Label continuous body and label affixation system

Abstract

The present invention provides a label continuous body and a label affixation system in each of which, before a label in which an identifier such as a unique code is provided to a part thereof is affixed to a product or the like, it is possible to perform reliable code reading with respect to the label.　A label continuous body according to the present invention comprises a label and has an oblong shape. The label has a front surface and a rear surface which can be affixed to an object, and comprises a non-transparent layer which is provided on the front surface side, a transparent layer which is provided on the rear surface side, and an identifier which is provided between the non-transparent layer and the transparent layer. The label continuous body is a label roll which comprises an oblong, transparent separator and a plurality of labels that are disposed along the lengthwise direction on the separator or a label roll which is constituted only by an oblong label.

Description

Label Continuum and Labeling Systems

[0001] The present invention relates to a label strip and a label application system.

[0002] Labels with individual management codes (unique codes) are attached to products, etc., and consumers (users) can read the labels to access information linked to each individual management code.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a method for managing product distribution by attaching labels, each with a different individual management code, to product containers and reading the labels attached to the product containers. However, when reading a label attached to a product container, the state after attachment is affected by the container shape, production line conditions, and the like, and stable reading can be difficult. In particular, stable reading is difficult when the container is round (bottle-shaped, cylindrical, etc.) and the attachment surface is not flat.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a method of attaching labels with barcodes printed (on the front surface) to the same type of product or container, and detecting incorrect reel refills of labels by reading the barcodes with a reading device before attaching them to the products. However, the amount of information that needs to be displayed on product labels (on the front surface) is increasing, and it is desirable not to display information unnecessary for users, such as information for production line management, on the front surface of the label (i.e., display it somewhere other than the front surface). Furthermore, the presence of multiple coded pieces of information on a product label, such as a code for production line management or a code used by the user, can lead to the risk of code reading errors.

[0005] Therefore, Patent Document 3 discloses a product label (label 11) having an attachment surface (back surface 11b) coated with an adhesive and having a code (identifier 3) on the attachment surface that can be read by optical means, and describes how, after this label 11 is peeled off from the backing (separator 5), and before it is attached to a product (object 6), the identifier 3 on the back surface 11b of the label 11 is read by a reading device 8 (see Figure 12).

[0006] JP 2021-68260 A JP 6-28513 A International Publication No. 2004 / 097729

[0007] However, in Patent Document 3, a device (labeler 91) is required to hold the front surface 11a of the label 11 peeled from the separator 5 by suction or the like in order to expose the back surface 11b of the label 11, and there is a possibility that the label 11 may be misaligned when it is transferred from the separator 5 to the labeler 91. If such misalignment occurs, there is a risk that a code reading error may occur.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a label strip and a label application system that can reliably read a code attached to a label having an identifier such as a unique code before the label is applied to a product or the like.

[0009] The label of the present invention includes a base material layer and has a front surface and a back surface that can be attached to an object. The label is configured with an adhesive portion on the back surface that is attached to the object in a plan view.

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a label strip and a label application system that can reliably read codes on labels that have identifiers such as unique codes attached to them before the codes are applied to products, etc.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a continuous label strip of Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a continuous label strip of Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a continuous label strip of Embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a continuous label strip of Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a continuous label strip of Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a continuous label strip of Embodiment 2. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a label sticking system of Embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the label sticking system of Embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a label sticking system of Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the label sticking system of Embodiment 2. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing a conventional label sticking system.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which the same or common parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0013] First Embodiment Continuous Label Strip Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a continuous label strip 1 of this embodiment includes labels 11 and is long (strip-shaped or tape-shaped).

[0014] The continuous label strip 1 of this embodiment can be suitably used in a label application system, which will be described later.

[0015] In the first embodiment, the continuous label web 1 is a label stock with separators. The label stock with separators includes a long, transparent separator 5 and a plurality of labels 11 (leaves) arranged along the longitudinal direction on the separator 5. For example, in the label stock with separators, the plurality of labels 11 may be arranged continuously (intermittently) at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction on the separator 5.

[0016] The label 11 has a front surface 11a and a back surface 11b that can be attached to the object 6. When the label 11 is attached to the object 6, the front surface 11a is the surface opposite to the object 6, and the back surface 11b is the surface facing the object 6.

[0017] The object 6 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include the product itself, the product container, and product packaging such as a paper box or a shrink label for the container (these may be referred to as "products, etc.").

[0018] The label 11 comprises an opaque layer 2 provided on the front surface 11a, a transparent layer 4 provided on the back surface 11b, and an identifier 3 provided between the opaque layer 2 and the transparent layer 4.

[0019] (Opaque Layer) The opaque layer 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a layer that has opacity such that the identifier 3 cannot be read from the front surface 11a (1a) of the label 11. When the opaque layer 2 is a laminate of multiple layers, the laminate as a whole has opacity such that the identifier 3 cannot be read from the front surface 11a (1a). In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the layers constituting the laminate has such opacity, and the other layers may have transparency.

[0020] The opaque layer 2 includes, for example, a substrate film 20. The substrate film 20 may be a resin film or paper. Examples of materials for the resin film include polyolefin resins such as polyethylene resins, polypropylene (PP) resins, cyclic olefin resins, and copolymers containing polyethylene, polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide resins, polystyrene resins, and (meth)acrylic resins.

[0021] The thickness (total thickness) of the base film 20 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 40 to 200 μm, and more preferably 50 to 150 μm. If the thickness is too thin, the label will have weak rigidity (stiffness), which may result in poor label application accuracy. If the thickness is too thick, the label will have too much rigidity, which may cause it to peel off easily from the object or reduce its conformability.

[0022] A front surface printed layer 21 may be provided on the front surface 11a (1a) of the label 11 (base film 20) to improve the visibility and advertising effect of the label 11. Furthermore, a back surface printed layer 22 may be provided on the back surface 11b (1b) of the label 11 (base film 20).

[0023] The method for forming the printing layers (front surface printing layer 21, back surface printing layer 22) is not particularly limited, and can be ordinary gravure printing, flexographic printing, letterpress printing, offset printing, etc. The surface of the printing layer can be further coated with a resin or the like. The method for coating the printing layer with a resin is not particularly limited, and can be gravure printing, flexographic printing, letterpress printing, offset printing, etc.

[0024] (Identifier) ​​The identifier 3 is a name, code, character string, numerical value, etc. used to uniquely distinguish a specific object from multiple objects (labels or objects to which labels are attached). The identifier 3 is preferably a code that can be read by optical means. Examples of codes that can be read by optical means include, but are not limited to, one-dimensional codes (such as barcodes), two-dimensional codes (such as QR Code (registered trademark)), and number sequences (such as unique numbers).

[0025] The identifier 3 may be linked in advance to information about the object 6 (such as a product) to which the label 11 is attached (such as information for advertising, publicity, or information used to manage the production line). The information used to manage the production line may include, for example, the product name, product specifications, and label version number. Furthermore, before the label 11 is attached to the object 6, the identifier 3 may not be linked to information about the object 6, and after the label 11 is attached to the object 6, the identifier 3 may be linked to information about the object 6. This has the following advantages.

[0026] Conventionally, when a product sales promotion campaign or the like is planned, a planning and management company issues an identifier such as a unique code, and a label manufacturer waits for instructions before printing labels according to the instructions. However, this process takes time from campaign planning to label printing. Furthermore, after the campaign ends, the labels with the identifiers cannot be reused, resulting in code (identifier) ​​loss and label disposal. Another problem is that detailed information cannot be collected for each product. In response to this problem, by linking the identifier 3 to information about the object 6 after the label 11 is affixed to the object 6, the time from campaign planning to label printing can be shortened. Furthermore, since the labels with the identifiers can be reused even after the campaign ends, code loss and label disposal can be reduced, making this an effective approach to achieving the SDGs. Furthermore, after the label 11 is affixed to the object 6, various information can be linked to the identifier 3 with ample time to consider the product's sales status, enabling detailed information collection for each product.

[0027] The mirror image of the identifier 3 as seen from the front surface 11a may be read from the back surface 11b by a reading device. In this case, for example, in the case of a two-layer label such as the label 11 shown in Figures 3 and 4 described below, a user or the like can peel off one layer on the front surface 11a and access and use the identifier 3 from the front surface 11a, and a manufacturer or the like of the object 6 (product, etc.) can read and use the mirror image of the identifier 3 from the back surface 11b, thereby making it possible to use one identifier 3 more effectively.

[0028] (Transparent Layer) The transparent layer 4 is not particularly limited as long as it has transparency that allows the identifier 3 to be read from the back surface 11b (1b) of the label 11 (direction D). That is, the transparent layer 4 may be a completely transparent layer or a semi-transparent layer. Even if the transparent layer 4 is semi-transparent, it is included in the above-mentioned "transparent layer" as long as it allows the identifier 3 to be read from the back surface of the label. Note that when the transparent layer 4 is a laminate of multiple layers, at least each layer constituting the laminate must have such transparency, and the laminate as a whole must have transparency that allows the identifier 3 to be read from the back surface 11b of the label 11.

[0029] For example, an adhesive layer 41 is provided on the back surface 11b (1b) side of the transparent layer 4. This allows the back surface 11b of the label 11 (transparent layer 4) to be attached to the object 6.

[0030] The adhesive layer 41 contains an adhesive for adhering the label 11 (substrate film 20) to the object 6. The adhesive is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the adhesive has an appropriate adhesiveness for a POP label. Examples of adhesives include pressure-sensitive adhesives and heat-sensitive adhesives. It is preferable that the adhesive be such that the adhesive layer 41 can be reattached after being peeled off. The adhesive used for the transparent adhesive layer 41 is a material that can impart the above-mentioned transparency to the adhesive layer 41.

[0031] (Separator) The separator 5 is long. The separator 5 is transparent. The separator 5 only needs to be transparent enough to allow the identifier 3 to be read from the back surface 1b of the continuous label web 1 (the separator 5 side) when the separator 5 is attached to the transparent layer 4 of the label 11. That is, like the transparent layer 4, the separator 5 may be completely transparent or may be a semi-transparent layer. Even if the separator 5 is semi-transparent, it is sufficient that the identifier 3 can be read from the back surface of the label. When the separator 5 is a laminate of multiple layers, at least each layer constituting the laminate must have such transparency, and the laminate as a whole must have transparency enough to allow the identifier 3 to be read from the back surface 1b of the continuous label web 1.

[0032] The separator 5 may be, for example, a transparent or translucent resin film, or may be translucent paper having the above-mentioned transparency, etc. Examples of materials for the resin film constituting the separator 5 include polyester-based resins (polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the like), polyolefin-based resins, polyamide-based resins, polystyrene-based resins, and (meth)acrylic-based resins.

[0033] (Specific Example of Continuous Label Strip) Specific examples of the continuous label strip 1 (labels 11 provided on separators 5) of this embodiment are shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

[0034] In the label web 1 (label 11) shown in Fig. 1, the opaque layer 2 is composed of a base film 20, a front surface printed layer 21 and a back surface printed layer 22 provided on both sides of the base film 20, and an adhesive layer 23 provided on the back surface printed layer 22. The transparent layer 4 is composed of a transparent film 40 and an adhesive layer 41 provided on the transparent film 40. The identifier 3 is attached between the opaque layer 2 and the transparent layer 4. The identifier 3 can be printed, for example, on the surface of the transparent film 40 opposite the adhesive layer 41.

[0035] The continuous label web 1 shown in Fig. 2 differs from the continuous label web 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that the adhesive layer 42 is provided on the transparent layer 4 side of the identifier 3. In this case, the identifier 3 may be printed, for example, on the surface of the back printing layer 22 of the base film 20 of the transparent film 40. Note that the identifier 3 may also be printed on the surface of the base film 20 on the back printing layer 22 side, in a portion where the back printing layer 22 is not printed.

[0036] The continuous label strip 1 shown in Figure 3 differs from the continuous label strip 1 shown in Figure 1 in that a release layer 24 made of silicone or the like is provided on the back surface 11b side of the adhesive layer 23. In this case, the label 11 is a two-layer label that can be easily peeled between the adhesive layer 23 and the release layer 24. By peeling the portion of the label 11 on the front surface 11a side of the adhesive layer 23, a user such as a consumer can see the back printing layer 22 (if the adhesive layer 23 is transparent) and access the printed information. Furthermore, if the release layer 24 is transparent, the identifier 3 can also be accessed.

[0037] The continuous label web 1 shown in Fig. 4 differs from the continuous label web 1 shown in Fig. 2 in that a release layer 24 made of silicone or the like is provided on the back surface 11b side of the adhesive layer 42. In this case, the label 11 is a two-layer label that can be easily peeled between the adhesive layer 23 and the release layer 24. By peeling off the portion closer to the front surface 11a than the adhesive layer 23, a user such as a consumer can see the back printing layer 22 and the identifier 3 (if the adhesive layer 23 is transparent) and access the printed information.

[0038] [Label Application System] Referring to Figure 8, the label application system of this embodiment includes a feeding device 7 that feeds out the continuous label strip 1, a reading device 8 that reads the identifier 3 from the back surface 11b of the label 11 (back surface 11b of the continuous label strip 1) of the continuous label strip 1, and an application device 9 that applies the label 11 to an object 6.

[0039] In this embodiment, the continuous label web 1 is the above-mentioned separator-attached label web, and the labels 11 (leaves) peeled from the separator-attached label web are attached to the object 6 by the attachment device 9 .

[0040] It is preferable that after the identifier 3 is affixed to the object 6 (such as a product container), at least a portion of the identifier 3 is not visible from outside the object 6. For example, if the object 6 is a transparent container containing a transparent content such as water (where the identifier 3 on the back side of the label 11 may be visible), the label 11 is preferably affixed so that at least a portion of the identifier 3 of the label 11 overlaps with another previously attached label (such as a body label wrapped around a PET bottle) or a display sticker, making it impossible to see the identifier 3 on the back side of the label 11 from the side opposite the label 11 on the container. This allows, for example, only users who have purchased the product to access the identifier 3 (and the information associated with it), preventing third parties who have not purchased the product from accessing the identifier 3. Furthermore, this prevents errors in reading codes due to the existence of multiple product line management codes, user-used codes, etc.

[0041] A specific example of the label application system of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 9. The label application system shown in Fig. 9 includes a feeding device 7 that feeds the continuous label web 1, a reading device 8 that reads the identifier 3 from the back surface 11b of the label 11 (the back surface 11b of the continuous label web 1) of the continuous label web 1, and an application device 9 that applies the label 11 to an object 6.

[0042] These three devices are arranged along the transport path of the continuous label strip 1 in the order of the feeding device 7, the reading device 8, and the sticking device 9 from upstream to downstream.

[0043] The label application system preferably has a mechanism (stillation mechanism) that temporarily holds the continuous label web 1 (or the labels 11) in a stationary state after the continuous label web 1 is unwound and before the labels 11 are applied to the object 6. This allows the identifiers 3 of the labels 11 to be reliably read from the back surface 11b side by the optical reading means. Note that such a stillation mechanism is preferably provided by a mechanism for another purpose in the label application system. For example, if the labels 11 need to be temporarily held in a stationary state in order to peel the labels 11 from the separator 5 and apply them to the object 6, and the continuous label web 1 is to be still at the same time, such a mechanism can serve as the stillation mechanism.

[0044] The information of the identifier 3 on the label 11 read by the reader 8 is stored in a memory of a data control device (not shown) or in a storage means such as a hard disk.

[0045] In this embodiment, before the labels 11 are transferred from the separator 5 to the labeler 91 (or without transferring the labels 11 from the separator 5 to the labeler 91), the identifiers 3 (identification codes) of the labels 11 in the state of the continuous label web 1 (label web with separators) can be read from the back surface 1b of the continuous label web 1. This makes it possible to reliably read the identifiers 3, such as unique codes, of the labels 11 on the continuous label web 1 before they are attached to products or the like.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since it is not necessary to read the identifier 3 (identification code) with the adhesive (attachment surface) of the label 11 exposed, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from adhering to the attachment surface (adhesive) of the label 11. Furthermore, since there is no need for a device (labeler 91, see FIG. 12) that holds the front surface 11a of the label 11 by suction or the like, it is possible to make the label attachment system more compact.

[0047] 5 to 7 , in the second embodiment, the continuous label web 1 is a label web. The label web is made up of only long labels. The long labels are a continuous web made up of multiple labels in a connected state before being cut, and do not include separators. In this respect, the continuous label web 1 of the second embodiment differs from the continuous label web of the first embodiment, but other aspects such as the layered structure of the labels are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0048] (Specific Example of Continuous Label Strip) Specific examples of the continuous label strip 1 of this embodiment are shown in FIGS.

[0049] The continuous label web 1 shown in Fig. 5 is a label web consisting only of long labels, and differs from the continuous label web 1 shown in Fig. 1 in that it does not have a separator. The layer structure of the continuous label web 1 shown in Fig. 5 is the same as the label 11 of the continuous label web 1 shown in Fig. 1.

[0050] The label strip 1 shown in Figure 6 differs from the label strip 1 shown in Figure 5 in that it does not have the adhesive layer 23 and transparent film 40 of the label strip 1 shown in Figure 5. The label strip 1 shown in Figure 7 differs from the label strip 1 shown in Figure 5 in that it does not have the adhesive layer 23 of the label strip 1 shown in Figure 5.

[0051] (Label Sticking System) Referring to FIG. 10 , in this embodiment, the label web 1 is the label web described above, and the labels 11 cut out from the label web are stuck to the object 6 by a sticking device 9 .

[0052] A specific example of the label application system of this embodiment is shown in Fig. 11. In the label application system shown in Fig. 11, the continuous label web 1 is fed from a feeding device 7 and extruded between a pair of rolls 71, and then cut to a predetermined length by a cutting device 72, thereby cutting out labels 11 (sheet-length labels). The cut-out labels 11 are then applied to an object 6 by an application device 9.

[0053] The adhesive layer 41 may be made of a material whose adhesiveness is activated by light energy such as ultraviolet or infrared light, or thermal energy such as hot air, and an activation device (not shown) may be provided between the payout device 7 and the application device 9 (for example, between the cutting device 72 and the application device 9) to activate the adhesive layer 41 contained in the label 11 while conveying the label 11. In this case, the adhesive layer 41, which is inactive (non-adhesive) until it is paid out, is activated by the activation device, and the label 11 with the activated adhesive layer 41 (adhesiveness imparted) is applied to the object 6 by the application device 9. This improves the handleability of the continuous label web 1 (label web) and shortens the time during which the adhesive layer 41 remains adhesive, thereby suppressing the adhesion of dust and the like to the adhesive layer (rear surface 11b).

[0054] In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the label code can be read from the back side of the continuous label strip (long label roll), which allows the identifier 3 of the label 11 to be reliably read from the back side 1b of the continuous label strip 1 before it is attached to the object 6.

[0055] As in the first embodiment, the label application system of this embodiment also preferably has a mechanism (stilling mechanism) for temporarily holding the continuous label web 1 in a stationary state. In this embodiment, for example, when the continuous label web 1 is cut, it is necessary to temporarily hold the continuous label web 1 in a stationary state, and if the continuous label web 1 is to be stopped at the same timing, such a mechanism can serve as the stilling mechanism. By utilizing this stationary state of the continuous label web 1, the identifier 3 can be accurately read by the optical reading means.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the code can be read reliably without being affected by misalignment of the code due to misalignment of the cutting position of the continuous label strip (long label web).

[0057] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified in various ways. For example, the identifiers 3 of the multiple labels 11 may be read simultaneously from the back surface 1b of the continuous label web 1. Reading multiple identifiers simultaneously increases data processing speed and improves product manufacturing efficiency. Also, one label 11 may have multiple identifiers 3, and the multiple identifiers may be read simultaneously. In this case, labels containing multiple pieces of information can be read efficiently. Furthermore, two or more embodiments selected from the various embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate, or at least one configuration (part of a configuration) selected from the various embodiments described above may be replaced with part of a configuration of another embodiment.

[0058] <Summary> The above-described embodiments of the present invention will be listed below as examples.

[0059] (1) A continuous label strip including labels, wherein the labels have a front surface and a back surface that can be attached to an object, and comprise an opaque layer provided on the front surface side, a transparent layer provided on the back surface side, and an identifier attached between the opaque layer and the transparent layer, and the continuous label strip is a label stock with separators that includes a long, transparent separator and a plurality of labels arranged on the separator along the longitudinal direction, or a label stock consisting only of long labels.

[0060] (2) The continuous label body according to (1), wherein the continuous label body is a label roll with separators.

[0061] (3) The continuous label body according to (1), wherein the continuous label body is the label stock.

[0062] (4) The label continuum according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the transparent layer includes an adhesive layer provided on the back surface side of the label.

[0063] (5) A label application system comprising: a feeding device that feeds the continuous label strip described in any one of (1) to (4); a reading device that reads the identifier from the back side of the label on the continuous label strip; and an application device that applies the label to an object.

[0064] (6) The label sticking system according to (5), wherein the continuous label is the label stock with separators (the continuous label according to (2)), and the labels peeled from the label stock with separators are stuck to an object by the sticking device.

[0065] (7) The label sticking system according to (5), wherein the continuous label web is the label web (the continuous label web according to (3)), and the label sticking device sticks individual labels cut out from the continuous label web to an object.

[0066] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 continuous label 1a front surface 1b back surface 11 (sheet) label 11a front surface 11b back surface 2 opaque layer 20 base film 21 front surface printed layer 22 back surface printed layer 23 adhesive layer 24 peeling layer 3 identifier (identification code) 4 transparent layer 40 transparent film 41 adhesive layer 42 adhesive layer 43 peeling layer 5 separator 6 object (product, etc.) 7 feeding device 71 pair of rollers 72 cutting device 8 reading device 9 sticking device 91 labeler D reading direction

Claims

1. A continuous label strip including labels, wherein the labels have a front surface and a back surface that can be attached to an object, and comprise an opaque layer provided on the front surface side, a transparent layer provided on the back surface side, and an identifier attached between the opaque layer and the transparent layer, and the continuous label strip is either a label stock with separator that includes a long, transparent separator and a plurality of labels arranged longitudinally on the separator, or a label stock consisting only of long labels.

2. The continuous label sheet according to claim 1, wherein the continuous label sheet is a label stock sheet with separators.

3. The continuous label body according to claim 1, wherein the continuous label body is the label stock.

4. The label continuum according to claim 1, wherein the transparent layer includes an adhesive layer provided on the innermost side of the label.

5. A label application system comprising: a feeding device that feeds the continuous label strip according to claim 1; a reading device that reads the identifier from the back side of the label on the continuous label strip; and an application device that applies the label to an object.

6. A label application system according to claim 5, wherein the continuous label is a label stock with separators, and the labels peeled from the label stock with separators are applied to an object by the application device.

7. A label application system according to claim 5, wherein the continuous label is the label stock, and individual labels cut out from the label stock are applied to an object by the application device.

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