JP2022058203A - Inclusion manufacturing method and manufacturing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the visibility of a pattern 11 formed in a container 1.
SOLUTION: A method for manufacturing an accommodation body 7 includes a filling step A6 for filling an container 1 with an object to be contained 9, an information forming step for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1, and a laser head. Before forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1 by the processed laser beam of 310, a temperature control step by a temperature control unit 405 for heating the container 1 is provided. Alternatively, the temperature adjusting unit 405 for cooling the container 1 is provided before forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1 by the processed laser beam of the laser head 310.
[Selection diagram] FIG. 35

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a manufacturing system for manufacturing an enclosure.

In Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-011819), the notation is directly printed on the bottle 2 by engraving or printing by mold molding, and the structure of the PET bottle is defined as a cap without using a label. It is stated that it will be a bottle.

An object of the present invention is to improve the visibility of the information formed in the container.

The method for manufacturing an container according to the present invention includes a filling step of filling the container with an object to be contained, an information forming step of forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container, and numbers, characters, in the container. A temperature control step of heating or cooling the container is provided before or after forming information such as an image.

According to the present invention, the visibility of the information formed in the container is improved.

It is a figure which shows an example of the predetermined shape which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the dot part which concerns on this embodiment, (a) is a top view, (b) is a sectional view taken along the line CC of (a). It is a scanning electron micrograph of a dot part which concerns on this embodiment, (a) is a perspective view seen from the top surface direction, (b) is a perspective view seen from the DD arrow-viewing cross-sectional direction of (a). .. It is explanatory drawing of the pattern which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus) of the accommodating apparatus and the laser irradiation part which concerns on embodiment. Parenthesis It is a figure explaining the irradiation of the laser beam by the processed laser beam array. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware configuration example of the control part which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the functional structure example of the control part which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the example of the manufacturing method which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the pattern data. It is a figure which shows the example of the correspondence table of the type of 1st pattern and the processing parameter. It is a figure which shows an example of a machining parameter. It is a figure which shows an example of the processing data. It is a figure of the irradiation example of the processed laser beam, (a) is the state where there is a gap between beams in the direction orthogonal to the Y direction, (b) is the state of high-speed scanning of (a), (c) is orthogonal to the Y direction. Beams overlap each other in the direction of the laser, (d) is the state of high-speed scanning in (c), (e) is the state in which the beams are in contact with each other in the direction orthogonal to the Y direction, and (f) is (e). It is a figure of the state of high-speed scanning of. It is a figure which shows the example of the property change of the base material of a container, (a) is a figure of a shape change by transpiration, (b) is a figure of a shape change by melting, (c) is a figure of a crystallization state change, (d). ) Is a diagram of the change in foaming state. (E) shows an enlarged view of an example of the first pattern. It is a figure which shows an example of the containment device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the relationship example of the 1st pattern and the 2nd pattern. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. It is a figure which shows various examples of the processing depth, (a) is the case where the processing depth is shallower than the non-processed portion depth, (b) is the case where the processing depth is deeper than the non-processed portion depth, (c) is the processing. It is a figure when (d) the processing depth and the non-processed portion depth are changed when the depth and the non-processed portion depth are about the same. It is a figure which shows an example of the containment body which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure explaining an example of the gradation expression by the 2nd pattern. It is a figure which shows the other example of the gradation expression by the 2nd pattern, (a) is the figure which shows the processing data of the 2nd pattern without periodicity, (b) is the sectional view of the 2nd pattern by crystallization, (2). c) is a plan view of the second pattern by crystallization. It is a figure which shows an example of the containment device which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the containment device which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which looked at the container which concerns on 3rd Embodiment from the mouth side. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus) of the accommodation which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the other example of the accommodation which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which looked at the container which concerns on 3rd Embodiment from the bottom side. It is a figure which shows the bar code example which concerns on 4th Embodiment, (a) is the figure which looked at the bar code which concerns on the comparative example from the mouth side, (b) is the figure which shows the bar code which concerns on 4th Embodiment, ( c) is a view of the barcode of (b) seen from the mouth side. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus) of the accommodation which concerns on 1st modification. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus) of the accommodation which concerns on 2nd modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the enclosure which concerns on the 3rd modification. It is a figure explaining the appearance of the 1st pattern, (a) is an example, and (b) is another example. It is a figure which shows the production method and the production system (factory) which mass-produces the containment body. It is a figure explaining another container manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus). It is a figure which shows the arrangement of the optical fiber in a laser head. It is a figure which shows the state which a plurality of laser heads are placed on the laser head fixing table. It is a figure which shows the other state in which a plurality of laser heads are placed on the laser head fixing table. It is a figure which shows the arrangement of the optical marking apparatus in the marking area before filling. It is a figure which shows the whole production method and production system (factory) which mass-produces the containment body. It is a figure which shows the arrangement of the optical marking apparatus in the marking area after filling. It is a figure which shows the structure of the optical marking apparatus installed in the marking area after filling.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components may be designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

The base material according to the embodiment of the present invention is a base material in which a predetermined shape constituting the pattern is formed in at least a part of the region. The base material means the material part of an object. The object may be, for example, a container. Further, the container includes a PET bottle containing a resin such as PET and accommodating a beverage. However, there are no particular restrictions on the object, and any object may be used. The container is not limited in shape and material, and may be an container of any shape and any material.

"At least a part of the region" in the substrate includes an region on the surface of the substrate. The surface of the base material means a surface of the material that comes into contact with external air or the like. In the embodiment, the term "surface of the substrate" is used as a term symmetrical to the inside of the substrate. Therefore, for example, in the case of a plate-shaped substrate, both the front surface and the back surface of the substrate are the substrate. Corresponds to the surface of. Further, in the case of a cylindrical base material, both the outer surface and the inner surface of the base material correspond to the surface of the base material.

The pattern includes characters, codes such as barcodes, figures, images, etc., for example, the name and identification number, the manufacturer, the date and time of manufacture, etc. of the container or the contained object such as a beverage contained in the container. It displays information about the contents of the contents.

In a container such as a PET bottle, the information may be displayed by attaching a recording medium on which the information is recorded to the surface of the container, but in the embodiment, the base material constituting the container is used. By forming a pattern showing these information on the surface of the above, these information is displayed without using a recording medium.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a predetermined shape formed on the base material according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 shows a part of the base material 1a constituting the container 1 in which the pattern 11 is formed on the surface. The container 1 and the object to be contained constitute an container. As an example, the container 1 is composed of a base material 1a made of PET resin having transparency to visible light. Visible light has a lower bound wavelength of about 360 nm to about 400 nm and an upper bound wavelength of about 760 nm to about 1600 nm.

The pattern 11 constitutes a character string "labelless". The area A is a part of the character "su" in the pattern 11. The perspective view B is an enlarged view schematically showing the region A in order to explain the details of the configuration of the pattern 11.

As shown in the perspective view B, the region A includes a plurality of dot portions 110. The dot portion 110 is an example of a predetermined shape formed in at least a part of the base material and constituting the pattern. The predetermined shape includes a shape formed on the surface of the base material and an internal shape such as a void portion under the surface of the shape formed on the surface of the base material.

The dot portion 110 is a cloudy portion as a visual example, and includes a concave portion 111 and a convex portion 112. The recess 111 is a recessed portion with respect to the surface of the base material 1a constituting the container 1, and is an example of a predetermined recess. The convex portion 112 is a portion protruding from the surface of the base material 1a constituting the container 1, and is an example of a predetermined convex portion. The convex portion 112 is formed around the concave portion 111 so as to surround the concave portion 111.

The plurality of dot portions 110 are formed as an aggregate on the base material 1a constituting the container 1 to form the character string "labelless" in the pattern 11. Here, the aggregate means an aggregate formed by assembling individual objects, and the pattern 11 is composed of an aggregate of a plurality of dot portions 110.

In the base material 1a, the pattern region 13 in which the pattern 11 is formed by the plurality of dot portions 110 corresponds to the first region. Further, the non-patterned region 12 other than the first region in the base material 1a corresponds to the second region.

Since the pattern region 13 is formed with a plurality of dot portions 110, the reflection direction and light diffusivity of the light incident on the container 1 are different from those of the non-pattern region 12. As a result, at least one of the light transmittance or the light reflectance for the light incident on the container 1 is different between the pattern region 13 and the non-pattern region 12. Since at least one of the light transmittance and the light reflectance is different, the person who sees the container 1 can visually recognize the pattern 11 formed in the container 1.

Further, the overall width (dot width) of each of the plurality of dot portions 110 and the spacing (dot spacing) between the plurality of dot portions 110 are smaller than those of the pattern 11. As a result, a person who looks at the container 1 can visually recognize the character "labelless" of the pattern 11 without visually recognizing the dot portion 110 itself.

The gap between dots so that the dot portion 110 itself cannot be visually recognized varies depending on the visual acuity of the person who sees the container 1 and the distance between the eyes and the container 1, but is preferably 100 μm or less. The smaller the dot width, the better, but the size is preferably smaller than about 100 um so that the shape of the dot portion itself cannot be discriminated. This point will be described in more detail.

When a person (person) with a visual acuity of about 1.5 looks at the container 1 at a distance of about 30 cm, it is generally possible to identify black and white dots (dots) of 50 μm. If the contrast between black and white is low, this limit value becomes large, but it is about 50 μm. However, if only the presence of dots is present, even dots of 30 μm can be visually recognized, and if the dots have high contrast, even dots of 10 μm may be visually recognizable.

Further, when there are two dot portions 110 adjacent to each other, whether or not the two dot portions 110 can be visually recognized depends on the resolution of the human eye and the like. The resolution is the minimum distance that can be recognized as two points separated from each other.

The resolution of the human eye depends on the visual acuity, but is generally 100 μm at a distance of 30 cm. 30 cm corresponds to the distance when a PET bottle containing drinking water or the like is picked up and information such as a label displayed on the PET bottle is visually recognized. That is, when the PET bottle is picked up with the elbow slightly bent, the distance between the human eye and the PET bottle is about 30 cm. Considering the physique of a person, this distance varies in the range of about 30 cm to 50 cm. The resolution is about 100 μm at a distance of 30 cm and about 160 μm at a distance of 50 cm.

In another index, when guaranteeing 200 dpi (dot per inch) as the boundary of resolution, if the gap between adjacent dots is 130 μm or less, the dots are not decomposed one by one and are grouped together. It is visually recognized.

From the above, by setting the gap between the dots to preferably 160 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, the dot portions 110 are visually recognized as a continuous body without being visually recognized if they are separated one by one, and the pattern 11 is recognized. Patterns such as the characters "labelless" can be visually recognized. Further, when the size of the dot is larger than 100 μm, the shape change of the dot itself may be visually recognized. Therefore, by setting the dots to preferably 160 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less, the dots can be perceived as a uniform pattern even if there is a shape change in the dots, and a pattern such as a character that is an aggregate thereof can be perceived. It becomes visible as a uniform pattern without a grainy feeling.

In order to form the dot portion 110, various processing methods such as laser processing, electric discharge machining, etching processing, cutting processing, and molding processing using a mold can be applied. However, among these, the laser processing method is suitable because it can be processed without contacting the substrate, and high-speed processing can be performed by scanning the laser beam, forming an array of light sources, pattern exposure, or the like.

In laser processing, the size, shape, depth, etc. of the dot portion 110 can be changed by adjusting the light energy of the laser beam (laser beam) to be irradiated, the size of the laser beam, the irradiation time, and the like. The cross-sectional intensity distribution of the laser beam is generally Gaussian distribution, but the intensity distribution can be adjusted by combining the laser beams of the array light source, or the intensity distribution in the center is flat due to the design of the irradiation optical system. Can also be generated.

The recess 111 in the dot portion 110 is formed by melting, burning, vaporizing, or deforming a part of the base material 1a at the irradiation position of the laser beam. The convex portion 112 is formed by a part of the base material 1a discrete from the concave portion 111 adhering to the periphery of the concave portion 111 and solidifying without being burnt or vaporized. Since the processing mainly utilizes heat energy, a resin or the like having a relatively low thermal conductivity is suitable as the material of the base material 1a, but it can also be applied to other materials such as glass.

Further, by controlling the thermal conductivity, various predetermined shapes such as the dot portion 110 can be formed. To control the thermal conductivity, for example, the base material 1a itself has high thermal conductivity, or another member having high thermal conductivity is brought into close contact with the base material 1a, and the base material 1a is irradiated with laser light. It is conceivable that the heat generated by the laser will be released rapidly. Examples of other members having high thermal conductivity include a coolant and a metal.

Further, since phenomena such as melting, evaporation, crystallization or foaming in laser processing occur irregularly in the irradiation region, the surface of the pattern region 13 is roughened and the surface roughness is larger than that of the non-pattern region 12. Prone. Due to the large surface roughness, in the pattern region 13, the light diffusivity for the light incident on the container 1 is higher than that in the non-pattern region 12. As a result, the contrast of the pattern 11 is increased, and the visibility is further improved. In this respect as well, the application of laser processing is more preferable.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the pattern is composed of an aggregate of the concave portion 111 and a plurality of dot portions 110 including at least one of the convex portions 112, the surface area is large along the shapes of the concave portion 111 and the convex portion 112. As a result, the region having a large surface roughness becomes larger than the case where the pattern is composed of grooves or dents as a lump. Further, since the pattern is composed of an aggregate of the plurality of dot portions 110, the surface area is further increased along the shape of the plurality of dot portions 110. As a result, the light diffusivity is further increased and the contrast is increased, so that the visibility is further improved.

In the example shown in the perspective view B, the dot portions 110 are formed by regularly arranging them in a square grid pattern, but the dot portions 110 are not limited to this. It may be formed by arranging them in a triangular lattice pattern or a honeycomb shape, or may be formed irregularly so that the arrangement intervals are different from each other without being arranged regularly.

Further, although the pattern 11 including the character string "labelless" is exemplified, the present invention is not limited thereto. The pattern 11 can also be configured by any character string, a symbol or code such as a figure or a photograph, a barcode or a QR code, and a combination thereof. The pattern 11 is, in other words, an image, and the image can be formed by a predetermined shape such as the dot portion 110.

<Structure example of dot portion 110>
2A and 2B are views for explaining an example of the configuration of the dot portion 110 according to the present embodiment, where FIG. 2A is a top view and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 2A. 3A and 3B are scanning electron microscope (SEM; Scanning Electron Microscope) photographs of the dot portion 110 according to the present embodiment, (a) is a perspective view seen from above, and (b) is D- in (a). D is a perspective view seen from the cross-sectional direction of the arrow. FIG. 3 is an SEM photograph in which a part of the pattern region 13 is magnified and observed. In FIG. 3A, the entire two of the plurality of dot portions 110 are observed, and a part of the two dot portions 110 is slightly observed on the positive direction side of the Y axis, and 2 on the negative direction side of the Y axis. A part of one dot portion 110 is slightly observed. The dot width is about 100 um.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the dot portion 110 is an example of the second pattern, and includes a concave portion 111 and a convex portion 112. The recess 111 includes a first inclined surface 1111 (hatched portion with diagonal lines) and a bottom portion 1112 (black-filled portion), and is formed in a mortar-shaped or bowl-shaped shape. The recess width Dc represents the width of the recess 111, and the depth dp represents the height (length in the Z-axis direction) of the bottom 1112 with respect to the surface of the non-patterned region 12.

Further, the convex portion 112 includes a top portion 1121 (vertical line hatching portion) and a second inclined surface 1122 (pear-skin hatched portion), and is formed in an annular surface shape raised from the surface of the substrate 1a. The convex portion 112 is an example of a curved portion formed on a part of the outer edge of the second pattern. The annular surface means a rotating surface obtained by rotating the circumference. The annular width Dr represents the radial width of the annular surface portion of the convex portion 112, and the height h represents the height (length in the Z-axis direction) of the top 1121 with respect to the surface of the non-patterned region 12. There is. The dot width W represents the width of the entire dot portion 110. The first inclined surface 1111 and the second inclined surface 1122 are continuous surfaces. A continuous surface means a surface made of the same material and connected without a step.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, minute uneven portions 113 having a non-uniform shape are formed on the surfaces constituting each of the concave portion 111 and the convex portion 112, and the surface is a rough dot-like region. .. The uneven portion 113 is an example of an uneven portion having a concave portion and a convex portion smaller than a predetermined shape. The uneven portion 113 is composed of concave portions and convex portions having a width smaller than the dot width W of the dot portion 110, and typically includes concave portions and convex portions having a width of about 1 μm to 10 μm. Further, as shown in FIG. 3A, the processed pieces obtained by processing the dot portion 110 are also scattered in the region between the dot portions 110, and the surface is also roughened by these. In the pattern region 13, the surface roughness becomes larger than that in the non-pattern region due to the surface roughness caused by the uneven portion 113 and the processed piece. In the region of the minute uneven portion 113, diffused reflection occurs with respect to light, so that the region looks different from the non-roughened region. That is, the region of the minute uneven portion 113 has different optical reflection characteristics from the other peripheral regions, and looks whiter than the region where the surface is not rough (peripheral region), and the minute white region (white point). Alternatively, a minute white turbid region (white turbid point) is formed.

The dot portion 110 can be formed, for example, by irradiating the base material 1a with a laser beam to modify the surface of the base material 1a. One dot portion 110 is formed by condensing a laser beam to one point on the base material 1a. Further, by two-dimensionally scanning this laser beam, a plurality of dot portions 110 are formed. Alternatively, it can also be formed by a plurality of laser beams emitted from each of the plurality of laser light sources arranged in an array. Further, a mask member having a plurality of light transmission openings corresponding to the positions of the dot portions 110 is irradiated with magnified laser light, and a plurality of transmission laser light groups transmitted through each light transmission opening of the mask member are used. It is also possible to form the dot portions 110 of the above in parallel with one exposure.

As the laser light source for irradiating the laser light, various laser light sources can be used. Those capable of pulse oscillation such as picoseconds to nanoseconds are preferable. Examples of the solid-state laser include a YAG laser and a titanium sapphire laser. Examples of the gas laser include an argon laser, a helium neon laser, and a carbon dioxide gas laser. Semiconductor lasers are also preferable because they are small in size. A fiber laser, which is a kind of solid-state laser using an optical fiber as an amplification medium, is the most suitable light source in terms of its high peak energy and miniaturization.

The container according to the embodiment is a container such as a PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) bottle in which the first pattern is formed on at least one of the front surface, the back surface, and the inside of the base material. This first pattern includes codes such as characters and barcodes, figures, etc., and includes the name, identification number, manufacturer, distributor, and date and time of manufacture of the container or the contained object such as a beverage contained in the container. It displays information about the contained items such as.

That is, the first pattern is information such as characters, symbols, marks, and images.
The characters of the first pattern are various numbers such as Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, Chinese numerals, etc., hard kana, hiragana, upper and lower case of 26 alphabet characters, (abcd, ABCD), kanji, Korean characters, etc., which are complicated. Even symbols and characters with a similar structure can be written. By using a wide variety of fonts (Gothic, Mincho, Arial, Times New Roman, etc.) that describe each character information, it is possible to integrally form a variety of information. It is also possible to integrally form information by mixing multiple types of fonts. Also, it is important to be able to represent these complexly structured character notations in any size and fairly precisely (with any resolution, eg, in the range of 50 dpi to 600 dpi). For example, it is possible to integrally form information on numbers, characters, symbols, and Chinese characters of any size from a size of 5 mm × 5 mm to a size of 5 cm × 10 cm in the container. It is also possible to integrally form information in a container with a mixture of numbers, letters, symbols, Chinese characters, and images (if necessary) of multiple sizes.

As for the pitch, which is the space between letters and symbols, fixed pitch, variable pitch, proportional pitch, etc. can be selectively used as needed, or different pitches can be mixed to create letters, symbols, etc. Information can be efficiently integrally formed in the container. Furthermore, information can be formed by emphasized characters (bold characters) and emphasized symbols (bold symbols) with thickened lines representing characters and symbols, enabling a variety of information expressions. In addition, images such as marks, patterns, patterns, barcodes, and QR codes also contain image information within the range of the size that fits within the surface area of the container, such as 5 mm x 5 mm to 5 cm x 10 cm. It is possible to integrally form the surface area. In other words, it is possible to integrally form the image information in the container with any size within the range from the minimum visible size to the size that can be displayed on the container.

Moreover, it is possible to express that the image information can be precisely integrally formed in the container with an arbitrary resolution (for example, 50 dpi to 600 dpi). A container such as a PET (Poly Ethylene Terephthalate) bottle in which a first pattern, which is a wide variety of information, is formed on at least one of the front surface, the back surface, and the inside of the base material can enhance the visual appeal. Further, the base material means a part constituting a container such as resin or glass.

That is, the container according to the embodiment is a container such as a PET (Poly Ethylene Terraphthate) bottle in which the first pattern is formed on at least one of the front surface, the back surface, and the inside of the base material, and the first pattern is Information on the material of the container and the recycling characteristics of the container, the names of the contained items such as beverages contained in the container (tea, water, coffee, carbonated water, etc.), and the raw material information of the contained items (domestic green tea, Etc.), Ingredient display, manufacturer name, distributor name, contact address such as customer center, telephone number, access information (url information) on the Internet, product name, product trademark, manufacturing Information on the items to be contained such as date and time, expiration date, etc. , A mark having a predetermined shape such as a recycle mark of the container 1 or a cap is used to integrally form the container with an arbitrary size to display the display.

In addition, a highlight (bold) that thickens the thickness of numbers, letters, symbols, etc. that indicate information that is desired to appeal to customers can be integrally formed in the container as the first pattern.

In the embodiment, the first pattern formed in the container is configured in the container as an aggregate of a second pattern (a minute pattern formed in the container) different from the first pattern. Here, an aggregate means a collection of a plurality of elements. In other words, in the embodiment, an image composed of a set of minute configurations is configured in the container.

For example, the figure of a line as an example of the first pattern may be composed of a plurality of lines thinner than this line, or may be composed of a plurality of points having a diameter smaller than the thickness of the line. Each of these thin lines and small dots is an example of the second pattern (see FIG. 16). In other words, an aggregate of the second pattern, which is a finer pattern than the first pattern, is embedded to form the first pattern. That is, a predetermined image is integrally formed on the substrate by a set of minute regions including at least a part of the curved portion.

The first pattern composed of the aggregate of the second pattern enhances the light diffusivity of the light around the container (hereinafter referred to as ambient light) by the first pattern, and improves the contrast of the first pattern. Further, even if the first pattern is a pattern having a large amount of information including fine lines, characters, images, figures, etc., the first pattern can be satisfactorily visually recognized with high contrast.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the second pattern, which is a minute pattern, may be partially overlapped and continuously or discontinuously formed to form the first pattern. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, dots 110, which is an example of the second pattern, are superimposed, and as shown in FIG. 4B, dots 110 are arranged in both the main and sub laser scanning directions. The first pattern is formed by superimposing or arranging oval-shaped dots by partially increasing the superimposition rate of dots 110 as shown in FIG. 4 (c). By making such a form, even if the degree of light diffusivity of each second pattern is small, the light diffusivity of the configured pattern 1 is further enhanced due to the large number of sets, so that the contrast is further high. It becomes visible well.

FIG. 4D shows a pattern actually formed on the transparent substrate. As an example of the forming conditions, a circular pattern of the second pattern having an outer diameter of about 40 um was continuously formed with a pitch equal to or larger than that of the outer diameter size of 40 um. By forming the second pattern on top of each other in this way, the edge on the line does not become a straight line, and a border is formed in which arcs obtained by cutting out a part of the non-overlapping portion are continuously formed. In this state, the light diffusing performance is higher than that in the linear state, so that the light diffusing property is further improved and the light diffusing property becomes more visible with high contrast.

The present embodiment is characterized in that by locally irradiating the laser beam, a pattern is formed by utilizing the morphological change of the irradiated very fine region. Therefore, it does not limit the state of morphological change. For example, when a laser beam is locally irradiated, gas bubbles are generated in the base material due to the heat effect, and the gasified and evaporated bubbles are confined in the vicinity of the surface layer of the base material, resulting in a whitish ridge. Is also the first pattern. Further, the laser energy is absorbed, and the molecular density is increased and condensed by the thermal effect thereof, so that the first pattern may be formed. In addition, when a pigment or the like is contained in the substrate, the concentration of the pigment may increase due to a chemical change in the component composition due to a change in the molecular structure due to laser irradiation or a change in the amount of hydration in the crystal. Color development is also included in the first pattern. Any of the first patterns can be formed by irradiating with local energy. That is, processing by pulse drive is desirable, and it can be formed by using a pulse laser of femtosecond, nanosecond, or picosecond.

Further, by applying the first pattern to the transparent substrate according to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain a high contrast by transmitting or scattering light to obtain a high contrast as the second pattern, which has a great effect. , Not necessarily limited to transparent substrates. The target for forming the first pattern and the second pattern may be a colored substrate or a substrate having a low light transmittance, and the contrast with the portion where the first pattern is not formed due to the scattering effect of the first pattern. Is obtained, and the display of characters, barcodes, etc. can be made easy to see.

[First Embodiment]
<Structure example of manufacturing apparatus 100>
The configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100 (optical marking apparatus) of the container 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the figure. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus) 100. The manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus) 100 changes the properties of the base material constituting the container to form a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second pattern on at least one of the surface or the inside of the base material. It is a device for integrally forming with the container 1. Here, the property of the base material means the property or state of the base material. The manufacturing apparatus 100 is an example of a pattern forming apparatus, an information forming apparatus, and a laser processing apparatus.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus) 100 includes a laser irradiation unit 2, a rotation mechanism 3 for collecting a workpiece, a holding unit 31, a moving mechanism 4, and a dust collecting unit. 5 and a control unit 6 are provided. The manufacturing apparatus 100 rotatably holds the container 1 which is a cylindrical container around the cylindrical axis 10 of the container 1 via the holding portion 31. Then, the laser irradiation unit 2 irradiates the container 1 with a laser beam to change the properties of the base material constituting the container 1, so that the surface of the container 1 is composed of an aggregate of the second pattern. Form the first pattern. Here, the cylindrical shaft 10 is an example of a “predetermined shaft”. In the following, in order to simplify the explanation, the first pattern composed of the aggregate of the second patterns may be appropriately referred to as the first pattern.

The laser irradiation unit 2 as an example of the irradiation unit scans the laser light emitted from the laser light source in the Y direction of FIG. 5A and directs the laser toward the container 1 arranged in the positive Z direction. The processed laser beam 20 as an example of the beam is irradiated. The laser irradiation unit 2 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 (b).

The rotation mechanism 3 as an example of the rotation unit holds the container 1 via the holding unit 31. The holding portion 31 is a coupling member connected to a motor shaft of a motor (not shown) as a driving portion included in the rotation mechanism 3, and one end thereof is inserted into the mouth portion of the container 1 to hold the container 1. .. By rotating the holding portion 31 by the rotation of the motor shaft, the container 1 held by the holding portion 31 is rotated around the cylindrical shaft 10.

The moving mechanism 4 as an example of the moving unit is a linear motion stage provided with a table, and the rotating mechanism 3 is mounted on the table of the moving mechanism 4. The moving mechanism 4 moves the table forward and backward in the Y direction, thereby moving the rotating mechanism 3, the holding portion 31, and the container 1 together in the Y direction.

The dust collector 5 is an air suction device arranged in the vicinity of the portion of the accommodator 1 to which the processed laser beam 20 is irradiated. By collecting the plumes and dust generated when the first pattern is formed by the irradiation of the processed laser beam 20 by suctioning air, it is possible to prevent the manufacturing apparatus 100, the container 1 and the surroundings from being contaminated by the plumes and dust.

The control unit 6 is electrically connected to each of the laser light source 21, the scanning unit 23, the rotation mechanism 3, the moving mechanism 4, and the dust collecting unit 5 via a cable or the like, and outputs a control signal to each of them. Control the operation.

Under the control of the control unit 6, the manufacturing apparatus 100 irradiates the container 1 with the processed laser beam 20 scanned in the Y direction while rotating the container 1 by the rotation mechanism 3. Then, the first pattern is two-dimensionally formed on at least one of the front surface, the back surface, and the inside of the base material in the container 1.

Here, the scanning region of the processed laser beam 20 by the laser irradiation unit 2 in the Y direction may be limited in range. Therefore, when the first pattern is formed in a range wider than the scanning region, the manufacturing apparatus 100 moves the container 1 in the Y direction by the moving mechanism 4 to change the irradiation position of the processed laser beam 20 in the container 1. Shift in the Y direction. After that, the processing laser beam 20 is scanned in the Y direction by the laser irradiation unit 2 while rotating the container 1 again by the rotation mechanism 3, so that the first pattern is formed on at least one of the surface or the inside of the base material in the container 1. To form. This allows the first pattern to be formed in a wider area of the container 1 (any area from the mouth to the bottom of the bottle).

<Constituent example of laser irradiation unit 2>
Next, the configuration of the laser irradiation unit 2 will be described. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the laser irradiation unit 2. As shown in FIG. 5B, the laser irradiation unit 2 includes a laser light source 21, a beam expander 22, a scanning unit 23, a scanning lens 24, and a synchronization detection unit 25.

The laser light source 21 is, for example, a pulse laser that emits laser light. The laser light source 21 emits a laser beam having an output (light intensity) suitable for changing the properties of at least one of the surface or the inside of the substrate in the container 1 irradiated with the laser beam.

The laser light source 21 can control the on or off of laser light emission, control the emission frequency, control the light intensity, and the like. As an example of the laser light source 21, a laser light source having a wavelength of 532 nm, a pulse width of laser light of 16 picoseconds, and an average output of 4.9 W can be used. The diameter of the laser beam in the region where the properties of the substrate in the container 1 are changed is preferably 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less.

Further, the laser light source 21 may be composed of one laser light source or a plurality of laser light sources. When a plurality of laser light sources are used, on / off control, emission frequency control, light intensity control, etc. may be independently performed for each laser light source, or may be shared.

The diameter of the parallel light laser beam emitted from the laser light source 21 is expanded by the beam expander 22, and the laser beam is incident on the scanning unit 23.

The scanning unit 23 includes a scanning mirror that changes the reflection angle by a driving unit such as a motor. By changing the reflection angle of the scanning mirror, the incident laser beam is scanned in the Y direction. As the scanning mirror, a galvano mirror, a polygon mirror, a MEMS (Micro Electro Electro Mechanical System) mirror, or the like can be used.

In the embodiment, an example in which the scanning unit 23 scans the laser beam one-dimensionally in the Y direction is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The scanning unit 23 may scan the laser beam two-dimensionally in the XY directions by using a scanning mirror that changes the reflection angle in two orthogonal directions.

However, when irradiating the surface of the cylindrical container 1 with laser light, if two-dimensional scanning is performed in the XY direction, the beam spot diameter on the surface of the container 1 changes according to the scanning in the X direction. In such a case, one-dimensional scanning is preferable.

The laser beam scanned by the scanning unit 23 irradiates at least one of the surface or the inside of the base material in the container 1 as the processed laser beam 20.

The scanning lens 24 keeps the scanning speed of the processed laser beam 20 scanned by the scanning unit 23 constant, and converges the processed laser beam 20 at at least one predetermined position on the surface or inside of the substrate in the container 1. It is an fθ lens. It is preferable that the scanning lens 24 and the container 1 are arranged so that the beam spot diameter of the processed laser beam 20 is minimized in the region where the properties of the base material in the container 1 are changed. The scanning lens 24 may be composed of a combination of a plurality of lenses.

The synchronization detection unit 25 outputs a synchronization detection signal used for synchronizing the scanning of the processed laser beam 20 with the rotation of the container 1 by the rotation mechanism 3. The synchronization detection unit 25 includes a photodiode that outputs an electric signal according to the received light intensity, and outputs the electric signal generated by the photodiode to the control unit 6 as a synchronization detection signal.

In FIG. 5B, an example of scanning the processed laser beam is shown. However, by providing a large number of processed laser beams in the range of the print width, for example, to form a processed laser beam array, and rotating the accommodator 1, the accommodator 1 is used. It is also possible to scan the top with a large number of laser beams in one direction. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example thereof, and shows a processed laser beam array composed of a plurality of laser beams parallel to the container 1.

<Hardware configuration example of control unit 6>
Next, the hardware configuration of the control unit 6 included in the manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 6. The control unit 6 is constructed by a computer.

As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 6 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503, an HD (Hard Disk) 504, and an HDD (Hard Disk). A Disk Drive) controller 505 and a display 506 are provided. Further, the control unit 6 includes an external device connection I / F (Interface) 508, a network I / F 509, a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, and a DVD-RW (Digital Versaille Disk Rewritable) drive 514. , Media I / F 516.

Of these, the CPU 501 is a processor and controls the operation of the entire control unit 6. The ROM 502 is a memory for storing a program used for driving the CPU 501 such as an IPL (Initial Program Loader).

The RAM 503 is a memory used as a work area of the CPU 501. The HD504 is a memory for storing various data such as programs. As the first pattern, various numbers such as Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, Chinese numerals, etc., which are integrally formed in the container, Kana, Hiragana, 26 upper and lower letters of the alphabet, (abcd, ABCD), Kanji, Hangul characters , Symbols, digital data on a wide variety of fonts (Gothic, Mincho, Alpha, Times New Roman, etc.) that represent each character information that can be expressed by characters with a complicated structure are stored in this HD504. ing. The HDD controller 505 controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501.

The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external devices in this case are a laser light source 21, a scanning unit 23, a synchronization detection unit 25, a rotation mechanism 3, a moving mechanism 4, a dust collecting unit 5, and the like. However, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a printer, or the like can also be connected.

The network I / F 509 is an interface for performing data communication using a communication network means. It may be an interface of a communication network such as a wireless LAN such as WiFi or a wired LAN using an Ethernet cable. Using this network I / F 509 and communication network means, material data of the material to be processed such as the container, processing parameter information according to the material such as the material of the container, various types integrally formed in the container and the like. Font data such as characters and symbols can be input to the control unit 6 from the outside. The bus line 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG. 7.

The keyboard 511 is a kind of input means including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, and the like. The pointing device 512 is a kind of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like.

The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513 as an example of a detachable recording medium. In addition, it is not limited to DVD-RW, and may be DVD-R or the like. The media I / F 516 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

<Example of functional configuration of control unit 6>
Next, the functional configuration of the control unit 6 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 6.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 6 includes a first pattern data input unit 61, a second pattern parameter specification unit 62, a storage unit 63, a processing data generation unit 64, a laser irradiation control unit 65, and a laser. It includes a scanning control unit 66, a container rotation control unit 67, a container movement control unit 68, and a dust collection control unit 69. The material data of the material to be processed stores processing parameter information according to the material such as resin.

Of these, the first pattern data input unit 61, the second pattern parameter specification unit 62, the machining data generation unit 64, the laser irradiation control unit 65, the laser scanning control unit 66, the accommodator rotation control unit 67, and the accommodator movement control unit. Each of the functions of the 68 and the dust collection control unit 69 is realized by the CPU 501 of FIG. 7 executing a predetermined program and outputting a control signal via the external device connection I / F 508. However, electronic circuits or electric circuits such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) are added to the hardware configuration of the control unit 6, and some or all of the functions of the above components are added. It may be realized by an electronic circuit or an electric circuit. The function of the storage unit 63 is realized by HD504 or the like.

The first pattern data input unit 61 inputs the pattern data of the first pattern formed on at least one of the surface or the inside of the base material in the container 1 from an external device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a scanner. The pattern data of the first pattern is electronic data including codes such as barcodes and QR codes, information indicating patterns such as characters, figures, and photographs, and information indicating the types of the first pattern.

However, the pattern data is not limited to the one input from the external device. The user of the manufacturing apparatus 100 can also input the pattern data of the first pattern generated by using the keyboard 511 of the control unit 6 and the pointing device 512.

The first pattern data input unit 61 outputs the input pattern data of the first pattern to each of the machining data generation unit 64 and the second pattern parameter designation unit 62.

The second pattern parameter designation unit 62 designates machining parameters for forming the second pattern. As described above, the second pattern is a line or point having a length or width smaller than that of the first pattern, or a length and width smaller than that of the first pattern, and increases the contrast of the first pattern to improve visibility. It works to improve.

The machining parameter of the second pattern is information that specifies the type, length, thickness, machining depth, or spacing or arrangement of adjacent lines in an aggregate of lines, density, etc. as the second pattern. .. Alternatively, it is information that specifies the type, size, processing depth, or the spacing or arrangement of adjacent points in the aggregate of points, the density, and the like as the second pattern.

The type of line is information indicating a straight line, a curve, or the like. The type of point is information indicating the shape of a point such as a circle, an ellipse, a rectangle, or a rhombus. In the aggregate of the second pattern, the second pattern may be configured to have periodicity or may be configured to be aperiodic. However, if it is configured to have periodicity, it is preferable because the parameter specification can be further simplified.

The processing parameters of the second pattern, which are suitable for improving the visibility corresponding to the type of the first pattern such as characters, codes, figures, and photographs, are determined in advance by experiments and simulations. The storage unit 63 stores a table showing the correspondence between the type of the first pattern and the machining parameter. The outer frame of the first pattern may or may not be processed. If processed, the outline becomes clear. When not processed, drawing efficiency is improved.

The second pattern parameter specification unit 62 acquires and specifies the machining parameters of the second pattern with reference to the storage unit 63 based on the information indicating the type of the first pattern input from the first pattern data input unit 61. Can be done.

However, the designation method by the second pattern parameter designation unit 62 is not limited to the above-mentioned one. The second pattern parameter specification unit 62 receives a user's instruction via the keyboard 511 of the control unit 6 or the pointing device 512, and may acquire the processing parameter of the second pattern by referring to the storage unit 63 based on this instruction. good.

Further, the second pattern parameter designation unit 62 may acquire the processing parameters of the second pattern generated by the user of the manufacturing apparatus 100 using the keyboard 511 of the control unit 6 or the pointing device 512.

The machining data generation unit 64 generates machining data for forming a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns based on the pattern data of the first pattern and the machining parameters of the second pattern.

The processing data includes rotation condition data for the rotation mechanism 3 to rotate the housing 1, scanning condition data for the laser irradiation unit 2 to scan the processing laser beam 20, and rotation of the housing 1 by the laser irradiation unit 2. Includes irradiation condition data for irradiating the processed laser beam 20 in synchronization with. Further, it includes movement condition data for the moving mechanism 4 to move the container 1 in the Y direction and dust collecting condition data for the dust collecting unit 5 to perform the dust collecting operation.

The processing data generation unit 64 outputs the generated processing data to each of the laser irradiation control unit 65, the laser scanning control unit 66, the container rotation control unit 67, the container movement control unit 68, and the dust collection control unit 69. ..

The laser irradiation control unit 65 includes a light intensity control unit 651 and a pulse control unit 652, and controls irradiation of the processed laser beam 20 to the container 1 by the laser light source 21 based on the irradiation condition data. Further, the laser irradiation control unit 65 controls the irradiation timing of the processed laser beam 20 to the container 1 in synchronization with the rotation of the container 1 by the rotation mechanism 3 based on the synchronization detection signal from the synchronization detection unit 25. Since known techniques such as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-073894 can be applied to the irradiation timing control using the synchronization detection signal, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

When the laser light source 21 is composed of a plurality of laser light sources, the laser irradiation control unit 65 performs the above control independently for each of the plurality of laser light sources.

The light intensity control unit 651 controls the light intensity of the processed laser beam 20, and the pulse control unit 652 controls the pulse width and irradiation timing of the processed laser beam 20.

The laser scanning control unit 66 controls the scanning of the processed laser beam 20 by the scanning unit 23 based on the scanning condition data. Specifically, it controls the drive of the scanning mirror on or off, controls the drive frequency, and the like.

The accommodator rotation control unit 67 controls on or off, rotation angle, rotation direction, rotation speed, etc. of the rotation drive of the accommodator 1 by the rotation mechanism 3 based on the rotation condition data. The incubator rotation control unit 67 may continuously rotate the incubator 1 in a predetermined rotation direction, or reciprocates the incubator 1 within a predetermined angle range such as ± 90 degrees while switching the rotation direction. It may be rotated (swinged).

The accommodator movement control unit 68 controls on or off the movement drive of the accommodator 1 by the movement mechanism 4, the movement direction, the movement amount, the movement speed, and the like, based on the movement condition data.

The dust collection control unit 69 controls on or off of dust collection by the dust collection unit 5, controls the flow rate of air to be sucked, the flow velocity, and the like, based on the dust collection condition data. A mechanism unit for moving the dust collection unit 5 is provided, and the movement of the dust collection unit 5 is controlled by the mechanism unit so that the dust collection unit 5 is arranged near the position where the processed laser beam 20 is irradiated. You may.

<Example of manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 100>
Next, a manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus 100.

First, in step S51, the first pattern data input unit 61 inputs the pattern data of the first pattern from an external device such as a PC or a scanner. The first pattern data input unit 61 outputs the input pattern data of the first pattern to each of the machining data generation unit 64 and the second pattern parameter designation unit 62.

Subsequently, in step S52, the second pattern parameter designation unit 62 designates machining parameters for forming the second pattern. The second pattern parameter designation unit 62 acquires and designates the machining parameters of the second pattern with reference to the storage unit 63 based on the information indicating the type of the first pattern input from the first pattern data input unit 61.

The operations of steps S51 and S52 may be rearranged as appropriate, or these steps may be executed in parallel.

Subsequently, in step S53, the machining data generation unit 64 forms a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns based on the pattern data of the first pattern and the machining parameters of the second pattern. Generate machining data for. Then, the generated processing data is output to each of the laser irradiation control unit 65, the laser scanning control unit 66, the container rotation control unit 67, the container movement control unit 68, and the dust collection control unit 69.

Subsequently, in step S54, the laser scanning control unit 66 causes the scanning unit 23 to start scanning the processed laser beam 20 in the Y direction based on the scanning condition data. In the embodiment, in response to the start of scanning, the scanning unit 23 continuously scans the processed laser beam 20 in the Y direction until an instruction to stop is given.

Subsequently, in step S55, the accommodator rotation control unit 67 causes the rotation mechanism 3 to start the rotation drive of the accommodator 1 based on the rotation condition data. In the embodiment, in response to the start of the rotation drive, the rotation mechanism 3 continuously rotates the container 1 until an instruction to stop is given.

Subsequently, in step S56, the container movement control unit 68 moves the container 1 in the Y direction by the movement mechanism 4 so that the processed laser beam 20 is irradiated to a predetermined position of the container 1 based on the movement condition data. Move to the initial position of. After the movement of the container 1 to the initial position is completed, the container movement control unit 68 stops the movement mechanism 4.

The operations of steps S54 to S56 may be rearranged as appropriate, or these steps may be executed in parallel.

Subsequently, in step S57, the laser irradiation control unit 65 starts irradiation control of the processed laser beam 20 for the container 1.

Specifically, the laser irradiation unit 2 scans one line along the Y direction and irradiates the container 1 with the processed laser beam 20. After that, the rotation mechanism 3 rotates by a predetermined angle around the cylindrical axis 10 of the container 1. After rotating by a predetermined angle, the laser irradiation unit 2 scans the next line and irradiates the container 1 with the processed laser beam 20. After that, the rotation mechanism 3 rotates by a predetermined angle around the cylindrical axis 10 of the container 1. By repeating such an operation, the first pattern is sequentially formed on at least one of the surface or the inside of the base material in the container 1.

Subsequently, in step S58, the laser irradiation control unit 65 determines whether or not the formation of the first pattern has been completed for the predetermined region of the container 1 in the Y direction.

If it is determined that the process has not been completed in step S58 (step S58, No), the processes after step S56 are repeated again.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the process is completed in step S58 (step S58, Yes), in step S59, the rotation mechanism 3 drives the rotation of the container 1 in response to the stop instruction by the container rotation control unit 67. Stop.

Subsequently, in step S60, the scanning unit 23 stops scanning of the processed laser beam 20 in response to a stop instruction from the laser scanning control unit 66. The laser light source 21 stops the irradiation of the processed laser beam 20 in response to the stop instruction by the laser irradiation control unit 65.

The order of the operations of steps S59 and S60 can be changed as appropriate, and these steps may be performed in parallel.

In this way, the manufacturing apparatus 100 can form a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns on at least one of the surface or the inside of the base material in the container 1.

<Examples of various data>
Next, an example of various data used in the manufacture of the container 1 will be described.

(Example of pattern data)
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the pattern data of the first pattern input by the first pattern data input unit 61.

As shown in FIG. 10, the pattern data 611 includes the character data 612 "labelless", and the character data 612 is a target formed in the container 1 as the first pattern. A set of a plurality of lines constituting the "labelless" five characters corresponds to the data for the first pattern. Data other than the character data 612 in the pattern data 611 are not subject to formation in the container 1.

The pattern data 611 is provided as an image file such as a bitmap as an example. Further, the header information of the image file that provides the pattern data 611 includes information indicating the type of the first pattern. In this example, the type of the first pattern is "character".

The first pattern data input unit 61 outputs pattern data 611 including information indicating "characters" to each of the second pattern parameter designation unit 62 and the machining data generation unit 64.

(Example of correspondence table between the type of the first pattern and the machining parameter)
FIG. 11 shows an example of a corresponding table stored in the storage unit 63. The correspondence table 631 shown in FIG. 11 has a correspondence relationship between the type of the first pattern such as characters, codes, figures, or photographs and the processing parameters for the second pattern suitable for improving the visibility of the first pattern. Is shown. This correspondence is determined in advance by experiments and simulations.

The numerical value shown in the "identification information" column of the correspondence table 631 indicates the information indicating the type of the first pattern, and the information shown in the "type" column indicates the type of the first pattern. Further, the information shown in the "parameter" column indicates the file name in which the machining parameters corresponding to the type of the first pattern are recorded.

The second pattern parameter designation unit 62 refers to the correspondence table 631 and reads a file corresponding to the information indicating the type of the first pattern, and acquires the machining parameter. In the example of FIG. 10, since the type of the first pattern is "character", the second pattern parameter specifying unit 62 reads out the file "para1" corresponding to the identification information "1" indicating the "character" and performs the machining parameter. Is acquired and output to the machining data generation unit 64.

(Example of machining parameters)
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of machining parameters acquired by the second pattern parameter designation unit 62. The parameters are shown in the "Parameter" column according to the items in the "Item" column of the machining parameter 621.

(Example of machining data)
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of machining data generated by the machining data generation unit 64. The character data 642 in the processing data 641 is composed of a plurality of linear data corresponding to the second pattern. The black background region in the processing data 641 corresponds to a region in which the properties of the base material of the container 1 are changed by irradiation with the processing laser beam 20.

<Example of processed laser beam 20>
Next, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of irradiation of the processed laser beam 20 to the container 1, and shows three types of irradiation examples.

Further, FIG. 14 shows the beam spot 201 of the processed laser beam 20 on the surface of the container 1, and the three beam spots 201 arranged in the direction orthogonal to the scanning direction (Y direction) of the processed laser beam 20 are Y. It shows the state of being scanned in the direction.

Such three beam spots 201 can be obtained by juxtaposing the laser light source 21 in the direction orthogonal to the Y direction and irradiating each of the three laser light sources 21 with the processed laser beam 20. can.

14 (a) and 14 (b) are the first example, and is the case where there is a gap between the beam spots 201 in the direction orthogonal to the Y direction. FIG. 14A shows a state in which there is a gap between the beam spots 201 in a direction orthogonal to the Y direction, and FIG. 14B shows a state in which the beam spot 201 in FIG. 14A is scanned at high speed in the Y direction. Shows. By high-speed scanning, three scanning lines are formed by the three beam spots 201, and there is a gap between the scanning lines in the Y direction. By irradiating the beam spot 201 with the arrangement shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the pattern formation efficiency can be improved.

14 (c) and 14 (d) are the second example, in which the beam spots 201 overlap each other in the direction orthogonal to the Y direction. FIG. 14 (c) shows a state in which the beam spots 201 overlap each other in a direction orthogonal to the Y direction, and FIG. 14 (d) shows a state in which the beam spot 201 in FIG. 14 (c) is scanned at high speed in the Y direction. Shows. By high-speed scanning, three scanning lines by the beam spot 201 are formed, and the scanning lines in the Y direction overlap each other. By irradiating the beam spot 201 with the arrangement shown in FIGS. 14 (c) and 14 (d), the contrast of the pattern can be increased.

14 (e) and 14 (f) are the third example, in which the beam spots 201 are in contact with each other in a direction orthogonal to the Y direction. FIG. 14 (e) shows a state in which the beam spots 201 are in contact with each other in a direction orthogonal to the Y direction, and FIG. 14 (f) shows a state in which the beam spot 201 in FIG. 14 (e) is scanned at high speed in the Y direction. Shows. By high-speed scanning, three scanning lines formed by the beam spot 201 are formed, and the scanning lines in the Y direction are in contact with each other. By irradiating the beam spot 201 with the arrangement shown in FIGS. 14 (e) and 14 (f), the pattern formation efficiency and the contrast can be balanced.

By combining these three irradiation examples of the processed laser beam 20, a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second pattern can be formed in the container 1. The number of processed laser beams 20 is not limited to three, and may be one or may be further increased. As the number of processed laser beams 20 is increased, the time required for pattern formation can be shortened.

The diameter of the beam spot 201 is 42.6 μm as an example, and the gap between the laser spots 201 in the direction orthogonal to the Y direction in FIGS. 14A and 14B is 23.6 μm as an example.

Further, although FIG. 14 shows an example in which the processed laser beam is arranged periodically, the present invention is not limited to this, and an aperiodic arrangement is also possible.

<Example of changes in the properties of the base material>
Next, the change in the properties of the base material of the container 1 due to the irradiation of the processed laser beam 20 will be described. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a change in the properties of the base material of the container 1 due to irradiation of the processed laser beam 20.

FIG. 15 (a) shows the concave shape formed by evaporating the base material on the surface of the container 1, and FIG. 15 (b) shows the concave shape formed by melting the base material on the surface of the container 1. Shows. In the case of FIG. 15 (b), the peripheral portion of the concave portion has a raised shape with respect to FIG. 15 (a).

Further, FIG. 15 (c) shows a change in the crystallization state of the surface of the base material of the container 1, and FIG. 15 (d) shows a change in the foaming state inside the base material of the container 1.

In this way, by changing the shape of the surface of the container 1 or changing the properties such as the crystallized state of the surface of the base material or the foamed state inside the base material, the surface or the inside of the container 1 can be changed. The first pattern composed of the aggregate of the second pattern can be formed.

As a method of forming a concave shape by evaporating the substrate on the surface of the container 1, for example, a pulse laser having a wavelength of 355 nm to 1064 nm and a pulse width of 10 fs to 500 nm or less is irradiated. As a result, the base material of the portion irradiated with the laser beam evaporates, and minute recesses can be formed on the surface.

FIG. 15 (e) shows an enlarged view of an example of the first pattern formed on the surface of the base material by the set of the second pattern which is a minute region. The degree of recognition of the second pattern changes depending on factors such as the number of minute regions, the density, the distance between each other, and the size of the second pattern.

In general, the higher the number of minute regions that are the components of the second pattern, the higher the density, the shorter the distance between them, and the larger the size, the higher the recognition level of the first pattern. The whiteness becomes high.

Further, by irradiating a CW (Continuous Wave) laser having a wavelength of 355 nm to 1064 nm, it is possible to melt the equipment to form a recess. Further, if the base material is continuously irradiated with the laser even after the base material is melted, the inside and the surface of the base material can be foamed and become cloudy.

In order to change the crystallization state, for example, the base material is PET, and a CW laser having a wavelength of 355 nm to 1064 nm is irradiated to raise the temperature of the base material at once, and then the power is gradually weakened to slowly cool the base material. By doing so, the PET of the base material can be made into a crystallized state and can be made cloudy. When the temperature is raised and then rapidly cooled by turning off the laser beam or the like, PET becomes amorphous and becomes transparent.

The change in the substrate properties of the container 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. The properties of the base material may be changed by yellowing, an oxidation reaction, surface modification, or the like of the base material made of the resin material.

<An example of the container 1 according to the first embodiment>
Next, the container 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the container 1. The container 1 is a cylindrical bottle whose base material is a resin (transparent resin) that is transparent to visible light.

FIG. 16 shows a container 1 placed in front of a black screen as a background. A black screen in the background is visible through the transparent container 1. Alternatively, it may be considered that the black liquid is contained in the container 1 and the black liquid in the container 1 is visible through the transparent container 1.

As described above, the container 1 may be a colored base material or a base material having a low light transmittance, and may be a portion where the first pattern is not formed due to the scattering effect of the first pattern. Contrast can be obtained and the display of characters, barcodes, etc. can be easily seen.

The letters 11 "labelless" are formed on the surface of the container 1. With respect to the black color of the background or the black color of the liquid in the container 1, the characters 11 are opaque and visually recognized due to the diffusion of the ambient light in the characters 11.

A set of a plurality of lines constituting the five "labelless" characters corresponds to the character 11, and the character 11 is an example of the first pattern and an example of the first region. Further, the region in which the character 11 is not formed in the container 1 is an example of another region.

Examples of the resin of the base material of the container 1 include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polybutylene adipate / terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene terephthalate succinate, polyethylene (PE), polyprovylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and vinyl chloride. (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyurethane, epoxy, biopolybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactic acid blend (PBAT), starch blend polyester resin, polybutylene terephthalate succinate, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxypetitate. / Hydroxyhexanoate (PHBH), Polyhydroxyalkanoic acid (PHA), Bio-PET30, Biopolyethylene (PA) 610,410,510, Bio-PA1012,10T, Bio-PA11T, MXD10, Biopolycarbonate, Biopolyethylene, Bio PE, bio-PET100, bio-PA11, bio-PA1010 and the like can be used.

Of these, biodegradable resins such as polyvinyl alcohol, polybutylene adipate / terephthalate, and polyethylene terephthalate succinate are preferable because they can reduce the environmental load. The biodegradable resin is preferably 100%, but may be a part. For example, a combination of a biodegradable resin of about 5%, 10%, or 30% and a normal resin having a ratio other than that can be expected to reduce the environmental load.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the first pattern and the second pattern formed in the container 1. The enlarged view 111 in FIG. 17 is an enlarged display of a part of the character 11. As shown in FIG. 17, the character 11 “labelless” is formed on the surface of the container 1, and as shown in the enlarged view 111, the character 11 is composed of a plurality of straight lines 12. In other words, the character 11 is composed of an aggregate of straight lines 12. Although the straight line 12 is shown only in the region corresponding to the enlarged view 111 in FIG. 17, the entire character 11 is composed of an aggregate of the straight lines 12.

The white background region in the aggregate of the straight lines 12 indicates a region where the properties of the base material have changed, and the straight line 12 corresponding to one straight line among the plurality of straight lines shown in the white background region is an example of the second pattern. This is an example of the second region. The plurality of straight lines 12 are an example of an aggregate of straight lines 12. The straight line 12 is a pattern smaller than the character 11. More specifically, the straight line 12 is a pattern in which the area of the straight line portion is smaller than the total area of the plurality of line portions constituting the character 11. As described above, the character 11 is formed by including an aggregate of straight lines 12 (fine) smaller than the character 11.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing the AA cross-sectional shape in the enlarged view 111 of FIG. The outer surface portion 121 shows the surface of the base material outside the container 1. Further, the recess 122 shows a portion formed by evaporation of the surface of the base material of the container 1 by irradiation with the processed laser beam 20, and is a portion corresponding to the straight line 12. The inner surface portion 123 shows the surface of the base material inside the container 1 (inside the container 1).

The thickness t indicates the thickness of the base material of the container 1, and the processing depth Hp indicates the depth of the recess 122. The non-processed portion depth Hb indicates the depth of the non-processed portion. The depth of the non-processed portion is the depth obtained by subtracting the processing depth Hp from the thickness t of the base material of the container 1.

Here, the distance between the adjacent second patterns means the distance between the centers of the adjacent second patterns. The interval P in FIG. 18 indicates the interval between adjacent straight lines 12. Further, the width W indicates the thickness of the straight line 12. Since the straight line 12 in the present embodiment is formed with periodicity, the interval P also corresponds to the period in which the straight line 12 is formed.

Here, the interval P is preferably 0.4 μm or more and 130 μm or less. By setting the interval P to 0.4 μm or more, ambient light can be diffused without being limited by the wavelength limit of visible light, and the contrast of the character 11 composed of an aggregate of straight lines 12 can be improved. ..

Further, by setting the interval P to 130 μm or less, the resolution of 200 dpi (dot per inch) is guaranteed, the straight line 12 itself is prevented from being visually recognized, and the character 11 is visually recognized as a clouded pattern with high contrast. be able to. It is more preferable to set the interval P to 50 μm or less because it is possible to surely prevent the second pattern itself from being visually recognized.

In the above-mentioned example, it has been described as a suitable numerical value for the interval P, but when the second pattern has periodicity, the above-mentioned suitable numerical value can also be applied to the period. FIG. 8 shows an example in which the interval P is constant, but the interval P is not constant and a plurality of types of interval P may exist. For example, P1 = 50 μm, P2 = 30 μm, P3 = 60 μm, P4 = 100 μm.

In addition, with respect to the processing data of the second pattern shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 17 shows an example of the second pattern having a narrow interval. That is, the character data 642 in FIG. 13 and the character 11 in FIG. 17 do not correspond to each other.

Further, in the enlarged view 111, an aggregate of straight lines 12 formed at equal intervals with periodicity is shown, but the aggregate of the second pattern is not limited to this. A plurality of straight lines 12 formed at different intervals may form an aggregate of the second pattern, or a plurality of points formed periodically or aperiodically may form an aggregate of the second pattern. You may. When the second pattern is a point pattern, the point pattern is made smaller than the first pattern such as the character 11.

Further, in the present embodiment, the second pattern is formed in an uneven shape including the outer surface portion 121 and the concave portion 122 corresponding to the convex portion. When the second pattern is formed in such a concave-convex shape, it is preferable that the difference in depth between the outer surface portion 121 and the concave portion 122 is 0.4 μm or more. By setting it to 0.4 μm or more, it is possible to diffuse the ambient light without being limited by the wavelength limit of visible light and improve the contrast of the character 11 composed of the aggregate of the straight lines 12. The outer surface portion 121 is shown as an example of the convex portion, but if the depth is shallower than the concave portion 122, the portion where the outer surface of the container 1 is transpired by irradiating the processed laser beam 20 is the convex portion. You may.

Next, FIG. 19 is a diagram showing various examples of processing depth Hp.

FIG. 19A is a diagram when the processing depth Hp is shallower than the non-processed portion depth Hb of the base material. More specifically, it is a case where the ratio of the processing depth Hp to the non-processed portion depth Hb is 1 or less to 9 or more to 3: 7. In this case, the rigidity (mechanical strength) of the second pattern is improved. As an example, when the thickness of the base material of the container 1 is 100 μm to 500 μm, the processing depth Hp is 10 μm.

FIG. 19B is a diagram when the processing depth Hp is deeper than the non-processed portion depth Hb of the base material. More specifically, it is a case where the ratio of the processing depth Hp to the non-processed portion depth Hb is 7: 3 to 9 or more and 1: 1 or less.

FIG. 19C is a diagram when the processing depth Hp and the non-processed portion depth Hb of the base material are about the same. More specifically, it is a case where the ratio of the processing depth Hp to the non-processing depth Hb is 4: 6 to 6: 4.

FIG. 19D is a diagram when the processing depth Hp and the non-processed portion depth Hb of the base material are changed.

The depth of the processing depth Hp as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19D is such that the light intensity control unit 651 of the laser irradiation control unit 65 controls the light intensity of the laser light emitted by the laser light source 21. Can be adjusted by.

In the case of a carbonated drink bottle (container 1), the base material is thicker than the non-carbonated drink bottle (container 1) because it is required to be stronger than the non-carbonated drink bottle (container 1). May be. In such a case, it is preferable to secure a sufficient depth Hb of the non-processed portion in order to obtain sufficient strength. For example, it is preferable to set the depth Hb of the non-processed portion to 250 μm to 450 μm. Further, when the processing depth Hp for ensuring the drawability is required, it is preferable to further increase the thickness of the resin to secure a sufficient non-processed portion depth Hb and a processed portion depth Hp.

<Example of correspondence between laser light source and processing parameters>
As the laser light source 21 used in the manufacturing apparatus 100, for example, a pulse laser having a wavelength of 355 nm, a wavelength of 532 nm, and a wavelength of 1064 nm is used, and the pulse width is from several tens of fs to several hundred ns. It is also possible to use a CW laser, which is used by modulating the CW laser.

As the laser light source 21 uses a laser light source having a shorter wavelength, the beam spot diameter can be made smaller, which is suitable for forming a first pattern composed of an aggregate of finer second patterns.

<Action and effect of the container 1>
Containers such as PET bottles are widely used because they have various advantages such as storage stability in the distribution and sale of beverages and the like. Labels that display product names, ingredient labels, expiration dates, barcodes, QR codes, recycling marks, logo marks, etc. are often affixed to containers distributed in the market for their management and sales promotion. Labels can provide useful information to consumers. In addition, by displaying a design that appeals to consumers on a label, it is possible to demonstrate the individuality of the product and improve its competitiveness.

On the other hand, recently, the problem of marine plastic waste has been talked about, and the movement to eliminate environmental pollution by plastic waste is becoming active worldwide. This is no exception for containers such as PET bottles, and measures are being taken to reduce plastic waste from the viewpoint of environmentally friendly reduction.

Under such circumstances, the demand for recycling-type recycling of incubators is increasing. Here, the recycling-type recycling of the container means that the recycled container is converted into flakes as a raw material of the container by a recycler and the container is manufactured again.

In order to smoothly promote such recycling-type recycling, it is preferable to thoroughly separate and collect base materials of different materials such as PET bottles and other container bodies, labels, and caps in the recycling process. For separate collection, consumers need to separate the cap and label from each container, especially the manual removal of the label, which is a manual task for general consumers and municipal resource recovery companies. It will be troublesome. Therefore, the work of removing the label from the container is one of the restrictions for thorough separate collection.

On the other hand, a technique for providing a container without a label is being studied. For example, a method of removing the label by printing a pattern for displaying information by an inkjet method on the main body of the container is being studied.

However, it may not be preferable because impurities are increased because the ink applied by printing remains in the recycling process after the bottle is collected. Further, if the ink is removed from the container body in the recycling process in order to reduce impurities, management information may be lost, which may not be preferable.

Further, as another method, it is also considered to form a pattern for displaying information on the main body of the container by using a CO2 laser (carbon dioxide gas laser).

However, since the wavelength of a laser light source such as a CO2 laser is long, the resolution of pattern formation on the container body is lowered due to the large beam spot diameter. As a result, when a pattern having a large amount of information such as an image is formed in the container, the contrast of the pattern may be lowered and the visibility may be lowered.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the container 1 in which the first pattern composed of the second pattern is formed on at least one of the front surface, the back surface, and the inside of the base material is provided.

The first pattern composed of the second pattern has higher diffusivity of ambient light than the first pattern formed by one-stroke writing. The term "one-stroke writing" as used herein means drawing a line or a figure while continuously and continuously irradiating the laser beam. As a result, the contrast of the first pattern with respect to the region where the first pattern is not formed in the container 1 is improved. In the present embodiment, due to the light diffusion effect of the second pattern, the first pattern is visually recognized as cloudy with respect to the region where the first pattern is not formed, and the clouded region is visually recognized as whiter due to the improvement in contrast. ..

As a result, even if the first pattern is a pattern having a large amount of information including fine lines and characters, the first pattern can be made to be visually recognized well with high contrast, and the pattern having a large amount of information has good visibility. A container 1 formed of the above can be provided. Further, in the member serving as the base material of the container 1, it is possible to provide a base material in which images, drawings and the like are formed with good visibility.

In addition, since the first pattern can be formed without applying impurities such as ink to the main body of the container 1, the step of removing impurities in the process of recycling type recycling is unnecessary, and management is performed by removing ink as impurities. Information loss can also be prevented.

Further, even when a transparent plastic or transparent glass having transparency to visible light is used as the base material of the container 1 by coloring, whitening, and clouding the first pattern, the first pattern is also obtained. The pattern can be visually recognized with good contrast. As described above, the container 1 may be a colored base material or a base material having a low light transmittance, and may be a portion where the first pattern is not formed due to the scattering effect of the first pattern. Contrast can be obtained and the display of characters, barcodes, etc. can be easily seen.

In this embodiment, an example of forming a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second pattern by the processed laser beam 20 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and mechanical cutting or the like is performed. Other processing methods are also applicable.

Further, when at least one of the shape, the crystallized state, or the foamed state is changed as the property of the base material, a laser processing method of irradiating a laser beam can be applied as a means for changing the property of the base material. Since the laser machining method can perform high-speed machining and suppress the generation of cutting powder and the like, it is possible to form a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns in a cleaner environment.

Further, in the present embodiment, the depth of the processing depth Hp of the second pattern is adjusted by controlling the light intensity of the processing laser beam 20 based on the irradiation condition data. This makes it possible to optimize the contrast of the first pattern or the rigidity of the second pattern.

Further, it is preferable that the diameter of the processed laser beam 20 in the region where the properties of the base material are changed on the surface or inside of the container 1 is 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less. The diffusivity of the ambient light due to the first pattern composed of the aggregate of the second pattern can be improved, and the formation efficiency of the first pattern can be ensured.

When the beam spot diameter is smaller than 1 μm, it becomes close to the wavelength of visible light, and in that case, the structure processed with the beam spot diameter cannot scatter light and becomes turbid. Further, if it is larger than 200 μm, the structure can be recognized by the human eye. By using the above, it is preferable that the diameter of the processed laser beam 20 is 1 μm or more and 200 μm or less. Further, in order to make the structure invisible even to a person with good eyesight, it is more preferable to set the diameter of the processed laser beam to 1 to 100 μm or less.

Further, it is preferable that the distance between the adjacent second patterns is 0.4 μm or more and 130 μm or less. By setting the interval to 0.4 μm or more, the ambient light can be diffused without being limited by the wavelength limit of visible light, and the contrast of the first pattern can be improved. Further, by setting the thickness to 130 μm or less, the resolution of 200 dpi (dot per inch) is guaranteed, the second pattern itself is prevented from being visually recognized, and the first pattern is visually recognized as a clouded pattern with high contrast. Can be done.

Further, when the second pattern is formed at a predetermined cycle, the cycle information can be used as the machining parameter, and the machining parameter for forming the second pattern can be simplified, which is preferable.

Further, when the second pattern is configured with a concave-convex shape, the difference in depth between the concave portion and the convex portion in the concave-convex shape is preferably 0.4 μm or more. By doing so, the diffusivity of the ambient light by the second pattern can be ensured, and the contrast of the first pattern can be improved.

Further, it is more preferable to form an aggregate including two or more and five or less second patterns because white turbidity by the second pattern can be satisfactorily performed.

Further, it is more preferable to use a biodegradable resin as the base material of the container 1 because it does not generate resin waste and can reduce the environmental load. In this case, the ratio of the biodegradable resin in the resin constituting the container 1 is preferably 100%, but even if it is about 30%, the environmental load is significantly reduced.

The embodiment also includes a container including the container 1 and the object to be housed in the container 1. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of such a housing 7. The container 7 includes a container 1, a sealing member 8 such as a cap, and an object 9 such as a liquid beverage contained in the container 1. The letter 11 "labelless" is formed on the surface of the container 1.

The object 9 often has a color such as black, brown, or yellow. The mouth of the accommodating body 7 is provided with a screw portion for screwing and fixing the sealing member 8. Further, inside the sealing member 8, a screw portion for screwing with a screw portion provided at the mouth portion of the accommodating body 7 is provided.

There are the following three modes as a method for manufacturing the housing 7.
Aspects 1: A method for manufacturing a container 7 in which a pattern is formed in a container 1, an object to be contained 9 is housed in the container 1, and then the container 7 is sealed with a sealing member 8.
Aspect 2: A method of manufacturing a container 7 in which an object 9 is housed in a container 1, sealed with a sealing member 8, and then a pattern is formed in the container 1.
Aspect 3: A method of manufacturing a container 7 in which a pattern is formed in the container 1 while the container 9 is housed in the container 1, and then the container 7 is sealed by the sealing member 8.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the second embodiment will be described.

In the second embodiment, the first pattern formed in the container 1 is used as an image, and each of the plurality of pixels constituting this image is formed by an aggregate of the second pattern. Further, by making the interval of the second pattern different between the pixels, the image as the first pattern can be expressed with multi-valued gradation.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of gradation expression by making the interval of the second pattern different between pixels, and shows processed image data 112D of an image corresponding to the first pattern formed in the container 1. There is. Pixels 1121D shown in squares in FIG. 21 indicate pixels constituting the processed image data 112. The processed image data 112D is composed of a plurality of pixels 1121D.

In the present embodiment, the second pattern is a point pattern, and each of the plurality of pixels 1121D is composed of an aggregate of point data 1122D. The point data 1122D shown in the black background region in the processed image data 112D corresponds to the region where the properties of the base material are changed by the irradiation of the processed laser beam 20.

Further, in FIG. 21, the distance between the adjacent point data 1122Ds becomes wider toward the upward direction of the illustrated arrow, and the distance between the adjacent point data 1122Ds becomes narrower toward the downward direction. The wider the distance between the adjacent point data 1122Ds, the lower the diffusivity of the ambient light when the point pattern is formed in the container 1, and the lower the density of the clouded first pattern. On the other hand, the narrower the distance between the adjacent point data 1122Ds, the higher the diffusivity of the ambient light when the point pattern is formed in the container 1, and the higher the density of the clouded first pattern.

In this way, the gradation (shading) of the image is expressed by making the interval of the second pattern different between the pixels.

Here, FIG. 21 shows an example in which the gradation is expressed by the interval of the pattern of the points having periodicity, but the gradation expression method is not limited to this. For example, the gradation can be expressed by making the uneven shape not perpendicular to the surface of the surface 1 of the container but having an angle. Processing of such an uneven shape can be performed by processing the processing laser beam 20 at an angle rather than perpendicular to the surface of the container 1. As a result, the strength of the container 1 can be maintained, and the pattern can be emphasized by the angle (viewing direction).

Further, not only the tilting process in one direction but also the tilting process (processing of the shoulder portion, processing of the side surface, etc.) may be performed on one container 1. Processing that is inclined in a plurality of directions may be performed in one processing process.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating another example of gradation expression by the second pattern. FIG. 22A is a diagram showing machining data of the second pattern having no periodicity. In FIG. 22A, the pixel 180 represents one pixel, and the pixel 180 is composed of rectangular point data arranged aperiodically. The direction of the illustrated arrow indicates the shading of the pixel density, and the larger the number of point data in the pixel 180, the darker the density.

The intervals Pd1 to Pd4 in FIG. 22A indicate the intervals between adjacent point data in the arrangement of various point data in the pixel 180, and the intervals between the point patterns when the point pattern is formed in the container 1. Corresponds to.

On the other hand, FIG. 22B shows a cross-sectional view of the second pattern formed by the change in the crystallization state. 22 (c) is a plan view of FIG. 22 (b).

In FIGS. 22 (b) and 22 (c), the diffusivity of the ambient light according to the second pattern is changed by changing the crystallization depth D for crystallizing the base material of the container 1, and the concentration of the first pattern is changed. Is shown as an example of changing. The deeper the crystallization depth D, the higher the diffusivity of the ambient light, and the darker the white turbidity (more whitish).

Next, FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the container 1A according to the second embodiment. Images 14 and 15 represented by multi-valued gradations are formed in the container 1a. Further, an image 16 formed by overlapping characters is formed.

Each of the images 14, 15 and 16 is composed of a plurality of pixels, and each pixel is composed of an aggregate of point patterns as a second pattern. Gradation is expressed by making the spacing between adjacent point patterns different between pixels. Each of such images 14, 15 and 16 is an example of the first pattern.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the first pattern formed in the container 1 is an image, and each of the plurality of pixels constituting this image is composed of an aggregate of the second pattern, and the second pattern is formed. Make the pattern spacing different between pixels. Thereby, by changing the diffusivity of each pixel, the density of the first pattern formed in the container 1 can be changed for each pixel, and the first pattern can be expressed by multi-valued gradation.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the container 1b according to the third embodiment will be described.

In the present embodiment, the second pattern is formed on the shoulder portion of the container 1b including the mouth portion, the shoulder portion connected to the mouth portion, the body portion connected to the shoulder portion, and the bottom portion connected to the body portion. By forming the first pattern composed of the aggregates of the above, the first pattern can be easily visually recognized when the container 1b is viewed from the mouth side.

Here, FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of the container 1b according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 24, the container 1b is a cylindrical bottle and includes a mouth portion 101, a shoulder portion 102, a body portion 103, and a bottom portion 104.

The mouth portion 101 is a portion of an introduction port for introducing an object to be contained such as a beverage into the container 1b. A cap for plugging the container 1b may be provided so that the objects contained in the container 1b do not spill.

The shoulder portion 102 is a conical portion connected to the mouth portion 101 and having the mouth portion 101 side as an apex angle. The body portion 103 is a cylindrical portion connected to the shoulder portion 102 and having an axis along the Y direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 24 as a cylindrical axis. The shoulder portion 102 is inclined with respect to the cylindrical surface of the body portion 103.

The bottom portion 104 is a bottom portion of the container 1b connected to the body portion 103.

The character 16 of "labelless" and the barcode 17 are formed on the shoulder portion 102 of the container 1b. The character 16 and the barcode 17 are composed of an aggregate of the second pattern.

FIG. 25 is a view of the container 1b as viewed from the mouth 101 side. In other words, it is the figure which looked at the accumulator 1b from the negative Y direction of FIG. 25 toward the positive Y direction. As shown in FIG. 25, when the character 16 and the barcode 17 are formed on the shoulder portion 102, the shoulder portion 102 is inclined with respect to the body portion 103, so that the user (consumer) of the container 1b can use the container 1b. When viewed from the mouth 101 side, the character 16 and the barcode 17 are in a state facing the user. Therefore, as compared with the case where the character 16 and the barcode 17 are formed on the body 103, the user can easily see the character 16 and the barcode 17.

Next, FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100b for manufacturing the container 1b. The manufacturing apparatus 100b holds the container 1b so that the cylindrical shaft 10 of the container 1b is along the Z direction. Further, the laser irradiation unit 2 is arranged so as to irradiate the processed laser beam 20 facing the shoulder portion 102 of the container 1b. The laser irradiation unit 2 is fixed to the main body of the manufacturing apparatus 100b by a fixing means such as a screw or a bolt so that the laser irradiation angle can be adjusted so that the angle in the laser irradiation direction can be changed.

Due to the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100b, the processed laser beam 20 can be scanned so as to face the shoulder portion 102, and the first pattern composed of the aggregate of the second pattern is formed on the shoulder portion 102 which is the inclined portion of the container 1. It becomes easy to form.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing another example of the container 1b. On the shoulder portion 102 of the container 1b, a character 18 which is a pattern formed by overlapping characters is formed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the mouth portion 101, the shoulder portion 102 connected to the mouth portion 101, the body portion 103 connected to the shoulder portion 102, and the bottom portion 104 connected to the body portion 103. A first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second pattern is formed on the shoulder portion 102 of the container 1b provided with the above. This makes it easier to see the first pattern when the container 1b is viewed from the mouth 101 side.

As a result, for example, even when the container 1b is stored in a storage case or the like with the bottom portion 104 facing downward, the information displayed by the first pattern can be easily visually recognized without removing the container 1b from the storage case. It is possible to efficiently manage the contents of the container 1b or the container 1b. Examples of the case where the container 1b is stored in a box or the like with the bottom 104 facing downward include, for example, a case where the container 1b is a PET bottle for a beverage and a plurality of PET bottles are stored in a storage case.

If the bottom of the storage case is transparent or the bottom is provided with a through hole so that the container 1b stored in the storage case can be visually recognized from the bottom side of the storage case, the bottom 104 of the container 1b The first pattern may be formed in.

Here, FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example in which a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns is formed on the bottom 104 of the container 1b. As shown in FIG. 28, the character 19 "labelless" is formed on the bottom 104 as an example of the first pattern.

By forming the first pattern on the bottom portion 104, the information displayed by the first pattern can be easily visually recognized from the bottom side of the storage case without taking out the container 1b from the storage case, and the container 1b or the container 1b can be easily viewed. It is possible to efficiently manage the contents to be contained.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an example of the container 1c according to the present embodiment. A barcode as an example of the first pattern formed by an aggregate of the second pattern is formed in the container 1c.

Here, if the shoulder of the container is configured in a conical shape with the mouth side as the apex angle, when the first pattern formed on the shoulder is viewed from the mouth side, the first pattern is formed as the distance from the mouth increases. The width of one pattern may be widened and visually recognized.

FIG. 29A shows a view of the barcode 171'as the first pattern according to the comparative example formed on the shoulder portion 102 of the container 1c as viewed from the mouth side. As shown in FIG. 29 (a), the rectangular bar code 171'expands and is visually recognized as the distance from the mouth 101 increases. As a result, the barcode 171'may not be properly read from the mouth 101 side.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, a barcode 171 whose width becomes narrower as it goes away from the mouth 101 is formed on the shoulder 102. FIG. 29B shows an example of such a barcode 171. The negative Y-direction side in FIG. 29B corresponds to the mouth portion 101 side, and the bar code 171 becomes narrower as the distance from the mouth portion 101 increases.

FIG. 29 (c) shows a view of the barcode 171 formed on the shoulder portion 102 of the container 1c as viewed from the mouth portion 101 side. Since the barcode 171 is a pattern in which the width becomes narrower as the distance from the mouth 101 increases, when the barcode 171 is viewed from the mouth 101 side, the spread of the width of the barcode 171 is offset as the distance from the mouth 101 increases. , Correctly visible as a rectangular barcode. It is preferable that the width of the barcode 171 is optimized according to the inclination angle of the shoulder portion 102 with respect to the body portion 103.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the bar code 171 whose width becomes narrower as it goes away from the mouth portion 101 is formed on the shoulder portion 102. As a result, it is possible to prevent the barcode 171 from spreading and being visually recognized as the distance from the mouth portion 101 increases, and it is possible to appropriately read the barcode such as the barcode 171 and the QR code from the mouth portion 101 side. It should be noted that reading such a code includes not only reading the code visually by the user but also reading by a reading device such as a barcode reader or a QR code reader.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments specifically disclosed, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of claims. ..

The moving mechanism 4 (see FIG. 1) in the manufacturing apparatus 100 may be continuously moving such as a conveyor, and the holding of the container 1 is based on the weight of the container 1 and the object to be contained. May be only.

Here, FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100d according to the first modification. The manufacturing apparatus 100d holds the container 1 so that the cylindrical shaft 10 of the container 1 is along the Z direction. Further, the laser irradiation unit 2 is arranged so as to irradiate the processed laser beam 20 facing the body portion 103 of the container 1.

Further, FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 100e according to the second modification. The manufacturing apparatus 100e supports the container 1 so that the cylindrical shaft 10 of the container 1 is along the Z direction. Further, one laser irradiation unit 2 is arranged on the positive Y-direction side and one on the negative Y-direction side with the accommodator 1 interposed therebetween, facing the body portion 103 of the accommodator 1. The two laser irradiation units 2 irradiate the body 103 of the container 1 with the processed laser beam 20 from both the positive Y direction side and the negative Y direction side.

The manufacturing apparatus 100e can form a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns on both sides of the body portion 103 of the container 1 on the positive Y direction side and the negative Y direction side. Therefore, the rotation mechanism for rotating the container 1 around the cylindrical axis is omitted from the configuration. However, a rotation mechanism may be added to the configuration.

The moving mechanism 4 may be continuously moving such as a conveyor, and the holding of the container 1 is based on the weight of the container 1 and the contained object itself, and may be placed only. The laser irradiation unit is not limited to two, and may be composed of three or more.

The manufacturing apparatus 100e is a method for manufacturing the housing 7 as a method for manufacturing the housing 7 (a method for manufacturing the housing 7 in which an image pattern is formed in the container 1 and then the container 9 is stored and then sealed by the sealing member 8. ) Is suitable.

Specifically, the container 1 before forming the image pattern is placed on a moving mechanism 4 such as a belt conveyor and moved. The moving mechanism 4 may be provided with a container holding means for holding the container 1 so that the cylindrical shaft 10 of the container 1 is along the Z direction, and the container 1 may be held by the container holding means. The container 1 may be placed on the container 1 to stand on its own.

Further, the container holding means includes a concave shape in which the bottom of the container 1 is engaged, and the container 1 can be held through the concave shape. Further, the container 1 can be held by a linear guide member arranged on a side surface such as below or above the container 1.

The linear guide member can be configured by arranging a pair or three or more guide members on both side surfaces of the container 1. In a state where the plurality of containers 1 are continuously arranged linearly on the moving mechanism 4, the moving mechanism 4 guides the laser irradiation unit 2 (pattern forming means) while being guided by the container holding means or the guiding means. The empty container 1 is sequentially moved to the position of the laser irradiation unit 2 via the front.

At the position of the laser irradiation unit 2, the laser is irradiated to form an image pattern on the front surface, the back surface, or the inside of the container 1. Since the contained object 9 does not yet exist in the container 1 at the time of image pattern formation, the laser irradiation unit 2 is not affected by the temperature, thermal conductivity, or the like of the contained object 9 (see FIG. 20). Therefore, the laser irradiation unit 2 does not have to be controlled by the control parameters according to the characteristics such as the temperature, the thermal conductivity, and the heat capacity of the contained object 9.

At the time of image pattern formation, the housing body 1 is not sealed or sealed by the sealing member 8 (see FIG. 20), so that fine powder, gas, etc. generated at the time of image pattern formation are mixed into the housing body 1. It is desirable to prevent it with the dust part 5. It is desirable that one or more dust collectors 5 are arranged in the vicinity of the laser irradiation unit 2, the vicinity of the accommodating means, or both in the vicinity of the laser irradiation unit 2 and the vicinity of the accommodating means.

After forming the image pattern, the moving mechanism 4 sequentially moves the container 1 on which the image pattern is formed to a position where there is a storage means for housing the object 9 in the container 1. When the contained object 9 is a liquid, a powder, or a granular solid, the accommodating means preferably has a nozzle-like shape. The nozzle-shaped portion of the accommodating means functions to inject and accommodate the object 9 to be contained inside the accommodating body 1 at a position near the opening of the accommodating container 1. Further, the moving means 4 moves the container 1 in which the image pattern is formed and the contained object 9 is housed to a position where the sealing means for sealing the container 1 is sealed by the sealing member 8. At the position where the sealing means is located, an image pattern is formed and a sealing member 8 such as a cap member is inserted into the opening of the container 1 in which the object 9 is housed and rotated to form the opening of the container 1. Sealing is performed and the housing 7 is produced.

After sealing by the sealing member 8, the moving mechanism 4 further gathers a plurality of housing bodies 7 in which the object to be contained 9 is housed inside and the opening is sealed by the sealing member 8 to form an image pattern. Move to the gathering position or the boxing position where boxing is performed.

The manufacturing apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5A, the manufacturing apparatus 100b shown in FIG. 25, and the manufacturing apparatus 100d according to the first modification shown in FIG. It is suitable for a method of manufacturing an container 7 in which an object 9 is stored after forming an image pattern, and then the container 7 is sealed by a sealing member 8.

The manufacturing apparatus 100e according to the second modification shown in FIG. 30 accommodates the embodiment 2: the object to be contained 9 as a method of manufacturing the housing 7, and then seals the container 1 with a sealing member 8. It is suitable for the method of manufacturing the housing 7 that forms an image pattern.

Specifically, the container 1 before forming the image pattern is placed on a moving mechanism 4 such as a belt conveyor and moved. The moving mechanism 4 may be provided with a container holding means for holding the container 1 so that the cylindrical shaft 10 of the container 1 is along the Z direction, or the moving mechanism 1 may be self-supporting. The container holding means may have a concave shape (recess) in which the bottom of each container 1 can be fitted, or may be a linear guide member arranged on the side surface such as the lower part or the upper part of the container 1. There may be.

In this linear guide member, it is desirable that a pair or three or more guide members are arranged on both side surfaces of the accommodating body 1. A plurality of container 1s are continuously arranged linearly on the moving mechanism 4, and are sequentially moved by the container holding means or the guide means to the position where the housing means for storing the object 9 is stored in the container 1. When the contained object 9 is a liquid, a powder, or a granular solid, the accommodating means preferably has a nozzle-like shape.

The nozzle-shaped portion of the accommodating means functions to inject and accommodate the object 9 to be contained inside the accommodating container 1 at a position near the opening of the accommodating container 1. Further, the moving means 4 moves the container 1 containing the object 9 to a position where the sealing means for sealing the container 1 with the sealing member 8 is located. At a position where the sealing means is located, a sealing member 8 such as a cap member is inserted into the opening of the container 1 in which the object to be contained 9 is housed and rotated to seal the opening of the container 1.

After that, the moving means 4 accommodates the contained object 9 inside, and the accommodating body 7 having a sealing member such as a cap member attached to the opening of the accommodating vessel 1 passes through the front of the laser irradiation unit 2 and lasers. It is sequentially moved to the position of the irradiation unit 2. At the position of the laser irradiation unit 2, an image pattern is formed near the front surface or the inner surface (inside the wall portion of the container 1) or the back surface (inside the inner surface of the container 1) of the container 1 by irradiating the laser or the like.

Since the object 9 is present inside the container 1 when the image pattern is formed, the laser irradiation is affected by the temperature, thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and the like of the object 9. Therefore, it is desirable that the laser irradiation is controlled by control parameters according to the characteristics such as the temperature, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity of the object 9 to be contained. That is, in the method of manufacturing the contained body 7 of the second aspect, the control parameter is different from the control parameter when the image pattern is formed in the state where the contained object 9 is accommodated and the image pattern is formed in the state where the contained object 9 is not present. An image pattern is formed by the control parameters.

In the method for manufacturing the housing 7 according to the second aspect, since the housing 7 is already sealed or sealed by the sealing member 8 at the time of forming the image pattern, fine powder, gas, etc. generated at the time of forming the image pattern is collected from the housing 7. It can be prevented from being mixed inside.

After the image pattern is formed, the moving mechanism 4 further accommodates the object 9 inside, and the opening is sealed with the sealing member 8, and the moving mechanism 4 is a gathering position where a plurality of the containers 7 on which the image pattern is formed are assembled. Move to the boxing position for boxing.

When the manufacturing apparatus 100b shown in FIG. 25 removes the holding portion 31 or changes the holding portion 31 to a holding portion 31 that engages with and holds the sealing member 8 that seals the container 1, the housing body 7 2: The method of manufacturing the container 7 is suitable for a method of manufacturing a container 7 in which an object 9 is housed, then sealed with a sealing member 8, and then an image pattern is formed in the container 1.

The manufacturing apparatus 100e according to the second modification shown in FIG. 30 forms an image pattern on the surface of the container 1 while accommodating the embodiment 3: the container 9 as a method of manufacturing the container 7, and then seals the container 1. It is suitable for the method of manufacturing the housing 7 to be sealed with the member 8.

Specifically, the container 1 before forming the image pattern is placed on a moving mechanism 4 such as a belt conveyor and moved. The moving mechanism 4 sequentially moves from the position in front of the laser irradiation unit 2 toward the laser irradiation unit 2. In the vicinity of the laser irradiation unit 2, a storage means for housing the object 9 to be stored in the container 1 is also provided. When the contained object 9 is a liquid, a powder, or a granular solid, the accommodating means preferably has a nozzle-like shape.

The nozzle-shaped portion of the accommodating means functions to inject and accommodate the object 9 to be contained inside the accommodating container 1 at a position near the opening of the accommodating container 1. The moving mechanism 4 may be provided with a container holding means for holding the container 1 so that the cylindrical shaft 10 of the container 1 is along the Z direction, or the moving mechanism 1 may be self-supporting. The container holding means may have a concave shape in which the bottom of each container 1 engages, or may be a linear guide member arranged on a side surface such as below or above the container 1. ..

In this linear guide member, it is desirable that a pair or three or more guide members are arranged on both side surfaces of the container 1. A plurality of accommodating units 1 are continuously arranged linearly on the moving mechanism 4, and accommodating means for accommodating the laser irradiation unit 2 and the object to be contained 9 in the accommodating unit 1 in sequence by the accommodating container holding means or the guiding means are arranged in close proximity to each other. From the front of the position, the accommodation means for accommodating the laser irradiation unit 2 and the object 9 to be accommodated in the container 1 is moved to the position where the laser irradiation unit 2 and the object 9 are arranged close to each other.

At the position of the laser irradiation unit 2, an image pattern is formed near the front surface or the inner surface (inside the wall portion of the container 1) or the back surface (inside the inner surface of the container 1) of the container 1 by irradiating the laser or the like. Further, a storage means for accommodating the contained object 9 in the container 1 at a position in the vicinity thereof accommodates the contained object 9 inside the container 1. After accommodating the contained object 9 and forming an image pattern, the moving means 4 has a sealing means for accommodating the contained object 9 inside and sealing the container 1 on which the image pattern is formed with the sealing member 8. Move to the position.

At the position where the sealing means is located, the sealing member 8 such as a cap member is inserted into the opening of the container 1 in which the object 9 is housed and the image pattern is formed, and the sealing member 8 is rotated to rotate the opening of the container 1. Is sealed, and the housing 7 is manufactured. The moving mechanism 4 further accommodates the object 9 to be accommodated inside, and the opening is sealed by the sealing member 8 to form an image pattern. Move to.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a bottle such as a PET bottle made of resin is shown as an example of the container, but the container is not limited to this. It may be a cup made of glass or the like. FIG. 32 is a diagram showing an example of a cup 1f as a container according to the third modification. As shown in FIG. 32, a first pattern 210 composed of an aggregate of the second patterns is formed on the cylindrical surface of the cup 1f.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the container 1 is composed of a base material having transparency to visible light, and an example is shown in which the container 1 is arranged in front of a black screen or the like as a background.

As another example, in FIG. 33 (a), the container 1 is made of a resin or glass (transparent resin or transparent glass) that is transparent to visible light, and is in front of a white screen as a background. Is located in. A white screen in the background is visible through the transparent container 1. Alternatively, it may be considered that the white liquid is contained in the transparent container 1 and the white liquid in the container 1 is visible through the transparent container 1.

The letter 220a is formed on the surface of the container 1 in FIG. 33A. The character 220a is formed by blackening the surface of the base material in the container 1 by carbonization or the like by irradiation with a processed laser beam. The blackened characters 220a are visually recognized as black with respect to the white background or the white color of the liquid in the container 1. By blackening the base material of the container 1 in this way, it is possible to visually recognize the first pattern such as the character 220a composed of the second pattern.

As yet another example, in FIG. 33 (b), the container 1 is made of transparent resin or transparent glass and is arranged in front of a black screen as a background. A black screen in the background is visible through the transparent container 1. Alternatively, it may be considered that the black liquid is contained in the transparent container 1 and the black liquid in the container 1 is visible through the transparent container 1. Further, as described above, the container 1 may be a colored base material or a base material having a low light transmittance, and the place where the first pattern is not formed due to the scattering effect of the first pattern. Contrast can be obtained and the display of characters, barcodes, etc. can be easily seen.

On the surface of the container 1 in FIG. 33 (b), a pattern is formed in which the properties of the base material of the container 1 are changed by irradiating a region other than the character 220b with a processed laser beam. The area other than the character 220b corresponds to the first pattern composed of the aggregate of the second patterns.

The diffusivity of the ambient light is improved in the region other than the character 220a, and the region other than the character 220a is clouded and visually recognized. In the area of the character 220b, the black color of the background screen or the black color of the liquid in the container 1 is visually recognized. In this way, the first pattern such as the character 220b can be visually recognized.

Further, in the embodiment, an example in which the container is cylindrical is shown, but the container is not limited to this, and may be a box-shaped container, a cone-shaped container, or the like.

Further, in the embodiment, an example in which the first pattern composed of the aggregate of the second pattern is formed on the surface of the container is shown, but the aggregate of the second pattern is formed inside the base material constituting the container. It is also possible to form the first pattern to be composed.

Further, with respect to the contained object contained in the container 1, the contrast of the first pattern is increased with respect to the color of the contained object contained in the container having transparency to visible light. It is possible to provide a pattern in which a pattern having a large amount of information is formed with good visibility. For example, when the contained object is black, forming a cloudy first pattern in the container makes it easier to see the first pattern, and when the contained object is white, the container is blackened. Forming one pattern makes it easier to see the first pattern.

The shape of the container may be anything such as a columnar column or a quadrangular column having no shoulder or inclined portion. The contents of the container may be any color, and may be anything that can be contained in the container, such as cold or warm, carbonic acid, colloid (yogurt, etc.). The contents are, for example, coffee, tea, beer, water, juice, carbonated drinks, milk and the like, but are not limited to these, and may be anything that can be contained in a container.

● Market size of PET bottles The container 7 consisting of the contents such as beverage liquid contained inside the container 1 is supplied to the market for general consumers, so that the container 1 and the container 7 are supplied. The production volume of the bottle reaches a huge amount.

According to the PET Bottle Recycling Promotion Council, the number of PET bottles for soft drinks shipped in Japan in FY2016 was 22.7 billion. Globally, more than 1 million PET bottles are consumed per minute. Moreover, this number is increasing year by year.

Almost all of the above-mentioned 22.7 billion PET bottles for beverages are labeled PET bottles for beverages, which have a large environmental load.

● Necessity of eco-bottle mass production factory In order to reduce the global environmental load, the label with a large environmental load has been eliminated, and the information provision function such as characters and images provided by the label has been integrated into the container 1. It is desirable to replace it with a low environmental load information providing function such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern created and a set of these minute patterns.

Therefore, the container 1 having a minute pattern and information such as characters and images formed by the set of the minute patterns integrally, and the container 9 such as a beverage liquid housed inside the container 1 A production method suitable for mass-producing the housing body 7 or a production system such as a factory is required.

● Technical issues The first technical issue in realizing a method and production system for efficiently producing the container 1 and the container 7 is the speed of the labeling process and the surface or the inner surface of the container 1. This is to bridge the difference between the minute pattern and the low environmental load information formation speed that integrally forms information such as characters and images formed by the set of these minute patterns.

The second technical problem is dust, dust, and dust generated when information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of these minute patterns are integrally formed on the surface or the inner surface of the container 1. , Etc. are measures against dust. It is extremely unfavorable from the viewpoint of hygiene that dust such as dust, dust, dust, etc. generated when information such as characters and images is integrally formed is mixed in the inside of the container 1.

Therefore, it is necessary to realize a production method and a production system that can prevent dust from entering the inside of the container 1 as much as possible.

The third technical problem is the processing optical energy used to integrally form information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of these minute patterns on the surface or inner surface of the container 1. It is a measure of. When a laser or the like is used as a light source for processing, measures against leakage of laser light and measures against erroneous light emission are very important for safety.

● Necessity of ingenuity in eco-bottle production The priority order of these multiple technical issues is the production volume of the production system, the physical size (size) of the production system, and the manufacturing equipment of the container 1 (optical marking equipment). It depends on the structure of the light marking means and the type of optical marking means.

Therefore, it is necessary to devise a concrete configuration of the production system by appropriately considering a plurality of technical problems according to the necessary conditions of the target production system.

● Overall description of production method and production system (factory) FIG. 34 is a diagram showing the entire production / manufacturing method and production / manufacturing system (factory) for mass-producing the container 1 and the housing 7.

The production / manufacturing system shown in FIG. 34 includes areas (means, processes) in the order shown below. Preform area A1, molding area A2, inspection area A3, pre-filling marking area M1, accumulator area A4, cleaning area A5, filling area A6, sealing area A7, accumulator area A8, labeling area A9, printing area A10, boxing Area A11, inspection area A12, pallet area A13, inspection area A14. Beverages join the filling area A6 from the beverage manufacturing area B.

First, the preform warming area A1 is an area for warming the preform made of a resin such as PET, which is the container 1, in order to facilitate molding. The warmed preform is placed in a mold in the molding area A2 and then blown with air to be inflated into the shape of a PET bottle which is a container 1. If a rib for increasing the strength of the container 1 and a pattern such as letters and figures are engraved on the mold to be used, a rib corresponding to the pattern engraved on the container 1 to be inflated by air is blown into the mold. , Characters, figures, etc. can be embossed on the container 1.

Hereinafter, the container 1 will be used as a concept including a container having an embossed shape such as an embossed PET bottle, an embossed container, and the like.

The PET bottle or embossed PET bottle made in the molding area A2 is moved to the inspection area A3 and inspected by a camera for scratches and dents by the container inspection machine.

The PET bottles that have been made and the PET bottles that have been inspected are moved to the work area of the next process by means of transportation or by human power.

Alternatively, the PET bottles that have been made or the PET bottles that have been inspected may be temporarily stored in the accumulator area A4 by means of transportation or by human power so that the PET bottles can be temporarily stored and stored.

● External purchase method for PET bottles or embossed PET bottles Fig. 34 shows that the preform warming area A1, the molding area A2 having a blow molding machine, and the inspection area A3 having a bottle inspection machine are directly connected to the upstream of the pre-filling marking area M1. It shows a container production system for producing a container containing a beverage liquid or the like of a bottling factory or the like which is provided and also produces a PET bottle or an embossed PET bottle which is a container 1.

However, the PET bottle or the embossed PET bottle that becomes the container 1 can be purchased from the outside or produced at a production base such as another factory of the company. In these cases, since the container 1 is procured from the outside, it is not necessary to provide the preform warming area A1 and the molding area A2 having the blow molding machine in the container production system, and the initial cost of constructing the container production system can be suppressed. Can be done.

Therefore, the PET bottle or the embossed PET bottle to be the container 1 carried in from the outside is conveyed to the pre-filling marking area M1 via the inspection area A3 or directly by the moving means after being carried into the container production system. To.

● Pre-filling marking area PET bottles / embossed PET bottles molded in the molding area A2, PET bottles / embossed PET bottles that have been inspected, or PET bottles that are the container 1 brought in from outside the container production system. -The embossed PET bottle is moved to the pre-filling marking area M1 by a moving means such as a belt conveyor.

At least one optical marking device for forming information on the surface of the container 1 is installed in the pre-filling marking area M1, and the optical marking device causes a minute pattern and this minute pattern on the surface of the container 1. Work is performed to integrally form information such as characters and images formed by a set of patterns.

● Marking device 100 100d 100e
The optical marking device installed in the pre-filling marking area M1 is, for example, the manufacturing device (optical marking device) 100 shown in FIG. 5A. Further, the manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 26 capable of integrally forming information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of the minute patterns on the shoulder of the container 1 in the container 1. Optical marking device) It may be an optical marking device such as 100b.

Similarly, an optical marking device such as the manufacturing device (optical marking device) 100d of the container 1 according to the first modification shown in FIG. 30 may be used. In this manufacturing device (optical marking device) 100d, characters, images, etc. formed on the side portion (body region) of the container 1 by a minute pattern which is the first pattern and a second pattern which is a set of the minute patterns and the like. Information can be formed as a single container.

Further, there may be an optical marking device such as the manufacturing device (optical marking device) 100e of the container 1 according to the first modification shown in FIG. The manufacturing device (optical marking device) 100e simultaneously stores information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of the minute patterns from both sides on the side portion (body area) of the container 1. Can be physically formed.

In the pre-filling marking area M1, the container 1 such as a PET bottle molded in the molding area A2 is installed in the optical marking device (100, 100b, 100d) manually or by a material handling device (material handling robot). .. After installation, the optical marking device (100, 100b, 100d) integrally forms information such as characters and images on the surface of the container 1 by an optical processing means such as a laser array.

● Optical marking device
A specific configuration of another optical marking device will be described with reference to FIG. 35.

FIG. 35 shows the optical marking device 300. The optical marking device 300 is arranged near the conveyor 301 on which the container 1 is placed and the container 1 is moved. A temperature adjusting device 400 is arranged upstream of the conveyor 301 from the optical marking device 300. The optical marking device 300 is an example of a pattern forming device, an information forming device, and a laser processing device.

The temperature control device 400 includes a temperature control unit 405 for heating or cooling the container 1 moved by the conveyor 301, and the optical marking device 300 is a temperature for cooling the container 1 irradiated with the processed laser beam by the laser head 310. The adjusting unit 450 is provided.

When the temperature adjusting unit 405 heats the container 1 moved by the conveyor 301, if the irradiation energy of the processed laser beam is the same, the absorption rate of the processed laser beam in the container 1 becomes large, so that the base material 1a The inside and the surface can be sufficiently foamed and clouded, and the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved.

When the temperature adjusting unit 405 cools the container 1 moved by the conveyor 301, the influence of HAZ at the time of irradiation of the processed laser beam 20 is reduced, and the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved by ablation. Further, it is possible to suppress the growth of foaming inside and on the surface of the base material 1a more than necessary and to make it cloudy by fine foaming, so that the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved.

Then, after irradiating the container 1 with the processed laser beam 20, the temperature adjusting unit 450 for cooling the container 1 is provided to prevent the foaming inside and on the surface of the base material 1a from growing more than necessary. Since it can be made cloudy by fine foaming, the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved.

Further upstream of the conveyor 301, there is a molding area A2 or an inspection area A3. The molded container 1 or the molded and inspected container 1 is carried toward the optical marking device 300 by the conveyor 301, which is a means for moving the container, and is transferred to the container 1 in the optical marking device 300. It is moved to the next work area through the integrated formation of information such as characters and images formed by a set of minute patterns. The inside of the container 1 is not yet filled with the drinking liquid and is empty. In addition, a sealing means such as a cap is not attached to the mouth of the container 1. In such a state, the container 1 passes through the optical marking device 300.

The next work area downstream of the conveyor 301 is a container that inspects the quality of information such as characters and images formed by a set of minute patterns integrally formed on the container 1 with an imaging device such as a camera. It may be the formation information inspection area of 1.

● Laser controller 320
Inside the laser controller 320, a plurality of power supply means for driving a laser diode, a control means, and a plurality of laser drivers including 12 laser light sources are arranged. A power control means for controlling the power of the laser light emitted from the laser light source is also provided. The number of laser light sources is not limited to 12, and any number can be provided. The number of laser drivers can be from 1 to, for example, 16 as required. Since the laser driver generates a considerable amount of heat when writing information to the container 1, a cooling system 322 connected to the laser controller 320 is required. The cooling system 322 includes a pipe that is a first blowing means for sending cold air to the laser controller 320 and a pipe that is a second blowing means for collecting the air warmed in the laser controller 320 to the cooling system 322. And have.

The laser controller 320 is provided with a plurality of coupling fibers and a plurality of laser heads 310 provided at the ends of the coupling fibers. Each coupling fiber is bundled with a number of optical fibers corresponding to the number of laser light sources, and each optical fiber can guide the laser light from each laser light source to the end of the laser head 310.

Further, the laser controller 320 is provided with a sensor 312 that detects the container 1 moved by the conveyor 301. The sensor 312 is provided inside the safety cover 313 so as to be able to detect the timing at which the most upstream end of the container 1 passes between the laser heads 310 arranged so as to face each other. The number of sensors 312 may be one or a plurality. After the sensor 312 detects the container 1 carried by the conveyor 301, the laser controller 320 starts an information forming process of integrally forming predetermined information on the surface of the container 1 at a predetermined timing. In this information forming process, the above-mentioned first pattern is formed by the relative movement that occurs between the container 1 and the laser head 310.

● Fiber Arrangement in the Laser Head 310 FIG. 36 is a diagram showing an arrangement of optical fibers in the laser head 310.

In this case, twelve optical fibers 330 are arranged in a vertical row in the vertical direction. The layout diagram on the left side shows the layout of the laser head 310 as viewed from the side surface. The layout diagram on the right side shows the layout of the laser head 310 as viewed from the front surface. The front surface 330a of the optical fiber is arranged so as to face an object for which information such as characters and images of the container 1 and the like is integrally formed by a laser.

● Arrangement of Laser Head 310 In the optical marking device 300 shown in FIG. 35, one laser head 310 is mounted on the laser head fixing base 311 so as to be adjustable in position on the laser head fixing base 311.

The laser head 310 is fixed on the laser head fixing base by a fixing means such as a screw or a bolt so that the position can be adjusted in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the object to be irradiated with the laser and a direction in which the laser head is brought into contact with or separated from the object. Has been done. When information such as characters and images is integrally formed on the shoulder of the container 1 such as a PET bottle, which is the target portion, by laser irradiation with the laser head 310, the laser head fixing base 311 is the shoulder of the container 1. The laser head 310 has adjustable screws and bolts so that the portion has a predetermined height that allows laser irradiation and the laser head 310 can irradiate the laser at an angle substantially perpendicular to the shoulder portion of the container 1. It can be fixed by fixing means such as.

In this way, in order to integrally form information such as characters and images on the shoulder of the container 1, the shoulder of the container 1 is substantially at a predetermined height at which the laser can be irradiated to the shoulder of the container 1. The optical marking device 300b is a device in which the laser head 310 is fixed by a fixing means such as a screw or a bolt so that the laser head 310 can be irradiated with a laser from the laser head 310 at a vertical angle.

● Multiple Arrangement of Laser Heads 340 FIG. 37 shows a state in which a plurality of laser heads 340 are placed on the laser head fixing base 311. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 37, the four laser heads 340 are placed on the laser head fixing base 311 with their positions shifted in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by a predetermined amount. The number of laser heads 340 mounted can be set to any number. Further, the amount of vertical shift of the laser head 340 is set to correspond to the number of optical fibers provided in the laser head 340 as shown in FIG. 37, so that the container which is the object of laser irradiation is used. The irradiation area of No. 1 can be widened as shown in the right side of FIG. 37.

In FIG. 38, a plurality of laser heads 340 are arranged in the vertical direction (z-axis direction) in which the optical fiber group is arranged in the front surface of the laser head 340 not in the center of the front surface portion of the laser head 340 but in close proximity to one side surface side. Is shifted to show the state of being fixed to the laser head fixing base 311. When arranged as shown in FIG. 38, the width required for mounting the laser head 340 in the X-axis direction (moving direction of the laser irradiation object) can be narrowed as compared with the arrangement shown in FIG. 37. Also, the maximum width between each optical fiber group can be reduced.

● Face-to-face arrangement of laser heads 310 In FIG. 35, two laser heads 310 are arranged so that their front surfaces oppose each other with the center line of the belt conveyor 301 interposed therebetween. Each laser head 310 is position-adjustably fixed on a laser head fixing base 311 arranged so as to face each other with the center line of the belt conveyor 301 interposed therebetween. The number of laser heads 310 mounted on the laser head fixing bases 311 provided on both sides of the belt conveyor 301 may be singular or plural, and each laser head fixing base may be used. The number of laser heads 310 mounted on the 311 is an arbitrary predetermined number. Further, the number of laser heads 310 mounted on the laser head fixing bases 311 provided on both sides of the belt conveyor 301 may be the same number or may be different numbers.

Further, the height and the angle (angle with respect to the vertical direction or angle with respect to the horizontal direction) of the laser head 310 placed on the laser head fixing bases 311 provided on both sides of the belt conveyor 301 are the same. It may be different, or it may be different if necessary.

In the optical marking device shown in FIG. 35, the laser head fixing base 311 and a predetermined number of laser heads 310 arranged on the laser head fixing base 311 are arranged to face each other on both sides of the center line of the moving means. At almost the same time, information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of the minute patterns is integrally formed from both sides of the container 1 carried by the means. The contents of the information formed in the container 1 performed in parallel may be the same or different.

In this way, the laser head fixing base 311 and a predetermined number of laser heads 310 arranged on the laser head fixing base 311 illuminate the devices arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the center line of the moving means of the container 1. The marking device is 300c.

● Multiple arrangement of two stages of laser head 310 Next, characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of these minute patterns on both the side surface portion of the container 1 and the shoulder portion located higher than the side surface portion. The arrangement of the laser head 310 and the laser head fixing base 311 of the optical marking device 300 suitable for integrally forming information such as the above will be described. A plurality as shown in FIG. 37 or 38 in order to integrally form information on the side surface of the container 1 on the first laser head fixing base 311 arranged on one side of the center line of the transportation means. Laser heads 310 are fixed to zero, one or a plurality of laser heads 310 by fixing means such as screws and bolts in an adjustable manner. In order to integrally form information widely on the side surface of the container 1 in the vertical direction, it is preferable that the number of side irradiation laser heads 310 attached to the laser head fixing base is large.

In addition to the above-mentioned first laser head fixing base 311, information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of these minute patterns is integrated on the shoulder portion located higher than the side surface portion of the container 1. Zero, one, or a plurality of laser heads 310 for shoulder irradiation are fixed by fixing means such as screws and bolts so that the positions can be adjusted. The attachment position of the shoulder irradiation laser head 310 is higher than the attachment position of the side irradiation laser head 310. The laser head 310 for irradiating the shoulder has screws and bolts whose angle can be adjusted so as to be substantially perpendicular to the inclined surface constituting the shoulder of the container 1 so as to irradiate the shoulder of the container 1 with laser light. It is fixed by fixing means such as.

That is, the laser head fixing base 311 is provided with a predetermined number of first-type side irradiation laser heads 310 and a predetermined number of second-type shoulder irradiation laser heads 310. Become.

As described above, the laser head fixing base 311 is provided with a predetermined number of first type side irradiation laser heads 310 and a predetermined number of second type shoulder irradiation laser heads 310. The optical marking device 300d is a device capable of integrally forming information such as characters and images on the side portion and the shoulder portion of the container 1.

● Two-stage multiple laser head 310, face-to-face arrangement A second laser head fixing base 311 is placed on the opposite side of the side where the first laser head fixing base 311 is placed with respect to the center line of the moving means. prepare. A predetermined number of laser heads 310 as mounted on the first laser head fixing base 311 are also mounted on the second laser head fixing base 311. That is, the laser head 310 for irradiating the side surface of the container 1 having a predetermined number of 0 or more and the laser head 310 for irradiating the shoulder of the container 1 having a predetermined number of 0 or more are located on the second laser head fixing base 311. It is adjustable and fixed by fixing means such as screws and bolts. In the second laser head fixing base 311 as well, the shoulder irradiation laser head 310 is arranged at a position higher than the side surface irradiation laser head 310.

A first laser head fixing base 311 and a second laser head fixing base 311 are arranged on both sides of the center line of the transportation means, and a predetermined number of laser heads 310 for side surface irradiation are placed on each laser head fixing base 311. Since a predetermined number of laser heads 310 for irradiating the shoulders are arranged so as to face each other, the laser heads 310 for irradiating the shoulders are arranged so as to face each other. On the other hand, information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of the minute patterns is integrally formed. The contents of the information formed in the container 1 performed in parallel may be the same information contents or different information contents.

In this way, the first laser head fixing base 311 and the second laser head fixing base 311 are arranged on both sides of the center line of the moving means, and a predetermined number of side surface portions are irradiated on each laser head fixing base 311. The device in which the laser head 310 and a predetermined number of laser heads for shoulder irradiation are arranged so as to face each other is referred to as an optical marking device 300e.

● Safety cover 313 of the optical marking device 300
The optical marking device 300 shown in FIG. 35 includes a first laser head fixing base 311 on which a predetermined number and a predetermined type of laser heads 310 are mounted, and a predetermined number and a predetermined type of laser heads 310. A safety cover 313, which is a covering means capable of covering both of the mounted second laser head fixing base 311 is provided. The laser light emitted from the laser head 310 to process the surface and inner surface of the container 1 has the strength to deform the pet resin, and when it is applied to the human eyes or skin, it does not cause burns or the like. It will bring benefits. Therefore, it is desirable that the laser light emitted from the laser head 310 is shielded by the safety cover 313 so as not to leak to the outside of the safety cover. Therefore, the inner surface of the safety cover 313 is coated with a matte black coating.

Further, it is more preferable that a large number of microprojections are provided on the inner surface of the safety cover 313 in order to prevent diffused reflection of the laser beam. The height of the microprojections should be as high as possible in the range of a few microns to a few millimeters. Further, the safety cover 313 is provided with an inlet and an outlet for entering and exiting the container 1. Each entrance / exit is provided with a laser light leakage prevention means arranged in a goodwill shape to prevent the laser light emitted from the laser head 310 from leaking to the outside of the safety cover 313. The laser light leakage prevention means illustrated in FIG. 35 has a configuration in which a large number of strip-shaped members having a predetermined width (for example, 5 mm), a predetermined length (for example, 40 cm), and flexibility are hung in the vertical direction. There is. The length of the strip-shaped member needs to be high enough to allow the container 1 to move through the doorway of the safety cover 313. The height of a general 500 ml PET bottle has a height of about 210 mm to 230 mm. The height of a general 2000 ml PET bottle has a height of about 280 mm to 350 mm. Therefore, the band-shaped member serving as the laser light leakage prevention means of the safety cover 313 can accommodate the movement of a general 500 ml bottle or a general 2000 ml bottle if it has a length of about 40 cm.

The number of strip-shaped members needs to be such that it is possible to prevent the leakage of laser light from the entrance / exit of the safety cover 313. For example, in the case of a strip-shaped member having a width of 5 mm, if the width of the doorway is 20 cm, at least 40 pieces or more are required. If the band-shaped member is provided in several stages (2 to 4) in the moving direction of the storage container 1, the light-shielding function is further enhanced.

The laser light leakage prevention means of the door type safety cover 313 of the optical marking device 300 may have a configuration different from the configuration shown in FIG. 35 (a large number of strip-shaped members hanging down). For example, a set of doors that can be opened by double doors provided at the doorway of the safety cover 313 or a door that can be opened by one side may be configured.

A set of doors that can be opened by double doors and a door that can be opened by one side are urged to block the entrance and exit of the safety cover 313 by elastic means such as a spring. When the moving container 1 comes into contact with the double doors of the safety cover 313 that can be opened by double doors or the doors that can be opened by one side, a set of double doors that can be opened by double doors can be opened with a force greater than the urging force of the elastic means such as the spring described above. Doors and doors that can be opened on one side can be pushed open and passed through. After the container 1 has passed through the doorway, the pair of doors that can be opened by double doors and the door that can be opened by one side are automatically closed by the elastic means such as the above-mentioned spring to prevent the leakage of laser light.

The pair of doors that can be opened with double doors and the doors that can be opened with one side can be automatically opened and closed by a door driving means such as a motor provided on the safety cover 313. In this case, a detection means (optical sensor, mechanical sensor) for detecting that the container 1 is close to the entrance / exit of the safety cover 1 is provided, and this detection means is a detection signal for detecting the proximity of the container 1. The door driving means described above will be driven. In this way, when a set of doors that can be opened by double doors and a door that can be opened by one side are automatically opened and closed by providing a detecting means and a driving means, the container 1 moved by the conveyor 301 has a set of doors that can be opened by double doors. It is possible to pass through the optical marking device 300 without touching the door that can be opened on one side.

As described above, the safety cover 313 of the optical marking device 300 has a laser light leakage prevention function for preventing the laser light emitted from the laser head 310 provided inside from leaking to the outside of the safety cover 313, and the container 1 Makes it possible to achieve both the passing function of passing through the doorway of the safety cover 313. The conveyor 301 downstream of the safety cover 313 moves the container 1 to the next work area.

● Dust collector in the safety cover 313 of the optical marking device 300 In the safety cover 313 of the optical marking device 300, characters and characters formed by a minute pattern and a set of these minute patterns are generated by the laser beam emitted from the laser head 310. Information such as an image is integrally formed on the surface of the container 1. At that time, plumes and dust are generated. The plume and dust may contaminate the inside of the container 1 and the safety cover 313.

Therefore, the dust collector 315 having the same function as the dust collecting unit 5 and the dust collecting control unit 69 provided in the marking device 100 100d 100e described above is inside the safety cover 313 of the optical marking device 300 or the opening of the safety cover 313. A dust collector 315, which is an air suction device, is provided in the portion so as to close the opening.

Optical marking device 300 Control PC321

Under the control of the control PC 321, the optical marking device 300 is irradiated with the processing laser light from the laser head 310 to the container 1, and the first pattern 2 is applied to at least one of the front surface, the back surface, or the inside of the base material in the container 1. Formed three-dimensionally.

The hardware configuration of the control PC 321 has the same hardware configuration as the block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control unit 6 shown in FIG. 7. The description of each hardware configuration is the same as the description of the control unit 6 of the manufacturing apparatus 100.

The functional configuration of the control PC 321 has the same function as the configuration excluding the reservoir rotation control unit 67 and the dust collection control unit 68 from the block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 6 shown in FIG. Has a configuration. The functional configuration of the control PC 321 is the same as that of the control unit 6 of the manufacturing apparatus 100, except for the container rotation control unit 67 and the dust collection control unit 68. Therefore, the description of the functional configuration of the control unit 6 of the manufacturing apparatus 100, excluding the explanatory portion of the container rotation control unit 67 and the dust collection control unit 68 from the explanation of the functional configuration of the control unit 6 of the manufacturing apparatus 100, will be described. It is diverted as a description of the functional configuration of the control PC 321.

● Emergency stop button 314 of optical marking device 300
An emergency stop button 314 is provided in the vicinity of the optical marking device 300 control PC 321. The emergency stop button 314 is an optical marking device 300 for ensuring safety and avoiding obstacles in the event of an emergency or failure such as laser light leaking from the safety cover 313 or the conveyor 301 running out of control. And the conveyor 301 for emergency stop. The emergency stop signal from the emergency stop button 314 may stop only the single optical marking device 300 or the conveyor 301, or may stop a wider range of equipment. For example, the plurality of optical marking devices 300 arranged in the production system (factory), or the plurality of optical marking devices 300 and the conveyor 301 arranged in all the production systems (factory) may be stopped.

When stopping a wide range of equipment, the emergency stop signal from the emergency stop button 314 is transmitted to a plurality of optical marking devices 300 and devices such as a conveyor 301 to be stopped via a signal path such as wired or wireless. To.

● Types of marking devices installed in the pre-filling marking area The optical marking devices installed in the pre-filling marking area M1 are, for example, the manufacturing device (optical marking device) 100 and the container 1 shown in FIG. 5 (a). The manufacturing apparatus (optical marking apparatus) shown in FIG. 26, which can integrally form information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern on the shoulder portion and a set of the minute patterns on the shoulder portion of the container 1. ) 100b, the manufacturing device (optical marking device) 100d of the container 1 according to the first modification shown in FIG. 30, and the manufacturing device (optical marking device) 100e of the container 1 according to the first modification shown in FIG. 31. And the optical marking device 300 and the like shown in FIG. 35. Further, regarding the optical marking device 300, there are a plurality of variations in the arrangement of the laser head 310 as shown in FIGS. 37 and 38.

As described above, various types of optical marking devices having different functions and configurations can be installed in the pre-filling marking area M1. Specifically, an optical marking device (100, 100d, 100e, 300, 300c) suitable for forming information in a side surface region (body portion) of the container 1, an inclined region (shoulder portion) of the container 1. Optical marking device (100b, 300b) suitable for forming information on the container 1, optical marking device (100d) for forming information from a single direction on the container 1, and from multiple directions on the container 1. Optical marking devices (100e, 300, 300e) for forming information, optical marking devices (100, 100b, 100d, 100e) having a rotation mechanism for rotating the container 1 to form information in the container 1. Different types of optical marking devices (300), such as an optical marking device that sequentially forms information for different containers 1 in cooperation with a container 1 moving means such as a conveyor 301 for moving the container 1, are used. If necessary, any required number (s) may be arranged in the pre-filling marking area M1.

● Layout of pre-filling marking area With reference to FIGS. 39 (a) and 39 (b), an arrangement of an optical marking device in the pre-filling marking area M1 will be described.

The □ mark indicates the optical marking device 100b shown in FIG. 23, and characters and image information can be formed on the shoulder portion of the container 1.

The elliptical mark indicates the optical marking device 100d shown in FIG. 27, and information on characters and images can be formed on the side portion of the container 1.

The Δ mark indicates that the robot is a Matehan robot 350, and the container 1 carried by the conveyor 301, which is a moving means for moving the container 1, is detected by a sensor and picked up to be picked up by the optical marking device 100b or optical marking. The work of setting the device 100d or removing the marked container 1 from the optical marking device 100b or the optical marking device 100d after finishing the optical marking is automatically performed and returned to the conveyor 301 which is a means of transportation. Can be done at.

The rectangle (small) shows an optical marking device 360 similar to the optical marking device 300 shown in FIG. 35, and characters and image information can be formed on both side portions of the container 1.

The rectangle (large) indicates an optical marking device 370 capable of forming character or image information from both sides of the container 1 to the sides and shoulders.

The ○ mark is a device (track selector) that is provided at a branch point or an intersection of the moving means (truck) of the container 1 and selects the moving means (truck) on the downstream side to which the container 1 that has moved from the upstream should proceed. ) 380, the drive is controlled by human power or by an electric drive means such as an electric motor or an electromagnetic magnet.

● Single line layout of marking area before filling Line A in FIG. 39 (a) corresponds to a conveyor 301 which is a means of moving the container 1 arranged in a linear shape, and is arranged on the conveyor 301. It shows that a plurality of optical marking devices 360 and a plurality of optical marking devices 370 are arranged.

Of course, it is also possible to arrange a single optical marking device on the line A. However, as shown in line A of FIG. 39 (a), the speed of the marking process for performing optical marking is faster when a plurality of optical marking devices are arranged. Further, as shown in line A of FIG. 39 (a), the function of the marking process for performing optical marking is higher when different types of optical marking devices are arranged. In the case of line A, it becomes possible to form character and image information not only on the side portion of the container 1 but also on the shoulder portion.

However, when a plurality of optical marking devices are arranged in a single line like the line A, the longer the number of optical marking devices is, the longer the length of the line A in the longitudinal direction is required, and the filling is performed. Depending on the size and shape of the front marking area M1, there is a limit to the number of optical marking devices that can be installed.

It is also possible to arrange a plurality of optical marking devices arranged on one linear track such as line A in the pre-filling marking area M1. In that case, the tracks can be arranged in parallel or at an angle to each other.

On the upstream side of the line A, a molding area A2, an inspection area A3, an accumulator area for temporarily storing the PET bottles that have been inspected, an accumulator area, and the like are arranged.

On the downstream side of the line A, there is an accumulator area A4 for temporarily storing a container 1 such as a work area for the next process or a PET bottle integrally formed on the surface with information such as characters and images. Have been placed.

● Multi-track layout of pre-filling marking area FIG. 39 (b) shows an example of the pre-filling marking area M1, and lines B to F are means for moving the container 1 arranged in the shape of five tracks. Corresponds to the conveyor 301. The upstream side of each truck is joined to another conveyor 301, and a truck selector is arranged at this joint. The upstream side of each truck does not necessarily have to be joined to another conveyor 301. The upstream of the truck may be open-ended. In that case, the upstream end of the truck is a molding area A2 for molding the container 1, an inspection area A3 for inspecting the molded container 1, the molded container 1 or after molding. It may be an accumulator area where the inspected container 1 is stored.

On the line B, the optical marking device 100b and the container 1 on the conveyor 301 are attached to the optical marking device 100b, and the container 1 after the completion of the optical marking is returned from the marking device 100b to the conveyor 301. Two sets of combinations with robots are arranged.

The type of optical marking device to be arranged and the number of sets can be arbitrarily positioned as needed. The material handling robot in FIG. 39 (b) can be replaced with a human. That is, the work of attaching the container 1 on the conveyor 301 to the optical marking device 100b and returning the container 1 after the completion of the optical marking from the marking device 100b to the conveyor 301 can be performed manually.

A track selector is arranged in the middle of the line C, and three tracks are branched. One optical marking device 360 is arranged on each branch track. The number of branch tracks, the type and number of optical marking devices to be arranged can be arbitrarily selected as needed.

By installing a plurality of branch trucks as in the line C, even when a plurality of optical marking devices must be arranged, the length of the conveyor 301 as a moving means in the longitudinal direction may be shortened.

On the line D, four optical marking devices 100d are arranged in a staggered manner around the conveyor 301. The type, number, placement location, and placement side of the optical marking device to be placed can be arbitrarily changed as needed. The work of picking up the container 1 on the conveyor 301 and setting it on the optical marking device 100d, and returning the container 1 after the optical marking is completed from the marking device 100b to the conveyor 301 is performed manually. However, it is also possible to automatically perform these operations by arranging a material handling robot as in line B.

In line E, three marking devices 360 and three marking devices 370 are arranged around the conveyor 301. In the case of this arrangement, information such as characters and images is integrally formed in the side surface area of the container 1 by the three marking devices 360 on the upstream side, and then the container is formed by the three marking devices 370 on the downstream side. Information such as characters and images can be integrally formed in the inclined region (shoulder portion) of 1. It is possible to arrange different types of optical marking devices on the same truck and use the optical marking functions of each type of optical marking device to form different information or the same information in different locations in the container 1. It becomes. In other words, in line E, the information to be formed in the container 1 is divided, and the information divided by different optical marking devices is formed separately. Line F has the same configuration as line E.

● Confluence points of multi-tracks in the pre-filling marking area On the downstream side of FIG. 39 (b), there are three confluence points where a plurality of conveyors 301 carrying the accommodating vessel 1 merge.

There is one similar confluence slightly downstream from the center of line C. At these confluences, it is desirable to provide a buffer zone of a predetermined size in order to allow the flow or confluence of the container 1 to proceed smoothly. Further, smooth merging can be realized by increasing the transport speed on the downstream side of the merging point by a predetermined ratio from the transport speed on the upstream side of the merging point.

● High-speed layout of marking area before filling By providing multiple lines with the same arrangement of optical marking devices, such as line F and line E, it is possible to speed up the process of forming information on characters and images in the container 1. can.

In particular, if the process of forming information on characters and images in the container 1 is slower than the speed of the process of filling the container 1 with a liquid for drinking, etc., which is performed downstream, a plurality of lines having the same arrangement of optical marking devices are provided. This makes it possible to bridge the speed difference between the two processes.

If possible, provide a large number of lines on which optical marking devices are arranged, and make the speed of the information formation process of characters and images in the container 1 the same as the speed of the process of filling the container 1 downstream with liquids for beverages and the like. It is desirable to increase it to a certain extent or to exceed the speed of the filling process. If the speed is increased to a certain level higher than the speed of the filling process, if multiple lines are provided, a predetermined number of lines will be used as spare lines for speed adjustment, or if a failure occurs in a certain line, the failed line will be stopped and replaced. It is possible to use it as an alternative line for switching to the line of.

● Selective use of multi-track in the pre-filling marking area As shown in Fig. 39 (b), if multiple lines are provided in which a predetermined number and a predetermined type of optical marking device are arranged, each line can be selectively used. It becomes.

For example, in the case of the pre-filling marking area M1 having five lines from the line B to the line F as shown in FIG. 39 (b), information such as characters and images is formed only on the shoulder portion of the truck-shaped container 1. If this is the case, it is necessary to use a line having an optical marking device 100b or an optical marking device 370 capable of forming information on the shoulder. That is, in the case of FIG. 39 (b), it is line B, line E, and line F. It is possible to flow the container 1 through the three lines of line B, line E, and line F by operating the track selector on the upstream side of each line. Alternatively, it is also possible to insert a stopper that prevents the container 1 from being conveyed in the vicinity of the track selector located upstream of the unused line. The stopper can be inserted by human power or by using an electrically driveable stopper connected to a predetermined control means.

In the case of the embodiment of FIG. 39 (b), if the stoppers are provided in the upstream portions of the line C and the line D, the container 1 flows into the three lines of the line B, the line E, and the line F, and the shoulder of the container 1 Information is formed in the part. If there is no information formation on the side of the container 1, the line E and line F optical marking devices 360 do not need to be used. In this case, in the line E and the line F, the optical marking devices arranged in the respective lines are not used all but selectively used.

The selective use of this optical marking device is to connect to the control unit 6 connected to each optical marking device or the network I / F 509 which is a wired or wireless communication means of the control PC 321 and the communication means by wire or wirelessly. Perform with the connected host controller. For example, this higher-level control device is provided on the line E and the line F by using communication means to keep the three optical marking devices 300 provided on the line E and the line F stopped without turning on the power. By turning on the power of the three optical marking devices 370, the optical marking device can be selectively used. In this case, the three optical marking devices 370 provided on the line E and the three optical marking devices 370 provided on the line F form the same information in parallel at almost the same time in the accommodator 1. To do.

In this way, if a plurality of lines in which a predetermined number and a predetermined type of optical marking devices are arranged are provided and each line is selectively used, the speed adjustment of the pre-filling optical marking process and the lines having different functions can be obtained. It can be used selectively. Further, when a part of the lines becomes unusable due to a failure of the optical marking device or the like, it is possible to stop the unusable line and switch to another line.

From the pre-filling marking area M1, a container 1 in which information such as characters and images is formed by an optical marking device 360 or the like is sequentially or continuously moved to a downstream work area via a moving means such as a conveyor 301. Supply to.

As a specific work area located downstream, the container 1 is filled with a liquid beverage or the like sequentially or continuously from the accumulator area A4 where the information-formed container 1 is formed and the pre-filling marking area M1. Various filling areas such as a filling area A6 to be filled, a disinfection area for disinfecting the container 1 before filling the container 1 with a liquid beverage, and a cleaning area A5 for cleaning the container 1. There is a filling pretreatment area for pretreatment.

● Upper control device of bottling factory An upper control device is provided in the bottling factory, which is a housing manufacturing system that houses liquids for beverages, etc., and this upper control device is the same as the above-mentioned control unit 6 and PC321 for control. It also has a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. The network I / F 509, which is a wired or wireless communication means of the upper control device, is wired directly to all the optical marking devices in the bottling system (factory) or via the control unit 6 of the optical marking device or the control PC 321. Or it is connected via a wireless communication path.

The upper control device is used for power control that turns on and off the power of the individual optical marking device connected to the upper control device, a laser head 310, a dust collector 315, a cooling system 322, a control PC 321 and a laser. Individual function control of the controller 320, etc., character information that is information formed in the container 1, font information of character information, size information (points) of character information, image information, information on the formation position of characters and image information, Individual optical marking such as formation information (pattern data) control, processing parameter control such as laser beam irradiation time and cycle, laser beam power, stop sequence control, start sequence control, self-diagnosis function control, etc. It can be done for each device.

Further, this higher-level control device is also connected to the moving means of the conveyor 1 such as the conveyor 301, and can remotely control the on / off of the moving means and receive the operating status signal regarding the operating status of the moving means.

Further, this upper control device is provided at a branch point or an intersection of the moving means (truck) of the container 1, and selects the moving means (truck) on the downstream side to which the container 1 that has moved from the upstream should proceed. It is also connected to a device (truck selector) by communication means, and can drive and control electric drive means such as an electric motor and an electromagnetic magnet of the truck selector, and can grasp the status of the truck selector.

In the case where the truck selector is operated by the operator, the host control device can support the operator with the setting position of the truck selector with a lamp or the like, and can receive the setting status of the truck selector from the operator. ..

Therefore, the upper control device can control the track path of the multi-track constructed by the track line F from the track line B shown in FIG. 39 (b). For example, the track line C, the track line E, and the track line F can be stopped, and information can be formed in the container 1 by the track line B and the track line D.

The host control device can also control the operation of all the optical marking devices shown in FIG. 39 (b). For example, when information needs to be formed only on the shoulder of the container 1, the track line C and the track line D can be closed, and the power of all the optical marking devices 300 of the track line E and the track line F can be turned off. , Only an optical marking device capable of forming information on the shoulder of the container 1 can be effectively used.

In this way, by providing the upper control device, the selection of the track line for selectively using or stopping the plurality of track lines provided in the pre-filling marking area M1 in the bottling factory which is the accommodation manufacturing system. Control can be performed.

Further, by providing a higher-level control device, selection of an optical marking device that selectively uses or stops a plurality of optical marking devices provided in the pre-filling marking area M1 in the bottling factory, which is an accommodation manufacturing system. Control can be done. In particular, when a plurality of optical marking devices provided in the pre-filling marking area M1 include different types of optical marking devices having different functions, the function selection of the optical marking device, the control by type of the optical marking device, and the optical marking device It is possible to selectively control the number of drives, etc.

● Downstream storage space of the pre-filling optical marking area M1 As an example of the next work area at the end of the conveyor 301 downstream of the pre-filling marking area M1 shown in FIG. 39 (a) or FIG. 39 (b). There is an accumulator area A4 shown in FIG. 34.

In the accumulator area A4, there is a storage space in which a large amount of the container 1 in which information such as characters and images formed by a set of minute patterns is integrally formed can be stored.

The container 1 stored in the accumulator area A4 is an optical marking device 300 or the like, and after information such as characters and images is formed, the quality of the information such as characters and images formed via the formation information inspection area. The container 1 may be an container 1 that has been inspected by an imaging device such as a camera and has passed a certain quality level. Further, these reservoirs 1 may be stored in a forested state in a storage space having a predetermined size. These containers 1 may be packed in a box such as corrugated cardboard in units of several tens, and the corrugated cardboard may be stored in the storage space in a state of being stacked in stages.

From the accumulator area A4, if necessary, the container 1 in which information such as characters and images is formed by the optical marking device 300 or the like can be supplied to the filling area A6 via a moving means such as a conveyor 301. can.

● Multiple storage spaces A plurality of storage spaces can be provided in the accumulator area A4. The larger the number of storage spaces provided, the more storage 1 can be stored. Further, the plurality of storage spaces can be arranged in a plane on the same plane. In this case, access to the stored container 1 becomes easy.

In addition, a plurality of storage spaces can be arranged three-dimensionally. The storage space is provided on a plurality of planes having different heights. In this case, the floor area of the entire accumulator area A4 that stores a large amount of the container 1 can be reduced, and the entire production system (factory) that produces the container 7 in which the beverage liquid or the like is stored in the container 1 can be reduced. The area can be reduced.

A moving path composed of a conveyor belt, a conveyor roller, or the like is connected to each storage space for carrying the container 1. Further, each storage space is connected to a moving path composed of a conveyor belt, a conveyor roller, or the like for moving the container 1 from the storage space to the next work area, if necessary.

In the accumulator area A4, branch portions may be provided at a plurality of locations of a moving path composed of a conveyor belt, a conveyor roller, or the like in order to move the container 1. From the branch portion provided in this moving path, a moving path branched into one or more numbers is provided. The branched movement path is connected to a predetermined destination, and the container 1 can be moved to the predetermined destination. One of the destinations is the storage space. Another destination is a storage space or one of the work areas downstream of the accumulator area A4, such as a disinfection area where the container 1 is disinfected before the liquid beverage or the like is filled in the container 1. , A cleaning area A5 for cleaning the container 1, and the like, which is a pre-filling pretreatment area for performing various pre-filling pretreatments.

Still another destination is one of the work areas downstream of the storage space, which is a filling area in which the filling machine A6 for filling the container 1 with a liquid beverage or the like is installed.

● Function of storage space after marking area M1 before filling In any case, the container 1 that has accumulated a large amount in the accumulator area A4 holds the container 1 that is equivalent to the beverage solution, which is the first technical problem. A buffer that fills the difference between the filling speed and the information forming speed that integrally forms information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern on the surface or inner surface of the container 1 and a set of these minute patterns. Can perform its function. That is, before the container 1 is filled with the contents to be contained by the filling machine A6, if the container 1 in which a large amount of information such as characters and images is integrally formed is prepared and stored in the accumulator area A4. It is possible to send the container 1 in which the information corresponding to the filling speed of the filling machine A6 is formed to the filling machine A6.

● Post-processing of marking area M1 After the information is integrally formed on the container 1, the container 1 is removed from the optical marking device (100, 100b, 100d) manually or by the material handling device (material handling robot). It is transferred to a means of transportation such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor.

In the case of the optical marking device 300 shown in FIG. 35, the conveyor 301 moves the container 1 to a target place. The destination of the container 1 by means of transportation such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor is an accumulator area A4 for temporarily storing a large amount of the container 1 or storing it in a cardboard box or the like. It may be an inspection area where an inspection robot having a camera or a camera performs an inspection (presence or absence of scratches or dents) regarding the formation status of information such as characters and images by the optical marking device and the molding result in the above-mentioned molding area A2.

This inspection area is an inspection area different from the inspection area A3 existing in front of the above-mentioned pre-filling marking area M1. If an inspection (presence or absence of scratches or dents) regarding the molding result in the molding area A2 can be performed in this inspection area, the inspection area A3 can be omitted.

The inspection area provided downstream of the pre-filling optical marking area M1 may be omitted if the information formation quality by the optical marking device can be expected to be at a predetermined level or higher, or if the inspection is performed further downstream. can. However, if a molding defect in the molding area A2 or a marking defect in the pre-filling marking area M1 is overlooked, it becomes a defective product at the level of the container in which the container 1 having a poor quality contains an object to be contained such as a liquid beverage. Since it will be stored, waste will increase.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide an inspection area downstream of the pre-filling optical marking area M1 and upstream of the filling machine A6 for filling the container 1 with the contents to be contained.

If an inspection area is provided downstream of the pre-filling optical marking area M1 and upstream of the accumulator area A4 for accumulating the container 1, the optical marking device can inspect the formation status of information such as characters and images, and in the molding area A2. The container 1 having a high quality level that has passed the inspection (presence or absence of scratches or dents) regarding the molding result of the above can be stored in the accumulator area A4.

● Description of Filling Area The filling area A6 shown in FIG. 34 will be described. The container 1 is sequentially or continuously sent to the filling area A6 from the work areas such as the inspection area and the accumulator area A4 by a moving means such as a conveyor 301.

In the filling area A6, a disinfecting device for disinfecting the container 1 by spraying a disinfectant solution on the container 1 in which information such as characters and images is integrally formed, and information such as characters and images are integrally formed. A cleaning device is provided for cleaning the container 1 by blowing clean water into the inside of the container 1 or wiping the surface of the container 1 with clean water.

When the information is integrally formed in the container 1 by the optical marking device, dust such as dust and dirt is generated. Therefore, after the information is integrally formed in the container 1 by the optical marking device, the cleaning device is used. Cleaning the information-formed container 1 is very effective. In other words, it is important that the information forming process for integrally forming information in the container 1 with an optical marking device or the like is arranged upstream from the cleaning process for cleaning the container 1 with a cleaning device or the like. ..

Further, as shown in FIG. 34, the filling area A6 includes a filling machine A6 which is a storage means for storing a container such as a liquid beverage in the container 1, and a container containing a container such as a liquid beverage. A sealing area A7 for attaching a cap, which is a sealing means, is also provided in 1.

● Description of Liquid Beverage Production Line The liquid beverage production line B shown in FIG. 35 will be described. Liquid beverage production line B has a compounding tank that prepares a product solution by blending undiluted solutions such as black tea, Japanese tea, coffee, various juices, mineral water, carbonated drinks, etc. and other necessary materials in a fixed ratio. .. The product liquid is sent from the compounding tank to the sterilizer of the next process through a pipe, and the product liquid is sterilized at a high temperature of 120 ° C. to 140 ° C. by this sterilizer. Depending on the type of product liquid and the sterilization method, there are a method of sending it to the next process through an aseptic storage tank in a high temperature state, and a method of sending it to the next process via a sterile storage tank after cooling it at once from a high temperature state and sterilizing it. In the former, high-temperature filling is performed by the filling machine A6 in the next step, and in the latter, low-temperature filling or normal temperature filling is performed by the filling machine A6 in the next step.

The aseptic storage tank and the filling machine A6 are connected by a pipe or the like, and the sterilized product liquid is sent from the aseptic storage tank to the filling machine A6.

● Explanation of filling process Filling machine A6
The filling machine A6 provided in the filling area A6 receives the washed container 1 supplied from the washing machine and the product liquid to be contained such as a liquid beverage supplied from the sterile storage tank, and fills the product liquid. Fill the container 1 via the nozzle. In order to improve the speed of the filling process, a large number of filling nozzles (for example, 20 to 30) are provided, and at the same time, the product liquid is filled into the container 1 in parallel. The speed of the filling process is so high that, for example, it is possible to fill the container 1 with about 1000 pieces per minute.

When hygiene is important, the above-mentioned high-temperature filling is performed in which the filling machine A6 receives the product liquid from the aseptic storage tank in a high temperature state (for example, 85 ° C.) and fills the container 1. High-temperature filling has the advantage of maintaining an aseptic state, but since it is filled in a high-temperature state, the container 1 requires a heat-resistant container 1 having heat resistance. The heat-resistant container 1 is more expensive than the non-heat-resistant container 1, and the thickness and weight are increased, so that the molding process is complicated. For example, the bulk of the preform itself is much larger in the heat-resistant container preform.

Therefore, normal temperature filling is also often used in which the product liquid at room temperature (for example, 30 ° C.) is filled in the container 1 by the filling machine A6.

● Explanation of filling process Sealing area A7
Downstream of the filling machine A6 provided in the filling area A6, a sealing area A7 for firmly attaching a cap as a sealing means to the container 1 filled with the product liquid is provided.

A large amount of sterilized cap is supplied to the sealing area A7. For high temperature filling, the cap may be supplied or fitted in a non-sterilized state. Instead, the container 1 to which the product liquid is filled and the cap is attached is tilted at a predetermined time, for example, 30 seconds 90 degrees or more, and the inside of the container 7 is heated by the heat of the high temperature product liquid. In particular, overturning sterilization is performed to sterilize the mouth of the container 1 and the cap. In the case of high temperature filling, it is cooled to about room temperature by a cooling device after overturning sterilization.

It is desirable that the entire filling area A6 is arranged in a sterile room. Further, it is desirable that each of the disinfecting device, the cleaning device, the filling machine A6, and the sealing area A7 is shielded and the inside of the shield is a sterile chamber.

● Explanation after filling process Accum area A8
As shown in FIG. 34, downstream of the filling area A6 is an accumulator area A8 in which the accommodating body 7 filled with the product liquid carried by the moving means such as the conveyor 301 and equipped with the cap temporarily stays. It is provided. Since the accumulator area A8 has a predetermined size, it is possible to adjust the flow of the accommodating body 7 filled with the product liquid on the line and fitted with the cap.

● Explanation after filling process Labeling Downstream of the accumulator area A8, a film-like label is attached to the container 7, and then the label is shrunk by heating with steam, and the film-like label adheres to the surface of the container 7. The labeling area A9 to be used is arranged as needed.

In order to efficiently recycle the container 1 for environmental measures, it is desirable that there is no label. Moreover, in this embodiment, since information such as characters and images is integrally formed in the container 1, a label is basically unnecessary.

Therefore, if environmental measures are prioritized, the labeling area A9 can be omitted. However, even in the container 1 in which information such as characters and images is integrally formed, which is advantageous in terms of environmental measures, it may be valuable to use a label in order to further enhance the appeal.

Such a housing 7 is a hybrid including a first information means such as characters and images integrally configured in the housing 1 and a second information means such as characters and images written on a label. You will have the information.

For example, it is possible to minimize environmental problems by reducing the label area, making the label easy to peel off, or making the shape with a wavy line cut that is easy to cut.

A hybrid container 7 having hybrid information including a first information means such as characters and images integrally configured in the container 1 and a second information means such as characters and images written on a label. In the case, the name of the contained item (tea, water, coffee, etc.) center, raw material information (domestic green tea, etc.), ingredient display of the contained item, manufacturer name, distributor name, contact address of the customer, etc. , Phone number, Internet access information (url information), product name, product trademark, date and time of manufacture, expiration date, and other important information about the contents to be contained, it is desirable to be integrally formed in the container 1.

This is because even if the label is peeled off from the hybrid container 7, the above-mentioned important information remains in the container 7.

● Explanation after filling process Cap printing area A10
As shown in FIG. 34, a cap printing machine A10 for printing the net expiration date and the date of manufacture on the cap of the accommodating body 7 is provided downstream of the filling area A6. The cap printing machine A10 may be an inkjet printer type printing machine that prints the net expiration date and the date of manufacture by spraying ink on the cap.

Further, the cap printing machine A10 may be an information forming device such as the optical marking device 300 shown in FIG. 35A2. That is, the net expiration date and the year of manufacture formed by the cap, which is the sealing means for sealing the container 1, with the minute pattern which is the first pattern and the second pattern which is a set of these minute patterns. Information such as numbers, letters, and images related to the date can be integrally formed on the cap of the container 1 in a non-contact manner.

After the necessary information is recorded on the cap or integrally formed, the container 7 containing the object 9 in the container 1 is a boxing area A11 in which the container 7 is packed in a box such as a cardboard or a plastic case. , Weight inspection area A12, which measures the weight of a box packed with a predetermined number of containers 7 and confirms that the number of objects to be contained such as drinking liquid and the number of containers are correctly contained, and a stand for moving with a fork lift. The housings 7 are shipped to the outside from a factory or the like, which is a housing production system, via a palletizer A13 in which boxes packed in a predetermined number of boxes are placed side by side on a (pallet).

● Explanation after filling process Various information is recorded or formed in the container 1 for recording the net expiration date and the date of manufacture. That is, the container 1 has information on the material of the container 1, the recycling characteristics of the container 1, and the names of the objects to be contained such as beverages stored in the container 1 (tea, water, coffee, carbonated water, etc.). , Raw material information of contained items (domestic green tea, etc.), component display of contained items, manufacturer name, distributor name, contact address such as customer center, telephone number, access information on the Internet (url information) ), Product name, product trademark, date and time of manufacture, expiration date, etc. Information on the container 1 or the items to be contained, such as Arabic numbers, alphabetic characters, hiragana characters, katakana characters, etc. It should be integrally formed with the container in any size by using the letters of the letter, digital marks such as barcodes and QR codes, and marks of a predetermined shape such as the recycling mark related to the container 1 and the cap. Is to be displayed.

The various information recorded or formed in these reservoirs 1 are fixed information that is unlikely to change for a certain period of time, and variable information that fluctuates in units of date and time, for example.

The fixed information includes, for example, information on the material of the container 1 and the recycling characteristics of the container 1, and the names of the items to be contained such as beverages contained in the container 1 (tea, water, coffee, carbonated water, etc.). ), Raw material information of the contained material (domestic green tea, etc.), ingredient display of the contained material, manufacturer name, distributor name, customer center contact address, telephone number, access information on the Internet (url information) ), Product name, product trademark, etc. Information on the container 1 and the items to be contained.

Those belonging to the fluctuation information that fluctuates in units of date and time are, for example, the date and time of manufacture, the expiration date, and the like.

In a container manufacturing system that mass-produces a container containing a beverage liquid or the like in a bottling factory or the like, a long period of time is often required between the start of the process and the final stage of the process. It is often possible to cross days.

Therefore, among the information recorded or formed in the housing, it is desirable that the fluctuation information that fluctuates in units of date and time is performed near the final stage of the housing production process executed by the housing manufacturing system. Specifically, it is desirable to perform this after filling the container 1 with an object to be contained such as a beverage liquid.

● Recording of information formation process Formed before and after filling The optical marking device shown in FIG. 34 has a pre-filling marking area M1 upstream of the filling area A6.

In the container manufacturing system of FIG. 34, in order to mass-produce the container 1 in which information such as characters and images corresponding to the speed of the filling process performed in the filling area A6 is formed, a plurality of optical marking devices are used. It is provided or an accumulator area A4 is provided. Therefore, it takes some time to complete the process.

Therefore, before the filling process, fixed information that is unlikely to change for a certain period of time is integrally formed in the container 1, and after the filling process, an optical marking device is additionally arranged, and the additionally arranged light is provided. It is desirable that the marking device integrally forms the fluctuation information that fluctuates in the above-mentioned date and time unit or the like on the filled accommodation. In the case of this embodiment, it is desirable that the optical marking device to be additionally arranged is arranged downstream from the sealing area A7 or the accumulator area A8.

In this embodiment, it is a container manufacturing system or a method for producing a container that produces a container containing a beverage liquid or the like in a bottling factory or the like that forms information in the container upstream and downstream of the filling process.

Specifically, this embodiment provides the first information upstream of the filling means for filling the container in the container manufacturing system for producing the container containing the beverage liquid or the like in a bottling factory or the like. A forming means is provided, a second information forming means is provided downstream of the filling means, and the first information forming means is used to form fixed information about the accommodation that is unlikely to change for a certain period of time. A container manufacturing system for producing a container containing a beverage liquid or the like in a bottling factory or the like in which the second information forming means is used to form fluctuation information that is information about the container and fluctuates in units of date and time, or It is a production method of the containment body.

● Recording of information formation process Information formation after filling Next, embodiment 2 as a method of manufacturing the container 7 (the container 9 is housed in the container 1, sealed with the sealing member 8, and then the container 1 is used. A production method for producing the housing 7 suitable for the manufacturing method of the housing 7 forming the pattern, and a production system (factory) will be described.

FIG. 40 shows an embodiment 2 as a method of manufacturing the container 7 (the container 7 in which the object 9 is housed in the container 1, sealed by the sealing member 8, and then a pattern is formed in the container 1. It is a figure which shows the whole production method, and the production system (factory) which mass-produces the accommodating body 7 suitable for a manufacturing method).

The major difference from the production system (factory) of the housing 7 shown in FIG. 34 is that at least one optical marking device that forms information on the surface of the housing 1 is installed, and the storage device is provided by this optical marking device. A marking area for integrally forming information such as characters and images formed by a minute pattern and a set of the minute patterns is provided on the surface of 1 not upstream but downstream of the filling area A6. That is.

Specifically, in the production method for mass-producing the housing 7 shown in FIG. 40 and the production system (factory), information such as characters and images is transmitted downstream from the filling area A6, the sealing area A7, and the accumulator area A8. A post-filling marking area M2 for performing the work of integrally forming the container 1 is provided. The configuration of the preform warming area A1, the molding area A2, the inspection area A3, the filling area A6, the liquid beverage production line B, and the print area A10 shown in FIG. 40 is the accommodation body 7 shown in FIG. 34. It has the same configuration as the applicable configuration in the production system (factory) of.

The post-filling marking area M2 is provided with one or more optical marking devices that form information on the surface of the container 1. It is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 34 that a plurality of types of optical marking devices having different functions may be provided.

● Optical marking device for post-filling information forming mode The post-filling marking area M2 shall be provided with the same configuration as line A shown in FIG. 39 and the same configuration as lines B to F shown in FIG. 39 (b). Can be done.

However, the holding portion 31 of the manufacturing apparatus 100b, which is an optical marking device arranged on the line B, and the manufacturing apparatus 100d arranged on the line D must be changed to the grip portion 31b. The holding portion 31 inserts one end thereof into the mouth portion of the container 1 to hold the container 1, but the housing body 7 that moves to the marking area M2 after filling has a cap that is a sealing member 8. This is because the member is attached to the container 1 and one end of the holding portion 31 cannot be inserted into the mouth portion of the container 1.

Therefore, the modified grip portion 31b grips the cap member or its periphery, which is the sealing member 8 attached to the container 1, and when the grip portion 31b is rotationally driven by a drive means such as a motor, the grip portion 31b is gripped. The accommodating body 7 gripped by the portion 31b can be rotated around the cylindrical axis 10. The rotating container 7 contains an object to be contained with a liquid beverage.

Hereinafter, the manufacturing apparatus in which the holding portion 31 of the manufacturing apparatus 100b is changed to the gripping portion 31b will be referred to as the manufacturing apparatus 100b2, and the manufacturing apparatus in which the holding portion 31 of the manufacturing apparatus 100d has been changed to the gripping portion 31b will be referred to as the manufacturing apparatus 100d2. ..

The optical marking device 360 and the optical marking device 370 shown in FIGS. 39 (a) and 39 (b) are used as they are as optical marking devices to be arranged in the post-filling marking area M2 shown in FIG. 40. can do.

41 shows a multi-track track path constructed from track line B to track line F similar to the multi-track track path constructed from track line B to track line F shown in FIG. 39 (b). The optical marking device arranged in each line is illustrated. In FIG. 41, the star mark indicates the optical marking device 100b2, and characters and image information can be formed on the shoulder portion of the container 1. Further, in FIG. 41, the pentagonal mark indicates the optical marking device 100d2, and characters and image information can be formed on the side portion of the container 1.

Therefore, in the post-filling marking area M2 shown in FIG. 40, the line A shown in FIG. 39 (a) and the multi-track track path constructed by the track line F from the track line B shown in FIG. 41 are used. An optical marking device arranged in each line is arranged.

● Optical marking device 360, 370 of marking area M2 after filling
42 is a diagram showing an optical marking device 300 when the optical marking device 360 and the optical marking device 370 shown in FIGS. 39 (a) and 39 (b) are installed in the post-filling marking area M2 shown in FIG. 40. Shows.

The difference between FIGS. 35 and 42 is that in FIG. 35, an empty container 1 having no internal inclusion is placed on the conveyor 301, and the empty container 1 and the laser head 310 are placed on the conveyor 301. In FIG. 42 , the container 7 that houses the items to be contained inside the container 1 and is sealed by the sealing member 8 is placed on the conveyor 301, and the items to be contained are moved. The housing body 7 and the laser head 310 that house and seal the laser head 310 are relatively moving by the conveyor 301.

As shown in FIG. 42, the container 7 that houses the contents inside the container 1 and is sealed by the sealing member 8 is an empty container that does not have the contents inside. Similar to 1, it is mounted on the conveyor 301 and can enter from the entrance of the safety cover 313 and exit from the exit of the safety cover 313. As in the case of the container 1 of FIG. 35, the container 7 that houses the object to be contained inside the container 1 and is sealed by the sealing member 8 has a laser head 310 by a conveyor 301 as a means of transportation. It moves relative to the relative, and information such as characters, numbers, or images is formed in the container 1 during the relative movement.

● Important features of information formation after filling Weight Pre-containment information formation and accommodation that integrally form information such as characters, numbers, and images in the container 1 before storing (or filling) the contents 9 in the container 1. Between the storage body 7 in which the container 1 is housed (or filled) and the container 1 is sealed with the sealing member 8, information such as characters, numbers, and images is integrally formed. Explain the technical differences that exist.

The first technical difference is the weight of the empty container 1 and the weight of the container 7 in which the object 9 is housed (or filled) in the container 1 and the container 1 is sealed by the sealing member 8. It is the difference with. Generally, the latter is heavier than the former by the total weight of the contents 9 and the sealing member 8. This weight difference is considerably large because it includes the weight of the contained object 9 such as a liquid beverage. When the capacity of the container 1 is 500 cc, there is a difference of about 500 g, and when the capacity of the container 1 is 2000 cc, there is a difference of about 2000 g.

FIG. 42 shows an container 7 in which an object 9 is housed (or filled) in a container 1 placed on a conveyor 301 and the container 1 is sealed by a sealing member 8. It can be said that the container 7 is considerably heavier than the empty container 1 and has better stability while moving on the conveyor 301 than the empty container 1. Therefore, it is better to integrally form information such as characters, numbers, and images in the container 1 after filling the container 1 with the container 1 by using the container manufacturing method and the manufacturing system as shown in FIG. 42. It can be expected that the quality of information formation such as characters, numbers, and images will be improved as compared with the case where information such as characters, numbers, and images is integrally formed in the container 1 before filling the container 9.

Further, it is better to integrally form information such as characters, numbers and images in the container 1 after filling than in the case where information such as characters, numbers and images are integrally formed in the container 1 before filling. It can be expected that the transport speed of the conveyor 301, which is a means of moving the housing 1 or the housing 7, can be increased. If the transport speed can be increased, the production speed of the housing 7 is improved, which is a great effect.

Further, when information such as characters, numbers, and images is integrally formed in the container 1 after filling, the following special effects are obtained. It may not be necessary to adjust the temperature of the container by the temperature adjusting means. That is, the container after being filled with the liquid or the like has a relatively large volume of the container as compared with the state of the container in the empty state, and therefore has a large heat capacity. Therefore, the heat dispersion of the accommodation can be made faster by laser irradiation. This leads to faster heat dispersion of the container by laser irradiation, so that the quality of information formation such as characters, numbers, and images is improved.

Further, the temperature of the beverage to be filled may be controlled. By filling the temperature-controlled beverage, the temperature of the container is also substantially controlled. The temperature adjusting means of the present invention does not impose any restrictions on the means, and includes controlling the temperature of the beverage to be filled as desired. In other words, due to the characteristic of controlling the temperature of the beverage to be filled, the container integrated with the beverage filled in the container is in a state of being controlled by the desired temperature. , The quality of information formation such as images is improved.

● Important features of information formation after filling Dust countermeasures The second technical difference is the dust and dirt generated when information such as numbers and images are integrally formed in the container 1 by the action of light energy such as a laser. It is a measure against dust.

After filling the container 1 with the container 1 and sealing it by the sealing means 8 using the container manufacturing method and manufacturing system as shown in FIG. 42, characters, numbers, images, etc. are displayed in the container 1. When information is integrally formed, it can be said that there is practically no risk that dust such as dust and dirt will be mixed into the inside of the container 1 even if dust such as dust is generated during information formation.

Therefore, information such as characters, numbers, and images is integrated into the container 7 in which the object 9 is housed (or filled) in the container 1 as shown in FIG. 42 and the container 1 is sealed by the sealing member 8. It can be said that the method of forming information after accommodation is extremely advantageous in terms of measures against dust such as dust and dirt.

● Important features of post-filling information formation Fluctuation information The third technical difference is the recording or formation of fluctuation information. The container 1 contains information on the material of the container 1 and the recycling characteristics of the container 1, the name of the contained object such as a beverage contained in the container 1, (tea, water, coffee, etc.), and the contained object. Raw material information (domestic green tea, etc.), ingredient display of contained items, manufacturer name, distributor name, customer center contact address, phone number, Internet access information (url information), product name, product Information about the container 1 or the items to be contained, such as trademark, date and time of manufacture, expiration date, etc. Using a digital mark such as a cord or a QR code, or a mark having a predetermined shape such as a recycling mark, the character is integrally formed in the container in any size.

Of the information formed in the container 1, fluctuation information such as the manufacturing date and time, the expiration date, etc. is more accurate when formed in the container 1 as downstream as possible in the container manufacturing process.

Therefore, using the container manufacturing method and manufacturing system as shown in FIG. 42, the container 1 is filled with the contained object 9 and sealed by the sealing means 8, and then the container 1 is filled with characters, numbers, and images. In the case of integrally forming information such as, both the above-mentioned fixed information and fluctuation information can be formed in the container 1 as downstream as possible in the container manufacturing process, and the fluctuation information such as the manufacturing date and time, the expiration date, etc. can be a fact. It has the effect of being the correct information reflected.

● Important features of information formation after filling of the container 1 when the processed laser beam is applied to the container 1 using (a) to (d) of FIG. 12 before the temperature influence of the container 9 The change in the properties of the base material was explained.

In fact, when the container 1 contains the container 9, these changes in properties shown in FIG. 12 are affected not only by the light energy generated by the processed laser beam but also by the presence of the container 9.

When the applicant uses the light energy generated by the processed laser beam to integrally form information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1, the container 1 contains the object 9 to be contained. It was found that the whitening and cloudiness of the information formed in the above are larger than those in the case where the information is formed when the container 1 is empty. Further, it is empty to integrally form information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1 by using the light energy generated by the processed laser beam while the object 9 is housed in the container 1. Compared to the case where information such as numbers, letters, and images are integrally formed in the container 1, the variable adjustment range regarding the power of light energy, irradiation time, etc. is wide, and whitening and cloudiness with higher visibility are achieved. I found that it is easy to achieve the transformation. It is considered that the heat capacity of the contained object 9 housed in the container 1 has an influence.

Therefore, in the container manufacturing method and manufacturing system as shown in FIG. 42, after the container 1 is filled with the container 1 and sealed by the sealing means 8, characters, numbers, images, etc. are displayed in the container 1. In the case of integrally forming information, since the heat capacity of the contained object 9 can be utilized, in the container manufacturing method and manufacturing system as shown in FIG. 34, characters, numbers, images, etc. are placed in the empty container 1 in the empty container 1. Compared to the case where information is integrally formed, stable information can be integrally formed.

● Before the high-temperature filling process and information formation process, if hygiene is important, the filling machine A6 receives the product liquid from the aseptic storage tank in a high temperature state (for example, 85 ° C) and fills the container 1. The high temperature filling was described.

In addition, high-temperature filling has the advantage of maintaining a sterile state, but since it is filled in a high-temperature state, the container 1 requires a heat-resistant container 1 having heat resistance, and the heat-resistant container 1 is He also explained that the molding process is complicated because the cost is higher and the thickness and weight are higher than those of the non-heat resistant container.

Then, in the high temperature filling, since the container 9 is filled in the container 1 in a high temperature state where the object 9 can be sterilized, the cap which is the sealing means 8 is attached to the container 1 by the filling machine A6 and the sealing area A7. A certain degree of high temperature is maintained even in the state of being sterilized.

Therefore, in the case of high-temperature filling, it is desirable to integrally form information such as characters, numbers, and images in the container 1 before filling the container 9 with the filling machine A6.

That is, in the case of high-temperature filling in which the container 1 is filled in the container 1 in a predetermined high temperature state, the optical marking device arranged in the pre-filling marking area M1 upstream of the filling area A6 as shown in FIG. 34. Can be used to integrally form information such as characters, numbers, and images in the container 1.

However, even in the case of high temperature filling in which the container 1 is filled in the container 1 in a predetermined high temperature state, it is downstream of the filling area A6 as shown in FIG. 40 depending on the arrangement and configuration of the bottling factory. There is a case where it is desired to integrally form information such as characters, numbers, and images in the container 1 by using the optical marking device arranged in the marking area M2 after filling. In such a case, instead of the temperature adjusting device 400 shown in FIG. 42, a temperature adjusting means is provided between the sealing area A7 after the filling area and the marking area M2 after filling to provide the contained object 9. The contained body contained and sealed by the sealing means 8 may be cooled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 30 ° C.). As a result, even in the case of high-temperature filling in which the container 1 is filled in the container 1 in a predetermined high temperature state, the optical marking device arranged in the post-filling marking area M2 downstream of the filling area A6 is used. Therefore, it becomes possible to integrally form information such as characters, numbers, and images in the container 1.

The temperature controlling means has, for example, a constant temperature bath of four tanks for storing water having a plurality of temperatures as a heat exchange liquid, and a spout such as a nozzle. The temperature control means sprays high-temperature water, for example, 70 ° C., to lower the temperature of the housing 7 by one step from the outside, then gradually lowers the temperature of the water to be sprayed, and in the final stage, the low-temperature water, for example, 30 The container 7 is cooled by spraying water at ° C.

The multi-stage stepwise cooling method used in the temperature controlling means has an effect of preventing a change in the flavor of the contained object 9 such as a beverage liquid filled in the contained body 7.

The temperature of the liquid contained in the first tank of the temperature controlling means is preferably 70 ° C. or lower. By cooling the container 7 at 70 ° C. or lower, heat damage to the container 1 can be reduced.

● Changes in the properties of the base material of the container 1 when the processing laser beam is irradiated to the container 1 using (a) to (d) of Fig. 12 before the room temperature filling process and the low temperature environment information formation process. Explained.

In fact, when the container 1 contains the container 9, these changes in properties shown in FIG. 12 are affected not only by the light energy generated by the processed laser beam but also by the temperature state of the container 9. ..

When the applicant uses the light energy generated by the processed laser beam to integrally form information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1, the container 1 is covered with a low temperature (for example, 20 ° C. or lower). Information formation in the state where the container 9 is housed is whitened as compared with the case where information is formed in the state where the container 1 at a high temperature (for example, 30 ° C.) is housed. It was discovered that the degree of cloudiness increased. Further, it is better to form information in a state where the container 1 contains the low-temperature (for example, 20 ° C. or lower) contained object 9, and the container 1 accommodates the high-temperature (for example, 30 ° C.) contained object 9. It was discovered that the variable adjustment range regarding the power of light energy, irradiation time, etc. is wider than that in the case of information formation in the state where the information is formed, and it is easy to achieve whitening and clouding with higher visibility. It is considered that the temperature of the contained object 9 housed in the container 1 has an influence.

Therefore, in the container manufacturing method and manufacturing system as shown in FIG. 40, even when room temperature filling (for example, 30 ° C.) is performed in the filling machine A6, the container 1 is kept at a low temperature (for example, 20 ° C. or lower). It is desirable to form information such as numbers, characters, images, etc. in the container 1 in a state where the container 9 is housed. In such a case, instead of the temperature adjusting device 400 shown in FIG. 42, the above-mentioned temperature adjusting means is provided between the sealing area A7 after the filling area and the marking area M2 after the filling in FIG. 40. The contained body containing the contained object 9 and sealed by the sealing means 8 may be cooled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 20 ° C.), whereby the contained object 9 is kept in a predetermined room temperature state (for example, 30 ° C.). Even in the case of room temperature filling in which the container 1 is filled at (° C.), a low temperature (for example, for example) is used in the container 1 by using an optical marking device arranged in the post-filling marking area M2 downstream of the filling area A6. Information such as characters, numbers, and images can be integrally formed in the container 1 in a state where the object 9 (20 ° C. or lower) is housed.

The temperature controlling means has, for example, a constant temperature bath of 2 to 4 tanks for storing water having a plurality of temperatures as a heat exchange liquid, and a spout such as a nozzle. The temperature control means first sprays cold water (for example, 28 ° C.) to lower the temperature of the housing 7 by one step from the outside, and then gradually lowers the temperature of the sprayed water. Low temperature water For example, low temperature water of 20 ° C. to 18 ° C. is sprayed to cool the housing 7.

● Summary ●
As described above, the method for manufacturing the container 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the object to be contained 9, and information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. A temperature adjusting step 405 and 450 for heating or cooling the container 1 is provided before or after forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. The information forming step may be either a pre-filling marking step M1 or a post-filling marking step M2. Information such as numbers, characters, and images is an example of the pattern 11 formed in the container 1.

Specifically, the method for manufacturing the housing 7 is based on a temperature control unit 405 that heats the housing 1 before forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the housing 1 by the processed laser beam of the laser head 310. It is equipped with a temperature control process. As a result, when the irradiation energy of the processed laser beam is the same, the absorption rate of the processed laser beam in the container 1 becomes large, so that the inside and the surface of the base material 1a can be sufficiently foamed and clouded, and the pattern can be obtained. The visibility of 11 is improved.

Alternatively, the method of manufacturing the housing 7 is a temperature control step by a temperature control unit 405 that cools the housing 1 before forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the housing 1 by the processed laser beam of the laser head 310. To prepare for. This reduces the influence of HAZ when irradiating the processed laser beam, and improves the visibility of the pattern 11 by ablation. Further, it is possible to suppress the growth of foaming inside and on the surface of the base material 1a more than necessary and to make it cloudy by fine foaming, so that the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved.

Then, in the method of manufacturing the housing body 7, after forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the housing container 1 by the processed laser beam of the laser head 310, a temperature adjusting step by the temperature adjusting unit 450 for cooling the housing body 1 is performed. Be prepared. As a result, it is possible to suppress the growth of foaming inside and on the surface of the base material 1a more than necessary, and it is possible to make the substrate 1a cloudy by fine foaming, so that the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved.

The manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and information for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. The forming step and the filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the object 9 are provided, and the filling step A6 is performed after the pre-filling marking step M1 which is an example of the information forming step.

The manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and information for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. The filling step A6 comprises a forming step, a filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the container 1 and a sealing step A7 for sealing the container 1 filled with the container 9. It is performed after the pre-filling marking step M1 which is an example of the forming step.

The manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and information for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. A forming step, a cleaning step A5 for cleaning the container 1, a filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the container 1 and a sealing step A7 for sealing the container 1 filled with the container 9. The filling step A6 is performed after the cleaning step A5 and before the sealing step A7.

The manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a container 7 in which the container 1 is filled with the contents 9 and includes a filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the contents 9. The post-filling marking step M2, which comprises an information forming step of forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1 and is an example of the information forming step, is performed after the filling step A6.

The manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a container 7 in which the container 1 is filled with the container 9 and includes a filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the load 9. The container 1 is provided with an information forming step of forming information such as numbers, characters, and images, and the information forming step is performed both before and after the filling step A6. The pre-filling marking step M1 which is an example of the information forming step is performed before the filling step A6, and the post-filling marking step M2 which is another example of the information forming step is performed after the filling step A6.

The manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing method of a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and forms information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. A pre-filling marking step M1 which is an example of one information forming step, a filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with an object to be contained 9, and a second for forming information such as a manufacturing date and time and an expiration date in the container 1. The post-filling marking step M2, which is an example of the information forming step, is provided.

The manufacturing system of the container 7 according to the embodiment of the present invention forms the filling means in the filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the object 9 and information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. An optical marking device 300, which is an example of an information forming means, and a temperature adjusting unit, which is an example of a temperature adjusting means for heating or cooling the container 1 before or after forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. 405 and 450 are provided. The information forming means may be provided in either the pre-filling marking step M1 or the post-filling marking step M2. The optical marking device 300 is also a pattern forming means for forming the pattern 11 in the container 1.

Specifically, the manufacturing system of the housing 7 includes a temperature control unit 405 that heats the housing 1 before forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the housing 1 by the processed laser beam of the laser head 310. Be prepared. As a result, when the irradiation energy of the processed laser beam is the same, the absorption rate of the processed laser beam in the container 1 becomes large, so that the inside and the surface of the base material 1a can be sufficiently foamed and clouded, and the pattern can be obtained. The visibility of 11 is improved.

Alternatively, the manufacturing system of the housing 7 includes a temperature control unit 405 that cools the housing 1 before forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the housing 1 by the processed laser beam of the laser head 310. As a result, the influence of HAZ at the time of irradiation of the processed laser beam 20 is reduced, and the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved by ablation. Further, it is possible to suppress the growth of foaming inside and on the surface of the base material 1a more than necessary and to make it cloudy by fine foaming, so that the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved.

The manufacturing system of the housing 7 includes a temperature control unit 450 that cools the housing 1 after forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the housing 1 by the processed laser beam 20. As a result, it is possible to suppress the growth of foaming inside and on the surface of the base material 1a more than necessary, and it is possible to make the substrate 1a cloudy by fine foaming, so that the visibility of the pattern 11 is improved.

The manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing system for a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and information for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. The optical marking device 300, which is an example of the forming means, and the filling means in the filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the object 9 are provided, and the filling means is downstream of the optical marking device 300 in the pre-filling marking step M1. It is provided in.

The manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing system for a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and information for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. The optical marking device 300, which is an example of the forming means, the filling means in the filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the contained object 9, and the sealing step A7 for sealing the container 1 filled with the contained object 9. The filling means is provided upstream of the sealing means and downstream of the optical marking device 300 in the pre-filling marking step M1.

The manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing system for a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and information for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. The optical marking device 300, which is an example of the forming means, the cleaning means in the cleaning step A5 for cleaning the container 1, and the filling means in the filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the object to be loaded 9 are provided before filling. The optical marking device 300 in the marking step M1 is provided upstream of the cleaning means.

The manufacturing system according to the embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing system of the container 7 in which the container 1 is filled with the contents 9 and is filled in the filling step A6 in which the container 1 is filled with the contents 9. A means and an optical marking device 300 which is an example of an information forming means for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1 are provided, and the optical marking device 300 is a post-filling marking step M2 downstream of the filling means. It is provided in.

The manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing system for a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and forms information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. One information forming means, a second information forming means for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1, and a filling means in the filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the contents 9 are provided. The filling means is provided downstream of the first information forming means and upstream of the second information forming means. The optical marking device 300 in the pre-filling marking step M1 is an example of the first information forming means, and the optical marking device 300 in the post-filling marking step M2 is an example of the second information forming means.

The manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a manufacturing system for a container 7 in which a container 1 is filled with an object 9 and forms information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container 1. A first information forming means, a filling means in the filling step A6 for filling the container 1 with the object to be contained 9, and a second information forming means for forming information such as a manufacturing date and time and an expiration date in the container 1 provided downstream of the filling means. It is provided with two information forming means. The optical marking device 300 in the pre-filling marking step M1 is an example of the first information forming means, and the optical marking device 300 in the post-filling marking step M2 is an example of the second information forming means.

1 Incubator 1a Base material 10 Cylindrical shaft 11 Pattern, characters (example of the first pattern)
110 dot part (predetermined shape, example of dot)
111 Recess (an example of a predetermined recess)
1111 First inclined surface 1112 Bottom 112 Convex part (an example of a predetermined convex part)
1121 Top 1122 Second inclined surface 113 Concavo-convex part 12P Non-patterned area (an example of the second area)
13 Pattern area (an example of the first area)
112D Processed image data 1121D Pixel 12 straight line (example of second pattern)
121 Outer surface part (example of convex part)
122 Recess 2 Laser irradiation part (example of irradiation part)
20 Processed laser beam 21 Laser light source 22 Beam expander 23 Scanning unit 24 Scanning lens 25 Synchronous detection unit 3 Rotating mechanism (an example of rotating unit)
4 Moving mechanism (an example of moving part)
5 Dust collector 6 Control unit 61 1st pattern data input unit 62 2nd pattern parameter specification unit 621 Processing parameter 63 Storage unit 631 Corresponding table 64 Processing data generation unit 641 Processing data 65 Laser irradiation control unit 651 Light intensity control unit 652 Pulse Control unit 66 Laser scanning control unit 67 Accommodator rotation control unit 68 Accommodator movement control unit 69 Dust collection control unit 7 Accommodator 8 Sealing member 9 Contained object 100 Manufacturing device 101 Mouth 102 Shoulder 103 Body 104 Bottom 300 Optical marking device 400 Temperature control device 405 Temperature control unit 450 Temperature control unit P Interval (example of cycle)
Pd1, Pd2, Pd3, Pd4 Interval W Width Hp Processing depth Hb Unprocessed part depth t Base material thickness D Crystallization depth A Region B Perspective view dp Depth Dc Recess width Dr Annulus width h Height W Dot width

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-011819

Claims (20)

The filling process of filling the container with the contents to be contained,
An information forming step of forming information such as numbers, letters, and images in the container, and
A temperature control step of heating or cooling the container before or after forming information such as numbers, letters, and images in the container.
Equipped with a method of manufacturing the housing. The method for manufacturing an enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the filling step is performed after the information forming step. A sealing step for sealing the container filled with the object to be contained is provided.
The method for manufacturing an enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the filling step is performed after the information forming step. The cleaning process for cleaning the container and
A sealing step for sealing the container filled with the object to be contained is provided.
The method for manufacturing an enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the filling step is performed after the cleaning step and before the sealing step. The method for manufacturing an enclosure according to claim 1, wherein the information forming step is performed after the filling step. The method for manufacturing an enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the information forming step is performed both before and after the filling step. The first information forming step of forming information such as numbers, letters, and images in the container, and
A second information forming step of forming information such as a manufacturing date and time and a best-by date in the container,
The method for manufacturing an enclosure according to any one of claims 1 to 6. A filling means for filling the container with the contents to be contained,
An information forming means for forming information such as numbers, letters, and images in the container, and
A housing manufacturing system comprising a temperature control means for heating or cooling the container before or after forming information such as numbers, letters, images, etc. in the container. The container manufacturing system according to claim 8, wherein the filling means is provided downstream of the information forming means. A sealing means for sealing the container filled with the object to be contained is provided.
The container manufacturing system according to claim 1, wherein the filling means is upstream of the sealing means and downstream of the information forming means. A cleaning means for cleaning the container is provided.
The housing manufacturing system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the information forming means is provided upstream of the cleaning means. The container manufacturing system according to claim 8, wherein the information forming means is provided downstream of the filling means. The container is provided with a first information forming means for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images, and a second information forming means for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container.
The container manufacturing system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the filling means is downstream of the first information forming means and is provided upstream of the second information forming means. The first information forming means for forming information such as numbers, letters, and images in the container,
The housing manufacturing system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein a second information forming means for forming information such as a manufacturing date and time and an expiration date is provided in the downstream of the filling means. It is a method of manufacturing a container in which the container is filled with an object to be contained.
An information forming step of forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container by a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns.
The container is provided with a filling step of filling the container with the object to be contained.
The filling step is a method for manufacturing an accommodation body, which is performed after the information forming step. It is a method of manufacturing a container in which the container is filled with an object to be contained.
An information forming step of forming information such as numbers, characters, and images in the container by a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns.
The container is provided with a filling step of filling the container with the object to be contained.
The filling step is a method for manufacturing an accommodating body, which is performed before the information forming step. A sealing step for sealing the container filled with the object to be contained is provided.
The method for manufacturing an enclosure according to claim 16, wherein the filling step is performed before the information forming step. The cleaning process for cleaning the container and
A sealing step for sealing the container filled with the object to be contained is provided.
The method for manufacturing an enclosure according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the filling step is performed after the cleaning step and before the sealing step. The first information forming step of forming information such as numbers, letters, and images in the container, and
The method for manufacturing a container according to any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising a second information forming step of forming information such as a manufacturing date and time and a best-by date in the container. A filling means for filling the container with the contents to be contained,
The container is provided with an information forming means for forming information such as numbers, characters, and images by a first pattern composed of an aggregate of the second patterns.
The filling means is a manufacturing system provided upstream of the information forming means.

Images