JP6720364B1 - Transparent jigsaw puzzle - Google Patents

Abstract

Kind Code: A1 Abstract: A transparent transparent jigsaw puzzle in which all pieces (p) of a jigsaw puzzle are transparent and plain without any image or printing. The present invention further includes a jigsaw puzzle body layer 1 in which each piece (p) is made of a transparent plastic sheet, and a transparent surface layer 2 made of a transparent plastic material disposed above and/or below the jigsaw puzzle body layer 1. 2', and an intermediate layer 3, 3'for thermal lamination thermal lamination) disposed between the jigsaw puzzle body layer 1 and the transparent surface layers 2, 2'as described above. When the printed layer 4 is provided on the upper and/or lower surfaces of the transparent surface layers 2 and 2 ′, the transparent jigsaw puzzle has a perspective image. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a transparent jigsaw puzzle and a manufacturing method thereof.
The present invention further relates to a plastic jigsaw puzzle having a perspective image and a method for manufacturing the same.

In the field of paper jigsaw puzzles, there are types of jigsaw puzzles called “white puzzles” and “white puzzles” that are enjoyed by assembling plain jigsaw puzzles without printed images. The white puzzle does not have a pattern that can be used as a hint when combining pieces, so it requires concentration and patience, and the difficulty of the puzzle is orders of magnitude higher. Generally, a jigsaw puzzle is made by punching out one sheet with a cutting blade, but the shape of the cutting blade is slightly different for each piece, and even if the pieces have the same shape pattern, the shapes of all the pieces are also slightly different. In "white puzzle" and "white puzzle", the jigsaw puzzle will be completed by dividing it into several shape patterns.

A normal paper jigsaw puzzle that is not a white puzzle is an opaque jigsaw puzzle that has an image on its surface, so the method of expressing that image is limited. That is, the method of expressing the image is limited to a method of printing the image on the surface of the paper, embossing it, adhering a decoration, and the like.

Further, in the field of conventional paper jigsaw puzzles, an image corresponding to a customer's order, for example, a commemorative photo is printed on the surface of a plain paper jigsaw puzzle.
[Patent Document 1] (Utility Model No. 3007219) describes printing a motif on the surface of a plain paper jigsaw puzzle.
[Patent Document 2] (JP-A-10-137441) also describes printing an image on the surface of a plain paper jigsaw puzzle using an inkjet printer.

All of the above known methods print on the surface of an opaque plain jigsaw puzzle and the back of the jigsaw is not visible (ie the back of the jigsaw is unused). Therefore, it is not possible to display a stereoscopic image on the jigsaw puzzle. As a method for making a jigsaw puzzle having a three-dimensional effect, a method of embossing a surface image, thickening printing with unevenness, or hologram printing is known.

Further, in most of the jigsaw puzzles up to now, the pattern (image) is printed on the surface of the paper, so that there is a defect that the pattern is worn or damaged. In addition, paper jigsaw puzzles are contaminated by accidental coffee spills and cannot be washed if soiled.

In addition, known paper jigsaw puzzles including white puzzles and white puzzles are easily broken into assembled jigsaw puzzles and have poor handleability. Transparency is lost when the plastic sheet is made of foam for weight and weight reduction.

The applicant of the present invention, in Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-159462 entitled "Plastic jigsaw puzzle and its manufacturing method and apparatus", has a transparent surface layer (2) having a printing layer (4) on the back surface and a jigsaw puzzle body layer (). 1) Disclosed is a plastic jigsaw puzzle in which and are laminated. This jigsaw puzzle has the advantage that the printing layer (4) does not come off because the printing layer (4) is on the back side of the transparent surface layer (2). However, this patent application has no idea of playing as a transparent jigsaw puzzle.

Utility model No. 3007219 JP, 10-137441, A

An object of the present invention is to provide a transparent transparent jigsaw puzzle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a plain transparent jigsaw puzzle having means for confirming whether or not the jigsaw puzzle is correctly completed after completion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a transparent jigsaw puzzle which does not fall apart when the completed jigsaw puzzle is vertically hung.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing the above transparent jigsaw puzzle.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a plastic jigsaw puzzle having a perspective image.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a plastic jigsaw puzzle having the above-mentioned perspective image.

It should be noted that in the following description, reference symbols are given after each component, but these reference symbols are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting the present invention.

A first object of the present invention is a jigsaw puzzle that is played by combining a plurality of pieces (p), each piece (p) is made of a transparent plastic material, and each piece (p) is provided with an image or a print. It is in a plain transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P), which is characterized by the absence.

This plain transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) is a single layer transparent arbitrary plastic material such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic. It can be made of resins, silicone resins, copolymers thereof, alloys and mixtures, and materials combining these.

In one embodiment of the first subject of the invention, each piece (p) is composed of a plurality of layers of (i) to (iii) below:
(I) A jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) made of a transparent plastic sheet,
(Ii) a transparent surface layer (2, 2') made of a transparent plastic material, which is disposed on the upper side and/or the lower side of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1),
(Iii) An intermediate layer (3, 3') for thermal lamination (thermal lamination) arranged between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layers (2, 2').

The jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2,2' ) are polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin. , Silicone resins, copolymers thereof, alloys and mixtures, and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment of the first subject of the present invention, the present invention is a plastic jigsaw puzzle playing with a combination of a plurality of pieces (p), each piece (p) being transparent and each piece (p) being Provided is a transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle characterized by laminating and integrating the following (i) to (iii):
(I) A jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) made of a transparent plastic sheet,
(Ii) a transparent surface layer (2, 2') made of transparent biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is arranged on the upper side and/or the lower side of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1),
(Iii) An intermediate layer for thermal lamination made of unstretched polypropylene (CPP) or low density polyethylene (LLPE) arranged between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layers (2, 2′). (3, 3').

Low-density polyethylene is generally expressed as LDPE, but in the present invention, since commercially available linear low-density polyethylene (LLPE) called Roden is generally used for applications such as plastic bags, low-density polyethylene is expressed as LLPE. In the present invention, expressions such as LDPE, LLDPE, and LLPE mean the same thing.

In the known paper white puzzle and white puzzle, it is relatively easy to distinguish between front and back, but the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the present invention is transparent and difficult to distinguish between front and back, and a subtle change in white printing when selecting a piece. Is not available, the difficulty of completing the jigsaw puzzle is further increased as compared with the known paper white puzzle and white puzzle. That is, the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the first object of the present invention can be played in the same manner as the paper white puzzle and the white puzzle known as a plain jigsaw puzzle, but the difficulty level of the puzzle is high.

Since the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the present invention is made of plastic, since each piece is relatively soft, it may be possible to force it into the wrong place. In order to confirm such an error, specific processing called invisible ink or hidden ink can be performed. For example, an image or print that can be seen only when a special light is applied to the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the present invention, for example, a grid line, continuous numbers, a predetermined pattern or the like is printed, and a special light is applied when the jigsaw puzzle is completed, It is possible to confirm the presence or absence of a piece that has been inserted by mistake. Examples of special light include ultraviolet rays and heat rays, and chemical changes can also be used. Alternatively, it is also possible to perform hologram printing on a transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle and apply hologram reference light to confirm the presence or absence of a piece that has been mistakenly inserted.

The transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle which is the first object of the present invention can be used not only as a plain jigsaw puzzle but also as a means of "copying". That is, by utilizing the transparency, an image placed on the back side can be copied on the surface of a transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle and played as a jigsaw puzzle having an image drawn by oneself. This application is particularly useful as a jigsaw puzzle for children. It can also be used as an educational jigsaw puzzle by selecting the image to be copied.

The transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the first object of the present invention is completely disassembled and then shipped. However, when it is used as a means of "copying", a transparent sheet is cut into a plastic jigsaw puzzle shape by using a cutter. Later, the jigsaw puzzle is packaged and shipped without breaking it apart.

A second object of the present invention is a plastic jigsaw puzzle having a perspective image, which is an application of the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the first object of the present invention. The plastic jigsaw puzzle of the second object of the present invention is a plastic jigsaw puzzle that is played by combining a plurality of pieces (p), each piece (p) being composed of a sheet of transparent plastic material. A printing layer is formed on the surface of the sheet of material.

Also in one embodiment of the second object of the present invention, each piece (p) is polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin. , A transparent plastic material selected from among silicone resins and their copolymers, alloys or combinations.

In one embodiment of the second subject of the present invention there is provided a plastic jigsaw puzzle in which each piece (p) has a perspective image composed of a plurality of layers of (i) to (iv) below:
(I) A jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) made of a transparent plastic sheet,
(Ii) a transparent surface layer (2, 2') made of transparent plastic, which is disposed on the upper side and/or the lower side of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1),
(Iii) a thermal lamination intermediate layer (3, 3') disposed between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and each transparent surface layer (2, 2'),
(Iv) A printing layer (4-1, 4-2) provided on the surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and/or on the back surface in contact with the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1).

The jigsaw puzzle body layer (1), the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and the intermediate layer for thermal lamination (3, 3') are polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate. It can be made of a transparent plastic material selected from (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resins, silicone resins and their copolymers, alloys or combinations.

In one embodiment of the second subject of the invention, at least some of the patterns of each of the printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are not identical but different from each other.

In one embodiment of the second object of the present invention, at least some of the patterns of each of the printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are the same as each other, and at least one of hue, lightness and saturation is mutually different. Different from each other.

The present invention further provides a method for manufacturing a plastic jigsaw puzzle having the above-mentioned perspective image. This method features the following steps:
1) Prepare a transparent transparent surface layer (2, 2') and a jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) made of a plastic sheet,
2) printing an image on at least one surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and/or the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1),
3) A jigsaw puzzle product is formed by laminating and integrating a transparent transparent surface layer (2, 2′) and a jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) with a thermal lamination sheet interposed therebetween,
4) Punch a jigsaw puzzle product having a printed image into a jigsaw puzzle.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the image data is processed by a computer (A), the processed image data is sent to a digital printer (B), and the transparent biaxially oriented polypropylene ( The image is formed by printing on at least one surface of a transparent surface layer (2, 2') made of OPP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE).

In one embodiment of the invention, the transparent surface layer (2, 2') bearing the printed image is fed together with the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) into a hot press machine (R). At that time, an intermediate layer (3, 3') made of unstretched polypropylene (CPP) or low density polyethylene (LLPE) is arranged between the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1). Then, a laminated body composed of the transparent surface layer (2)/intermediate layer (3)/jigsaw puzzle main body layer (1)/intermediate layer (3′)/transparent surface layer (2′) is integrally laminated under heat and pressure to form a jigsaw puzzle. Make a three-dimensional product.

The present invention further provides an apparatus for manufacturing a plastic jigsaw puzzle having the above-mentioned perspective image. This apparatus includes a computer (A) for inputting/processing image data, and a digital printer (B) for receiving the processed image data and printing the image on at least one surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2′). , Hot-pressing a jigsaw puzzle product solid body comprising a transparent surface layer (2, 2') having a printed image from a digital printer (B) / a jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) / an intermediate layer for heat lamination arranged therebetween Hot-pressing device (R), punching machine (M) for punching the hot-pressed laminated assembly into a jigsaw puzzle shape, and cutting device for cutting the punched-out laminated assembly into individual jigsaw puzzle sheets (C) is included.

The conceptual diagram which shows the state which suspended the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) of the 1st object of this invention by hand. In a conceptual perspective view (left side) and a conceptual sectional view (right side) of the individual pieces of the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the present invention, (A) to (C) show three examples. It is a conceptual partial perspective view when a transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle is used as a "copying picture" material.A sheet with a character image is placed below the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle, and a drawing means is used on the surface of the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle. It shows a state of "copying" a character image. FIG. 3 is a conceptual perspective view (left side) and a conceptual sectional view (right side) of one piece of a plastic jigsaw puzzle having a perspective image of the second object of the present invention. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating that the pattern, hue, lightness, and saturation of two printing layers (4-1, 4-2) differ from each other. 2 is a conceptual perspective view of a plastic jigsaw puzzle having a perspective image of a second object of the present invention, in which the two printed layers (200, 201) are exaggeratedly shown to illustrate the structure, The dimensions are not exact. The conceptual diagram of the jigsaw puzzle manufacturing apparatus of this invention suitable for mass production. (A) is a conceptual diagram of the jigsaw puzzle manufacturing apparatus of this invention, (b) is a conceptual top view of the A area of (a) which shows the long state before the cutting of the jigsaw puzzle made with the apparatus of [FIG. 7]. The conceptual diagram of the manufacturing apparatus of this invention jigsaw puzzle which processes image data with a computer (A) and carries out digital printing. The conceptual diagram which shows the modification of the manufacturing method of this invention.

I. 1st object of this invention The 1st object of this invention is a jigsaw pazu which plays by combining a plurality of pieces (p), Each piece (p) consists of a transparent plastic material, and each piece (p) has an image. It is in a plain transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) characterized by not being printed or printed (see [FIG. 1]).
The individual configurations will be described below.

"Transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle"
The term "transparent" used in the present invention has no strict definition, and a jigsaw puzzle is transparent if the back surface of the jigsaw puzzle is visible when viewed from one side of the jigsaw puzzle. Therefore, a translucent polyethylene sheet is also transparent in the present invention. It is preferable to use a transparent plastic material having a haze value of up to about 40, preferably a haze value of up to about 10, and more preferably a haze value of up to about 5.

Jigsaw puzzle body layer (1)
The material of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a transparent plastic sheet. Generally selected from polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resins, silicone resins and their copolymers, alloys or combinations. It In addition, materials derived from lactic acid-based renewable sources can be used as long as they are transparent.

The transparent jigsaw puzzle of the present invention may have a single-layer structure consisting of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) only. For example, a single layer sheet of PVC, PE or PP may be used. However, in order to give the jigsaw puzzle a fit and a high-grade feeling, it is preferable to have a plurality of layered structures having a transparent surface layer (2, 2′).

The jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) takes into account the required transparency, the fit when playing as a jigsaw puzzle, the adhesiveness with the transparent surface layer (2, 2') laminated on it, the cuttability, and the cost. select. The transparency can be selected variously, and it is not necessary that the transparency is completely transparent (haze=0). Sometimes some opacity is suitable for playing as a jigsaw puzzle. Since the elasticity of the material forming the body layer (1) greatly affects the fit, a material having a certain degree of elasticity and elasticity is generally selected as the material of the body layer (1). This fit can be confirmed experimentally by examining the actual feeling when playing as a jigsaw puzzle. In the case of PVC or the like, the hardness of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) can be adjusted by adding a plasticizer. In the case of an olefin material, it is generally preferable to add an olefin elastomer or a rubber material in order to impart elasticity.

Transparent surface layer (2, 2')
In the case of a single-layer transparent jigsaw puzzle, there is no transparent surface layer (2, 2'), but in the case of a transparent jigsaw puzzle with a fit and high quality, it is on the upper and/or lower side of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1). It is preferred to arrange the transparent surface layer (2, 2').

This transparent surface layer (2, 2') is made of transparent polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), acrylic resin, silicone resin and these. It is selected from copolymers, alloys or combinations. These polymers may be homopolymers, copolymers or alloys. In addition to these, there are many plastic materials that can be used as the transparent surface layer (for example, ABS, AS, polyamide, polyacetal, fluororesin, epoxy resin, polyester resin, etc.). Also, materials based on lactic acid obtained from renewable sources can be used. However, from the viewpoint of cost and hardness, in the present invention, it is preferable to select the above plastic material as a material that can be practically used as a jigsaw puzzle.

The above resin generally has a haze value of about 0.1 to 8. In the case of polypropylene or polyethylene, the haze value can be lowered by adding a nucleating agent.

The main role of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') is to prevent abrasion of the upper and/or lower surface of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) (in the case of a transparent jigsaw puzzle) and protection of the printing surface (having a perspective image). In case of transparent jigsaw puzzle). When scratch resistance is required, it is preferable to select PET or polycarbonate (PC).

[FIG. 2] is a conceptual diagram for explaining the constitution of each piece (p) of the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) of the present invention having a transparent surface layer (2, 2′), and (A) to (C). ) Indicates three examples. The left side of each figure is a conceptual perspective view, and the right side is a conceptual sectional view. In FIG. 2A, only one transparent surface layer (2) is provided, and in FIG. 2B, both transparent surface layers (2, 2′) are provided. (C) is a modified example of (B) and shows a case where the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is composed of two or more sheets.

Since the adhesiveness between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2') is an important factor in practical use, the selection of the material for the intermediate layer (3, 3') for thermal lamination (thermal lamination) Is important. When the adhesiveness between the main body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) is poor, an adhesive agent can be used between the two as long as the transparency is not impaired, but the cost increases. Generally, it is preferred that the material of the body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2') are of the same type or similar materials are used.

Many of the plastic materials used in the present invention are poorly adhesive materials. Although an adhesive for adhering difficult-to-adhere materials has been developed, it is expensive and has a problem of deterioration such as whitening and cracking of the material. Therefore, it is generally preferable that the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) are made of the same or similar material from the viewpoint of cost and adhesiveness.

Intermediate layer for thermal lamination (3, 3')
The role of the intermediate layer (3, 3') is to bond the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) by thermal adhesion (thermal lamination). Therefore, the material of the intermediate layer (3, 3') changes depending on the material of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1).
As described above, since the plastic material used in the present invention is a difficult-to-adhesive material, it is an intermediate method to bond the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) only by thermal lamination. The choice of material for the layers (3, 3') becomes important. Actually, depending on what is selected as the material of the transparent surface layer (2, 2'), the types of materials of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the thermal lamination intermediate layer (3, 3') are also determined.

When polypropylene (PP) is selected as the material of the transparent surface layer (2, 2′), it is preferable that the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is also polypropylene. Specifically, the transparent surface layer (2, 2') is made of biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP), and the intermediate layer for thermal lamination (3, 3') is made of non-oriented polypropylene (CPP). The transparent surface layer (2, 2') and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) can be bonded with a practical peel strength.

When polyethylene (PE) is selected as the material of the transparent surface layer (2, 2'), it is preferable that the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is also made of polyethylene. Specifically, the transparent surface layer (2, 2') can be a sheet of high density polyethylene (HDPE), and the intermediate layer for thermal lamination (3, 3') can be a sheet of low density polyethylene (LLPE). .. If the adhesiveness is insufficient, a primer treatment, surface treatment, or an adhesive is used.

Polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) are the same polyolefin materials, and these can be used in appropriate combination. When a material other than a polyolefin material such as PET is used, unstretched polypropylene (CPP) or low density polyethylene (LLPE) can be used, and if necessary, another compatible interlayer for thermal lamination. It is also possible to use (3,3').

When polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is selected as the material of the transparent surface layer (2, 2'), it is preferable that the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is also made of polyvinyl chloride. Specifically, the transparent surface layer (2, 2') can be a hard polyvinyl chloride sheet, and the intermediate layer for thermal lamination (3, 3') can be a soft polyvinyl chloride sheet. When the adhesiveness is insufficient, a primer treatment, a surface treatment or an adhesive is used.

When polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC) and acrylic resin are selected as the material of the transparent surface layer (2, 2'), the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is preferably made of these materials, but the jigsaw puzzle There are few materials that satisfy the properties as the main body layer (1) such as elasticity, fittability, flexibility, etc. and have reasonable costs.

The surface of these layers can also be treated in order to increase the adhesion between the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1). Specifically, primer treatment or physical treatment (ultraviolet irradiation treatment, corona discharge treatment, plasma treatment, etc.) can be performed. Additional adhesive may be used if desired.

[FIG. 3] is a partial conceptual diagram in the case of using the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the first object of the present invention as a means of “copying”. [Fig. 3] shows the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) of the present invention on a paper (100) on which the Disney character is written, and the lower Disney character is put on the surface of the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) with an oil-based pen. Shows the state of drawing (copying). By selecting the image to be copied, the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) of the present invention can be used as an educational material, or a plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) of a memorial photo can be made.

In this way, the plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) that has a "copy" can be played as a jigsaw puzzle, or it can be floated on a bathtub in the bathroom.

The transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) of the present invention does not fall apart even when the completed jigsaw puzzle is suspended vertically. This property is not found in paper jigsaw puzzles (see [Fig. 1]).

II. Second subject of the invention
"Plastic jigsaw puzzle with a perspective image"
A second object of the present invention is a plastic jigsaw puzzle having a perspective image, which is an application of the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the first object of the present invention.

This plastic jigsaw puzzle having a perspective image of the second object of the present invention is an application of the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle of the first object of the present invention, and has substantially the same configuration as the first object. , The first target transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle is completely transparent, whereas the second target plastic jigsaw puzzle has a perspective image.

[Fig. 4] is a conceptual view of one piece (p) of the plastic jigsaw puzzle having a perspective image of the present invention having a printing layer (4), the left side is a conceptual perspective view, and the right side is a conceptual sectional view. .. The basic difference from the transparent jigsaw puzzle of FIG. 2 is that there is a print layer ( 4 ).

As shown in FIG. 5, the printing layer ( 4 ) is on the back surface in contact with the printing layer (4-1 ) on the surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) and/or the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1). It can be arranged as a printed layer (4-2) of . That is, the printing layer (4) may be on the transparent surface layer (2, 2'), the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1), or the intermediate layer for thermal lamination (3, 3'). In practice, it is preferable to print on the front surface and/or the back surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2′), and to prevent peeling of the printed surface, print on the back surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) Preferably.

The printing layers (4-1, 4-2) can be formed by any known printing method. In practice, gravure printing, offset printing, digital printing, xerography, inkjet printing, etc. can be used. Generally, gravure printing is used for large-scale printing, offset printing or digital printing is used for medium-scale printing, and inkjet printing is used for small-scale printing.

This printing layer (4-1, 4-2) is preferably formed on at least one of the two transparent surface layers (2, 2'), and is formed on both of the two transparent surface layers (2, 2'). You don't have to. In other words, if there is no print layer, it is considered to have a transparent print layer. Further, the number of print layers (4-1, 4-2) is not limited to two. For example, as shown in (C) of [Fig. 2], the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is composed of two or more sheets (1, 1'), and between the two or more sheets (1, 1'). It is also possible to form a printing layer (4) on the.

Generally, it is preferable that the printing layer (4-1, 4-2) is formed on the transparent surface layer (2, 2′), but it is not on the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) but the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1 ) May be formed on the surface. Which one is formed is selected in consideration of manufacturing advantages.
Hereinafter, in order to simplify the description, a case where two or more printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are formed on the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) will be described. The number of -1, 4-2) and the place of arrangement are not limited to this.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a plastic jigsaw puzzle having an infinite number of perspective images by combining the pictures of the two printing layers (4-1, 4-2).
Below, the example of the combination of the designs of two printing layers (4-1, 4-2) is shown.
1) the upper transparent surface layer (2) printed layer provided on the back of the (4-1) and the lower side of the transparent surface layer (2 ') printed layer provided on the surface of the (4 -2) The patterns are the same, and at least one of hue, brightness, and saturation is different from each other. In (A) of FIG. 5, at least a part of the patterns of the upper printing layer (4-1) and the lower printing layer (4-2) are the same as each other, and at least one of hue, lightness, and saturation is mutually different. An example of different cases is shown.

2) The patterns of the printing layer (4-1) provided on the upper surface and the printing layer (4-2) provided on the lower surface are not the same but different from each other. (B) of FIG. 5 shows an example in which at least a part of the patterns of the upper printing layer (4-1) and the lower printing layer (4-2) are not the same but are different from each other.
Pattern 3) printed layer provided on the surface of the upper (4 -1) and the print layer provided on the lower side of the surface (4 -2), hue, lightness, at least one saturation different from each other ..

Specific examples include the following:
1) The girl part of Monet's painting is printed on the upper transparent surface layer (200) and the background portion of the painting is printed on the lower transparent surface layer (201) (see [Fig. 6]).
2) A family photo or a couple photo taken at the same amusement park with the print layer (4-1) provided on the lower surface having an amusement park pattern and the print layer (4-2) provided on the upper surface.
3) The print layer (4-2) provided on the lower surface is a photograph of the lowland part of the valley of the Grand Canyon, and the print layer (4-1) provided on the upper surface is the same as the cliff part of the valley of the Grand Canyon. Photo of.
4) The print layer (4-2) provided on the lower surface is one pattern of modern art, and the print layer (4-1) provided on the upper surface is the same pattern of different colors and shapes of the modern art. ..
5) An art jigsaw puzzle in which the print layer (4-1) provided on the upper surface is a semi-transparent black painting and the print layer (4-2) provided on the lower surface is a red painting ..
6) The colors of the print layer (4-1) provided on the upper surface and the print layer (4-2) provided on the lower surface are red and blue, respectively, and the left and right lenses are red and blue. A three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle that allows you to see a three-dimensional image when you wear eyeglasses.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

In a preferred first embodiment of the first subject of the present invention, the present invention is a plastic jigsaw puzzle playing with a combination of a plurality of pieces (p), each piece (p) being transparent and each piece (p) being transparent. p) provides a transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle, characterized in that the following (i) to (iii) are laminated and integrated:
(I) A jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) made of a transparent plastic sheet,
(Ii) A transparent surface layer (2, 2') disposed above and/or below the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) made of transparent biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP, Oriented Polypropylene) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). When,
(Iii) Thermal lamination of unstretched polypropylene (CPP, Cast Polypropylene) or low density polyethylene (LLPE) arranged between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layers (2, 2'). Intermediate layer (3, 3').

The thickness of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is not particularly limited, but is generally 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably 0.6 to 15 mm, more preferably 0.7 to 10 mm.

The thickness of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') is not particularly limited, but is generally 0.05 to 2 mm, preferably 0.1 to 1 mm.

The thickness of the intermediate layer (3, 3') made of unstretched polypropylene (CPP) or low density polyethylene (LLPE) is generally 0.05 to 1 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.8 mm.

1. The structure [Fig. 2] of each piece (p) is not a single layer. Three embodiments (A) to (C) of one piece (p) of the jigsaw puzzle P (sometimes referred to as a jigsaw puzzle sheet) of the present invention. ) Is a conceptual perspective view, and the relative dimensions are exaggerated for explanation. The left side view of each of (A), (B), and (C) in FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one piece, and the right side view is a conceptual cross-sectional view of the left side view. Each piece (p) is "transparent", although not exactly represented in [Fig. 2].

Each piece (p) is a jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) basically made of a plastic sheet, and a transparent surface layer (2, 2') made of transparent biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). And an intermediate layer (3, 3') made of unstretched polypropylene (CPP) or low density polyethylene (LLPE) disposed between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2'). It has a three-layer structure. The intermediate layer (3, 3') serves to bond the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2') to each other by a thermal lamination method.
Hereinafter, each layer will be described in detail.

Jigsaw puzzle body layer (1)
In the present invention, the material of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is not particularly limited, but a blend of polypropylene or polyethylene with a rubber elastic material is used from the viewpoint of adhesion with the transparent surface layer (2, 2′). Is preferred. The polypropylene or polyethylene of the main body layer (1) can be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art from commercially available materials in consideration of elastic properties, hardness, transparency and the like. The main body layer (1) can be colored semitransparently by using a pigment or a dye, but it is necessary to prevent the transparency from being impaired.
The thickness of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is not particularly limited, but can be generally 0.5 to 20 mm, preferably 0.6 to 15 mm, and more preferably 0.7 to 10 mm.

Transparent surface layer (2)
The transparent surface layer (2, 2') can be made of transparent biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP, Oriented Polypropylene) or high density polyethylene (HDPE). These sheets and films are inexpensive and easily available from the market in the form of sheets having various thicknesses, and examples of PP include OPU-1 of Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello Co., Ltd. and the like. In addition, they are commercially available from Toyobo Co., Ltd., Santox, Futamura and the like.

Here, “transparent” means that the haze value measured according to JIS standard K7136 is 1 or less, and more preferably 0.5 or less. Many patents have been issued on the method of increasing the transparency of polypropylene and polyethylene, and a method of using a nucleating agent, a method of using a specific copolymer, a method of controlling crystallization, a combination thereof, etc. are known. However, any method can be used in the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention a nucleating agent is used. In particular, a sorbitol-based nucleating agent can be added to polypropylene or polyethylene. Sorbitol-based nucleating agents are commercially available from, for example, Milliken.

It is also possible to improve the scratch resistance by subjecting the transparent surface layer (2, 2') to a surface treatment such as hard coating. In particular, when printing is performed on the transparent surface layer (2, 2'), it is preferable to attach a hard coat.

The thickness of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') can be 0.01-2 mm, preferably 0.02-1 mm.

Middle layer (3)
Advantageously, the intermediate layer (3, 3') of the present invention is unstretched polypropylene (CPP) or low density polyethylene (LLPE). Unstretched polypropylene (CPP) or low density polyethylene (LLPE) are also widely used and are readily available on the market in the form of sheets of varying thickness.

The thickness of this intermediate layer (3, 3') can be 0.05 to 5 mm, preferably 0.1 to 1 mm, preferably 0.1 to 0.8 mm.

By making the transparent surface layer (2,2') and the intermediate layer (3,3') from essentially the same type of polypropylene or polyethylene, the adhesion between them is sufficient. On the other hand, depending on the material of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1), the adhesive force between the intermediate layer (3, 3') and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) may be insufficient. In that case, the surface of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) that comes into contact with the intermediate layer (3, 3′) is subjected to a surface treatment, for example, corona discharge treatment, surface finishing, or an adhesive, preferably a solventless adhesive is used. can do.

Second object of the invention The difference between the first object of the invention and the second object of the invention is the presence or absence of the printing layer (4). In the second object of the present invention, a printing layer (4-1, on one surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and/or one surface of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1). 4-2) is provided. Preferably, the printing layer (4-1, 4-2) is formed on the surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') in contact with the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1).

Print layer (4-1, 4-2)
The print layer (4-1, 4-2) is generally formed by printing on the transparent surface layer (2, 2'). Itself be printed on the transparent surface layer (2, 2 ') are well known and can be printed using a non Solvent based ink.

On the transparent surface layer (2, 2') on which the printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are formed, sagging (melt flow) of the printing layers (4-1, 4-2) due to heat during thermal lamination It is preferable to form an anti-sag layer (d, [FIG. 4]) for preventing the above phenomenon. As the anti-sag layer, an adhesive known as a solvent-free (non-sol) adhesive can be used.

Method and apparatus for manufacturing jigsaw puzzle of the present invention The present invention further provides a method of manufacturing plastic jigsaw puzz having an image with perspective, which is the second object of the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be given with reference to FIG. 7.

In the present invention, the jigsaw puzzle main body layer (1), the transparent surface layer (2, 2′), and the intermediate layer (3, 3′) are laminated and integrated under heating and pressure by the laminating device (R). This laminating device (R) can be constituted by any known means such as a heat compression press and a roll lamination device. As shown in FIG. 7, it is advantageous to use a pressure roller as a laminating device (R). A thermal compression press (see [FIG. 8]) can also be used as the laminating device (R). The laminated and integrated laminated sheets are punched into a jigsaw puzzle piece shape through a jigsaw puzzle punching machine (M). This punching is generally performed in two steps, that is, a horizontal punching and a vertical punching, but it is also possible to punch in one time using a single punching machine.

In the present invention, the individual pieces of the plastic jigsaw puzzle are made in the punching step, but the individual pieces do not come apart even after the punching step, and each piece engages with each other, keeping the shape of the sheet as a whole. (See [Fig. 1]). However, in the punching process, there is a risk that a part of the piece will pop out and fall, causing the piece to chip. To eliminate this "piece shortage" problem, it is advantageous to provide a sensor (S) after the punching machine. This sensor (S) can be a thickness sensor, an image sensor, or the like. When the image sensor is used, the input image and the printed image of the jigsaw puzzle can be compared to simultaneously inspect the image quality. Further, the input image/print image data can be used for individual product packaging management, customer data printing on packaging, inventory management, and the like.

The laminated sheet that has passed the sensor is cut into one jigsaw puzzle sheet (P) by the cutter (C), and if necessary, it is separated into individual pieces by the disintegrating machine (E), and then put into a container to be the product. Becomes
Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail.

[Fig. 7] is a conceptual diagram of equipment for manufacturing a jigsaw puzzle (P), and this manufacturing apparatus basically has the following three apparatuses:
Crimping roller (R) as a laminating device
Jigsaw puzzle punching device (M)
Balashi machine (E)

Crimping roller (R)
The pressure roller (R) shown in FIG. 7 has a jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and a transparent surface layer (2) which are thermally laminated (thermal) between the upper and lower rollers (R1, R2) via the intermediate layer (3). The thermal laminating method itself is well known. Those skilled in the art can appropriately select the conditions of the thermal lamination (temperature, nip gap size, sheet feeding speed, etc.) using the pressure bonding roller (R).
In the present invention, commercially available plastic sheets for the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1), the transparent surface layer (2) and the intermediate layer (3, 3') can be used. Each of these layers, particularly the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) can be extruded from an extruder, but this requires capital investment and increases the production cost. When the number of lots is small, it is advantageous to use a commercially available sheet.

[FIG. 8] As shown in FIG. 8, the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) on which the printing layer (4, 4′) is formed and the intermediate layer (3, 3′) are subjected to the laminator (C) at the digital printing site. The pre-laminate (2+3+4) that has been previously thermal laminated using is wound into a roll. The preliminary laminate (2+3+4) thus obtained is set in the jigsaw puzzle manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 7 and used. In [7], pre-laminate (2 + 3 + 4) Gusopazuru body layer that will be supplied separately from that on (1) is thermally laminated with pressure rollers (R). The surfaces of the preliminary laminate (2+3+4) and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) facing each other are heated and melted by a heater (h). The operating conditions of the pressure roller (R) can be appropriately selected by those skilled in the art.
[9] In the variation in (a) are you laminated intermediate layer (3) Jigsaw body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer a combination of (2).

Since the device following the pressure bonding roller (R) is generally a machine that performs intermittent motion (discontinuous motion), a speed adjusting device such as a dancer roller (R3) after the pressure bonding roller (R) is used to adjust the production speed. It is good to provide. Driving rolls (D1, D2, D3, etc.) for supplying the plastic sheet assembly (1+2+3) are appropriately arranged in the jigsaw puzzle (P) manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

Jigsaw puzzle punching device (M)
The jigsaw puzzle (P) is made by punching out plastic sheet assemblies (1+2+3) which are pressure-bonded and integrated by a pressure roller (R) substantially vertically and horizontally at predetermined intervals.

Each piece (p) of the jigsaw puzzle (P) is made by punching a plastic sheet assembly (1+2+3) which is pressure-bonded and integrated by a pressure roller (R) substantially vertically and horizontally at predetermined intervals. This punching operation is generally performed from the transparent surface layer (2) side. Generally, a plurality of corrugated blades arranged substantially parallel to the feeding direction (longitudinal direction) of a plastic sheet is used for punching in the longitudinal direction, and then a plurality of corrugated blades arranged substantially parallel to the lateral direction are used for transverse cutting. By punching in the direction, the individual pieces (p) of the jigsaw puzzle (P) shown in FIG. 1 are punched. Although it may be possible to punch in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction at the same time, in FIG. 7, the horizontal vertical punching machine (M2) is arranged after the vertical punching machine (M1). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the plastic sheet assembly (1+2+3) is temporarily stopped at each punching machine (M), and each plastic sheet assembly (1+2+3) is stopped between each punching machine (M) and the lower receiving tray (M3). It is punched into pieces. In FIG. 7, a conveyor belt for transferring the obtained laminate is not shown for the sake of simplicity .

(B) of FIG. 7 is a conceptual plan view of the plastic sheet assembly (1+2+3) when viewed from the direction of arrow A in (a) of FIG. The pattern (A1) is a pattern obtained by punching using a vertical punching machine (M1) substantially in parallel with the feeding direction of the plastic sheet, and the pattern (A2) is a horizontal vertical punching machine (M2) which is used for further vertical cutting. It is a pattern when punched in substantially parallel to.

In the three-layer plastic jigsaw puzzle of the present invention, it has been found that the pieces do not come apart when punched into each piece by a normal punching operation. Conversely speaking, the last punching machine (M2) is operated so as not to fall apart.

Image sensor (S)
In the present invention, it is preferable to provide a sensor (S) for confirming the quality of the obtained plastic jigsaw puzzle (P), especially an image sensor or a thickness sensor after the punching machine (M). With this sensor (S), for example, the thickness can be detected to detect the presence or absence of a piece chip. It is also possible to take a picture of the obtained plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) using an image sensor or a camera and enclose it in a product package as a warranty. It is also possible to print a part of the data input by the computer (A) on this guarantee by the digital printing machine (B). It is also possible to take a picture of the plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) obtained with this image sensor (S) and enclose it in the product package as a puzzle completed sample.

In the present invention, a part of the data input to the computer (A) in the form of a bar code or the like can be printed on each obtained plastic jigsaw puzzle (P) and used for quality control, inventory control, or the like. In addition, the warranty can be printed and enclosed with the product. In this case, an interlocking system with product transportation and movement of the packaging device is required.

Cutter (C)
The plastic sheet after the punching operation is cut into individual jigsaw puzzle panels (7) by a cutter (C). The cutter (C) itself is well known. In the illustrated embodiment, the jigsaw puzzle panel (7) is guided through the guide (G1) and falls by gravity into the "separator" (E).

Breaker (E)
FIG. 7 shows a “breaker” (E) for breaking each cut jigsaw puzzle (7) into individual pieces.

Package device (K)
A set of pieces (p') separated by the "separator" (E) are individually packaged and then shipped. In FIG. 7, a set of pieces (p′) that have been separated are guided in the guide (G2) and fall into the container (10) by gravity. Each container (10) is successively guided by a belt conveyor directly below the guide (G2). Instead of transferring the container (10) by a belt conveyor, a series of plastic bags can be sequentially supplied by using a bag filling device.

In FIG. 7, the jigsaw puzzle punching device (M) is a single punching device (M) that punches in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction at the same time, but the vertical punching machine (M1) and the horizontal direction are described above. It is also possible to use two vertical punching machines (M2).

FIG. 8 shows a preferred embodiment of the method for manufacturing a plastic jigsaw puzzle of the present invention. In this case, the image data is processed by the computer (A), the processed image data is sent to the digital printer (B), and the back side of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') is used by using this digital printer (B). An image is printed on the surface, and a transparent surface layer (2) having the printed image is supplied to a hot pressing device (R), and at the same time, a jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) made of a plastic sheet and this jigsaw puzzle. The body layer (1) and the intermediate layer arranged between the transparent surface layer (2) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) are supplied to the hot press bonding device (R). The jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is laminated and integrated under heat and pressure, and the jigsaw puzzle is punched from the integrated laminated sheet.

Still another object of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a plastic jigsaw puzzle of the present invention. This apparatus comprises a computer (A) for inputting and processing image data, a digital printer (B) for receiving the processed image data and printing an image on the back surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2'), A transparent surface layer (2, 2') having a printed image from the digital printer (B), a jigsaw puzzle body layer (1), and between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2'). The hot-pressing device (R) for hot-pressing the placed hot-laminating intermediate layer, the punching machine (M) for punching the hot-pressed laminated assembly into a jigsaw puzzle shape, and the punching-out process are completed. A cutting device (C) for cutting the laminated assembly into individual jigsaw puzzle sheets.

In a conventional plastic jigsaw puzzle, an image to be printed on the jigsaw puzzle is generally printed by using a gravure printing machine or an offset printing machine. These printing methods are not suitable for manufacturing a single jigsaw puzzle ordered by an individual customer. In this example, a digital printing machine is used to enable mass production plastic jigsaw puzzles (mass products) and only one bespoke plastic jigsaw puzzle in the world (single product) to be manufactured on the same line. To do.

Manufacturers/distributors of plastic jigsaw puzzles receive personal image data such as family photos, commemorative photos, and pet photos. Generally, the data can be directly received by the computer (A) via the net. The size, color, etc. of the image are corrected so as to match the jigsaw puzzle (P), and the image data is sent to the digital printing machine (B). Commercial image data for a mass-produced jigsaw puzzle is sent to the digital printing machine (B) in the same manner. In the digital printing machine (B), the image data is used to print an image on the back surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') in contact with the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1), and the printing layer (4-1, 4-2) is printed. To form. Digital printing on the back surface of the transparent surface layer (2) can be easily performed using a commercially available digital printing machine. If necessary, the back surface of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') may be surface-treated, or a primer, an ink receiving layer, or the like may be used.

From one viewpoint of the present invention, it is preferable to form the anti-sag layer (d) on the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) on which the printed layer (4-1, 4-2) is formed. That is, in the present invention, the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) are adhered to each other by the thermal lamination method, but the printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are melted during the thermal lamination. As a result, the contour of the print layer (4-1, 4-2) may be sagged (the sharpness of the contour disappears). This sagging does not cause any problem when image sharpness is not required, but it is preferable to form an anti-sag layer when fidelity to the original image is required.

This anti-sag layer can be formed by any method known in the technical field of printing, such as a fixing agent and a fixing agent. In one embodiment of the present invention, an adhesive known as a solvent-free (non-sol) adhesive is used as an anti-sag layer to prevent the gap between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2'). Assists the adhered state of and prevents misalignment during thermal lamination of both. As a commercially available solventless adhesive, Takelac A969V/A-f by Mitsui Chemicals can be mentioned.

The transparent surface layer (2, 2') on which the printing layer (4) is formed can be wound into a roll (2'') and sent to the jigsaw puzzle manufacturing device (D), but generally it is digital printing. At the site of (C), the intermediate layer (3) is laminated on the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) on which the printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are formed using the laminator in the step (C), Thermal lamination. The laminated body (2+3+4) in which the intermediate layers (3, 3′) are laminated on the printed transparent surface layer (2, 2′) thus obtained is sent to the jigsaw puzzle manufacturing apparatus (D).

The transparent surface layer (2, 2′) on which the printed layers (4-1, 4-2) are formed is simultaneously wound with the intermediate layer (3), and a transparent surface layer+intermediate layer laminate (2+3) is formed without thermocompression bonding. It can also be sent to a jigsaw puzzle manufacturing device (D) in the form of. In this case, it is preferable to attach an adhesive layer as the sagging prevention layer, particularly a solventless adhesive layer.

In the present invention, the transparent surface layer (2+4) on which the printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are formed or the laminate (2+3+4) of the transparent surface layer and the intermediate layer can be outsourced to a digital printer. A digital printer is a jigsaw puzzle manufacturer in which a transparent surface layer (2, 2′) having a printing layer (4-1, 4-2) or a laminate (2+3+4) of the transparent surface layer (2+3+4) and an intermediate layer is wound into a roll. Deliver to. The jigsaw puzzle maker only has to set it on the jigsaw puzzle maker (D).

FIG. 9 shows various modified embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 9(a) shows a modified example in which the intermediate layer and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) (1+3) together are sent to the thermal lamination device. (B) of FIG. 9 shows the case where the main body layer (1) is directly supplied from the extruder.

When manufacturing a jigsaw puzzle on a large scale, the transparent surface layer (2, 2') and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) may be coextruded. In this case, one extruder separates the two transparent surface layers (2, 2') at the head and coextrudes with the extruded sheet from the body layer (1). In this case, the thermal lamination phase (3) can often be omitted, but it requires a large capital investment.
Examples of the present invention will be shown below.

Example 1
A sheet of transparent soft polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with a thickness of about 2 mm, which is commercially available for transparent jigsaw puzzle table covers, is cut using the vertical and horizontal cutters used in conventional paper jigsaw puzzles. , Produced a 200 piece jigsaw puzzle. The obtained transparent PVC jigsaw puzzle could be used as a jigsaw puzzle with a high degree of difficulty.
Each piece is made of soft material, so if you push it forcibly, it looks like a jigsaw puzzle is completed. In order to prevent this, a grid-like line was printed on one side of a transparent PVC jigsaw puzzle after cutting using a commercially available ink as a black light paint. The incorrectly inserted piece was confirmed by the discontinuity of the grid lines when exposed to UV light.
On the other hand, since the transparent jigsaw puzzle described above can be colored with an oil-based color pen, it could be used as a transparent puzzle for infants for "copying pictures".

Example 2
Plastic jigsaw puzzle with perspective image Biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) with a thickness of 1 mm OPU-1 film from Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello Co., Ltd. is used to color part of the character image using a commercially available digital printer. The transparent surface layer (2) having the printed surface (4-1) printed was used, and the remaining surface of the same character image was used as the transparent surface layer (2′) having the printed surface (4-2) printed in color.
An anti-sag layer for preventing sagging (melt flow) of the print layer (4-1, 4-2) due to heat during thermal lamination (thermal lamination) on these two transparent surface layers (2, 2'). A commercially available solvent-free (non-sol) adhesive layer was formed as (d).
Rolls obtained by winding the transparent surface layers (2, 2') thus obtained, and rolls for the intermediate layer (3, 3') made of a commercially available unstretched polypropylene (CPP) film having a thickness of 0.1 mm. Is set in the supply section of the "roll laminating apparatus" (see (C) of [Fig. 8 ]), and the transparent surface layers (2, 2') are thermally laminated while being heated by a heater to prepare a preliminary laminate (2+3+4-1). ) And a pre-laminate (2'+3'+4-2) were made, for the sake of clarity the figures [Fig. 7 ] and [Fig. 8 ] have only the pre-laminate (2+3+4-1), while the other The pre-laminate (2′+3′+4-2) can also be made in the same manner.
The obtained preliminary laminates (2+3+4-1) and (2′+3′+4-2) were supplied to the laminating apparatus (R) together with the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1), and both were heated by a heater, and then by a pressure roller. Completely thermally laminated (thermal lamination). In this example, the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) was a commercially available polypropylene sheet having a thickness of 3 mm.
A heat-laminated plastic sheet assembly (1+2+3+4) was punched using a punching machine (M) to produce a jigsaw puzzle (P).
One piece of the obtained jigsaw puzzle (P) was subjected to a T-type peeling test, but it was found that each layer did not peel off and that the jigsaw puzzle had sufficient peeling strength during normal use.
The transparent jigsaw puzzle which is the first object of the present invention can be manufactured by the same method as described above except that the above-mentioned printing layers (4-1, 4-2) and sag (melt flow) are not formed.

Comparative Example 1
The same operation as in Example 1 was carried out, but the intermediate layer (3) of the unstretched polypropylene (CPP) film was not used.
In this comparative example, a jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) of a polyethylene sheet having a thickness of 3 mm was directly supplied from an extruder, and the heat of fusion was used to print a pressure roller with a laminating device (R). The (OPP) was thermocompression bonded to the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) of the OPU-1 film of Mitsui Chemicals Tohcello Co., Ltd. having a thickness of 1 mm.
The same T-type peeling test as in Example 1 was conducted, but peeling occurred between the main body layer (1) and the transparent surface layer (2, 2′) because the adhesive strength was insufficient.

Example 3
The same operation was performed as in Example 2, but the material was changed to polyethylene (PE).
The transparent surface layer was a transparent surface layer (2, 2') having a commercially available polyethylene film having a thickness of 1 mm and having color printing surfaces (4-1) and (4-2), respectively. The intermediate layer for thermal lamination (3, 3') sheet is a commercially available low density polyethylene (LLPE) called "Rhoden" with a thickness of 0.1 mm, and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is a commercially available layer with a thickness of 3 mm. An elastic polyethylene elastomer sheet was used.
One piece of the obtained jigsaw puzzle (P) was subjected to a T-type peeling test, but it was found that each layer did not peel off and that the jigsaw puzzle had sufficient peeling strength during normal use.

The transparent jigsaw puzzle which is the first object of the present invention can be manufactured by the same method as described above except that the above-mentioned printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are not formed.

Example 4
The same operation as in Example 2 was performed, but the material of the transparent surface layer (2, 2') was changed to polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
The transparent surface layer was a transparent surface layer (2, 2') having a commercially available 1 mm thick PET film and color printing surfaces (4-1) and (4-2), respectively. The intermediate layer for thermal lamination (3, 3') sheet is a commercially available LLPE called "Rhoden" with a thickness of 0.1 mm, and the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) is a commercially available elastic polypropylene composition with a thickness of 3 mm. I made it.
One piece of the obtained jigsaw puzzle (P) was subjected to a T-type peeling test, but it was found that each layer did not peel off and that the jigsaw puzzle had sufficient peeling strength during normal use.

The transparent jigsaw puzzle which is the first object of the present invention can be manufactured by the same method as described above except that the above-mentioned printing layers (4-1, 4-2) are not formed.

Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

P Jigsaw Puzzle p'Piece C Cutter D Drive Roller E Separation Machine h Heater M Punching Machine R Laminating Device (Crimping Roller)
S sensor 1 jigsaw puzzle body layer 2, 2'transparent surface layer 3, 3'intermediate layer 4-1, 4-2 printing layer

Claims (1)

Each piece (p) has the following (i) to (iii):
(I) A jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) made of a transparent plastic sheet selected from elastic polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE),
(Ii) a transparent surface layer (2, 2') made of transparent biaxially oriented polypropylene (OPP) or high density polyethylene (HDPE), which is arranged on the upper surface and the lower surface of the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1); ,
(Iii) An intermediate layer for thermal lamination made of unstretched polypropylene (CPP) or low density polyethylene (LLDPE) disposed between the jigsaw puzzle body layer (1) and the transparent surface layers (2, 2′). (3, 3'),
The transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle, which is made up of three layers and is not broken even if the completed jigsaw puzzle is hung vertically, is used as a means for copying the image placed on the back surface of the transparent plastic jigsaw puzzle on the surface. Plastic jigsaw puzzle .

Images