

[0151] The label 12 can be easily attached to the surface of such a bag body P3, and a good attachment state can be obtained.

[0152] [Other embodiments] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0153] In this embodiment, the label 12 has been described as having the slit 50 and the non-parallel portions 24, 26, but is not limited to this configuration. By providing at least one of the slit 50 and the non-parallel portions 24, 26, the above-described effects can be obtained.

[0154] In this embodiment, the slits 50 include those formed so as to penetrate the base material 14, as well as so-called embossed shapes that do not penetrate the base material 14, such as V-grooves and recessed grooves.

[0155] In this embodiment, in the non-parallel portions, the diameter of the arcs that form the recesses 30, 32 and the overlapping length of the circles can be changed as appropriate.

[0156] In this embodiment, the set of elliptical shapes, sinusoidal wave, triangular wave, rectangular wave, and trapezoidal wave described using Figures 8 to 13 are not limited to these shapes. Furthermore, the major and minor axes of the ellipse, the amplitude and wavelength of the sinusoidal wave, the amplitude and wavelength of the rectangular wave, etc. are not limited to the dimensional ratios shown in the drawings. The dimensional ratios of the shapes constituting the non-parallel portion can be changed as appropriate within the range of effect.

[0157] In this embodiment, the non-parallel portion may be configured to include at least one curved shape. Other examples of the non-parallel portion include a collection of elliptical shapes described with reference to Figures 8 to 13, a sinusoidal wave shape, a triangular wave shape, a rectangular wave shape, and a trapezoidal wave shape, or a combination of all of these shapes.

[0158] In this embodiment, the non-parallel portion may be formed on only one of the opposing edges 20, 22 of the substrate 14.

[0159] Furthermore, the label 12 can also be a continuous body 200 without a separator (linerless label) as shown in an eleventh modified example in Figure 18. By cutting along cutting lines 202 such as perforations, the label 12 can be used as a single label 12. The cutting lines 202 form the non-parallel portions 24, 26. Note that the slits 50 are omitted in Figure 18. [Example]

[0160] Samples based on the label 12 according to the embodiment were prepared, and the obtained samples were subjected to various measurements and evaluated as labels. Five samples were prepared: Sample 1 to Sample 5. The preparation method for each sample and its evaluation will be described below.

[0161] [Sample preparation] (base material) Each sample was made using the same substrate, which was made of polyethylene (PE).

[0162] The substrate had a thickness of 150 μm, a width of 25 mm, and a length of 210 mm. The radii of the circles M and N that formed the edges of the recesses 30 and 32 of the non-parallel portions 24 and 26 were 2.5 mm. The radius of the curved portion 44 was 0.5 mm.

[0163] The width of each slit 50 was 3.0 mm. The length of the cut portion 50A of each slit 50 was 2.0 mm. The length of the uncut portion 50B of each slit 50 was 1.0 mm. The distance between adjacent slits 50 was 2.5 mm.

[0164] The adhesive layer of Sample 1 was formed using adhesive a. The adhesive layer of Sample 2 was formed using adhesive b. The adhesive layer of Sample 3 was formed using adhesive c. The adhesive layer of Sample 4 was formed using adhesive d. The adhesive layer of Sample 5 was formed using adhesive e.

[0165] The gel fraction of adhesive a in improved product A, which forms the adhesive layer of sample 1, is 37.9%. The gel fraction of adhesive b in improved product B, which forms the adhesive layer of sample 2, is 39.2%. The gel fraction of adhesive c in improved product C, which forms the adhesive layer of sample 3, is 39.3%. The gel fraction of adhesive d in improved product D, which forms the adhesive layer of sample 4, is 40.3%. The gel fraction of adhesive e in improved product E, which forms the adhesive layer of sample 5, is 46.6%.

[0166] The coating amount of improved product A forming the adhesive layer of sample 1 was 23.7 g / m 2 The coating amount of Improved Product B forming the adhesive layer of Sample 2 was 25.5 g / m 2 The coating amount of Improved Product C forming the adhesive layer of Sample 3 was 26.3 g / m 2 The coating amount of Improved Product D forming the adhesive layer of Sample 4 was 27.9 g / m 2 The coating amount of Improved Product E forming the adhesive layer of Sample 5 was 28.5 g / m 2 is.

[0167] [Evaluation method] The peel strength of the prepared samples 1 to 5 was measured and evaluated.

[0168] (Test Method) Each strip of sample was attached to an adherend, which was 100 mm wide and 100 mm long, made of polyethylene (PE).

[0169] The length of each sample attached to the adherend was set to 90 mm, taking into account the size of the adherend. A 2 kg roller was rolled back and forth across the surface of each sample, adhering each sample to the adherend. The sample was then left in this state for 20 minutes. Each sample was then pulled using a testing machine to peel it off the adherend, and the peeling force was measured and evaluated.

[0170] A peel strength of 1000gf / 25mm or more is rated as "A." A peel strength of 500gf / 25mm or more and 999gf / 25mm or less is rated as "B." A peel strength of less than 500gf / 25mm is rated as "C."

[0171] (Room temperature test) The above-mentioned test was carried out at room temperature (25°C).

[0172] (Freezing test) Each sample and the adherend were left in a cryogenic chamber maintained at -83°C for 15 hours. Then, each sample and the adherend were removed from the cryogenic chamber, and the frost on the surface of the adherend was removed. Then, each sample was attached to the adherend under the above-mentioned conditions and left for 20 minutes, after which the test was conducted.

[0173] [Evaluation results] The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0174] [Table 1]

[0175] In the test results in Table 1, "A" indicates that the force required for peeling is sufficiently large and good, i.e., there is very large peel strength. "B" indicates that the force required for peeling is large and good, i.e., there is sufficient peel strength. "C" indicates that the force required for peeling is small and poor, i.e., there is no peel strength.

[0176] The test results are classified as "A," "B," or "C" based on the amount of force required to peel the label. The standard for the amount of force required to peel the label is the minimum value specified for each label.

[0177] In this test, a product was deemed to have passed if it received a rating of "B" or higher in both the room temperature test and the frozen test.

[0178] It can be seen from Table 1 that if the gel fraction of the adhesive forming the adhesive layer 16 is 38% or more and 42% or less, the function as a label is fully satisfied.

[0179] The amount of adhesive applied to form the adhesive layer 16 is 25 g / m 2 More than 28g / m 2 If it is below this, it will be clear that it satisfies the function of a label. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 10 Label Continuum 12, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170 labels 14 Base material 16, 104 Adhesive layer 20, 22 Edge 20A, 22A straight section 24, 26, 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162, 172, 174 Non-parallel section (wave section) 30, 32 recess 40, 42 arcs 44 Curved section 46, 48 Edge 50 slits 50A Cut section 50B Uncut part 60, 62 Edge 102 Surface base material 200 Continuum 202 Cutting line L1, L2, L3 virtual lines P1 Test tube (substrate) P2 Erlenmeyer flask (substrate) P3 Bag (adherent) S Separator

Claims

1. A label having a substrate and an adhesive layer on one side thereof, a slit formed in at least a portion of the substrate and a corrugated portion formed in at least a portion of the periphery of the substrate; the corrugated portion includes a plurality of arc portions that bulge outward from the base material in an arc shape, and curved portions that are recessed inward from the base material between adjacent arc portions and that constitute a chain prevention portion; a diameter of the arc constituting the curved portion is smaller than a diameter of the arc constituting the arc portion; The slit is a perforation. label.

2. 10. The label of claim 1, The slits are formed over the entire surface of the base material. label.

3. A label according to claim 1, The slit is formed over the entire surface of the base material, and a surface base material not having the slit is laminated on the other surface of the base material. label.

4. A label having a substrate and an adhesive layer on one side thereof, a slit formed in at least a portion of the substrate and a corrugated portion formed in at least a portion of the periphery of the substrate; the corrugated portion includes a plurality of arc portions that bulge outward from the base material in an arc shape, and curved portions that are recessed inward from the base material between adjacent arc portions and that constitute a chain prevention portion; a diameter of the arc constituting the curved portion is smaller than a diameter of the arc constituting the arc portion; The slits are formed over the entire surface of the base material. label.

5. A label having a substrate and an adhesive layer on one side thereof, a slit formed in at least a portion of the substrate and a corrugated portion formed in at least a portion of the periphery of the substrate; the corrugated portion includes a plurality of arc portions that bulge outward from the base material in an arc shape, and curved portions that are recessed inward from the base material between adjacent arc portions and that constitute a chain prevention portion; a diameter of the arc constituting the curved portion is smaller than a diameter of the arc constituting the arc portion; The slit is formed over the entire surface of the base material, and a surface base material not having the slit is laminated on the other surface of the base material. label.

6. A label having a substrate and an adhesive layer on one side thereof, a slit formed in at least a portion of the substrate and a corrugated portion formed in at least a portion of the periphery of the substrate; the corrugated portion includes a plurality of arc portions that bulge outward from the base material in an arc shape, and curved portions that are recessed inward from the base material between adjacent arc portions and that constitute a chain prevention portion; a diameter of the arc constituting the curved portion is smaller than a diameter of the arc constituting the arc portion; The substrate is rectangular, and the edges extending in the longitudinal direction of the substrate are formed with the wave portions and straight portions, and the edges extending in the lateral direction of the substrate are formed with straight lines. label.

7. A label having a substrate and an adhesive layer on one side thereof, a slit formed in at least a portion of the substrate and a corrugated portion formed in at least a portion of the periphery of the substrate; the corrugated portion includes a plurality of arc portions that bulge outward from the base material in an arc shape, and curved portions that are recessed inward from the base material between adjacent arc portions and that constitute a chain prevention portion; a diameter of the arc constituting the curved portion is smaller than a diameter of the arc constituting the arc portion; The wavy portion and the straight portion are formed on the periphery of the base material, and the curved portion is located on the inner side of the base material with respect to an extension line of the straight portion. label.

8. A label according to any one of claims 1 to 7, Further comprising a surface substrate laminated on the other surface of the substrate. label.

9. A label according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The corrugated portions are provided continuously. label.

10. A label according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a gel fraction of 38% or more and 42% or less. label.

11. A label according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The amount of adhesive applied to form the adhesive layer is 25 g / m ２ 28g / m or more ２ Below is the label.

12. A method of using the label of any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: the label has the corrugated portion on at least a portion of each of the opposing edges; the label is wrapped around a cylindrical adherend having a curved surface, and the label is attached so that one of the corrugated portions and the other of the corrugated portions face each other on the outside of the label; How to use labels.

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