Label issuing device

Abstract

To provide label paper without mount suitable for issuing labels without mount.SOLUTION: In a long label paper without mount P, in which sheet-shaped labels without mount L are continuously provided in a manner that can be cut, gaps CT for detecting a location, where the labels without mount L are continuously provided, are provided between the labels without mount L continuously provided. The gaps CT are provided at ends of the label paper P without mount in a direction orthogonal to a transport direction at each location where the labels L without mount are continuously provided, and are open toward the outside. A penetrating portion Pk or a thin portion Ph is formed between the labels without mount L continuously provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to linerless label paper, and a label issuing device and automatic pricing device that can issue linerless labels from the linerless label paper. [Background technology]

[0002] Labels attached to film-wrapped sandwiches, rice balls, etc. are known to have a slit at the edge of the label so that the label can be easily torn when opened (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 5-38672 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, labels with cut lines are generally labels with a backing, and more specifically, the label is peeled off from the backing and then attached to an object. After the label is attached to the object, the backing is discarded, but the amount of backing paper that is discarded is considerable, so there is a demand for a backing-less label. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a linerless label paper suitable for producing linerless labels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the linerless label paper of the present invention is a long length of linerless label paper in which sheet-like linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, and gaps are provided between the connected linerless labels to allow detection of the connected positions of the linerless labels. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of a linerless label sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a label roll (linerless label roll) on which linerless label paper according to an embodiment of the present invention is wound. FIG. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an example of a linerless label issued by a label issuing device and a package to which a linerless label is affixed, in detail, FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a package and a linerless label before opening, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a package and a linerless label in the process of being opened. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a linerless label sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of linerless labels issued by a label issuing device and packaging bodies to which linerless labels are affixed, in which (a) is a diagram showing an example of a packaging body and a linerless label before opening, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a packaging body and a linerless label in the process of being opened. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a linerless label sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of linerless labels issued by a label issuing device and packaging bodies to which linerless labels are affixed, in which (a) is a diagram showing an example of a packaging body and a linerless label before opening, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a packaging body and a linerless label in the process of being opened. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of a linerless label sheet according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing other examples of linerless labels issued by a label issuing device and packaging bodies to which linerless labels are affixed, in which (a) is a diagram showing an example of a packaging body and a linerless label before opening, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of a packaging body and a linerless label in the process of being opened. [Figure 10]1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining linerless label paper, in detail, (a) is a diagram showing an example of a slit (penetrating portion or thin portion) in linerless label paper and a cutting position by a cutting portion, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a rectangular slit that is elongated in the conveying direction, (c) is a diagram showing an example of multiple small-diameter circular slits arranged side by side, and (d) is a diagram showing an example of a wave-shaped slit. [Figure 11] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing several examples of linerless labels, in detail, FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label produced by cutting a linerless label paper so that a slit (penetrating portion or thin portion) is located at the upstream end (top end) of the label in the conveying direction, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label produced by cutting a linerless label paper so that a slit (penetrating portion or thin portion) is located at the downstream end (bottom end) of the label in the conveying direction, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label produced by cutting a linerless label paper so that a slit (penetrating portion or thin portion) is located at the downstream and upstream ends (bottom and top end) of the label in the conveying direction. [Figure 12] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of linerless label paper, in detail, FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of an X-shaped slit (penetrating portion or thin portion), FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the cutting line and the slit of the linerless label paper shown in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between multiple small-diameter circular slits arranged side by side and the cutting line. [Figure 13] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of linerless labels, in detail, (a) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label having a perforation portion provided in the substrate, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label having a perforation portion provided in the print layer and substrate layer in a cross section along line AA of (a), (c) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label having perforations provided in the print layer, substrate layer, peel layer and adhesive layer, and (d) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label having a thin portion provided. [Figure 14]1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of linerless labels, more specifically, diagrams showing an example of a linerless label having an adhesive layer (adhesive area) provided over the entire or part of the back surface; more specifically, (a) is a diagram showing the front side of the linerless label, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label having an adhesive layer (adhesive area) provided over the entire back surface, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label having a non-adhesive area near a slit on the back surface and an adhesive layer (adhesive area) provided over the rest of the back surface. [Figure 15] This is a diagram for explaining linerless label paper, and in detail, (a) is a diagram showing an example of the front side of linerless label paper, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the back side of the linerless label paper and marks (also called black marks or eye marks) provided on the back side, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of marks (black marks, etc.) provided only near the edges of the linerless label paper (both ends in the direction (width direction) perpendicular to the conveying direction). [Figure 16] 1(b) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label paper in which marks are provided only near the left and right ends, compared to the label paper shown in (a); FIG. 1(c) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label paper in which marks are provided only near the left and right ends, compared to the label paper shown in (c); FIG. 1(e) is a diagram showing a plurality of slits provided at predetermined intervals in the transport direction, and an example of a line-shaped mark (black mark, etc.) provided approximately in the center between the slits; and FIG. 1(f) is a diagram showing an example of a linerless label paper in which marks are provided only near the left and right ends, compared to the label paper shown in (e). [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of a label issuing device. [Figure 18]FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrical function block of the label issuing device. [Figure 19] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a detection unit that detects gaps in linerless label paper according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection unit of the label issuing device. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a label issuing device having a processing unit (processing means). [Figure 22] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a processing unit (processing means) having a rotary blade that forms a slit (a perforation portion or a thin portion) in a linerless label sheet. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a processing unit (processing means) having a reciprocating blade that forms a slit (a perforation portion or a thin portion) in linerless label paper. [Figure 24] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining linerless label paper, in detail, FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of linerless label paper with no gaps or slits, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of linerless label paper for producing linerless labels with slits at the top edge and cut corners by cutting. [Figure 25] 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining linerless label paper, and in detail, FIG. 1A shows an example of linerless label paper for producing linerless labels in which a slit is made at the top end by cutting and the corners are cut, and FIG. 1B shows an example of linerless label paper for producing linerless labels in which a slit is made at the bottom end by cutting and the corners are cut. [Figure 26] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a process of attaching a linerless label to an object using a label attachment device. FIG. [Figure 27] 10A and 10B are conceptual diagrams showing an example of the operation of a label sticking device equipped with a pressing unit that presses the corners of a linerless label. [Figure 28] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a pressing means (pressing portion). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Overview of linerless labels and linerless label paper Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, but includes the contents shown in the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, parts that are the same as those already described will be designated by the same reference numerals, and some of the duplicated description will be omitted.

[0008] As shown in Fig. 1, linerless label paper P according to an embodiment of the present invention is a long length of linerless label paper made by connecting and cutting sheet-like linerless labels L shown in Fig. 2. This linerless label paper P is continuous only in the left-right direction in Fig. 1, and gaps CT are provided between the connected linerless labels L, which are the points at which the linerless label paper P is to be cut and which allow detection of the connected points where adjacent linerless labels L are connected. The sheet-like linerless labels L that are cut and issued from this linerless label paper P are also called linerless labels or linerless labels.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 2, this linerless label paper P is wound into a roll to form a label roll R, which is then loaded into the label issuing device (100, 100A) described below. The label roll R is cut into sheets at a connecting location by the label issuing device (100, 100A), and the sheet-like linerless labels L are affixed to a package 200 (a target object) for packaging a product such as rice balls, as shown in Fig. 3. The linerless label L, which is easily torn at the slit (the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph), may be attached to an object other than the package 200 described above.

[0010] The linerless label paper P has slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) formed at predetermined intervals Ld (predetermined intervals in the length direction of the linerless label paper P) in the transport direction (also called the conveying direction) of the linerless label paper P. A plurality of the penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph are arranged side by side at a specified interval LP in the width direction of the linerless label paper P. This width direction is perpendicular to the transport direction. The number, shape, formation position (spacing), etc. of the slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) are set appropriately depending on the opening mode of the package 200.

[0011] 10 and 11, the slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) can be formed at the top or bottom end, or both, of the linerless label L by adjusting the cutting position of the penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph in the linerless label paper P. Even when cutting the linerless label paper P at a fixed position, by adjusting the position and shape of the penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph in the label paper P in advance, the slits can be formed at the top or bottom end, or both, of the linerless label L, and linerless labels L of the same design can be issued. In this embodiment, linerless labels L can be issued with the number, shape, and formation position (spacing) of such slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) as appropriate, but the linerless labels L may also be issued by methods other than these, and the method is not particularly limited.

[0012] ●Gap CT A gap CT is provided between adjacent linerless labels L on linerless label paper P to detect the connected positions of the linerless labels L. The label issuing devices (100, 100A) described below detect the gap CT using, for example, sensors (detection unit 9 described below) consisting of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit provided on the front and back sides of the linerless label paper P being conveyed, and can thereby detect the connected positions that are the cutting positions of the linerless label paper P.

[0013] This gap CT is provided at the end of each adjacent linerless label L, in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the linerless label paper P, and is open to the outside. The gap CT is formed by cutting out the widthwise edge of the linerless label paper P, but in the example of Figure 1, the corner on the downstream side of the conveying direction of the sheet-like linerless label L forms a right angle, and the corner on the upstream side of the conveying direction is formed in an arc so that the width of the gap CT gradually widens outward.

[0014] In the example of Figure 1, a gap CT is provided at both ends of the label paper P in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, but this is not limited to this. It is also possible to provide a gap CT only at one end and detect the connection point using the gap CT provided only at that end. 1, the gap CT is open toward the outside, but this is not a limitation and the ends may be closed. If there is a portion that penetrates from the front to the back of the linerless label paper P in at least the width direction of the linerless label paper P, the penetrating portion can constitute the gap CT for detecting the connection point. However, in terms of the relationship between the gap CT and the slit, it is preferable that the length of the slit in the conveying direction be longer than the length of the gap CT. In other words, because the gap CT is made as small as possible in design, it is easier to cut the package 200 and the linerless label L affixed to the package 200 if the slit is the same length as the gap CT or longer.

[0015] Furthermore, the width and length of the gap CT, i.e., the distance between adjacent linerless labels L and the distance in the width direction of the linerless label paper P, are not particularly limited, but are determined appropriately based on the detection accuracy of the sensor (detection unit 9 described later) that detects the gap CT, the width of the slit (penetration portion Pk or thin portion Ph), etc. Furthermore, the shape of the arc that defines the shape of the gap CT and also defines the corners of the linerless label L can be determined in accordance with the shape of the package 200 (object to which the linerless label L is to be affixed).

[0016] FIG. 3 shows an example of linerless labels L formed by cutting linerless label paper P at the joint location, and a package 200 to which linerless labels L have been attached. In the example shown in Fig. 3(a), the package 200, which is the object to which the linerless label L is affixed, has a tab 201 at the top, and when the tab 201 is pulled, the package 200 can be easily cut in the easy-to-cut direction (for example, from top to bottom), as shown in Fig. 3(b). In other words, the package 200 has an easy-to-package axis. The linerless label L is affixed to the package 200 (object) on a planned cutting line 207. The linerless label L has multiple slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction (left and right direction in Figure 3) at the upper end, which is the cutting start side, and is configured so that the linerless label L can be easily torn by further pulling the gripping portion 201.

[0017] Furthermore, for example, if the packaging body 200 is configured so that when the tab 201 is pulled, the back side of the packaging body 200 is first opened from the top to the bottom, and then the front side of the packaging body 200 is opened from the bottom to the top, it is preferable that a plurality of slits (penetration portions Pk or thin portions Ph) are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the width direction (left and right direction in Figure 3) at the lower end of the linerless label L attached to the surface of the packaging body 200. Furthermore, depending on the manner in which the package 200 is opened, a slit (penetration portion Pk or thin portion Ph) is provided in the upper end portion or the lower end portion of the linerless label L, or in both.

[0018] In FIG. 3 , the packaging body 200 is a triangular rice ball (rice ball), and the linerless label L is affixed to one side of the packaging body 200. Of the four corners of the sheet-shaped linerless label L, a pair of corners facing each other in the width direction are notched in an arc to form rounded corners in accordance with the triangular shape of the packaging body 200. As a result, the upper corner of the linerless label L does not protrude from the triangular side of the packaging body 200, and the linerless label L fits within that side of the packaging body 200. As a result, the corners of the linerless label L do not adhere to other products, containers, or molding units that mold products such as rice balls, causing problems. Furthermore, because the upper corners of the linerless label L are notched in an arc, the label can fit within one side of the packaging body 200 while providing a wider printing area in the vertical direction, allowing for a larger amount of printed information. In addition, the linerless label L is less likely to peel off from the arc-shaped portion.

[0019] Shapes of linerless label paper P and linerless label L according to other embodiments In carrying out the present invention, the shape of the gap CT between the linerless label paper P and the linerless label L is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and shapes shown in the examples of FIGS. 4 to 9 can also be adopted. In Figure 4, both the upstream and downstream corners of the sheet-form linerless label L in the conveying direction are formed in an arc shape so that the width of the gap CT gradually widens outward. That is, in this example, the linerless label L cut off from the linerless label paper P has four corners that are notched in an arc shape, as shown in Figure 5. Because all four corners are formed in an arc shape in this way, the linerless label L is difficult to peel off from the package 200 at any of the corners.

[0020] The linerless label paper P and linerless label L shown in the example of Fig. 6 are formed in an arc shape at both the upstream and downstream corners in the conveying direction of the sheet-form linerless label L, as in Fig. 4, so that the width of the gap CT gradually widens outward. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 7, the radii of curvature of the arcs formed at the upstream and downstream ends in the conveying direction of the linerless label L are different, with the radius of curvature of the arc on the upstream side in the conveying direction being larger than that on the downstream side. According to this example, similar to the examples of Figures 4 and 5, the linerless label L is less likely to peel off from the packaging body 200 at any corner, and at the same time, the printing area can be made larger than in the examples of Figures 4 and 5, and the amount of information that can be printed on the linerless label L is relatively large.

[0021] 8, both the upstream and downstream ends of the sheet-like linerless label L in the transport direction are right-angled, and the linerless label L as a whole is relatively small and rectangular. Even in this example, as long as a gap CT is formed between adjacent linerless labels L, the adjacent placement points can be reliably detected. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9, although the area of ​​the print region is narrowed, by adjusting the overall area, it is possible to attach the label to one side surface of the packaging body 200 without it protruding beyond that side surface.

[0022] In addition, the corners of the linerless label L may be cut off in a straight line instead of being formed in an arc shape. Also, only the corner on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the linerless label L can be formed in an arc shape so that the width of the gap CT gradually widens outward. Furthermore, the shapes of the linerless labels L and the gaps CT therebetween can be combined or applied as appropriate within the above-mentioned ranges. In the following explanation and in each figure, for the sake of convenience, some corners of the linerless label L are shown as being right-angled, but unless otherwise specified, this also applies to the various linerless labels L described above.

[0023] ●Slit (through part Pk or thin part Ph) 1 and 2, a plurality of through portions Pk or thin portions Ph serving as slits are arranged in parallel in the width direction between successive linerless labels L of linerless label paper P. As shown in Fig. 1, these slits (through portions Pk or thin portions Ph) are formed across the entire space between a pair of gaps CT facing each other in the width direction of linerless label paper P. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3, when the linerless label L is attached to a package 200, the slits (through portions Pk or thin portions Ph) are positioned on the planned cutting line 207 regardless of the attachment position or the position of the planned cutting line 207.

[0024] The slits (penetration portions Pk or thin portions Ph) and cutting locations (cutting positions) in the linerless label paper P are determined by the timing of cutting by a predetermined cutting means, as shown in Figure 10(a). In this embodiment, cutting is performed within the plane of the linerless label paper P in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction. The cutting direction can be set as appropriate. In detail, when the linerless label paper P is cut at the cutting position C1, which is the center position of the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph, as shown in Figure 10(a), slits (through portion Pk or thin portion Ph) are formed at the upper and lower ends of the linerless label L, as shown in Figure 11(c).

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(a), when the linerless label paper P is cut at cutting position C2, which is the end position upstream of the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) in the conveying direction, a slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) is formed at the upper end of the linerless label L, as shown in Figure 11(a).

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(a), when the linerless label paper P is cut at cutting position C3, which is the end position downstream of the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) in the conveying direction, a slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) is formed at the lower end of the linerless label L, as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0027] 10(a), when the linerless label paper P is cut at cutting position C4 or C5, which is a position near the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) and a set distance upstream or downstream in the conveying direction, the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) is formed (not shown) at a position a set distance away from the top or bottom edge of the linerless label L. If the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) overlaps with the printing area, a warning to that effect may be displayed on the screen, or an error sound, voice message, etc. may be used to notify the user.

[0028] Furthermore, the type (shape, etc.) of the slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) is not limited to that in the above embodiment. For example, as shown in Fig. 10(b), the slits may be rectangular and elongated in the conveying direction, as shown in Fig. 10(c), or may be small-diameter circular slits arranged in parallel, as shown in Fig. 10(d), or may be wave-shaped slits, as shown in Fig. 10(d).

[0029] The type (shape, etc.) of the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) may also be an X-shaped slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) as shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b). For example, by cutting the linerless label paper P at cutting position C1 shown in Figure 12(b), it is possible to produce a linerless label L having a V-shaped slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) at the edge.

[0030] Also, Figure 12(c) is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between multiple small-diameter circular slits arranged side by side and the cutting line, and by cutting the linerless label paper P at cutting position C1, it is possible to produce a linerless label L having semicircular and circular slits (penetration portions Pk or thin portions Ph) at the ends.

[0031] The method for forming the slit is not particularly limited, and for example, a processing means such as multiple blades or pins arranged side by side at a specified interval can be inserted completely or to a certain depth from the front side to the back side to form the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph.

[0032] ●Laminated structure FIG. 13 shows the layered structure of a linerless label L, which is composed of a print layer PP, a base layer PZ, a release layer PL, and an adhesive layer PN, which are layered in this order from the surface side.

[0033] For example, when a linerless label paper P having a through portion Pk extending from the printing layer PP to the base material layer PZ is cut at the position of the through portion Pk using a predetermined cutting means, a linerless label L having a slit (through portion Pk) from the printing layer PP to the base material layer PZ is produced, as shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b).

[0034] Furthermore, when a linerless label paper P having a through hole Pk formed from the printing layer PP through the base layer PZ, peeling layer PL, and adhesive layer PN is cut at the position of the through hole Pk, a linerless label L having slits (through holes Pk) in the printing layer PP, base layer PZ, peeling layer PL, and adhesive layer PN is produced, as shown in Figure 13(c).

[0035] Furthermore, when a linerless label paper P having a thin portion Ph formed in the base layer PZ penetrating the printing layer PP is cut at the position of the thin portion Ph, a linerless label L having a slit (thin portion Ph) in the printing layer PP and the base layer PZ is produced, as shown in Figure 13(d).

[0036] A linerless label L having such a laminated structure can be produced, for example, by laminating a print layer PP and a base layer PZ, forming a penetration portion Pk or a thin portion Ph, and then forming a release layer PL and an adhesive layer PN on the back surface. Furthermore, without being limited to this embodiment, a linerless label paper P may also be produced, for example, by forming a release layer PL and an adhesive layer PN on the back surface of the base layer PZ, and then forming a penetration portion Pk or a thin portion Ph.

[0037] How to apply the adhesive layer The sheet-like linerless labels L obtained by cutting the linerless label paper P shown in the examples of Figures 1 and 3 to 9 have an adhesive layer PN (adhesive area) on one side thereof, and are attached to the packaging body 200 by the adhesive layer PN. Figure 14 shows how the adhesive layer PN is provided on the linerless label L. In the following explanation, the front side of the linerless label L constitutes the print surface (Pa), and the back side constitutes the attachment surface (Pb) that is attached to the packaging body 200.

[0038] FIG. 14(a) is a diagram showing the front side of the linerless label L, on which appropriate content is printed. FIG. 14(b) shows an example of the back surface of a linerless label L, with an adhesive layer PN provided over the entire surface. 14(c) shows another example of the back surface of a linerless label L, in which a non-adhesive area is provided near the slit (the through-hole Pk or the thin portion Ph) along the conveyance direction, and an adhesive layer PN is provided in the other area of ​​the back surface. By providing a non-adhesive area near the slit (the through-hole Pk or the thin portion Ph) along the conveyance direction, the package 200 can be easily opened.

[0039] The non-adhesive region in this embodiment may be a layer that does not have adhesive properties, or may be a weakly adhesive layer that has a weaker degree of adhesiveness than the adhesive layer described above.

[0040] ●Pm (eye mark) In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the gap CT is used to detect the connecting portion, which may also be the cutting portion. However, it is also possible to provide an eye mark on the linerless label paper P to detect the cutting portion. For example, the linerless label paper P shown in Figure 15(a) has a mark Pm (also called a black mark or eye mark) as shown in Figure 15(b). This mark Pm is provided at a predetermined position so that the label issuing device, which will be described later, can detect the position of the slit (penetration portion Pk or thin portion Ph) in the linerless label paper P. In other words, the mark Pm is used to detect the position where the label paper P will be cut.

[0041] 15(b), the mark Pm is provided on the backside of the slit (penetration portion Pk or thin portion Ph) of the linerless label paper P. In the above-described embodiment, the mark Pm (eye mark) is provided on the backside, but it may also be provided on the front side or on both sides.

[0042] 15(c), the mark Pm is provided only near the edges (both widthwise edges) of the linerless label paper P. Note that the mark Pm may be provided only near one of the left and right edges of the linerless label paper P.

[0043] Furthermore, the mark Pm provided on the linerless label paper P is not limited to the above embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram showing some examples of slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) and marks Pm on the back side of linerless label paper P. Note that Figure 16 shows the positions of the slits, but does not show the detailed positions of each penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph.

[0044] Figure 16(a) is a diagram showing an example of slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) arranged at predetermined intervals in the conveying direction and line-shaped marks Pm (black marks, etc.) arranged slightly downstream of the slits in the conveying direction, and Figure 16(b) is a diagram showing an example of linerless label paper P in which marks Pm are arranged only near both the left and right ends, compared to the linerless label paper P shown in Figure 16(a).

[0045] Figure 16(c) is a diagram showing an example of slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) arranged at predetermined intervals in the conveying direction and a line-shaped mark Pm (black mark, etc.) arranged slightly upstream of the slits in the conveying direction, and Figure 16(d) is a diagram showing an example of linerless label paper P in which mark Pm is arranged only near both the left and right ends, compared to the linerless label paper P shown in Figure 16(c).

[0046] Figure 16(e) is a diagram showing an example of multiple slits (penetrating portions Pk or thin portions Ph) arranged at predetermined intervals in the conveying direction and a linear mark Pm (black mark, etc.) arranged approximately in the center between the slits, and Figure 16(f) is a diagram showing an example of linerless label paper P in which mark Pm is arranged only near both the left and right ends, compared to the linerless label paper P shown in Figure 16(e).

[0047] Label issuing device 100 As shown in FIG. 17, the label issuing device 100 (printer) according to an embodiment of the present invention cuts the linerless label paper P in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the linerless label paper P (the width direction of the linerless label paper P), and issues a linerless label L. The label issuing device 100 includes a roll holding unit 40 that holds the label roll R, a guide roller 70, a printing unit 6 such as a print head 61, a platen roller 71 as a conveying unit 7, and a cutting unit 8 such as a cutter. The label roll R is formed by winding linerless label paper P into a roll.

[0048] In detail, the label issuing device 100 has a roll-shaped medium (in this embodiment, a label roll R made of linerless label paper P wound into a roll) held in a removable and rotatable manner within the main body 100B. The linerless label paper P pulled out from the label roll R has an adhesive layer PN formed on one side (the lower side shown in FIG. 17), which forms the attachment surface Pb. A printing layer PP that is printed by the printing unit 6 is formed on the other side (the upper side shown in FIG. 17), which forms the printing surface Pa. The printing surface Pa formed by this printing layer PP is not adhesive.

[0049] In this embodiment, the linerless label paper P is guided between the print head 61 (thermal head or the like) of the printing unit 6 and the platen roller 71 while the print surface Pa is in contact with the guide roller 70.

[0050] The printing unit 6 is, for example, a print head 61 such as a thermal head, an inkjet printer, or a laser printer, and is disposed opposite the platen roller 71. While the linerless label paper P is being transported, the print head 61 of the printing unit 6 prints on the print surface (Pa) of the linerless label paper P that is held between the platen roller 71 and the print head 61 of the printing unit 6. Note that the slit area may be set in advance in the product file or format file as a non-printable area. In other words, the label issuing device 100 does not print on the slits of the linerless label paper P, but prints on the areas other than the slits.

[0051] A cutting unit 8 such as a cutter is disposed downstream in the conveyance direction of the linerless label paper P from the printing unit 6. More specifically, as shown in Figure 17, the cutting unit 8 is disposed downstream in the conveyance direction from the print head 61 of the printing unit 6, at a predetermined distance W. The cutting unit 8 has a fixed blade 81 and a movable blade 82, and cuts the linerless label paper P. By cutting the linerless label paper P, linerless labels L are produced.

[0052] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of electrical functional blocks of the label issuing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 18, the label issuing device 100 has a control unit 1 (CPU), a memory unit 2 (RAM, ROM, etc.), an operation unit 3, a display unit 4, a communication unit 5, a printing unit 6, a conveying unit 7, a cutting unit 8, a detection unit 9, etc. The components of the label issuing device 100 are electrically connected by communication lines, etc.

[0053] The control unit 1 executes a program (control program) stored in the storage unit 2 or the like to comprehensively control the components of the label issuing device 100. In other words, the control unit 1 executes the program (control program) to realize the functions according to the present invention in the label issuing device 100 as a computer.

[0054] The storage unit 2 stores control programs, control data, etc. The storage unit 2 is configured by a storage device such as a RAM or a ROM, for example. The memory unit 2 also has a work area for temporarily retrieving and processing data, including a dot expansion area for converting print data into dot data, a recall format area for retrieving and storing one piece of print format data from a label format file, and a recall product area for retrieving and storing product data (product information).

[0055] In this embodiment, the memory unit 2 stores a label format file that sets the format for label printing, a product file that sets various product data for label printing, and the like, and is backed up by a battery so that the product files and format files are retained even when the power is turned off. In addition, the memory unit 2 stores, in association with the packaging body 200, which is the object to which the linerless label L is affixed, slit information (also referred to as piercing portion information or thin portion information) such as the position, type, and number of slits (piercing portions Pk or thin portions Ph) in the linerless label L. This slit information may be set by the operation unit 3 (input means), or may be received via the communication unit 5 from a computer such as a host computer.

[0056] The operation unit 3 is an input device for operating the label issuing apparatus 100. For example, a touch panel that is integrated with the display unit 4 may be used as the operation unit 3. The display unit 4 is a display that displays various menu screens and data. The display unit 4 displays information related to the label issuing device 100 under the control of the control unit 1.

[0057] The communication unit 5, under the control of the control unit 1, performs data communication with a host computer (computer) or the like.

[0058] The printing unit 6 is configured to print, under the control of the control unit 1, information such as product information of a product selected from a product file on linerless label paper P pulled out from the label roll R (roll paper) set in the roll holding unit 40. If a thermal head is used as the print head 61 of the printing unit 6, for example, thermal paper is used as the linerless label paper P. More specifically, the printing unit 6 pinches the linerless label paper P from the label roll R between a thermal head (print head 61) and a platen roller 71 driven by a motor such as a stepping motor, and pulls out the linerless label paper P, while also heating and printing on the printing surface Pa of the linerless label paper P. The printing unit 6 may also print by applying ink to the linerless label paper P. The printing unit 6 may also print by irradiating the linerless label paper P with light such as laser light.

[0059] Based on commands from the control unit 1, the cutting unit 8 drives a cutter or the like located downstream in the transport direction from the printing unit 6 to cut the printed linerless label paper P and produce sheet-like linerless labels L. The cutting unit 8 has, for example, a fixed blade 81 and a movable blade 82.

[0060] The detection unit 9 (detection means), for example, as shown in FIG. 17, is arranged upstream of the printing unit 6 in the label paper transport direction, detects gaps CT provided at predetermined intervals in the linerless label paper P in the transport direction, and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 1. 19, the detection unit 9 is realized by a light-emitting unit 91 and a light-receiving unit 92 provided on the front and back sides of the linerless label paper P, respectively, and is provided to match the position of the gap CT formed in the linerless label paper P. When the light irradiated from the light-emitting unit 91 to the light-receiving unit 92 goes from being blocked by the linerless label paper P being conveyed to being sensed by the light-receiving unit 92 through the gap CT, a signal indicating the detection result is output to the control unit 1, assuming that the gap CT has been detected.

[0061] Regardless of the example in Figure 19, either the light-emitting unit 91 or the light-receiving unit 92 may be located on the printing surface Pa side or the application surface Pb side of the linerless label paper P. The example in Figure 19 shows a case where a gap CT is provided on both ends in the width direction of the linerless label paper P, and two pairs of light-emitting units 91 and light-receiving units 92 are provided to detect the gap CT on both ends, but this is not limiting, and a pair of light-emitting units 91 and light-receiving units 92 may be provided so that only one gap CT can be detected. Regardless of the example in Figure 19, the detection unit 9 is provided corresponding to the position of the gap CT on the linerless label paper P.

[0062] Furthermore, when providing the above-mentioned mark Pm on the linerless label paper P, in addition to the detection unit 9 for detecting the gap CT, a separate detection unit for detecting the mark Pm is provided, and a signal indicating the detection result of the mark Pm is output to the control unit 1.

[0063] The control unit 1 controls the location to be cut by the cutting unit 8 according to the detection result of the gap CT by the detection unit 9. In detail, for example, the control unit 1 controls the cutting location of the linerless label paper P within the area where the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph is provided.

[0064] In addition, when the above-mentioned mark Pm is provided on the linerless label paper P, the control unit 1 can also control the location to be cut by the cutting unit 8 based on the detection results from a detection unit separately provided to detect the mark Pm. Furthermore, depending on the object to which the label paper P is to be affixed, the cutting location of the linerless label paper P may be outside the area where the through portion Pk or thin portion Ph is provided.

[0065] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the selection means of the label issuing device 100. The label issuing device 100 has a selection means (buttons B31, B32, B33, etc. of the operation unit 3) for selecting the cutting position of the cutting unit 8. In detail, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, on the setting screen of the display unit 4, buttons B31, B32, B33, etc. that can be operated by the operation unit 3 are displayed in an operable manner as a selection means for selecting the cutting location of the cutting unit 8.

[0066] Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 20, a label image LI is displayed in approximately the center of the screen. For example, the label image LI can be set with print information such as the product name (product code, etc.), expiration date, price, ingredient names, manufacturer name, and production location as print content. In addition, near the label image LI, in order to select the position of the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph), there are operable buttons, such as an upper end setting button B31 that is operated when setting the slit at the upper end of the linerless label L, a lower end setting button B32 that is operated when setting the slit at the lower end of the linerless label L, and a both setting button B33 that is operated when setting the slit at both the upper and lower ends. In the example shown in FIG. 20, the setting screen of the display unit 4 displays the number of slits at the top and bottom, the length of the slits (length in the conveying direction), and the spacing between the slits (spacing in the width direction) in a configurable manner. The setting screen also has a slit type setting section B34 for setting the type of slit.

[0067] Label issuing device 100A FIG. 21 shows a label issuing apparatus 100A according to another embodiment of the present invention. This label issuing device 100A differs from the label issuing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 in that it includes a processing unit 50 (processing means). The processing unit 50 forms perforations Pk or thin portions Ph in the linerless label paper P under the control of the control unit 1.

[0068] 21 and 22, the processing unit 50 is disposed upstream in the transport direction from the print head 61 (such as a thermal head) of the printing unit 6. In detail, the processing unit 50 has a bladed roller 51, a grooved roller 52, and the like.

[0069] The bladed roller 51 has a blade 51c for forming the perforated portion Pk or the thin portion Ph in the linerless label paper P. The grooved roller 52 is a roller in which grooves 52 d are formed at positions corresponding to the blades of the bladed roller 51 , and is disposed opposite the bladed roller 51 . The bladed roller 51 and the grooved roller 52 rotate so as to convey the linerless label paper P in the conveying direction while sandwiching the linerless label paper P, and the blade of the bladed roller 51 can form a perforated portion Pk or a thin portion Ph in the linerless label paper P. do.

[0070] Furthermore, by appropriately adjusting the diameter of the bladed roller 51, the circumferential spacing of the blades 51c, the number of blades 51c, the spacing between the blades, etc., it is possible to form perforations Pk or thin portions Ph in a predetermined pattern on the backingless label paper P.

[0071] 23, the processing unit 50 (processing means) may have a movable unit 55 equipped with a blade 55a that can move back and forth, and a fixed unit 56 having a groove 56a formed at a position corresponding to the blade 55a. The fixed unit 56 may be configured to move up and down. When the label issuing device 100A has the processing unit 50 shown in Figure 23, the control unit 1 can easily form a predetermined pattern of through holes Pk or thin portions Ph at a predetermined position on the linerless label paper P by controlling the conveying speed of the linerless label paper P and the timing of the up and down movement of the movable unit 55.

[0072] In other words, the gap CT may be formed in advance in the long, linerless label paper P, or the linerless label paper P without the gap CT may be set in the label issuing device 100A, and the gap CT may be formed by a gap generating mechanism (not shown) provided in the label issuing device 100A. The gap generating mechanism may be, for example, a punching mechanism. In addition, the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph may be formed in advance on a long, linerless label paper P, or a linerless label paper P without the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph may be set in the label issuing device 100A, and the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph may be formed by a forming means provided in the label issuing device 100A.

[0073] After printing, the label issuing device 100A cuts the linerless label paper P having the gap CT or slit shown in Figure 24(b) at the cutting position C1 using the cutting unit 8, thereby being able to issue a linerless label L having slits (penetration portion Pk or thin portion Ph) at the top and bottom ends. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 24(b), the cutting position C1 (cutting line) is set so as to cut the center of the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph), and by cutting the linerless label paper P at that position, a linerless label L having slits (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) at the top and bottom ends is obtained, as shown in Figure 24(b).

[0074] In addition, the linerless label paper P shown in Figure 25(a) has a through portion Pk or a thin portion Ph formed downstream in the conveying direction from the cutting position C1 (cutting line), and by cutting the linerless label paper P at the cutting position C1 (cutting line), a linerless label L having a slit (through portion Pk or thin portion Ph) at the upper end can be produced.

[0075] In addition, the linerless label paper P shown in Figure 25(b) has a through portion Pk or a thin portion Ph formed upstream in the conveying direction from the cutting position C1 (cutting line), and by cutting the linerless label paper P at the cutting position C1 (cutting line), a linerless label L having a slit (through portion Pk or thin portion Ph) at the bottom end can be produced.

[0076] As described above, the label issuing device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a conveying means (conveying unit 7, platen roller 71, etc.) that conveys long linerless label paper P having perforations Pk or thin portions Ph at equal intervals in the label conveying direction, a printing means (printing unit 6, print head 61) that prints on the linerless label paper P, and a cutting means (cutting unit 8) that cuts the linerless label paper P at predetermined positions. The label issuing device 100 issues a linerless label L by cutting the linerless label paper P at or near the through-hole Pk or thin-thickness portion Ph provided in the label paper P using a cutting means (cutting unit 8).

[0077] That is, it is possible to provide a label issuing device 100 with a simple configuration that issues linerless labels L that are easy to cut when cutting or opening the object to which the labels are to be attached (such as the package 200). Furthermore, since the label issuing device 100 according to the present invention issues slit, backingless labels L as described above, there is no need to discard backing paper, etc., compared to, for example, when a label with a backing paper is affixed to the packaging body 200, meaning that the amount of backing paper discarded can be reduced to zero. In addition, multiple through-holes Pk or thin portions Ph are provided within the plane of the linerless label paper P in a direction perpendicular to the label transport direction (i.e., the width direction of the linerless label paper P), making the linerless label L more likely to tear.

[0078] Furthermore, the label issuing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control means (control unit 1) that controls the cutting means (cutting unit 8) in accordance with the detection result of the gap CT by the detection means (detection unit 9) that detects the gap CT provided at each consecutive location of the linerless labels L in the conveying direction on the linerless label paper P. In other words, when the conveying unit 7 conveys the linerless label paper P in the conveying direction and the detection means (detection unit 9) detects the gap CT, the control unit 1 uses the gap CT as a reference to identify the cutting position at the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph, or a position near the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph, and controls the cutting unit 8 to cut the linerless label paper P at that cutting position. In other words, with this simple configuration, the linerless label paper P can be cut with high precision at the cutting position, specifically at the through-hole Pk or the thin-thickness portion Ph, or at a predetermined position (cutting position) near the through-hole Pk or the thin-thickness portion Ph, and a linerless label L can be produced in which the through-hole Pk or the thin-thickness portion Ph is positioned at a specified position with high precision.

[0079] In addition, when marks Pm are provided on the linerless label paper P at predetermined intervals in the conveying direction, the device has a detection means for detecting the marks Pm, a control means (control unit 1) for controlling the cutting means (cutting unit 8) depending on the detection result of the marks Pm by the detection means, etc. That is, when the conveying unit 7 conveys the linerless label paper P in the conveying direction and the detection means detects the mark Pm, the control unit 1 uses the mark Pm as a reference to identify the cutting position at the penetration portion Pk or the thin portion Ph, or a position near the penetration portion Pk or the thin portion Ph, and controls the cutting unit 8 to cut the linerless label paper P at that cutting position. This control may be executed as a control that complements the control based on the detection of the gap CT described above.

[0080] The label issuing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention also has input means (such as the operation unit 3, the communication unit 5, or the memory unit 2) for inputting information about the object to be labeled. The control means (control unit 1) controls the location to be cut by the cutting means within the area where the penetration portion Pk or the thin portion Ph is provided, according to the information about the object to be labeled input by the input means. In detail, for example, the backingless label L to be attached to the rice ball packaging body 200 as a product is specified so that a slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) is arranged on the lower side (lower end portion) or the upper side (upper end portion), or both, of the label L when attached to the product. Specifically, when the opening tab 201 of the packaging body 200 is pulled, the packaging body 200 is cut along the planned cutting line 207, and a slit (penetration portion Pk or thin portion Ph) is provided on the lower or upper edge of the backingless label L attached on the planned cutting line 207, which is the edge (end) where cutting begins on the opening tab 201 side.

[0081] Furthermore, for example, when the opening tab of the packaging 200 of a sandwich or rice ball is pulled, the packaging 200 is cut along the planned cutting line 207, and a slit (penetration portion Pk or thin portion Ph) is provided on the upper edge of the label L without a liner attached on the planned cutting line 207, which is the edge (end portion) where cutting on the opening tab side begins. In other words, the position of the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) of the linerless label L is determined depending on the object (product) to which it is to be affixed, and more specifically, the slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) is provided on the end side of the linerless label L where cutting begins. In other words, the control means (control unit 1) controls the location to be cut by the cutting means within the area where the through portion Pk or the thin portion Ph is provided, depending on the information of the object to be affixed input by the input means, thereby easily forming a slit (through portion Pk or thin portion Ph) in the upper end or lower end, or both, of the linerless label L.

[0082] Furthermore, the label issuing device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a selection means (buttons B31, B32, B33, etc. of the operation unit 3) for selecting the cutting position of the cutting means (cutting unit 8). The control unit 1 controls the cutting location of the linerless label paper P by the cutting means, depending on the result of the selection by the selection means. In other words, with a simple configuration, it is possible to set the cutting position of the linerless label paper P, and it is possible to provide a label issuing device 100 that issues linerless labels L with a slit (penetrating portion Pk or thin portion Ph) formed in a predetermined position (top edge, bottom edge, or a position nearby, etc.).

[0083] The label issuing device 100A according to an embodiment of the present invention also includes a conveying means (conveying unit 7, platen roller 71) that conveys long linerless label paper (without perforations Pk or thin portions Ph) in the conveying direction, a processing means (processing unit 50) that forms perforations Pk or thin portions Ph at predetermined locations on the linerless label paper, a printing means (printing unit 6, print head 61) that prints on the linerless label paper P, and a cutting means (cutting unit 8) that cuts the linerless label paper P. The label issuing device 100A issues linerless labels L by using the cutting means (cutting unit 8) to cut the linerless label paper P at or near the perforations Pk or thin portions Ph formed in the linerless label paper P. In other words, it is possible to provide a label issuing device 100A that, with a simple configuration, produces a linerless label L having slits (penetrating portions Pk and thin portions Ph) formed therein from linerless label paper that does not have slits (penetrating portions Pk and thin portions Ph) formed therein.

[0084] The label issuing apparatus 100 or label issuing apparatus 100A can also be provided with a cutter unit for creating a gap CT in linerless label paper P that does not already have a gap CT. In this case, at least in the process preceding cutting the linerless label paper P at the connecting location, a cutter unit that conforms to the shape of the gap CT is provided at a position where the gap CT can be created.

[0085] 26 is a schematic diagram of a labeling device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This labeling device has the label issuing device 100 or label issuing device 100A, and affixes a linerless label L issued by the label issuing device to an object (such as a package 200). The labeling device is also called an automatic pricing device, as it affixes a linerless label L indicating a price to a predetermined target product. In detail, the labeling device has, as a labeling means, a labeling section 120 (also referred to as labeling means) having one or more suction holes that suck the linerless label L. The sheet-shaped linerless label L issued by the label issuing device 100 or label issuing device 100A is held by suction by the labeling section 120 and pressed against the side of the object (such as the packaging body 200). In this way, the linerless label L is affixed to the object (such as the packaging body 200).

[0086] Furthermore, the label application device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the label issuing device 100 or the label issuing device 100A, and when applying a linerless label L issued by the label issuing device to an object (such as a package 200), may include a pressing means 122 that presses the linerless label L against the object so that no part of the adhesive layer of the linerless label L is left unadhered to the object. That is, the label application device has means (pressing means 122) for pressing the portion of the linerless label L that protrudes beyond the edge of the surface to which the label is to be applied onto the side of the object.

[0087] In detail, for example, as shown in Figure 27, the label application device has, as an application means, a label application section 120 (also called a label application means) having one or more suction holes that suck in the linerless label L, and a pressing means 122 (also called a pressing section) that presses the portion of the linerless label L that protrudes beyond the edge of the application surface of the object (packaging body 200) against the side of the object (packaging body 200). In the example shown in FIG. 27, the two corners LK of the linerless label L are portions that protrude from the edge of the surface to which the label is to be affixed (packaging body 200), and the pressing means 122 presses these corners LK. 27, the mold 300 is formed with a holding hole 301 into which the object (packaging 200) can be detachably fitted, and a notch 301h is formed in the holding hole 301. This notch 301h is provided at a position corresponding to a corner LK of the linerless label L that protrudes from the edge of the object (packaging 200). That is, the mold 300 is structured so that by pressing the corners LK of the linerless label L with the pressing means 122, the corners LK can be easily affixed to the side surface of the object (package 200). Furthermore, after the label applicator 120 has affixed the linerless label L to the object (packaging 200) placed in the holding hole 301 of the mold 300, the pressing means 122 may press the corners LK of the linerless label L to affix it to the side of the object (packaging 200), or the label applicator 120 and the pressing means 122 may be lowered simultaneously to affix the linerless label L to the object (packaging 200). Furthermore, the label applicator 120 may hold the linerless label L, and with the corners LK bent slightly downward by the pressure of the pressing means 122, the label applicator 120 and the pressing means 122 may be lowered simultaneously to affix the linerless label L to the object (packaging 200).

[0088] In addition, in the label application device shown in Figure 28, when a linerless label L is affixed to the top surface of the object to be affixed (packaging body 200) placed in the holding hole 301 of the mold 300, the pressing means 122 presses the portion of the object to be affixed (packaging body 200) that protrudes from the edge of the affixing surface (such as the corner LK of the linerless label L) against the side of the object to be affixed (packaging body 200). That is, with a simple structure, the portion (such as the corner LK of the linerless label L) that protrudes from the edge of the surface to which the label is to be attached (packaging 200) can be pressed against the side surface of the object to which the label is to be attached (packaging 200). The mold 300 shown in Figures 27 and 28 has a holding hole 301 for forming rice balls, which is provided in, for example, a rice ball forming and packaging machine. Figure 27 shows an example of a labeling section 120 of a labeling device provided in the rice ball forming and packaging machine, and Figure 28 shows an example of a pressing section 120A of the rice ball forming and packaging machine.

[0089] Regardless of these examples, the rice ball forming and packaging machine shown in Figures 27 and 28 does not necessarily have to constitute a part of a label application device. For example, an automatic labeler that issues linerless labels L from linerless label paper P and applies the linerless labels L to a predetermined object may be connected to the rice ball forming and packaging machine, and the linerless labels L may be applied to rice balls formed and packaged by the rice ball forming and packaging machine. In other words, the physical or conceptual configuration of a label issuing device that issues linerless labels L from linerless label paper P can be conceived in various ways. It may be integrated with a device having various functions, or it may be connected to a device having such functions and provide the device with the function of issuing linerless labels L. Furthermore, as long as the device has the basic function of issuing linerless labels L from linerless label paper P, such a device falls within the scope of the present invention, regardless of the name of the device, such as label issuing device, label application device, automatic labeler, or automatic pricing device, or whether it has other additional functions. Furthermore, the object to which the linerless label L is affixed may be a product or item other than rice balls, such as a sandwich, in which case the linerless label L is affixed to the packaged sandwich by an automatic labeler connected to a sandwich packaging machine that packages the sandwich, or by a labeling device that is equipped with the sandwich packaging machine.

[0090] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the present invention also includes design changes and the like that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the above-described drawings can be combined with each other as long as there are no particular contradictions or problems in the purpose, configuration, etc. Furthermore, the contents of each drawing may be independent embodiments, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to a single embodiment obtained by combining the drawings. ● Overview of implementation

[0091] The present invention relates to linerless label paper.

[0092] Labels attached to film-wrapped sandwiches, rice balls, etc. are known to have a slit at the edge of the label so that the label can be easily torn when opened (for example, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open Publication No. 5-38672).

[0093] However, labels with cut lines are generally labels with a backing, and more specifically, the label is peeled off from the backing and then attached to an object. After the label is attached to the object, the backing is discarded, but the amount of backing paper that is discarded is considerable, so there is a demand for a backing-less label. Additionally, labels affixed to packaging materials such as rice balls and sandwiches have slits to allow the label to be cut when the product is opened, but because it is not possible to process the slits when cutting the linerless label from the linerless label paper, linerless labels are not suitable for these products. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a linerless label paper suitable for producing linerless labels.

[0094] In order to achieve the above object, the linerless label paper of the present invention is a long length of linerless label paper in which sheet-like linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, and gaps are provided between the connected linerless labels to allow detection of the connected positions of the linerless labels.

[0095] The gap may be provided at each location where the linerless labels are successively provided, at an end of the linerless label paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, and may be open to the outside.

[0096] Furthermore, a through portion or a thin portion may be formed between the adjacent linerless labels.

[0097] Furthermore, a corner of the consecutively arranged linerless labels, which is on the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the linerless label paper, may be formed in an arc shape.

[0098] Furthermore, a corner of the consecutively arranged linerless labels, which is on the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the linerless label paper, may be formed in an arc shape.

[0099] The linerless label may include at least a base layer and an adhesive layer, and a non-adhesive area may be provided on the surface on which the adhesive layer is formed.

[0100] A label issuing device according to another aspect of the present invention issues the linerless labels from the linerless label paper.

[0101] An automatic pricing device according to yet another aspect of the present invention affixes the linerless labels cut from the linerless label paper to a predetermined object.

[0102] According to the linerless label paper according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the gap allows the connecting portion, which is the cutting portion of the linerless label, to be detected with high accuracy, and linerless labels can be issued appropriately. Furthermore, since no mount paper needs to be disposed of, this is also environmentally friendly. Furthermore, when slits are provided in the linerless labels issued from linerless label paper, the labels are also suitable for products that require the packaging to be opened. Furthermore, linerless labels issued from linerless label paper have arcuately cut corners, so when affixed to an object, they are less likely to peel off from the cut corners. Furthermore, since a non-adhesive area is provided on the surface on which the adhesive layer is formed, the linerless label can be easily peeled off from the object to which it is attached by utilizing the non-adhesive area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1: Control section 2: Storage section 3 :Operation section 4: Display section 5: Communications Department 6: Printing section 7: Transport section 8: Cutting section 9: Detection unit 40: Roll holding part 50: Processing section 51: Bladed roller 51c: blade 52: Grooved roller 52d: Groove 55: Moving part 55a: Blade 56:Fixed part 56a:Groove 61: Print head 70: Guide roller 71: Platen roller 81: Fixed blade 82: Movable blade 91: Light-emitting part 92: Light receiving part 100: Label issuing device 100A: Label issuing device 100B: Main body 120: Label attachment section 120A: Pressing part 122: Pressing means 200: Packaging 201: Knob 207: Cutting line 300: Type 301: Holding hole 301h: Notch CT: gap L: Label without liner P: Label paper without liner PL: Release layer PN: Adhesive layer PP: Printing layer PZ: Base material layer Pa:Print surface Pb: Adhesive surface Ph:Thin part Pk: Penetration part Pm :mark R: Label roll

Claims

1. A label issuing device that issues linerless labels from a long, linerless label sheet in which sheet-like linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, and gaps are provided between the connected linerless labels to allow detection of connected positions of the linerless labels, Between the adjacent linerless labels, a gap is provided at an end of each adjacent linerless label in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and is open toward the outside, wherein a corner on the upstream side of the linerless label paper in the conveying direction and a corner on the downstream side of the conveying direction are formed in an arc shape, and the radius of curvature of the arc of the corner on the upstream side of the conveying direction is larger than the radius of curvature of the arc of the corner on the downstream side of the conveying direction, a detection means for detecting the gap; a printing means for acquiring and printing predetermined information between the gap on the upstream side in the conveying direction and the gap on the downstream side in the conveying direction; a cutting means for cutting an area of ​​the long linerless label paper from the gap to a slit formed in the width direction of the long linerless label paper when the detection means detects the gap; and and an attaching means connected to the rice ball forming and packaging machine for attaching the cut label cut by the cutting means to the rice ball formed and packaged by the rice ball forming and packaging machine, The attaching means attaches the cut label to the rice ball so that a pair of slits formed at the end of the cut label face upward and downward of the rice ball. Label issuing device.

2. A label issuing device that issues linerless labels from a long, linerless label sheet in which sheet-like linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, and gaps are provided between the connected linerless labels to allow detection of connected positions of the linerless labels, Between the adjacent linerless labels, a gap is provided at the end of each adjacent linerless label in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and is open toward the outside, the corners of the downstream side in the conveying direction of the linerless label paper form a right angle, and the corners of the upstream side in the conveying direction of the linerless label paper are provided with an arc-shaped gap whose width gradually widens toward the outside, a detection means for detecting the gap; a printing means for acquiring and printing predetermined information between the gap on the upstream side in the conveying direction and the gap on the downstream side in the conveying direction; a cutting means for cutting an area of ​​the long linerless label paper from the gap to a slit formed in the width direction of the long linerless label paper when the detection means detects the gap; and and an attaching means connected to the rice ball forming and packaging machine for attaching the cut label cut by the cutting means to the rice ball formed and packaged by the rice ball forming and packaging machine, The attaching means attaches the cut label to the rice ball so that a pair of slits formed at the end of the cut label face upward and downward of the rice ball. Label issuing device.

3. A label issuing device that issues linerless labels from a long, linerless label sheet in which sheet-like linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, and gaps are provided between the connected linerless labels to allow detection of connected positions of the linerless labels, Between the adjacent linerless labels, a gap is provided at the end of each adjacent linerless label in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction and is open toward the outside, the corner of the linerless label paper on the upstream side in the conveyance direction is cut off in a straight line, and the corner of the linerless label paper on the downstream side in the conveyance direction is a right-angled gap, a detection means for detecting the gap; a printing means for acquiring and printing predetermined information between the gap on the upstream side in the conveying direction and the gap on the downstream side in the conveying direction; a cutting means for cutting an area of ​​the long linerless label paper from the gap to a slit formed in the width direction of the long linerless label paper when the detection means detects the gap; and and an attaching means connected to the rice ball forming and packaging machine for attaching the cut label cut by the cutting means to the rice ball formed and packaged by the rice ball forming and packaging machine, The attaching means attaches the cut label to the rice ball so that a pair of slits formed at the end of the cut label face upward and downward of the rice ball. Label issuing device.

4. A label issuing device that issues linerless labels from a long, linerless label sheet in which sheet-like linerless labels are connected in a cuttable manner, and gaps are provided between the connected linerless labels to allow detection of connected positions of the linerless labels, Between the adjacent linerless labels, a gap is provided at the end of each adjacent linerless label in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction and is open toward the outside, the corner of the linerless label paper on the upstream side in the conveyance direction is cut off in a straight line, and the corner of the linerless label paper on the downstream side in the conveyance direction is provided with an arc-shaped gap, a detection means for detecting the gap; a printing means for acquiring and printing predetermined information between the gap on the upstream side in the conveying direction and the gap on the downstream side in the conveying direction; a cutting means for cutting an area of ​​the long linerless label paper from the gap to a slit formed in the width direction of the long linerless label paper when the detection means detects the gap; and and an attaching means connected to the rice ball forming and packaging machine for attaching the cut label cut by the cutting means to the rice ball formed and packaged by the rice ball forming and packaging machine, The attaching means attaches the cut label to the rice ball so that a pair of slits formed at the end of the cut label face upward and downward of the rice ball. Label issuing device.

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